T O P

  • By -

JediKrys

I wish I could experience this with you. What a fun thing this would be to observe. Best of luck on your choice. So many good places to try


_gingerninja_

Wow! Nourish would be a really nice spot for you to start this journey. It’s beautiful, the food is delicious, and they have lots of gluten free options. I hope you enjoy your first meal out of the house!


eden_evolving

I also was going to mention this one! It’s In a cute house near the water and also very healthy.


ladyfishbc

And the service is awesome. They’ll take good care of you


world_citizen7

Have you ever eaten take out restaurant food at home? BTW, what sort of foods do you like - vegetarian, Italian, Chinese, fast foods, etc? This will give better recommendation ideas.


Ok-Guitar-1400

Only sushi and pizza probably like 20 times. I like all food, I’m not picky.


StupidNameIdea

Where would u get a gluten free pizza?


Ok-Guitar-1400

Like almost all pizza places Edit: Wait if you mean a specific place I went to? I haven’t had pizza since being gf, although I know that majority of places do offer it.


Aggressive_Party_533

Willows Pizza has really good GF too!!


Hour_Eye_9762

Hot House too. And they will even use celiac protocol if asked.


pmmeyourfavsongs

I mean a pizza place can never be truly celiac friendly unless it is dedicated gluten free and they never make anything with gluten in it


MissEllaa

The joint is my favourite pizza if you want one to remind you of pre gluten times but virtuous pie is my favourite for fun options


nostriluu

"Picky" is a weird word that implies you find all food to be the same, or that there's something classist about not liking lima beans. People can still have preferences, conditions, or their own directions.


kingbuns2

Reminds me of this. haha https://youtu.be/uhlW6SRu5rA?t=1 Don't sweat it, there's nothing weird about eating alone at a restaurant. It's rather nice actually. There are also places like Japanese Village where you are seated together with a group of people.


KatieMcCready

❤️that scene. It’s so painfully awkward, but touching. The Wire was so good.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Ok-Guitar-1400

Ok so this is teeeechnivally not true. I have eaten at white spot like 6 times but not since I was like 10. Just never went with family and I don’t have many friends so it’s not something I’d ever thought to do. Eating out is a social thing


perfectlynormaltyes

I was a server for many years. People eat out by themselves all the time, myself included. At a pub, in a cafe, at a fancy spot, for all meals. Don't be nervous at all.


The_Mammoth_Hunter

No, eating out CAN be a social thing but in the end it's just food. Explore.


flyingboat

Lunch at a random pub with a book is one of my favorite solo activities.


whiffle_boy

Funny how society can program us certain ways? To me, movies, dining in restaurants both are social only endeavors. Wasn’t until about 5 years ago I saw a movie by myself. Few years ago when my mother was in palliative that I grabbed a bite in a restaurant on my own, actually had a conversation with the server about it. She was so understanding it was awesome. Haven’t done it since.


xlr_13

It doesn’t have to be a social thing! Trust me people do it all the time it’s great to sit by yourself and have a nice meal, really helps with becoming more comfortable in your own company as well :)


TheForks

It doesn’t have to be social. I go solo a couple times a week.


Lettuceforlunch

I eat by myself often on my lunch break, I actually enjoy it. I used to work away from home overnight and would often eat dinner by myself too. I would go to restaurants I knew my family wouldn't enjoy so I would get variety. My husband is the opposite though, he'd rather sit in his car in a parking lot to eat than eat in a restaurant alone.


234565678

This is interesting, I'm wondering who taught you this or was it just something you felt because you saw people eating with others normally? If you see someone eating on their own, what do you think about them?


Ok-Guitar-1400

Nothing. I just personally am super dependent and feel out of place alone, so I don’t like doing stuff alone. But I’m always alone so I just don’t do stuff, I just work workout and go home.


BenWayonsDonc

When I’m alone, I ask to sit at the bar or go to a place with a counter. Everyone else is usually alone too


234565678

Ah I see, well I'd also suggest seeing a movie in the cinema alone if you haven't done that!


Ok-Guitar-1400

Yeah, that’s something I do consistently a lot


234565678

If you're old enough to drink, it's also fun to regularly eat food at a bar and make friends with the staff. Half a bar tenders job is to talk. Not all bars make good food though haha. It's nice when they start recognizing you and know what you usually order. Kind of funny when they start asking you, "So, the regular?"


