38 replies to this topic

[Baro]

Now that I've got a car I'm wondering what restaurants exist outside of the core that are worth visiting. I'm looking for something affordable and maybe with a nice nature view or interesting setting. Anyone recommend anything?

PS When I say "outside the core" I mean anything outside of Victoria proper or a 30min walk from downtown. Something interesting in Saanich or West Esquimalt is sufficiently exotic for me.

[VicHockeyFan]

Well if you have a car, why get out of it? Check out some parks first, then... I'm trying to think of a nice high-end drive-thru.

Oak Bay Marina is nice, and it's not as expensive as some think.

[aastra]

How about that hotel in Brentwood Bay? Or the restaurant in that fancy condo building in Sidney?

[sebberry]

http://www.malahatmountaininn.ca/

http://www.brentwoodbaylodge.com/dine

[arfenarf]

La Piola, a restaurant attached to the Italian Bakery on Quadra at Tolmie.
Local, local, fresh, fresh, oh so delicious.

Did I mention that I love La Piola?

[G-Man]

Me too La Piola is amazing!!!

[pseudotsuga]

yep, another vote for La Piola.

[Baro]

My wife is always shocked at how little web-presence restaurants have here. Apparently in moscow every single little restaurant and cafe has a website with it's location, hours, menu/prices and they're usually all on google maps too. Not so much in Victoria, I wonder why that is.

I might check out this "La Piola" place. It doesn't seem that far out of town or have much of a view/nature setting but so far the others listed are all $30+ dining, which is way out of my price range but I guess you gotta pay for a view.

Probably no places with a nice view plus dinners under 12-15 exist.

[Holden West]

Hmm, I'm trying to think of some pubs out Metchosin/Sooke way.

The Six Mile pub has a fair view if you sit on the patio.

[Matt R.]

Sure, somewhere like the Marina is near the top end of things (ahem) but the cafe downstairs has the same great view and a patio when it's nice out! Or how about Spinnaker's? You can spend some money there if you'd like, but a curry and an IPA on the patio in the spring is not expensive. The food is good, the beer is better, and the view is fantastic.

Ogden Point Cafe is nice for a slice of pie or a light dinner in the summer, although maybe too close to town for your liking.

How about The Galley in Oak Bay with a short stroll down to Willows beach to eat?

-- Matt.

[manuel]

Probably no places with a nice view plus dinners under 12-15 exist.

Spirit of Vancouver Island has a mean Sunshine Breakfast

[sebberry]

Spirit of Vancouver Island has a mean Sunshine Breakfast

Better known as "Sovi's floating restaurant"

[pseudotsuga]

If you want to travel and get a view, check the Brig in Maple Bay.
Basic pub food and atmosphere (and therefore low cost) but a great patio on a sunny day.

[amor de cosmos]

- 1550 next to saanich rentals
- belle patate across from memorial park in esquimalt
- kitty's hideaway next to that former cornel gm dealership

[Baro]

Where's "the brig" and where is maple bay?

[yodsaker]

The Marina has a great setting and a nice room with huge windows perfect for early evening. They used to have, maybe still do, early week specials like pasta night etc. Full-on weekend dining can be pricey though.
The coffee shop is great to sit outside on a sunny day right by the sailboats but the food isn't great once you are past muffins.

[pseudotsuga]

Where's "the brig" and where is maple bay?

Brigantine Inn is here. Worth repeating that it is very basic compared to other suggestions.

You'll find better food options in Cowichan Bay (and it is a shorter drive), but Maple Bay is a nice out of the way spot.

[Baro]

Woah this Brig place looks EXACTLY the sort of thing I'm looking for. A cheap down to earth place in an awesome setting, although it might be a little too far out for me. Anyone know of other little spots like this brig but maybe a bit closer, like somewhere on the peninsula?

[gumgum]

Yes! Stonehouse Pub in Swartz Bay. Good food, amazing setting in the woods. Can't go wrong.

[endayliner]

Someone mentioned the Malahat Mountain Inn, I haven't been up there since I was working for the Pacific Wilderness Railway about 10 years ago, but from what I remember it was really good food, I highly recommend it. If you're willing to drive, Stonepipe Grill in Sooke does good food.