10 Ocean Wise Restaurants in Victoria, BC

Over-fishing is one of the greatest threats to our oceans today. This eminent danger has many of us feeling unsure about partaking in our favourite seafood dishes, but luckily, there are programs out there that can help us choose more sustainable options. The Vancouver Aquarium’s conservation program, known as Ocean Wise, helps inform consumers how to make sustainable seafood options. The Ocean Wise program works with local restaurants, suppliers, and markets to ensure they have the most accurate scientific information on sustainable seafood. In order to be considered Ocean Wise, a seafood must be abundant, well managed, harvested with limited by-catch and limited damage to natural habitats and other species. Next time you are at your favourite restaurant, look for the Ocean Wise symbol designating sustainable seafood options, or choose from some of the delectable suggestions below:

Aura

Located in the Inn at the Laurel Point, Aura offers Pacific Rim-influenced dining with a great patio and views of the surrounding inner harbour. A wonderful spot to host larger gatherings (up to 18 individuals), Aura also offers intimate dining, and special events such as tastings and pairings. Try Chef Ito’s take on the classic Tuna Sandwich made with albacore tuna and wasabi aioli ($15), a dashi poached, side-stripe shrimp Risotto ($12/24), or, for something out of the ordinary, the jaw-dropping Deep Fried Sushi ($13).

Website: Aura Restaurant
Facebook: AURAwaterfront
Twitter: @AURAVictoria
Phone: 250-414-6739
Address: Inn at Laurel Point, 680 Montreal Street

The Bengal Lounge

This British-India-influenced curry house, located in the Fairmont Empress in the heart of the inner harbour, offers an array of international à la carte items. With a view overlooking the hotel’s stately gardens, The Bengal Lounge offers delectable choices including Masala Spiced Prawns with Coconut Raita ($18), the Maharaja’s Salad of Dungeness Crab and Cured Salmon tossed in an light citrus vinaigrette ($24), and a Creamy Seafood & Tomato Chowder thick with ling cod, halibut, and clams ($10/$19).

Website: The Bengal Lounge
Facebook: TheBengalLounge
Twitter: @TheBengalLounge
Phone: (250) 389-2727
Address: Fairmont Empress,  721 Government Street

Ferris’ Oyster Bar

Known as the place to go in town for oysters, Ferris’ offers more fare than just its namesake, B.C. fresh oysters. Beyond the extensive Sunday brunch menu and classic sandwiches, Ferris’ offers many Ocean Wise approved seafood options. Ranging from the sophisticated West Coast Wild Salmon Chowder ($ 7 a bowl, $4 a cup) to the classic Steamed Mussels ($ 11 1/2 lb., $17 1 lb.) to the creole-style Jambalaya ($21), the menu at Ferris’ is a wild selection of sustainable seafood, no matter what your tastes.

Website: Ferris’ Oyster Bar
Facebook: FerrisOysterBarGrill
Twitter: @FerrisOysterBar
Phone: 250-382-2344
Address: 536 Yates Street

Canoe Brewpub

With one of the largest patios in town, Canoe Brewpub is a great place to sit and enjoy the beauty of Victoria while listening to some great live music. The menu emphasizes local farmers, seasonal organic vegetables, and local quality meats. Ocean Wise seafood items include the French classic Mussels and Fries ($16.49), Cod and Chips with Apple Slaw ($18.49), and the Steelhead Trout with Celeriac and Potato Puree ($23.49).

Website: Canoe Brewpub
Facebook: canoebrewpub
Twitter: @canoebrewpub
Phone: 250-361-1940
Address: 450 Swift Street

Red Fish Blue Fish

Located in an up-cycled cargo container nestled among the float plains of the inner-harbour, Red Fish Blue Fish is the outdoor place to go for quick and easy bite. The fish-oriented menu is entirely Ocean Wise approved. Highly recommended are the Japanese-style Tacones, ranging in flavour from Grill-Seared Albacore Tuna to Chilled Chipotle Baby Shrimp ($10) or the Grilled Wild Salmon Sandwich with Dill dijonaisse. Come early to beat the line.

Website: Red Fish Blue Fish
Facebook: redfishbluefishvictoria
Twitter: @RFBFVictoria
Phone: 250-298-6877
Address: 1006 Wharf Street

Lure Restaurant & Bar

Situated in the Delta Victoria Ocean Point Resort and Spa, Lure is known for its scenic views and hopping patio. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Lure offers a range of items from the breakfast of Smoked Salmon Frittata ($15) to the main course Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut with Mango Gazpacho ($23), or try the Lure signature dish of Seafood Gramigna Pasta with local salmon, halibut, and mussels ($24).

Website: LURE Restaurant & Bar
Facebook: LureVictoria
Twitter: @LUREvictoria
Phone: 250-360-5873
Address: Delta Victoria Ocean Point Resort and Spa, 45 Songhees Road

The Marina Restaurant

Hosting one of the most spectacular breakfast buffets in the city, the Marina serves up delectable meals in the beautiful surroundings of Oak Bay. Choose from the Sunday brunch buffets ($32.95), or the Tuna Tataki with pickled vegetables ($12). For a special affair, try the opulent Grilled White Sturgeon with Goat Cheese Gnocchi ($28).

Website: The Marina Restaurant
Facebook: marinarestaurant
Twitter: @themarinarest
Phone: 250-598-8555
Address:1327 Beach Drive

Spinnakers

More than just another brewpub, Spinnakers operates as both a guesthouse and one of Victoria’s finest gastro-pubs.  Pairing house-made beers with locally sourced, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients, Spinnakers fully embraces the local food movement. One can enjoy a number of Ocean Wise meals prepared in-house, including the House Smoked Wild Salmon Benny’s ($13.50), House Smoked West Coast Albacore Tuna Tartar ($11.75), or the favourite pub classic of Wild Pacific Fish and Kennebec Chips ($18).

Website: Spinnakers
Facebook: SpinnakersGastroBrewpub
Twitter: @Spinnakers
Instagram: @spinnakersbrewpub
Phone: 250-386-2739
Address: 308 Catherine Street

Bin 4 Burger Lounge

Specializing in local ingredients, hormone free, natural beef, and Island-raised chicken, Bin 4 Burger Lounge is one of Victoria’s favourite burger lounges. Their localvore-inspired menu features such Ocean Wise goodies as their Ahi Tuna and Citrus Salad with goat cheese ($14.00), or the Bin 63 Chicken of the Sea sesame-crusted Ahi tuna burger with cilantro yogurt ($14.00).

Website: Bin 4 Burger Lounge
Facebook: bin4burgerlounge
Twitter: @Bin4Burgers
Instagram: @bin4burgerlounge
Phone: 250-590-4154 (Yates St.) and 778-265-5464 (Goldstream Ave.)
Address: 180-911 Yates Street and 102-716 Goldstream Avenue

Wild Saffron Bistro

Situated in Swans Hotel, Wild Saffron offers contemporary-style, west coast dinning that highlights local, fresh, in-season produce. While they are known for their three course Chef’s Special ($29.95), they also offer an array of pasta dishes and seafood entrees, including an Asian- inspired Sesame Ling Cod ($24), a decadent White Clam Sauce Linguini ($19), and a Spanish style Paella ($19).

Website: Wild Saffron Bistro
Facebook: swanshotel
Twitter: @swansvictoria
Phone: 250-361-3310
Address: Swans Hotel, 1605 Store Street