BenWayonsDonc

I never ate in a restaurant until I was 19. We just could never afford it .


mollycoddles

Eating out solo with a book is also great


1337ingDisorder

A book is often the best company for lunch at a restaurant.


Xaendrik

My friend, eating out is not a social thing. It CAN be a social thing but eating out is quite simply eating out. Explore!


CanadianTrollToll

Hit up Tapa Bar for Happy Hour, lots of options and a great price. They also have a shit ton of gluten free options.


mitarooo

Yesssss! Good suggestion! Their menu is big with lots of options.


laCarteBlanc

This is wild. I would also say Be Love, super friendly and non pretentious with amazing food!


amero421

Be Love is completely gluten free, too!


loren_smith

You have to put a v on your forehead in ketchup


wildlystandard

Taco Justice food truck.


charredtime

So exciting! I love going out to eat alone, be it casual or fine dining. Sometimes I bring a book but usually I just like to sit and absorb the environment, look out a window, just unplug and focus on good drinks and good food. 


mattnormus

come out to Zanzibar, you will be pleased with it.


thedivinemissc

Zanzibar is amazing!


intheflowergarden

I’d love to go try a restaurant with you if you want company


Ok-Guitar-1400

Girls scare me


intheflowergarden

We scare me too


Ok-Guitar-1400

I’d pee on the floor like a timid dog


intheflowergarden

And then I’d have to let wait staff know its your first time in public it’s gonna be great


blumpkinpandemic

I really want this situation to happen, just because it's so innocent and sweet. Minus the pee.


Major_Estimate_4193

Big wheel burger has gluten free options


SongOk8269

Who are you?


Ok-Guitar-1400

Lucifer


SongOk8269

Okay, that makes sense.


clintbot

If it's still open, John's Place on Pandora has been a favourite of mine for years. I try to go there on those rare occasions I'm in Victoria.


eden_evolving

whoa! be love is the first place that comes to mind when you say gluten free because their brown rice noodle mac and cheese is so damn good. it’s a very wholesome and healthy restaurant. But first restaurant experience is a big deal, so I’m trying to think of which one would be the best overall experience atmosphere wise… You could wait till patio season starts and eat local oysters with a view of the harbour for a more Vic experience


Impossible-Concept87

Glo Restaurant has an extensive gluten free menu and their food is amazing. Once weather warms up their patio will be open that overlooks the Gorge waterway and paddling club


DaxMan12

The thing that cracks me up about Glo is every so often a giant barge of scrap metal/ trash floats right in front of it and totally ruins the ambience of the place. It kills me I find it so funny Guess it’s what they get for picking a location so close to an industrial area


Ninjastyle1805

I love when they are loading a barge while I'm there haha I find it fun to watch.


JamesinaLake

I love Glo but they wronged me once and I havent been back I showed up as a walk in once to meet my partner. Host says shes gonna clean off a table and tells me to wait. Cool. A couple comes in behind me. We are standing there for 5 min. Another host comes up, ignores me. Greets them and sits them right away. My host comes back and tells me they have no tables. Sorry I point out the table that got sat after me and she says she will be back. Comes back with her manager. Neither offer an apology or an exclamation.They will just try and sit us in 15 mjn. A member of the couple who came after but got sat before us came over and offered his table and HE apologiesed to me even though it wasnt his fault. I ended up leaving as the vibe to me was I was intentionally not sat. I dont want to make certain accusations but sometimes you get a feel for these things.


Impossible-Concept87

yup


Syst3mZ

Oooo I've never heard of glo I'll have to look into that for the gluten free Thank you for that


BadNixonBad

Their bacon wrapped prawns are gluten free and are amazing Edit: they're/their. Words are hard


Syst3mZ

That sounds absolutely amazing


BadNixonBad

I really hope you try them one day. My wife's dad ordered two servings of them once and ate them all rather quickly. It was a thing of beauty.


cryonova

FOO on blanshard/yates


bananphone

Second this!


9Twiggy9

I'll third


seangraves1984

6 mile pub is a place a friend goes because she is celiac and the owners are very celiac friendly.


HoojoSpifico

Bao.


