An insider's guide to Victoria since 1997.

Located in a strip mall just off the busy Veteran's Memorial Parkway in Langford, Smoken Bones Cookshack is pretty unassuming from the outside. Inside is a very comfortable family steakhouse, average but for the menu. Smoken Bones features not only ribs, as expected, but also pulled pork and beef brisket -- definitely carnivore friendly.

San Remo is one of those restaurants that has been around for a while (over 25 years) and sometimes gets forgotten. The menu is Mediterranean -- Greek and Italian -- from traditional dishes like moussaka and kalamari to a variety of salads, pasta and pizza.  Both Mike and I have been eating there for decades and I can't say I recall any really disappointing meals. Our most recent visit was no exception.

This BC chain is known for serving Dutch style "pannekoeks" -- plate size pancakes (perhaps closer to a crêpe) -- heaped with various toppings (over 50 varieties on the full menu). Some toppings are much better than others -- I was very disappointed last time as the apples in my topping were pretty much uncooked -- I suggest choosing with care. They also have full breakfast and lunch menus. There are two franchises in Victoria: 642 Johnson Street and 4011 Quadra Street. [restaurant website]

With a diner decor that's heavy on the chrome and red vinyl, Rosie's is a popular choice for all-day breakfasts and burgers. Located in Cook St. Village at 253 Cook St. 

Good food -- great breakfasts. Along with weekend brunch (which draws long lineups) breakfast is served every day starting at 7 a.m. (Mon-Fri) and the menu includes half a page of eggs benedict variations. They also have a wide variety of lunch and dinner entrees and incredibly yummy desserts (the cheesecake is legendary). 723 Pandora Avenue. [restaurant website]

The Blethering Place is a landmark in the heart of the "Oak Bay Village" -- an area of town that tries extra hard to be all things British. Outside, the building shows hints of faux Tudor cladding which unfortunately makes it fit right in to the rest of the village.

The Apple Tree Family Restaurant has been serving tired shoppers, seniors and families from its corner location in Hillside Mall for years. The decor has not been updated since the late 1980s and the menu lacks any modern touches but this doesn't matter to most of the regulars.

Part of a larger chain, abc Country Restaurants are in the same league as Denny's and the Pantry for the quality and variety of food served, popular with seniors and families because the food is inexpensive and somewhat plain; there are separate menus for seniors and children; kids also get a fun-pack that includes a booklet, crayons and a toy.