Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Victoria

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Victoria? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Penny Farthing Pub

4.7

4.7 (127)

CAN$30 and under

English

Victoria

About the restaurant

Step into a world of warmth and charm at the Penny Farthing Pub, a haven of authentic English pub culture nestled in the heart of Victoria's vibrant Oak Bay Village. As you cross the threshold, the inviting aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted meats fills the air, whetting your appetite for a culinary adventure. The pub's interior is a symphony of rich, dark wood, crackling fireplaces, and Victorian-etched glass, transporting you to a bygone era of cozy elegance. A fascinating collection of memorabilia adorns the walls, whispering tales of history and tradition. Indulge in a menu that celebrates the best of British cuisine, featuring hearty classics like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and shepherd's pie. Each dish is crafted with fresh, local ingredients, ensuring a taste that will linger on your palate long after your last bite. The Penny Farthing Pub is more than just a restaurant; it's a gathering place for friends, families, and fellow travelers. Whether you're seeking a casual lunch break, a lively after-work gathering, or a cozy dinner with loved ones, the pub's welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff will make you feel right at home. So, come raise a glass, share stories,

Top review

LEANNE

Dined on May 20, 2026

Delicious menu and relaxed, cozy ambiance. Highly recommend!

Earls Kitchen + Bar - Victoria

4.7

4.7 (985)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

American

Victoria

About the restaurant

Welcome to Earls Victoria, on historic Government Street, just steps away from the picturesque harbour. This location, nestled in Bay Centre Mall, offers the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Indulge in the delightful flavours of our daily features, Happy Hour, late-night Happy Hour, and weekend Brunch Happy Hour while enjoying the sunshine on our inviting summer patio. Whether you're seeking a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Earls Victoria is the ideal destination to savour delicious food and create lasting memories. Join us and experience the best of Victoria's culinary scene. Your table is ready. We can't wait to see you!

Additional Parking: Paid Parkade - free after 6:00 PM + Paid street parking - free after 8:00 PM

Top review

Nate

Dined today

Fantastic time with me and my friends. Emma was a great server.

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Popular dish

Steak Truffle Tortellini

Popular dish

Steak + Sushi

Experience

Celebrate Father's Day at Earls

Clive's Classic Lounge

4.7

4.7 (30)

CAN$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Victoria

About the restaurant

Our passion for cocktails is fueled by the desire to introduce guests to unique and magical experiences with each visit. The bar team is in constant search of new products and ingredients that keep Clive’s on the forefront of the ever-evolving cocktail culture. This commitment is reflected in our dynamic, seasonally changing cocktail program.
Complementing our drinks, the food menu focuses on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, offering small plates and sharing platters like artisan cheeses, charcuterie boards, and inventive, seasonally-inspired dishes. This seamless blend of exceptional food and award-winning cocktails ensures every visit to Clive’s Classic Lounge is unforgettable.

Top review

AmandaBT

Dined 5 days ago

Server was great. Food was really good - just a small bite was had. Didn’t love the espresso martini. Other than that great.

Irish Times Pub

4.6

4.6 (160)

CAN$30 and under

Irish

Victoria

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Irish Times Pub, where excellent design and authenticity are at the heart of downtown Victoria"s most exciting new pub!

Located at 1200 Government Street, the Irish Times Pub is home to 190 seats over two floors with 80 seats available on our patios, opening onto both Government Street and historic Bastion Square.

Our concept goes far beyond mere architecture though. The Irish Times opened with everything it takes to make a pub successfully Irish, including authentic Live Irish music, 7 nights each week.

The tradition of Ireland has also been extended to our menu, which has been developed on a philosophy of creating traditional Irish food and drink that is both contemporary and funky, showcasing Irish Pub Food as you would see in Ireland today.

Top review

Shane

Dined 5 days ago

Awesome atmosphere, great vibes. Food was awesome and service was fantastic!!

