An edible celebration of Vancouver Island.

A Love Letter to our Chinatown home.

Since opening in February of 2023, Ugly Duckling has made its mark as one of Vancouver Island’s best and most innovative dining experiences.

Recognized as Victoria, BC’s Best New Restaurant by YAM Magazine, and long-listed as one of Canada’s Best New Restaurants for 2023 by Air Canada’s En Route Magazine, we seek to create inventive and original dining experiences centered around the magical place we call home.

“On our second visit, we felt cared for in exactly the same way as before—like regulars, even though we were still relative newcomers. That’s the hidden brilliance of Ugly Duckling: its refinement is never cold or showy, but always rooted in generosity.”

— Elizabeth Nyland, Edible Vancouver Island

Slices of rare lamb with a savoury soybean cassoulet.

Close-up of charcoal-grilled octopus garnished with nasturtium, XO sauce, and salsa verde.

Chocolate dessert with malted chocolate ice cream, chocolate cremeux, freeze-dried raspberry, and a honeycomb tuile on a gray plate

At the heart of everything we do are two promises: to serve you only those things which we have made by hand; and to work relentlessly to make you smile. We can’t wait to welcome you.

Our menu changes with the seasons, the farmers, and the whims of the culinary team. Accordingly, please treat the following as samples only.‍ ‍

We are happy to accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences with advance notice. Because our menu is prepared with considerable care, and because of the intimate nature of our dining room, all dietary requests must be confirmed directly with the restaurant (by phone or email) prior to your visit. We regret that we are unable to modify menus unless arrangements have been confirmed in advance of your arrival.

To maintain the quality and flow of service, we may occasionally need to limit the number of reservations with dietary restrictions on a given evening.

For more detailed information on booking, dietary accommodations, and our menu format please visit our FAQ Page.