For an under-the-radar dining experience, look no further. 

By Cinda Chavich

Winner: Uchida Eatery

BestRestaurants-HiddenGemUchidaUchida’s Eatery’s salmon donburi, with wild sockeye salmon and local organic greens served on house polished organic sushi rice. Photograph by Jeffrey Bosdet. 


Uchida Eatery/Shokudo really defines the idea of a hidden gem — a tiny Japanese lunch-only spot, secreted off a downtown street, and offering pristinely fresh fish, miso soup, donburi and beautiful home cooking. Look for the daily specials on their Facebook page, but make sure you arrive early — this Monday-to-Friday diner opens at 11 a.m. and the popular daily dishes disappear quickly!

Uchida Eatery/Shokudo, A22-633 Courtney St., 250-388-7383, facebook.com

 

Runner Up: Artisan Bistro

What you’ll find at the Artisan Bistro in Broadmead Village is a noteworthy B.C.-centric wine list and an ambitious menu, from handmade gnocchi and tuna poke to sous vide tenderloin and prawns.

Artisan Bistro, 777 Royal Oak Dr., 250-590-9333, artisanbistro.ca

  

Runner Up: Persimmon Tree

At Persimmon Tree, in a suburban mall in Langford, chef David Chung prepares beautiful Korean fusion food, offering a truly exotic dining experience in an unlikely locale.

Persimmon Tree, 193, 2401 Millstream Rd., 778-430-0355, persimmontreerestaurant.com

Honorable Mention: Le Petit Dakar


More Best Restaurants

The 2018 Best Restaurants were selected by a panel of judges. Meet the judges here

Best Overall Restaurants 

Best New Restaurants 

Best Casual Restaurants 

Best Hidden Gems

Best Chef-Driven 

Best Upscale 

Best Cocktail Bars 

Best Brunch

Best Food Trucks

Best Farm-to-Table

Even More Best Restaurants


This is from the July/August 2018 issue of YAM