One of Vancouver Island’s most scenic dining rooms just earned national recognition.
The Dining Room at The Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay has been named one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in Canada for 2025.
The annual list is based on more than a million diner reviews from across the country, along with reservation trends and overall ratings.
The recognition highlights restaurants that consistently receive strong feedback from guests, rather than being ranked by judges or critics.
The Dining Room is located inside the original Butchart family residence and is known for its west coast menu and afternoon tea service overlooking the grounds.
The announcement comes as The Butchart Gardens prepares to launch its Magic of Christmas season on December 1st.
The gardens will turn on their holiday lights at 5 p.m. that evening, a tradition that marks the start of a month of light displays, carollers, and seasonal activities.
This year’s holiday programming includes the return of outdoor skating, with sessions starting at 3 p.m. Skates will be available to rent and reservations for time slots will be made in person at the Information Centre, depending on space and weather.
The Twelve Days of Christmas displays will also return throughout the walking paths, along with live performances during the evenings.
Visitors are encouraged to reserve entry times in advance. The gardens will be open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., with viewing until 10 p.m., and will be closed on Christmas Day.
The Dining Room will offer holiday tea service in the afternoon and dinner in the evening. The Blue Poppy Restaurant and the Coffee Shop will also operate during the season, along with the carousel and gift store.