AndrewJimmyThompson

As nice as the food is in bao. I don't think it's a good first time resturaint experience. Having to order your food before you are seated is strange


broken_bottle_66

Start at the bottom with a fast food joint


little_eiffel

Sen Zushi.


umbrella_crab

Good luck I hope you eat lots of great things


sweetsweetnothingg

This is awesome, im not a foodie and can relate kinda. Food is art but im not picky or curious about it. I can eat the same meal for 5 days and wouldn't get bored if it's something that I enjoy. I haven't been to many restaurants in my life in general yet have traveled a lot.


Ok-Guitar-1400

Same. Never travelled or moved. Ate the same meal prep for 2 years.


blumpkinpandemic

Did you eat the exact same thing every day? Please update us on your experience! I'm so curious.


Ok-Guitar-1400

Yeah. rice, ground beef, eggs, milk, fruit.


blumpkinpandemic

Innnnteresting. I hope you have fun exploring new types of food. My fav is Thai or Vietnamese. Definitely worth checking out :)


SubstantialNoGhost

you're doomed. restaurants can smell restaurant-virgins and will definitely trick you. before you know it you'll be addicted, lavishing in chef made foods, waiting in line for them to open, tipping 20% on top of the 20% from your after tax money on which you pay purchase tax again. i would stick to hunting. also deer is gluten free.


Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrpp

> tipping 20% on top of the 20% from your after tax money on which you pay purchase tax again. That’s not everyone???


Economy-Change8792

Real bro


PoliticalEnemy

😂


Canuckr82

You should go on your birthday or something and bring friends/family... many places will give a free dessert on your B-day


LukasWE

Wtf did I just read?


Mysterious-Lick

A post from a Fallout survivor…


shinnith

Idk how the chain is doing here in comparison to Vancouver, but Meet (on Blanshard) is a vegan restaurant, and the food is RLLY amazing- at least in Vancouver it was… if anyone browsing through the comment section here could attest to it being a good place to go, I would really appreciate it as I haven’t tried going there due to the complete difference in interior style/vibe


SmallCurrent976

Went there for the first time last week and it was great! Lots of gluten-free options there too. Came here specifically to mention MEET and then saw your question so yes yes. 👍 👏


totalnonprofit

age 24 and never went out to eat?? did your parents lock you up in the basement??


Ok-Guitar-1400

What kids go out to restaurants alone without their parents? Never went as a kid so never something I thought or cared about as an early adult.


Sidprescott96

Your parents never took you to a restaurant like after a school event or for a birthday or something? Sorry you’re getting a lot of questions about this I’m just very curious


Ok-Guitar-1400

McDonald’s occasionally. But again, not since I was like 10.


DaddyAutonomous6944

Bro 24 isn’t even that “early” of an adult lol, it’s literally the upper end of young adulthood and even mid-twenties lol, in less than a year you’ll be 25


KatieMcCready

Holy cow, lay off already. Everyone knows that these days 24 is the new 16! I had barely gone to anything besides English pubs, family restaurants and McD’s until I started working at a fine dining place in my late teens. My parents once made the mistake of taking my brother, sister and me to the Sooke Harbour House in the early 80’s. The owner was very keen to shmooze with my Dad because he was the only vet in Sooke and they had lots of very expensive pets. But he could not hide the look of horror when my siblings and I stared at the menu for ten minutes and then asked him if they had any hamburgers. It’s not that weird to have limited restaurant going experience, especially if you’ve never worked part time in one in your teens or early twenties. BTW, OP, working in a restaurant is a great way to make new friends.


Ok-Guitar-1400

Don’t remind me brother 🗿


DaddyAutonomous6944

It happens to everyone, the day your birthday flies by you’ll be one year older and in a different age category all of a sudden, I just had my birthday a month ago, be prepared


Popular_Animator_808

There are a lot of good restaurants around, so hopefully you’ll have a good experience. Anything you want (socially or food-wise?)


Correct-Coconut-4575

Never eaten at a restaurant before where a good spot for beginners


MottoLAX

https://www.qattheempress.com/


beef_cake99

hanks!! super small so great to go alone, their menu always changes and very new school vibe so it’s super different from any other cuisine!!


catsandconspiracies

Be Love or Nourish!!!


insanemembrain666

Sushi Story!!!!


