Lunch at the Leg

For those times you need to impress.

Hidden gems Victoria
Will that be a Cobb salad with your inside dish? The Parliamentary Dining Room is a clubby experience. Photo: Jeffrey Bosdet/Douglas magazine

Every once in a while you want to be that person, the one who knows the inside scoop, the hidden secrets, the (taps nose) best deal in town. And when that’s you, and you have a guest you want to impress, there’s one place above all others to head for lunch: the Parliamentary Dining Room at the B.C. legislature.

It’s old-fashioned and clubby, much the same as it’s been for the last century or so, and chances are you’ll be rubbing elbows with the movers and shakers in the provincial government. You’ll need a security pass and reservations are highly recommended.

You won’t find cutting-edge cuisine here, but you will find great deals (most mains are under $20) on classic dishes deftly executed by executive chef Nathan Waters and his team, from local, seasonal ingredients when possible. Think pan-seared sockeye salmon with herb risotto, chicken Cobb salad or rigatoni with ratatouille, along with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. 

While you’re there, keep your ears open for any juicy tidbits and you’ll definitely be that person in the know.

The Parliamentary Dining Room is open for breakfast and lunch Mondays to Fridays.