A casual lunch 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!

Eating out doesn’t have to be expensive – and you don’t have to sacrifice quality or taste just to get a good deal. Luckily for us, there are a number of Victoria eateries that offer satisfying meals for less than $10. Drop in, fill up, and leave with the energy you need to make it through the rest of your afternoon.

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.

Real ramen, with freshly-made noodles, crisp veggies, high-quality pork and a rich, flavourful broth bears little nutritional resemblance to the freeze-dried, cardboard packages found in grocery stores. When you’re craving a warm and comforting serving of real ramen, here’s where you'll find it.

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.

Thirsty? Sure, you could reach for a sugary soda or lean on the caffeine crutch of coffee, but why not treat your body (and your taste buds) to something better? Packed with energy-enhancing nutrients and bursting with fresh flavours, a healthy jolt of juice may be the answer. Find it at one of these fine local juice bars.

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.

There are plenty of comfort foods out there, but few fill you with the warmth and contentment of a good bowl of soup. From simple broths to complex layers of flavours and textures, here's where to find some of the best bowls of soup in Victoria.

Salad; you’ve come a long way, baby! Formerly the domain of dieters and killjoys, this bland and basic starter has become a fresh and filling meal in the hands of today’s creative chefs. With vibrant and inventive ingredients, both raw and cooked, salad can be a delicious and nutritious main course. Check out the satisfying salads available at these Victoria restaurants.

Everyone loves a good burger. But what makes a burger great? Is it the crispiness of the bacon? Is it the soft sweetness of the toasted bun? Or does it come down to how far the juice runs past your elbow? Whether you’re into chicken, beef, bison, salmon, or veggie, this list will help you find your perfect burger.