A Culinary Showdown in Victoria

Get ready for some delicious news! The race for Canada's Best New Restaurant is heating up, and two standout spots from Greater Victoria are vying for a top place in the culinary rankings. Air Canada has just announced the finalists, and both Rabbit Rabbit in Victoria and Janevca in Esquimalt have made the cut.

Taste the Trends at Rabbit Rabbit

Nestled in a charming heritage building on Herald Street, Rabbit Rabbit is drawing rave reviews not just for its seasonal menu inspired by local ingredients, but also its enchanting ambiance. Air Canada describes it as 'a dream in maroon and puce,' featuring mosaic tiles and soft, inviting lighting.

But it’s not just looks that matter here. Owner Sydney Cooper’s innovative wine list showcases small producers, and her signature cocktails, like a shimmering sangria, have been crafted with expert flair. Dine here to savor eclectic dishes, too, from Filet-o-Fish bao to lasagna that fuses gochujang bolognese with miso brown butter tomato sauce. It’s a whimsical journey for the palate!

Janevca: A Fusion Feast in Esquimalt

On the other side of the harbor, Janevca is making waves with its unique blend of Filipino and Jamaican cuisines. Chef Andrea Alridge brings fire to her cooking, serving up family-style dishes that reflect her rich heritage. Air Canada highlights tantalizing offerings like charcoal-oil Castelvetrano olives and Hokkaido scallop crudo with rich pyanggang sauce that leads seamlessly to a luxurious Haida Gwaii halibut.

Set in a beautifully restored mansion built in 1906, Janevca’s ambiance is just as captivating. Founder Lenny Moy has crafted a velvet-and-timber wonder, complete with antiques that tell stories of their own. Each season, the faux Japanese maple leaf decor transforms, giving a fresh perspective to every dining experience.

A Proud Culinary Legacy

Greater Victoria has a rich history of being showcased in Air Canada’s renowned Best New Restaurants list. Last year, Café Malabar, an exceptional southwestern Indian restaurant by the Inner Harbour, and Marilena Café & Raw Bar, the year before, both made it into the coveted top ten.

Celebrating Canada’s Culinary Identity

Air Canada employs a panel of food journalists, chefs, and culinary storytellers to evaluate the restaurant landscape, culminating in a list that reflects the diverse and dynamic flavors of Canada. As Andrew Shibata, Air Canada’s brand vice president, notes, this annual tradition celebrates the roots and connections food creates within our communities.

So mark your calendars for November 17, when the top ten best new restaurants will be revealed. Get ready to discover the culinary gems that are shaping Canada’s vibrant dining scene!