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.

I discovered Cabin12 through Twitter, oddly enough, and on a day off I stopped in for lunch which turned out to be breakfast (I had eggs benedict). More recently, I went back with family and friends and after a second sampling decided it was time to add a review.

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.

Pluto's made its home in a one-time gas station over twenty years ago and remains popular. The food is best described as western but there are a number of dishes with Mexican and Asian influences, too. The menu also includes several tasty vegetarian choices, good burgers, and a full breakfast menu. With specials during the week that include all-you-can-eat fish and chips or tacos, plus live entertainment on the weekend, Pluto's tends to be busy almost every night.

If you only have time for one great meal in the city and don't have minors along with you, I'd suggest checking out the Bard and Banker Pub. The "Bard" in the pub's name is poet Robert Service who worked at the bank that once operated in the building. The pub is part of the Victoria Pub Company group; all their pubs feel authentic but the over-the-top opulence of the Bard and Banker is worth the visit alone.

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]