Victoria Dining | An Italian Gem Worth Visiting Twice in Three Days 🇮

If you're planning a trip to Victoria, there's one Italian restaurant that absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary – II Terrazzo. This place redefined my expectations of Western cuisine in Canada, delivering such an exceptional dining experience that I found myself returning twice during a mere three-day visit. The food was so memorable that I willingly sacrificed sightseeing time to secure a 4:15 PM reservation before catching my ferry back! ✨ Appetizers That Set the Bar High We sampled two starters that immediately showcased the kitchen's prowess: 1️⃣ Seared Scallops Perfection on a plate – these scallops were cooked with such precision that I wanted to shake the chef's hand (or demand their secrets!). The caramelized exterior gave way to a buttery-soft center, accompanied by refreshing seaweed and julienned cucumbers that provided a bright, palate-cleansing contrast. 2️⃣ Calamari A revelation compared to typical ring-shaped offerings – these were substantial, steak-like portions that resembled pork chops at first glance. One bite revealed an irresistible textural contrast: shatteringly crisp coating giving way to tender, springy squid that testified to impeccable freshness. 🍽️ Main Courses That Stole the Show The entrees elevated the experience further: Ahi Tuna with Garlic-Pepper Pasta The tuna's seared crust and ruby-red center demonstrated masterful technique, while the accompanying pasta delivered bold, aromatic flavors. Mixed Grill (Lamb Chop, Beef & Duck Leg) A carnivore's dream at incredible value: 🔹 Duck leg – crackling skin with subtly sweet, succulent meat 🔹 Lamb chop – quite possibly the best Western-style lamb I've tasted in Canada, with zero gaminess and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness 🔹 Beef – perfectly executed Friend's Beef Stew Even as someone who typically avoids stews, I had to admit the depth of flavor was remarkable. (Note: The seafood pasta was the lone disappointment due to frozen clams, though the sauce itself was well-balanced.) 🍷 Drinks & Desserts The sangria struck an ideal balance between fruity and spirited. For dessert, the tiramisu was revelatory – easily Canada's finest rendition of this classic, with ethereal layers that dissolved on the tongue. 💰 Portion Sizes That Defy Fine Dining Norms Unlike many upscale restaurants where portions leave you Googling late-night snacks, II Terrazzo delivers substantial, satisfying plates. Our server's warning – "Starters are modest but mains are large" – came with a knowing look that essentially promised: "You won't leave hungry." Indeed, the scallop appetizer would qualify as a main elsewhere, while entrees arrived in generous, shareable portions. 🌿 Atmosphere & Practical Details The restaurant's rustic-chic interior features exposed brick, warm lighting, and an open kitchen that adds theatrical flair. Located just steps from downtown's charm, it's ideal for: ✔️ Romantic dinners ✔️ Special occasions ✔️ Any meal where exceptional Italian cuisine is non-negotiable 📍 II Terrazzo 555 Johnson St, Victoria, BC 💵 Price Range: $60-80/person (with drinks) 🅿️ Parking: Metered street spots available Final Verdict: A culinary highlight that justifies rearranging your itinerary for. When a restaurant compels you to dine there twice in 72 hours – despite limited vacation time – that's the highest endorsement possible. #VictoriaBC #ItalianFood #VictoriaEats #FoodieHeaven #TravelBC