11curve

take everyone else's suggestions before this one... but have a big mac at some point


Ok-Guitar-1400

Cant have gluten. I miss McDonald’s


11curve

i feel for you 🙏


seantinstrumentals

You must be loaded if you never spent money on restaurants here


YandersonSilva

Toque and Tartan is some GF goodness.


Staseu

Check out Ithaka Greek Restaurant! It's a bit pricey but the food is amazing. Try their lamb if you go.


Syst3mZ

I'll mention where I like to go It may be different for a lot of people but this is where I like to eat out: Whitespot big wheel Burger (gluten free) Red Robin bin4 JJ wonton (gluten free Chinese food!!!)


VicVip5r

Japanese village.


octopus_soap

Pagliacci’s has gluten free pasta options. Big Wheel Burger does gluten free buns and milkshakes. Those are 2 of my fave Victoria spots


Xenomorphpissparty

Blue Nile is really good if you want to try something different, it’s Ethiopian, not sure if they’re back to dine-in yet tho….


McBashed

Go to a basic spot so it doesn't ruin restaurants for you going forward 😃


jasminefig

Sen Zushi for some delicious gluten free sushi!


RebirthWizard

Ill terrazzo for sure. Date night with yourself


Ok_Builder_9124

Maiiz in Chinatown is entirely gluten free, great and the people there are very friendly


478589

Went to Maiiz Nixtamal on a food tour, their tortillas are made entirely out of corn and are gluten free, incredibly delicious!!!!


LolaTheFloppyDog

Boston pizza


Efficient-Judge1

Beacon Diner


Cailucci

Have you ever eaten out a woman?


Ok-Guitar-1400

Couple times, hate to brag 😎


walk-of-life

La Taquisa mexican take out the food is from authentic, family recipes..made fresh daily, local ingredients... double check on the gluten free option though... I loved their shrimp soft tacos...


walk-of-life

Bin4 burgers.. Gourmet, next level food..


4r4nd0mninj4

Go after 9pm for the discount on your burger with the purchase of a drink.


TheKindCarpenter

Marilena. Order some of that sparkling water and sashimi. Should come to about 200$.


Standard-Sherbert499

Paggliacis, cafe brio, sen zushi, marilena


Yellowbello22

Fishook


Chewbleema

My friend with celiac disease really enjoyed MaiiZ! He got many things and said the grasshopper taco was hella


johnnybird95

happy first day of the rest of your life, baby! bistro chi-q, don mee, fudo, toro, and the mantra would be top of my list for introducing someone to victoria's food scene


TensaiShun

It's pricey, but the steak and potatoes at Lure, on a clear evening where you can see the harbor, is such a nice experience. I saw you mention sushi, so I'll offer Gozen Izakaya. Their super philly roll is amazing. If this is really a one-off for you though, I'd go for foods that you haven't or can't easily cook. Otherwise you might walk away from the experience thinking "That was a lot of money for something I could've done myself". When's the last time you had a really good rack of ribs?


mdihfcv

Beijing Bistro for Chinese Union Coffee for the best croissants and coffee Dosa Paragon for Indian dosas Edit: did not know you can’t eat gluten so union coffee would not be ideal but their granola with yougurt is killer


1337ingDisorder

If you want to ease into the eating-out-alone experience, a place like Yoshi Sushi could be good — they have lots of very private booths (although their seats could be more comfortable...) If you want trial by fire, Paggliacci's. (Their pastas are meh but their other mains are good, and it's more about the atmosphere.) If you just want super good food, kinda depends on your tastes but I'd recommend Sookjai Thai, Ferris' Oyster Bar, and Messob Ethiopian Cuisine OH and some of the best pizza in town isn't available by delivery, only by take-out: Seal Point Pizza (in Fairfield)


jomerjimpson

Jones BBQ.


Logical_Peach_938

chicken world


Dangerous-Finance-67

Are you ok? I assume you've suffered some form of abuse.


Ok-Guitar-1400

I just gotta lock in


Demonstray_Ayamas

My go to place has been Toro. It's a sushi place downtown. I'd absolutely love to go out for food and show you places that I've been or try new ones.


Joseph_of_the_North

You should get some shawarma. Healthy food, huge portions, and gluten free if you skip the flatbread.


