In the neighbourhood – all walkable

RNR Diner is as classic as you can get in old-style diner. Just across the road, there’s a broad menu with the added bonus of some smaller plate options. Open for breakfast and lunch only, 7:00 am – 2:00 pm Tuesday through Friday, and 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. Closed on Mondays.

Prairie Inn Neighbourhood Pub is exactly as its name suggests – the place where family and friends gather around a table for a bite to eat and a drink or two. Family friendly, it’s open 11:00 am – midnight Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 am – 11:00 pm on Sundays.

Wai Heung Restaurant is across from the Prairie Inn on Mount Newton Cross. Locals are thrilled that it has recently reopened after renovations. It is open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch from 11 am – 2 pm and Tuesday to Sunday for dinner from 4 pm – 9 pm. 250-652-1213

CenSai Roll is our favourite sushi joint in the area. It’s across the block on Wallace Drive, just by the exit from Thrifty Foods. Closed on Sundays, it’s open Monday through Saturday 11:30 am – 8:00 pm. 778-426-3369

Peninsula Pizza is where many locals will point you to when asked where to go for the best pizza in the area. In the corner of the Shoppers Mall, it’s a hop and a skip from the front door. Open 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm Sunday through Thursday, and an hour later to 9:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. 250-652-8444

Further afield

The Brentwood Bay Resort is a popular place year-round, but especially during the summer months when their patio overlooking the marina is open. Located at the foot of Verdier, just before the ferry launch. The pub is open 11:30 am – 10:00 pm daily. Their fine dining space, the Arbutus Room, is open for breakfast from 7:30 am – 11:00 am daily, and for dinner Thursday through Sunday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Brewskys Taphouse is a local watering hole in Brentwood Bay with roadhouse fare located at 7100 Wallace Drive. Brunch is served daily. Open Sunday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, Monday and Tuesday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Wednesday and Thursday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:00 am – 12:00 am.

Tonolli’s Deli has two locations, one further south at 6991 East Saanich Road, and one in Sidney on Bevan Avenue. It’s a popular place with the locals for lunch or a coffee and a treat. Both open at 8:30 am daily. The East Saanich location closes at 4:00 pm, the Sidney one at 4:30 pm.

Fox & Monocle is a bakery by day, and award-winning restaurant by night. They are located right near the ferry terminal at 2300 Canoe Cove Road in Canoe Cove Marina, right at the bottom of the hill on the right-hand side. The restaurant is open Thursday – Monday from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Surly Mermaid is a Sidney eatery with a commitment to showcase Vancouver Island food. Located close to the pier at 9851 Seaport Place, it’s a great place to hang out on a sunny day, or end up at after a stroll on the Sidney waterfront. Open daily 11:00 am – 10:00 pm.

Sabhai Thai Restaurant is an area favourite on the peninsula, located on the south side of Beacon Avenue between Second and Third Streets in Sidney. Open for lunch Tuesday – Friday 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, dinner Tuesday – Saturday 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Closed on Mondays

Royal Aroma is the place to get your East Indian food fix on the peninsula. Located on the north side of Beacon Avenue between Second and Third, it’s open Wednesday through Monday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

Mary’s Bleue Moon is a Sidney institution located just west of the airport on Canora Road.  There’s often entertainment on Thursday evenings. Open 8:00 am – 9:00 pm Sunday through Friday and until 10:00 pm on Saturday evening.

Deep Cove Chalet is a fine-dining favourite located at Deep Cove Winery, 11190 Chalet Road in North Saanich. They are open for lunch Thursday to Sunday 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm, and dinner Wednesday to Sunday 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.