Meet Executive Chef Leroy Borrega
There’s a special relationship between food and community – the ingredients we grow, the people who produce our food, and the cultures and experiences we bring to the table all contribute to something much bigger than a meal. At Sooke Harbour House, that relationship is at the heart of an exciting new chapter in our culinary story. We’re delighted to welcome internationally acclaimed Executive Chef Leroy Borrega, whose globally influenced culinary background and appreciation for exceptional local ingredients are bringing a fresh perspective to one of Vancouver Island’s most celebrated dining destinations.
A Career Shaped by Global Experiences
A Canadian Red Seal Chef and recipient of numerous culinary competition awards, Chef Borrega brings an impressive international background – his culinary journey has taken him across Canada, Australia, the United States, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines, offering opportunities to work alongside talented chefs and experience a wide range of culinary traditions. Most recently, he served as Executive Chef at The Dorian, Autograph Collection, in Calgary, where he oversaw multiple restaurants, banquet operations, and large culinary teams.
Before that, he led the kitchens at Shokunin, contributing to the restaurant’s recognition among Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants and helping it earn Avenue Magazine’s Best Restaurant in Calgary award for three consecutive years. His experience also includes collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs and culinary leaders associated with The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. As Head Chef of Maven, he launched Calgary’s first Filipino omakase restaurant, creating a contemporary tasting-menu experience that celebrated the richness and diversity of Filipino cuisine. It’s a career that reflects both technical skill and a genuine curiosity about food, culture, and the possibilities of bringing different influences together.
Globally Inspired, Locally Rooted
While Chef Borrega’s experience spans the globe, his culinary vision at Sooke Harbour House begins much closer to home. The restaurant’s new culinary direction places a renewed emphasis on the exceptional ingredients available throughout Vancouver Island and the surrounding region. From sustainably harvested seafood and locally raised meats to seasonal produce, wild herbs, and foraged ingredients, the focus is on showcasing the natural abundance of the West Coast. Working with local growers, fishers, and provisioners is an important part of this approach – artnerships with regional producers, including 63 Acres, ALM Organic Farm, Finny Farms, and InishOge Farm, help bring the flavours of the island directly to the table. The result is a menu that celebrates British Columbia ingredients through contemporary cuisine, combining elevated seafood, comforting favourites, and creative Asian influences. It’s an approach that feels especially at home in Sooke, where the landscape offers such an incredible source of inspiration.
Honouring a Culinary Legacy While Looking Ahead
Sooke Harbour House has long been recognized for its connection to local food and its pioneering role in Canada’s farm-to-table movement, and that legacy is an important part of what makes dining here special. Chef Borrega’s vision builds on that history while introducing new flavours, techniques, and experiences. Guests can look forward to seasonal tasting menus and thoughtfully composed à la carte offerings that reflect the changing seasons and the ingredients available from local producers. As Chef Borrega puts it, exceptional food begins with exceptional ingredients, genuine relationships, and a deep respect for place. It’s a philosophy that captures the spirit of Sooke Harbour House: celebrating the region, supporting the people who make it special, and creating memorable experiences through food.
Experience the New Culinary Chapter
Whether you’re joining us for a relaxed meal, a special occasion, or an evening of multi-course dining, there’s something exciting happening in our kitchen, and we invite you to discover Chef Leroy Borrega’s culinary vision and experience the flavours of Vancouver Island through a fresh perspective.
Join us at the Sooke Harbour House Restaurant and experience what’s cooking by the sea.