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DOWNTOWN. Set in a restored circa 1900 residence, Adriana's has several cozy dining areas, each decked out in the colors of festive Mexico. In addition to traditional family recipes, Adriana offers a number of her own contemporary dishes. Menu highlights include shrimp ceviche, Taco La Paz with fried red snapper and chipotle aioli, and Balandra, sliced chicken breast simmered with achiote, cumin, garlic and orange juice.
Platters for two present a feast, with appetizers, entrees and even a mini-dessert tray.
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Baja Grill
1600 Bay St, Victoria, BC V8R 2B6 · 250-592-0027
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FERNWOOD / HILLSIDE. Victoria has a plethora of atmospheric little cafes and eateries that seem to capture the spirit of another country with ease. Baja Grill is reminiscent of a cozy but lively little cantina in Mexico. Start with taquitos, flour-wrapped, chipotle-cinnamon cream cheese and rum-soaked raisins. Or opt for a shareable cheesy dip, queso al horno. Main courses run the gamut from traditional burritos, fajitas and enchiladas, plus a couple of pastas and flatbread pizzas, but another good choice is Media Noche, a Cuban steak sandwich on garlic toast with sautéed mushrooms, onions, green peppers and cheese.
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Bengal Lounge
721 Government St, The Fairmont Empress, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5 · 250-384-8111
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INNER HARBOUR. Inspired by Colonial India, the Bengal combines the best of British and Indian décor with a satisfactorily relaxing and atmospheric result. With its views of the Inner Harbour and the rose gardens, it's ideal whether you're looking for a full meal or just a cocktail. An a la carte menu is available, but their curry buffet is especially popular at both lunch and dinner – you'll find a variety of traditional meat and vegetable based dishes complete with all the condiments. Friday and Saturday nights the Bengal features live jazz (8:30pm-11:30pm) and an incredible chocolate dessert buffet (6pm-11pm). Guests age 19 and older are welcome.
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Café Mexico
1425 Store St, Victoria, BC V8Q 1B1 · 250-386-1425
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DOWNTOWN. Head to this fun, casual restaurant to indulge in all of your Mexican favorites, like enchiladas, tacos, burritos and fajitas. The house specialty is the Vista del Mar – a grilled flour tortilla is first stuffed with prawns and scallops in a white cream sauce, then smothered with cheese, avocado and sour cream. Wash down your meal with a Mexican beer or homemade sangria. Casual dress.
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Da Tandoor
1010 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8V 3K4 · 250-384-6333
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ROCKLAND / FAIRFIELD. Traditional tandoori cuisine is baked in a clay oven, and this is one of Victoria's best places to find the tasty dishes. In addition to tandoori chicken, lamb and seafood, you'll find plenty of vegetarian options and an extensive selection of masalas and vindaloos. Located near Fort Street, this is a great spot for dinner after a day of antiquing. Smart-casual attire. Reservations suggested.
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DOWNTOWN. After more than a decade in business, some restaurants might let the quality of service, or even the food, slip a bit. Not India Curry House. The service continues to be efficient, knowledgeable and friendly, and the food is not only tasty and well-prepared, but it's presented quickly. Start with one of a variety of pakoras or samosas, with either meat or vegetables. Traditional hearth baked breads are good as well, such as naan, paratha and roti, which are served plain or with a variety of fillings. The menu has a solid selection of vegetarian options, such as Aloo-Gobi, Saag Panir and chana masala; for carnivores, there's goat curry, rogan josh, butter chicken, prawn biryani, and chicken tikka masala, along with many other meaty dishes.
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Millos
716 Burdett Ave, Victoria, BC V8W 3G2 · 250-382-4422
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DOWNTOWN. Behind the Empress Hotel you'll see a blue and white windmill – that's how you find this festive Greek restaurant. Try flaming saganaki (cheese sautéed in olive oil and flambéed with Greek brandy), rack of lamb or a pita sandwich. Fresh salads are also delicious, and the baklava is sublime. Take the kids on Friday or Saturday when folk dancers and belly dancers entertain. Smart-casual attire. Reservations suggested.
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The Mint
1414 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 2G1 · 250-386-6468
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DOWNTOWN. The Mint employs several specialty chefs to prepare authentic and delicious international foods. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, but meat eaters aren't neglected. Start with badam sandheko – spicy roasted peanuts with ginger and cilantro. Or create your own starter platter, choosing from over 40 meats, cheeses, vegetables and dips. Main dishes hail from several countries: spaghetti with spicy Italian sausage, Asian udon noodle soup, piquant Indian curries, even a kicky Nepalese chicken-and-chiles concoction. The space is stylishly East-meets-West, with low lighting, dark woods and spicy splashes of color. Entertainment provided by live bands or DJs runs the gamut of world music, from bossanova to reggae to dub.
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The Reef
533 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W · 250-388-5375
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DOWNTOWN. With sunny colors, upbeat reggae and calypso music, and super-cheerful service, The Reef captures the essence of Island life. Order a fruity rum punch or a Red Stripe, and when your food arrives you may just feel as if you've been transported to the Caribbean. To whet your appetite, start with yam fries or plantain chips with jerk mayo. Main courses are vibrant and mostly spicy – virtually everything can be marinated in the house jerk sauce, including chicken, prawns, pork, wild salmon, yellowfin tuna, even tofu. Or try Jamaica's national dish, Ackee and Salt Fish, a combination of ackee fruit, salt cod, and vegetables served with rice. West Indian curries and spiced barbecue ribs are also good. In the evenings a DJ joins the staff, turning The Reef into a groovy cocktail lounge.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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