By Don Denton
Visitors and local residents looking for a bite to eat usually end up visiting the same spots along the waterfront and Government street strips.
For those in the know, however, a new area has emerged to fulfill anyone’s eating urges.
The Foodie U is a three-block strip that begins on Fort Street at Douglas Street, runs up Fort to Blanshard Street, heads over to Broughton Street and down again to Douglas. You can find something for every taste and budget in this area, from chain restaurants such as the Cactus Club to the one-of-a-kind deluxe hamburger joint Pink Bicycle.
You can grab a sandwich to go at Bond Bond’s Bakery or check out a variety of ethnic eateries, featuring the tastes of India, Lebanon, Vietnam, Mexico and Ukraine.
Try out the soup and sandwiches at Zazu, the Montreal smoked meat sandwiches at Lully’s or a bowl of wonton soup at Saigon Harbour.
You can eat in a rush with a slice of pizza from Ali Baba Pizza, or sit down and take your time in the intimate and excellent Devour with a gourmet feast.
If you’re not sure where your appetite would lead you and want to check out the offerings in the area, grab an Americano from Street Level Espresso and a cookie or croissant from one of the three bakeries in the U and take a stroll while checking out the various menus on offer.
Hungry pedestrians should note that not all restaurants in the area are open for evening dining – some cater only to the lunch and daytime crowd.
That said, visitors and residents alike who find themselves downtown near noon would be well advised to check out this foodie corridor.
editor@oakbaynews.com
Read all about it
Find out what News readers have selected as their favourites, from eateries to entertainment, in the 2011 Black Press Best Of the City guide, available Wednesday (June 22) in selected areas.