Wind Cries Mary

4.6

4.6 (479)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Canadian

Victoria

About the restaurant

Coastal cabin food for modern times. We are a tucked away portal to experiencing the rustic riches of Vancouver Island, in the middle of Victoria’s downtown core.

Top review

Nick

Dined on May 28, 2026

Everything was great! Will return again and highly recommend the fried chicken.

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Popular dish

Rossdown Farms Fried Chicken

Popular dish

spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

Popular dish

fraser valley Pork Belly

Browns Socialhouse - Victoria - Uptown

4.6

4.6 (45)

CAN$30 and under

Canadian

Victoria

About the restaurant

Browns Socialhouse is a Vancouver-based franchise within the Browns Restaurant Group family, with over 80 locations across Canada. We serve flavourful food that’s always fresh and fun! Our stylish yet relaxed environments are the perfect balance between “neighbourhood pub” and “upscale casual dining." Located in the heart of Saanich in the open air shopping centre locals simply refer to us as ‘Uptown’. Come check out our signature mix of great food, drink, atmosphere, music and people! See you soon!

Top review

Stacey

Dined 7 days ago

Amazing server who was so kind and fun! Food was delicious. We requested patio seating in our reservation which was perfect for the beautiful day!

Bard & Banker

4.5

4.5 (259)

CAN$30 and under

Pub

Victoria

About the restaurant

With a rich history and arguably the most beautiful room in Victoria, The Bard provides the very best in food, drink, and music. Executive Chef Adam Twohey, has created a full-service menu that is hearty, fast, locally sourced when possible, and made from scratch. He keeps things fresh and fun by creating new daily specials and features each week. Find the perfect drink to satisfy your thirst with everything from our mimosa towers, 31 craft and import taps, handcrafted cocktails and an award-winning wine list. We take pride in featuring the very best musical talents Victoria has to offer 7 nights a week with NO cover!

Top review

Mark

Dined on May 24, 2026

Our server was great. We didn’t feel rushed and she was always present when we needed her.

Bin 4 Burger Lounge - Saanich

4.5

4.5 (285)

CAN$30 and under

Burgers

Victoria

About the restaurant

Welcome to Bin 4 Burger Lounge - Saanich Location!

Serving up gourmet burgers, our plates feature international flavours and local ingredients. From our Greek isles-inspired burger to the red-hot spiciness of The Angry Bull, there’s a burger for every palate.
Dive into our hand made onion rings or fresh cut fries, paired with our famous house made aiolis. Wash it down with a local libation, from craft beer to local wine. Our burgers are about what goes on, beside, and down with them.

Top review

OleGold

Dined on May 14, 2026

Great service& food. Like the new lunch time menu and the rewards program.

CRAFT Beer Market - Victoria Harbour

4.5

4.5 (460)

CAN$30 and under

Canadian

Victoria

About the restaurant

Welcome to CRAFT Victoria, located in the heart of Victoria Harbour on the water, CRAFT is situated at the bottom of SWIFT Street. We are a restaurant and bar with over 110 Taps of draft beers, wines, cocktails- focusing on local brews.

Top review

Deb

Dined on May 21, 2026

Craft is always a pleasure to visit. The open patio was perfect to be out of the sun yet enjoy the warm air. The food never disappoints and the service was impeccable. A very enjoyable experience.

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Experience

Father’s Day to "Feed the Legend" Brunch Buffet

Milestones Grill + Bar - Millstream

4.4

4.4 (653)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Canadian

Victoria

About the restaurant

Welcome to Milestones Millstream, where we invite you to 'celebrate anything'. Here, we specialize in making every moment feel special. Whether you’re toasting a major milestone or just looking to meet up with your crew, we make any day feel like one worth celebrating. Crafted under the direction of Chef Jeff Dell, our menu blends iconic favourites with modern flavours, complemented by craft cocktails and warm, lively energy throughout the restaurant. Come for the food, stay for the vibes — and 'celebrate anything' along the way.

Top review

Kathy

Dined on May 16, 2026

Love Mikestonesit’s my go to place. Always good food and service.

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