Here are some of our favorite places for a quick bite, a leisurely lunch or a dinner extraordinaire. These are all locally owned and operated eateries, not members of a chain. This list and the comments are not paid advertisements, merely recommendations from our personal experiences. We want to celebrate and support west coast restauranteurs.

• AMELIA STREET BISTRO
  1527 Amelia Street, Victoria, BC
  tel.250-389-1285

  Tucked away just off Blanshard Street and Pandora Avenue downtown, this is a quality oasis for lunch or a special dinner out.

• BARB'S PLACE
  310 St. Lawrence Street, Victoria, BC
  tel. 250-384-6515

  The place for fish and chips with atmosphere! Located in James Bay at Fisherman's Wharf (the real working kind, not the tourist kind), Barb gets her fish right next door, guaranteed fresh and tasty.

• BLACKIE'S
  6105 Patricia Bay Highway, Victoria, BC
  tel. 250-652-5109

  Half-way between the Swartz Bay ferry terminal near Sidney and downtown Victoria, this casual cafe and deli is delightfully 1950s in style and wonderfully 1990s in food quality. Open for lunch and dinner.

• BLUE CRAB BAR & GRILL
  146 Kingston, Victoria, BC (in the Harbour Coast Hotel)
  tel. 250-480-1999

  This is a terrific place for that special dinner. Outstanding food, over-looking the quiet end of the Inner Harbour. A place to be pampered.

• CAFE BRIO
  944 Fort Street, Victoria, BC
  tel. 250-383-0009

  A smashing new Tuscan eatery just east of the downtown core. Sidewalk tables in an entry courtyard complete the ambience created by mustard-colored walls and skylights inside. Great for lunch or dinner.

• CHEZ DANIEL RESTAURANT
  2524 Estevan Avenue, Victoria, BC
  tel. 250-592-7424

  Finest quality traditional French cuisine located in Oak Bay's lovely Estevan Village area. A well-kept local secret.

• DEEP COVE CHALET
  11190 Chalet Road, Sidney, BC
  tel.250-656-3541

  The other finest quality French restaurant, this one situated overlooking the waters of Saanich Inlet in Deep Cove near Sidney. A local star.

• DILLETTANTES CAFE
  787 Fort Street, Victoria, BC
  tel. 250-381-3327

  Right downtown near Blanshard Street, this two-year old restaurant has taken off with visitors and locals alike. Fresh, imaginative menu in an avante garde setting. Lovely for lunch or dinner.

• DEMITASSE CAFE
  1320 Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC
  tel. 250-386-4442

  On the short-list for best independent coffee house in Victoria (Starbucks is the chain of choice).

• OAK BAY MARINA DELI
  1327 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC
  tel. 250-598-8555

  Right on the water. Yes, there's a first-class restaurant on the upper level, but this is where you can taste the salt air along with some of the best deli food around. Go for breakfast, or a late lunch.

• OGDEN POINT DIVE CENTRE AND CAFE
  199 Dallas Road, Victoria, BC
  tel.250-380-9119

  No, you don't have to be a deep-sea diver to eat here. You can just gaze out at the breakers rolling in around you, or take a walk along the adjacent half-mile long breakwater -- after you've indulged in their excellent deli meals and desserts.

• PAGLIACCI'S
  1011 Broad Street, Victoria, BC
  tel. 250-286-1662

  A Victoria institution. Often line-ups, but worth it, especially for the New York-style cheesecake. The real thing.

• RE-BAR
  50 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC
  tel.250-360-2400

  Veggie organic heaven. Adventurous and accomplished menu, not just sprouts and beans. Quirky decore.

• SOOKE HARBOUR HOUSE
  1528 Whiffen Spit, Sooke, BC
  tel.250-642-3421

  World-renowned, cutting-edge restaurant. Prices to match the food and ocean views. The flower and kitchen gardens complete the enchanted setting. The ultimate luxury.

• SPINNAKERS BREW PUB
  308 Catherine Street, Victoria, BC
  tel. 250-384-2739

  Excellent food for a pub, with verandah tables overlooking the water. Local brews available.