Seafood

Victoria [1]’s many seafood restaurants come in all forms. Fish-and-chips is a British tradition and is sold as such at Old Vic Fish & Chips (1316 Broad St., 250/383-4536, Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–8 p.m., $8–11).

Ensconced in a recycled shipping container down by the Inner Harbour [2], Red Fish Blue Fish (1006 Wharf St., 250/298-6877, daily 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m., $9–16.50) does an admirable job of promoting sustainable fisheries. All the seafood served is sourced locally, much of it caught on hand lines by the owners. Order you meal through the porthole and enjoy it outdoors along the waterfront.

Chandlers (1250 Wharf St., 250/385-3474, daily 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., $18–36) is on the main strip of tourist-catching restaurants along the waterfront, but is generally regarded as Victoria’s finest seafood restaurant. Halibut and chips is a popular staple, while salmon comes in variety of ways including grilled with a creamy Dijon glaze.

Away from the tourist-clogged streets of the Inner Harbour is Barb’s Place (Fisherman’s Wharf, at the foot of St. Lawrence St., 250/384-6515, daily 11 a.m.–dusk Mar.–Oct., $10–19), a sea-level eatery on a floating dock. It’s not a restaurant as such, but a shack surrounded by outdoor table settings, some protected from the elements by a canvas tent. The food is as fresh as it gets. Choose cod-and-chips, halibut-and-chips, steamed clams, or splash out on a whole steamed crab. Adding to the charm are surrounding floating houses and seals that hang out waiting for handouts.