East Garden Restaurant (map, 2888 Belmont Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada, phone: 250-598-1232) is a Chinese restaurant hidden away in a residential neighborhood in Victoria, near the Hillside shopping centre.

The restaurant is very popular for take out and is a local favorite. The restaurant has a large, bright and well-kept dining area that would be suitable for large groups, families, or friends looking for casual dining. We ordered the Dinner Combination for Two, which was around $15 each and also included rice and soup (items pictured below).

The waitress kindly allowed us to substitute some dishes in the combination at a small extra price. I thought the food was really tasty, as well as generously portioned. Our total bill before tip (but including tax) was $33.99, which is quite reasonable considering how many dishes were included. We had lots of food left over, almost enough for another whole meal!

(For a photo of the exterior of the restaurant please visit Tourism Mall.)

(above) Won ton soup at East Garden restaurant

(above) Chinese Beef and Broccoli from East Garden restaurant in Victoria.

(above) Chow Mein noodles from East Garden restaurant

(above) Deep fried prawns and pork from East Garden Chinese restaurant

(above) Breaded chicken with peanuts

Fujiya Japanese Foods (web site, 912 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 604.251.3711) is a Japanese grocery store at Clark and Venables in Vancouver that has a wide selection of fresh, already-prepared sushi and bento boxes at reasonable prices. Items such as those pictured below are in the $3 to 6 range, and if you go 1 hour before closing the items start going on discount. There are a few small tables at the store, but most people go for take-out.

Fujiya also has locations in Richmond (#113-3086 St. Edwards Drive, Richmond, BC, Canada, phone: 604.270.3715), downtown Vancouver (112-1050 W. Pender Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 604.608.1050), and Victoria (624 Shelbourne Street, Victoria, BC, Canada, phone: 250-598-3711).

Assorted Nigiri Sushi (deluxe) – around $6

Maki sushi (around $4)

Spicy sushi roll (around $4)

Christie’s Carriage House Pub (1739 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, Canada, phone 250-598-5333) is a popular pub in the Victoria area which is located in an authentic heritage house. Christie’s web site describes:

Christie’s Carriage House Pub recreates turn-of-the-century Victoria with flair, charm and comfort. The proprietor welcomes you to meet and share a pint in a comfortable atmosphere with fireplaces in cozy rooms, antique lighting and decor of the Queen Anne period.) At night the Pub is alive with more than the sound of music as friends gather to share the events of the day, team players slip off for a pint, or neighbours gather for a night cap waited on by the friendliest staff in town.

I was in the mood for something lighter so I ordered the Yellowfin Tuna Salad which was a large yellowfin tuna steak grilled medium rare, served with fresh greens, tropical salsa and avocado (pictured below, $12). I also tried the spicy beef lettuce wrap which was also yummy ($3, appetizer special). Click here for more info on Christie’s Carriage House including their menu.