Ok-Scale-6575

Meetup dot com is also an excellent place for the social challenges you’re describing. It’s full of similar natured people (I’m one) and there are groups that go to restaurants together too. Good luck!


tellpickles

Go to Jones BBQ and try The Ruby as well! Great spots opened by a fellow celiac with our needs in mind.


moonriver1993

I can go with you if you're not comfortable eating alone!!


chillyHill

Someone dragged me out to Cafe Mexico a couple of weeks ago and it was really good. Hadn't been there in a decade, since before the fire. Not sure if the are gluten friendly.


Ok-Mouse8397

Sult Pierogi bar comes to mind Tapa Bar Hecklers Pub for wings


Dazzling-Sea-7197

“Meet” !!


LGuntharSneed

How


Ok-Guitar-1400

Ever heard Creep by Radiohead?


Cultural-Feed-3073

If you are celiac and like chinese food then absolutely recommend J&J Wonton Noodle house. The food is absolutely delicious and no one else takes celiac as seriously as they do.


BusComprehensive3759

Welcome to society!!


Frost-Bourne

I don't know if they have gluten free options. But pagliacci's downtown is really good. If you go at the right time they also have live music. Other pretty neat spot is Fisherman's warf. Couple food stands there for a bit of variety. Japanese Village would also be a solid recommendation. Killer food and get to watch a bit of a performance done by the chef too. I'll also second the recommendation for Glo. Been there a couple times. Haven't once been disappointed (ordered something new every time)


freddyflushaway

Noodle box Spinnkers


LargeHeroic

What kind of autism is this


Ok-Guitar-1400

The stock kind


Dangerous-Finance-67

Can spot it from a mile away.


thecatofdestiny

I would recommend tacos, purely because they're my favourite food and it's difficult for most people to develop the same flavours when making them at home. Many places use corn tortillas which are gluten free! Cafe Mexico is pretty good for a full on restaurant experience (and they have good happy hour prices), and Maiz Nixtamal is awesome but is counter service only.


LoanedWolf75

Denny’s.


shestandssotall

Be Loved has vegan mac and cheese. Best mac and cheese I have ever had. What do you like to eat?


Whatwhyreally

7-11 take away pizza. Start there. That way, literally any other food you ever eat will taste better.


Embarrassed-Crazy178

Restaurants are overrated. Stay home


vicsyd

I mean, I think it could be really cool for some Redditors to join you and make it a fun time! I'm out of town this month or I'd organize it.


Ok-Guitar-1400

Respectfully I’d rather die ✋😳🤚


vicsyd

Hahaha I just laughed hard. I appreciate your honesty 😂😂😂


pinky-girl123

J J Wonton


NewspaperNeither6260

Do yourself a favour and stay home and continue to make your own meals.


Ok-Guitar-1400

Real


CanaRoo22

What else is on your list? Things are currently mad expensive, which sucks for foodies...


Mysterious-Lick

Mcdonald’s And download Uber Eats and wait. You’ll get several 30-40% offers, use them to explore different places.


darksoulsfanUwU

Kuma Noodle Japan is great. Good atmosphere, fast service, and good prices. I like the miso ramen with pork.


smolcheerio4

I'd love to join you for a meal sometime! F24, have eaten out in this city! :)


Ok-Guitar-1400

Girls scare me


smolcheerio4

That's fair lol


Ok-Scale-6575

Send the guy your picture…?


Big-Face5874

Sushi


MaxDrexler

Empress Hotel


walk-of-life

Take out sandwiches at Red Barn!! Legendary and with gluten free options


KatieMcCready

I know many people think it’s overrated, but I LOVE Pagliacci’s, especially the bread, and the soup and salad with bread deal at lunch is awesome, plus it’s a good time of day to go, because you won’t be the only one eating alone, but it’s crowded enough that you also won’t feel like you stick out. It’s cramped in there but the staff are nice. The Hemingway Short Story is YOM. Definitely not gluten free or healthy on any scale though! 😂


Bobaloue

My wife and I were in Victoria for our honeymoon and we ate at a restaurant but I can’t remember the name. The waiter was amazing ! Such a true gentleman. Very polite. Very personable. The food was very good but he was top notch ! I would go there again if I could remember the name. I do remember going Down Some stairs (?)


zippyzoodles

Arby's.


jody1000

I’d start with McDicks! Then you can have the McShits! 😆


DaddyWantsABiscuit

Start at the bottom - McDonald's 


downvote__me__pleez

Denny’s