There’s something about summer on Vancouver Island that just hits differently—long golden evenings, ocean air, and now, fresh new menus at one of Canada’s most iconic landmarks: the Fairmont Empress.
Nestled in the heart of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the Fairmont Empress isn’t just a pretty face. Yes, she’s stunning and historic, but she also knows how to put on a culinary show. This season, both Q Restaurant and Q Bar are debuting vibrant summer menus. These menus are designed to highlight the bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Think sustainable seafood, seasonal produce, and a whole lot of local love.
A Toast to Summer at Q Bar
If you’re after relaxed elegance, Q Bar is the move. Chef de Cuisine Tyler Paquette has crafted a menu perfect for grazing and sharing—think upscale bar snacks with serious culinary chops.
- Faro Flax Bread, baked in-house daily, arrives warm with honey butter and Salt Spring Island sea salt.
- Kennebec Chips & Burnt Onion Dip: comfort food, but elevated.
- The Seafood Tower is the showstopper—stacked high with Vancouver Island’s best: Dungeness crab, albacore tuna, oysters from Cortez Island, smoked salmon, sablefish, scallop crudo, and mussels in Café de Paris butter.
And yes, you’ll still find Q’s signature classics: the Royal Burger with Frère Jacques cheese, Battered Cod & Chips, and veg-forward stars like Korean Fried Cauliflower and Artichoke Caponata. There’s something for everyone—whether you’re tucking into a late lunch or meeting friends for a cocktail-fueled evening.
Q Restaurant: Where the Island Meets the Plate
Chef Paquette’s new summer dinner menu at Q Restaurant is pure West Coast elegance. It’s a love letter to Vancouver Island’s land and sea, with ingredients that shine because of their freshness and thoughtful preparation.
Starters include:
- Foie Gras Parfait with peach purée and toasted brioche
- Tomato & Watermelon Salad with sheep milk sorbet (it’s as dreamy as it sounds)
- Pea & Ricotta Ravioli—green, fresh, and full of life
For mains, there’s everything from Pacific Halibut with truffle sunchoke purée, to Spring Salmon with hollandaise, and a perfectly seared Smoked Beef Tenderloin with chanterelles and bordelaise sauce. Craving something bold? The 24 oz. Pork Tomahawk is a standout—served with lemon asparagus and mustard jus.
Vegetarians, you’re not forgotten. The Garden Risotto is herbaceous, creamy, and crowned with crispy capers. Bonus: many of the dishes are gluten-free.
Save Room for Dessert
Executive Pastry Chef Gerald Tan is bringing the magic. His new creations include the Midnight Bloom—a jaw-dropping 10-layer chocolate cake made with the Fairmont Empress’s signature dark chocolate—and Aged Balsamic Macerated Strawberries paired with peach-vanilla sorbet. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you pause and savour every spoonful.
Rooted in Place, Elevated in Execution
As Executive Chef Isabel Chung puts it, “Summer on Vancouver Island is a time of abundance, and our new menus are a celebration of the region’s finest ingredients and the passionate people behind them.”
These are dishes that tell a story—of sustainability, of place, and of culinary craft. It’s what Fairmont hotels do best: honoring tradition while continuously evolving.
The Summer Menus are now live at Q Bar and Q Restaurant at the Fairmont Empress. Service runs daily from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Reservations? Highly recommended.
📍 www.qattheempress.com
Why the Fairmont Empress is Always Worth the Visit
The Fairmont Empress is more than a hotel—it’s a heritage destination. With accolades from Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, plus its MICHELIN key status, it continues to rank among the most beloved Fairmont hotels in Canada. Between the world-famous Afternoon Tea, lush gardens, and its storied spa, it’s no wonder this historic 1908 property remains a go-to for locals and globetrotters alike.
And now, with these new summer menus? It’s a perfect excuse to return—or visit for the first time.
Mary in Vancity 
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