Best Victoria: Zambri's

Zambri’s (Gold) “consistently turns out the best Italian casual cooking west of Toronto. One only needs to sample a simple polenta to know that.”

Brasserie l’École (Silver) boasts classic French country with seasonal and local products. The menu changes daily but some dishes are forever: the endive salad, chock-full of lardons and local hazelnuts, plus frites served with nothing but a toss of garlic, parsley, and truffle oil.

At Cafe Brio (Bronze) chef Laurence Munn makes everything in-house–cured meats, cheeses, pastas, breads, and even butter—and the restaurant shows renewed confidence. Rejoice.

Honourable Mentions go to Niche (“Wake up, Victoria, you never had it so good,” said one judge) and Stage (a room focussed on small plates and a wine bar, brought to us by George and Linda Szasz of Paprika Bistro).

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