Eat and drink

The following is a list of restaurants and pubs that may be of interest, not an endorsement

 

Breakfast

  • The Ruby: Brings homestyle cuisine to the plate with fine dining technique and a homestyle vibe. For brunch they serve up Breakfast Tacos, Duck Confit, Smoked Brisket, savoury and sweet waffles, and all the in-betweens for Victoria’s brunch crowds. Two locations: 3110 Douglas St. & 642 Johnson St. (downtown).
  • Spoon's Diner: Retro nook offering build-your-own eggs Benedict & other original bites for breakfast & lunch. 2915 Douglas St. 
  • Denny's: Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites. 2852 Douglas St.
  • Blue Fox Café: Always popular, the food is well worth any wait in line. 919 Fort Street (downtown).
  • Shine Café: This has become a classic Victoria breakfast spot. 1548 Fort Street (between UVic & downtown).
  • Jam Cafe: All-day breakfast and lunch restaurant located in Old Town Victoria. 542 Herald Street (downtown).
  • OEB Breakfast Co: Known for its unique spin on brunch food, with a focus on sourcing locally. 856 Yates (downtown).

Late night

  • Friends of Dorothy: Family-friendly queer-owned establishment offers breakfast, brunch & dinner with bright walls, modern tastes, live entertainment, & campy excellence. 537 Johnson St. (downtown).
  • The Vicious Poodle: Cocktails & quick bites dished up in a lively gay lounge with happy hour & live entertainment. 726 Johnson St. (downtown).
  • The Palms Restaurant: Inspired kitchen & cocktail lounge at the hotel Rialto. 1450 Douglas Street (downtown).
  • Cenote: Intimate basement lounge with great food. 768 Yates Street (downtown).
  • Clive's Classic Lounge: Drinks and more, located in the Chateau Victoria Hotel. 740 Burdett Avenue (downtown).
  • Artemis Whiskey Bar: Speakeasy style space-themed whiskey and cocktail bar. 560 Johnson Street (downtown).
  • Citrus & Cane: Tropical cocktail bar with mid-century modern decor. 1900 Douglas Street.

Pubs and casual dining

  • Bin 4 Burger Lounge: Busy, modern grill offering inventive, locally sourced burgers, handcut fries & draft brews. 100 - 3271 Maple St. or 180 - 911 Yates St.
  • Red Robin: Chain for gourmet burgers & other American comfort fare. 800 Tolmie Ave.
  • Boomtown: Downtown Victoria beer garden and burritos. 950 Yates Street (downtown).
  • Clives Classic Lounge: Clive's Classic Lounge is a cozy, classy neighborhood hot spot located just off the lobby of the Chateau Victoria Hotel. 740 Burdett Ave (downtown).
  • Garrick's Head Pub: One of the oldest English pubs in Canada with Victoria’s largest selection of craft and import beers on tap. 69 Bastion Square (downtown).
  • Swans Brewpub: Friendly westcoast micro brewpub owned by UVic, alive with character, heritage architecture, stunning original artwork and First Nations’ carvings. Serves weekend breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks. 506 Pandora Avenue (downtown).
  • The Drake Beer Parlour: Though much of our beer is made right here in Victoria, some just steps away; we also seek out unique and interesting offerings from all over the Pacific North-West, and sometimes even further afield. 517 Pandora St. (downtown).
  • Tug Eatery & Bar: Family-owned and operated bar known for its expansive (and dog-friendly) waterfront patio, offering lush gardens and stunning views of the Victoria inner harbour. 407 Swift St. (downtown).

Vegetarian & vegan

  • Rebar: Vegetarian food, local baked goods, and fresh juices. 50 Bastion Square (downtown).
  • Green Cuisine: Charming, brick-lined eatery featuring all-you-can-eat vegan & vegetarian meals, along with juices. 560 Johnson Street #5 At Market Square's Courtyard (downtown).
  • Be Love: Upscale & modern, this restaurant specializes in farm-to-table vegan cuisine & superfood cocktails. 1019 Blanshard Street (downtown).
  • MeeT on Blanshard: Plant-based restaurant chain serving comfort-food favourites. 797 Hillside Ave.
  • Nourish Kitchen & Cafe: Vegetarian friendly restaurant serving simple farm-fresh mains & snacks in a bright Victorian house. 225 Quebec St.

International

  • The Mantra: Founded with a mission to deliver fresh and flavorful Indian dishes in Victoria. We pride ourselves on using only authentic Indian recipes, fresh natural ingredients and cooking techniques. 1015 Fort St (downtown)
  • The Tapa Bar: Wide selection of tapas-style Latin cuisine with Spanish and Portuguese influences.  620 Trounce Alley (downtown).
  • Sizzling Tandoor:  Tasty Indian cuisine located in Victoria's downtown. 637 Johnson Street (downtown).
  • Pizzeria Prima Strata: Two locations featuring traditional fire-roasted Italian pizza. 230 Cook Street, and 1990 Fort St.
  • Chinatown: Victoria has a vibrant Chinatown with multiple resteraunts. 500 Fisgard Street (downtown).

Finer dining

  • Brasserie "L'école": Award-winning French dining. 1715 Government Street (downtown).
  • Café Brio: Innovative West-coast contemporary. 944 Fort Street (downtown).
  • Il Terrazzo: Fine Italian dining in an old town courtyard setting. Dine by candlelight beside one of our six brick fireplaces. 537 Johnston Street (downtown).
  • Zambri's: This trattoria serves classics like pasta, pizza & wine. 820 Yates St. (downtown).
  • Q at the Empress: Regal restaurant at the Fairmont Empress Hotel with locally sourced special-occasion entrees & global wines.