YAM magazine’s Best Restaurant Awards 2023 celebrates Greater Victoria, B.C.’s exciting food scene and are judged by an independent panel of chefs and food experts.
BY CINDA CHAVICH | PHOTOS BY JEFFREY BOSDET
Outstanding Service – Zambri’s
820 Yates Street | zambris.ca
Beyond great food, it takes a skilled front-of-house team to make the dining experience special. And that’s what you get at Zambri’s, a stylish Italian eatery with a heart of old-school hospitality.
Co-owner Jo Zambri has long been dedicated to the service side, balancing her brother Peter Zambri’s creative cooking. She personally trains every new hire, ensuring they are welcoming, professional and well-versed in the food and wine menu.
“Peter, Jo and the Zambri’s team are the definition of hospitable,” noted one judge. “They have trained their staff to understand the difference between serving people and taking care of people.”
So hats off to Zambri’s FOH, including general manager Emily Davies (recently taking the reins from Jayme Beaudry), long-time lead server Haida Gouchie, floor manager Naomi Harding and lead bartender Quinn Nurmeste.
Runners-up
The judges also love the smart and attentive service from the crew at The Courtney Room; and the warm welcome of the Adamopoulos family at Ithaka Greek Restaurant.