Vista 18

DOWNTOWN. What a view! From the top of the Chateau Victoria Hotel, Vista 18 showcases the beauty of Vancouver Island from the ocean to the mountains, and there's not a bad seat in the house. Linger over cocktails while you peruse the menu, a far-reaching tome that's divided into Earth (vegetarian), Ocean (seafood), Air (fowl), and Land (beef, pork, lamb) sections. Order from just one section or mix it up, whatever appeals to you. The food is colorful, artfully presented and fabulous. A tapas menu, consisting primarily of smaller tidbits of main course dishes, is available at the bar, and there's live jazz on Friday and Saturday evenings.