On Monday, June 23, the Inn at Laurel Point was abuzz with excitement as more than 300 members of Greater Victoria’s culinary and business community learned which local restaurants would be the finalists and recipients of the sixth annual YAM Best Restaurant Awards, produced by YAM magazine and Page One Publishing.
Taking home the top prize among the 21 categories, YAM’s 2025 Restaurant of the Year is Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar, which was lauded by the judges for “ticking all the boxes,” from its beautiful room to its polished service to executive chef Kristian Eligh’s elevated yet approachable cuisine. Marilena, which was 2024’s Best New Restaurant, was also the recipient of the awards for Best Big Night Out, Outstanding Service and Best Wine Program. “It is,” the judges said, “a place that truly understands what Victorians have been hungry for.”
Among the other prizes of note:
- Janevca Kitchen & Lounge was named Best New Restaurant;
- Cafe Malabar’s Kiran Kolathodan and Karma Tenpa are the Chefs of the Year;
- Bray’s was recognized in both the Happy Hour and West Coast Contemporary categories.
“The YAM Best Restaurant Awards are all about celebrating the hardworking and dedicated people who keep us so well fed in this city,” says Joanne Sasvari, YAM’s editor and the facilitator of the awards. “We are incredibly lucky to have such a depth of culinary talent here in Greater Victoria.”
The team at YAM magazine recognizes that being nominated for a YAM Best Restaurant Award can be a life-changing experience for a local restaurant, and is thrilled to celebrate excellence across Greater Victoria’s dynamic culinary community.
For the full list of winners and finalists, pick up a copy of YAM magazine or go to https://www.yammagazine.com/2025-yam-best-restaurant-awards/
Congratulations to all the recipients and finalists of the 2025 YAM Best Restaurant Awards!
ABOUT THE YAM BEST RESTAURANT AWARDS
The only fully independent restaurant awards in Southern Vancouver Island recognize the top chefs, sommeliers, producers, front-of-house staff and all who work in Greater Victoria’s restaurants. Produced by YAM magazine, in 2025 the awards celebrated their sixth year of lifting up the city’s hospitality industry.
How it works: A judging team of local culinary experts and industry professionals, led by editor-in-chief Joanne Sasvari, nominates the restaurants or individuals in each of 21 categories. Following intense discussion and debate, they then vote on each category to determine the winners and runners-up. There is no application or pay-to-play process involved.
