YAM magazine’s Best Restaurant Awards 2024 celebrate Greater Victoria, B.C.’s exciting food scene, judged by an independent panel of chefs and food experts.
BY CINDA CHAVICH | PHOTO: JOHN GAUCHER
Best Big Night Out: Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar
1525 Douglas Street | $$$ | marilenacafe.com | Reservations strongly suggested
When you really want to impress someone — or celebrate in high style — Marilena is the place to see and be seen. The sheer opulence of the surroundings and the wide selection of creative dishes to share make it the perfect spot for an intimate date night or a lavish party.
Food lovers will want to book one of the four chef’s table seats that give you a view of the action in Marilena’s impressive kitchen, or you can opt for a table for two or the private dining room.
Start with something from the dedicated sushi/raw bar — the seared sablefish oshi is a favourite — then savour a small plate of plump diver scallops with a creamy, vanilla-scented cauliflower purée, and share the whole branzino, the delicate grilled fish filleted and artfully presented in a French copper gratin dish. With the attentive and professional service, you’ll feel pampered to the max.
Runners-up:
Ugly Duckling Dining & Provisions