Victoria Travel Guide (Victoria, Southern British Columbia)

Although clearly in Vancouver's culinary shadow, Victoria still has a plethora of restaurants , some extremely good, offering greater variety - and higher prices - than you'll find in most other BC towns. Pubs tend to be plastic mock-ups of their British equivalents, with one or two worthy exceptions, as do the numerous cafés that pander to Victoria's self-conscious afternoon-tea ritual. Good snacks and pastry shops abound, while at the other extreme there are budget-busting establishments if you want a one-off treat or a change from the standard Canadian menus that await you on much of the rest of the island. As a quick guide to the best, Rebecca's and Dilettante's are good for mid-priced lunch or dinners; the Herald Street Café or Water Club for a pricier but not exorbitant dinner. Earl's is part of a reliable mid-price chain, as is Milestone's , the latter giving you harbour views from some tables. The slightly wacky Re-bar serves what may well be the healthiest food and drinks in North America.