For an under-the-radar dining experience, look no further.
By Cinda Chavich
Winner: Uchida Eatery
Uchida’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.
This is from the July/August 2018 issue of YAM