An insider's guide to Victoria since 1997.

The city has had a die-off of greasy spoon restaurants. They've gone upscale or specialty or been taken over by a franchise. Hiding in Esquimalt is just what the doctor ordered. La Belle Patate is a burger joint on Esquimalt Road across the street from the Memorial Park. If you get past the looks of the place (it's a bit of a dive but their food safe looks good from the peer over the counter), you can find some great eats. There is limited seating inside and some patio furniture outside-- so it's best to plan your order for take-away.

We've been eating at this restaurant for years and while opinions seem to vary, it is definitely among my list of comfort food restaurants. There are two separate menus and essentially two restaurants operating from one location: Crown Palace offers a variety of Cantonese and Szechuan dishes (my faves are their spin on calamari and their breaded almond chicken but I have seldom been disappointed) and Chicken on the Run which offers fried chicken, fish and chips, burgers and other fast food. In VicWest at 405 Craigflower Road.

This tiny, little fish-and-chip shop is only a couple of blocks from popular Willow's Beach in "Estevan Village" (a block of commercial/retail activity on Estevan Ave.). It is legendary for its traditional recipes -- right down to newspaper wrappers -- and it is popular so expect to wait a bit for your order. However, when you get your order, you will not be disappointed.

Tasty made-to-order Asian-fusion noodle creations; packed in distinctive white take-out boxes (even for dine-in) that make this food great for summer picnics. Flavours range from tame but tasty teriyaki to oh-so-spicy curries! Sit at the bar to watch the chef's prepare your meal -- it usually involves a lot of flames. Two locations: the "cozy" setting at 626 Fisgard or the roomier restaurant at 818 Douglas St. [restaurant website]

Giant burritos and fresh tortilla chips are the trademark of this small but popular Mexican cafe; tasty food with authentic flare. 1001 Douglas St. (near the corner of Douglas and Broughton). Get it to-go or call DineInVictoria for delivery. [restaurant website]

Barb's Place has been serving up baskets of seafood and chips at Fisherman's Wharf since 1984 and is consistently voted best fish and chips in local surveys. Choose from traditional fish and chips, burgers (seafood, beef or garden) or a variety of side orders. Seafood is made to order and can be grilled or steamed instead of deep-fried.

This place puts the fast in fast food! Menu is mostly standard Greek/Mediterranean fare like gyros and souvlaki but the food was served hot and quickly. Unfortunately, Exopitta only has one location in Greater Victoria: way out in the Westshore Town Centre in the heart of Langford but should travels take you that direction, it's worth stopping in for a bite.

Ali Baba Pizza is good enough to be voted best in Victoria for 2009 in the annual Victoria News (Black Press) survey -- and it really is good pizza. Walk-in and grab a slice or order full pizzas to take-away, there are plenty of standard, premium and gourmet toppings to choose from. My personal favourites are the Texan, with BBQ chicken, mushrooms and onions, and Broccoli & Spinach with Broccoli, Spinach, Feta, Onions & Tomatoes.