A casual dinner in Victoria, BC

You don’t have to travel to Vietnam to try authentic pho – it’s available right here in Victoria. So put away your passport and visit one of the Vietnamese restaurants below. Soon you’ll be sipping on savoury broth, seasoned with traditional Vietnamese spices and full of tasty meat and veggies. Close your eyes and you might forget you’re in Canada!

Student life can be hectic, so you need food that’s tasty, quick and, most importantly, cheap. Here are some of Victoria’s most student-friendly off-campus restaurants. Some are just down the street; others are a short bus ride downtown. But all of them have cheap eats that’ll keep you fuelled from frosh week to finals.

Just because you don't eat meat doesn't mean you can't eat a great burger. At these Victoria restaurants you'll find unique and delicious veggie burgers that may even convert the carnivores in your dining party.

Charcuterie, a French method of cold meat preparation, has taken off in Victoria and the results are delicious. The intense flavour created by the curing of pork and other cuts of meat, pairs wonderfully with artisanal cheeses, pickles and condiments for an elegant and social snacking experience. If you're looking to get in on the culinary fun, head to one of these charcuterie hotspots.

Chinese food is the original delivery food. Many of us grew up eating delicious Chinese favourites, such as fried rice, chicken balls, or beef and broccoli, from paper take-out containers. This much-loved cuisine – whether Cantonese, Szechuan or Western-style Chinese – can be delivered fresh to your door any day of the week. Here’s who to call when the craving strikes.

Good things come in small packages. That's especially true when you consider how much flavour can be packed into that classic pub-food favourite: the chicken wing. Whether you like 'em hot and spicy or sweet and tangy, chicken wings deliver big taste in a compact form. When you're craving a pile of yummy, sticky, chicken goodness, here's where you'll find it in Victoria.

With its rich flavours, spicy sauces and loads of options, Indian food is a delicious and satisfying choice for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. From butter chicken to freshly-baked garlic naan, if you’re craving Indian food, these places will bring it right to your door.

Many restaurants can offer small parties beautiful and intimate settings and service, but only a select few can bring that same level of service to larger groups. When you’re planning a meal for many, the best spots will have the space you need, delicious food and drinks, and attentive, personal service. Here are the Victoria restaurants that have mastered this art and can help you throw an unforgettable dinner party.

Those who can’t have gluten can sometimes struggle to find good eats, but that’s rarely an issue in Victoria. Here, gluten-free cooking has been welcomed with open arms, and those who can’t have gluten can find a wide range of foods to enjoy. From fresh-baked treats to home-style pizzas, these restaurants offer all of the flavour, with none of the gluten.

Fresh cilantro, spicy salsa, warm corn tortillas – whether it's tacos to go or a leisurely margarita-fuelled dinner, sometimes you just gotta have Mexican food. The next time you're craving the heat and aromas of Mexico check out one of these tempting taquerias or comforting cafes for an authentic take on the real thing.

When people think of typical Victoria cuisine, they often think seafood. But there's culinary life beyond the sea here. In the past few years, Victoria has become home to some of the nation’s most daring and unconventional barbecue joints. From slow-roasted brisket to mouth-watering ribs and beyond, these restaurants will satisfy your inner carnivore.

Friendly people, fresh flavours and generous portions: sound good? Dining at a good Greek restaurant is like coming home – providing you can get melt-in-your mouth lamb dishes and perfectly stuffed dolmades at your home. If you can't, then you should head to one of these local restaurants. Even if you can, each of these places puts its own spin on the Greek classics.