Top Victoria restaurants with a view
From Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour to its stunning coastline and winding waterways, there are a dizzying array of scenic viewpoints to dine at. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or casual grub, you can find a restaurant with stunning waterfront views at almost any turn.
Paradiso Di Stelle
10 Bastion Sq, Victoria BC V8W 1H9Perched above the Inner Harbour in Victoria’s historic Bastion Square, Paradiso di Stelle combines casual Italian fare with harbourfront views. Start your day with a cappuccino and a croissant, grab a Panini for lunch, or stop in the heat of the afternoon for one of the best homemade gelatos in the city. Choose from 16 flavours, including salted butter cream caramel, tiramisu and passion fruit, alongside classics such as vanilla and chocolate. Sit back, take in the view and then stroll the summer artisan market at Bastion Square.
Lure Restaurant & Bar
100 Harbour Road, Victoria BC V9A 0G1Located in Vic West across from the Inner Harbour, this restaurant offers spectacular views of the downtown waterfront. Lure is the ultimate in modern sophistication, with luxurious floor-to-ceiling windows providing amazing views of the Inner Harbour. In warmer weather, check out the waterfront patio’s breathtaking views. Take a seat on one of the large, comfy couches and cozy up next to the ultra-modern rectangular glass fire pit. The food is equally as stylish as the decor, with dishes such as charcuterie, local oysters and duck breast.
Vista 18 Westcoast Grill and Wine Bar
740 Burdett Ave, Victoria BC V8W 1B2Reserve a window seat at Vista 18’s rooftop restaurant for the city’s loftiest view. On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped Olympic Mountain Range across the Juan de Fuca Straight to the south, Mount Baker to the east, and the bustling Inner Harbour below. Or, come for a late night bite and cocktail and be dazzled by the bright city lights. This upscale, modern restaurant serves up elegant food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday brunch. Highlights include the local seafood hot pot, goat burgers and lobster quinoa cakes.
Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio
680 Montreal St, Victoria BC V8V 1Z8Aura is the epitome of fine dining, and the views are as outstanding as the food. The modern and stylish interior features floor-to-ceiling windows with a postcard view of the Inner Harbour, including the majestic Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings. During the warmer months, enjoy al fresco dining at its best on the patio. Among the crème-de-la-crème of Victoria restaurants, this waterfront gem at the Inn at Laurel Point plates up artful dishes, from deep-fried sushi to pork belly.
Blue Crab Seafood House
146 Kingston St, Victoria BC V8V 1V4Fresh-caught seafood tastes even better with oceanfront views. The Blue Crab Seafood House is a local favourite – relaxed waterfront dining with impeccable food. It’s no secret crab is their specialty. Locals rave about the famous crab cakes, but there’s also crab dip, crab risotto, crab legs - or feast on a whole crab. You’ll even find seafood in your cocktail - the Caesars are served with a sautéed prawn hanging from the rim. Treat yourself to superb waterfront dining.
Breakwater Cafe
199 Dallas Rd, Victoria BC V8V 1A1Overlooking the Olympic Mountain Range, this oceanfront café has one of the best views in Victoria. Sit back on the outdoor patio with a glass of wine and watch the sun set on a warm day, or enjoy the view from the sunroom when the weather turns bleak. The plum position at the entrance to the Ogden Point breakwater walkway makes it a popular spot to rest. Watch the foot traffic on the breakwater, ships sailing past and divers plunging off the rocks below. Wallet-friendly meals range from burgers to cedar plank salmon.
Steamship Grill & Bar
470 Belleville St, Victoria BC V8V 1W9Step back in time at this popular seafood restaurant housed inside the historic Steamship Terminal on the Inner Harbour. Year-round, rain or shine, take a seat on the covered waterfront patio and enjoy one of the city’s most picturesque views – moored boats and yachts, the elegant Fairmont Empress Hotel and planes at the seaplane terminal. Local seafood is the highlight of the menu, including buck-a-shuck oysters every day at happy hour. The all-day menu also offers classics like burgers and ribs.
Lido Waterfront Bar & Bistro
1234 Wharf Street, Victoria BC V8W 3H9No matter the season, Lido provides a stunning front row seat to Victoria’s prettiest view of the Inner Harbour. In warmer months, the waterfront patio beckons. Be entertained by boaters, kayakers, sea planes and harbour ferries, and perhaps even seals, sea gulls, herons and otters - if you’re lucky. When the weather turns cool, head indoors, cozy up by candlelight and enjoy the panoramic harbour view through the expansive 12-foot-high windows. Come with friends and share in a menu of pizza, tapas and seafood.
Milestones
812 Wharf Street, Victoria BC V8W 1T3Be sure to ask for a window booth to take full advantage of the spectacular waterfront view. This restaurant’s prime Inner Harbour position makes it one of the most popular eateries in the city. Come for breakfast or lunch and watch the yachts on the docks, or dine after dark for an amazing view of the glowing Parliament Buildings. The downstairs patio opens in summer for waterfront dining on the famous Inner Harbour causeway, which is bustling with tourists, street performers and artisans selling their wares.
Spinnakers Brewpub & Guest House Restaurant
308 Catherine St, Victoria BC V9A 3S8Victoria has plenty of waterfront, and this Vic West neighbourhood gem sits on one of the prettiest spots along the Westsong Walkway. From this vantage point opposite the Inner Harbour, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the city in a relaxed setting. Come for breakfast, lunch or dinner and savour delicious meals made with the freshest local ingredients. The pub-style menu offers some inventive additions, including brick oven breakfast pizza, hazelnut pate with beetroot hummus and mutton burger – save room for the green tea cheesecake.
