David Healey is calling from the wrong restaurant.

Birdman, his new fried chicken place at 537 Johnson Street, is two weeks out from opening. The bar's in. The kitchen team is already prepping. The chairs are getting bolted to the floor as we speak — which is also why he's taking this call from somewhere else. He's at Wind Cries Mary instead, the Bastion Square cocktail bar he opened in 2019, right before the world shut down.

Birdman is restaurant number three for Healey and his business partner Jesse Dame, after Wind Cries Mary and Rudi. Together they run Cottage Hospitality Group, where they now employ somewhere around 84 staff across the three rooms. Healey is Executive Chef of the whole operation. By his own description, the opening is on schedule – "after enough restaurants, you're at where you should be" – he says, sounding calm in a way nobody opening a restaurant in two weeks has a right to sound.

I'd come in with a list of questions about Birdman. We got to most of them eventually. But we also got into a wide-ranging discussion about Victoria – where he eats on off days, who’s doing work he really admires right now, what the city is missing, and if the food scene is finally moving into its prime.

First, the new room. Birdman started, like a lot of things did, in 2020. Wind Cries Mary had been open less than a year when COVID forced everything into takeout, and WCM’s concept didn’t travel well. The dishes were built around the room – the family-style service, the quaint tongs, the candlelight – and none of that could be packed into a cardboard box. What did survive was the fried chicken. It had been an instant hit on the original menu, and Jesse Dame had told Healey two weeks into opening that he was never allowed to take it off. So Healey built a new, travel-friendly menu and concept around that dish, called the whole thing Birdman, and ran it as a ghost kitchen out of the back of Wind Cries Mary.

Six years later, that ghost kitchen is becoming its own room. From 11:30 a.m. to midnight. That span is rare in this city, and it's the part of the project Healey gets most animated about.

"You couldn't go anywhere at nine o'clock when I moved here," he says. "It blew my mind. Wind Cries Mary was partly built around that. Birdman is the same idea, just louder."

The space matters to him in a personal way. The 537 Johnson address – Friends of Dorothy until earlier this year, and a string of other businesses before that – is the room where Healey's wife took him on his first day in Victoria, back when it was Willie's Bakery in 2018. He'd just moved here, sight unseen, to open a restaurant for another group. "Of all the places we could've ended up," he says with a smile.

The conversation takes a turn when I ask who in town he really looks up to right now. Healey lights up and is quick to gush about a slew of local chefs and restaurateurs.

The first name out of his mouth was Sergio Hernandez. Hernandez is behind Part and Parcel up in Quadra Village, and recently signed on to work with Ferris’ and Perro Negro. He just redid the Perro Negro menu after the upstairs space expanded. Healey says Hernandez is one of the more interesting cooks in town who doesn't get talked about enough.

The reason, he says, is location.

"Victoria, more than most places, is a location-based city. Just by how it's laid out. Part and Parcel's room on Quadra is great for lunch — they get the lunch crowd — but it's outside the orbit of where most people are heading at dinner. They make amazing food, and I've always felt they haven't gotten the same recognition because of where they are. Sergio's a really good cook. He's going to do some cool stuff with [Perro Negro’s] program."

Healey beams as he talks about Corbin Mathany, who opened Ugly Duckling in Chinatown in 2023. Before that he was Healey's sous chef at Wind Cries Mary. "He kept it authentic to what he wanted. I was so proud of him."

Healey also names Clark Park at Chobap Sushi Bar, the eight-seat omakase counter on Courtney that opened in 2024. The Cafe Brio Group comes up too – Sam Harris and Vincent Vanderheide – who picked up Brasserie L'École last year. 

He also gives an appreciative nod to Marilena, Top Table’s first foray onto Vancouver Island. I’m honest and say that I was worried when they first opened – desperate to get a concept like that in Victoria, but unsure whether it would be sustainable. He nods sagely, "It made sense, though. The market of people moving from Vancouver to here is growing. There's more all the time."

I asked him whether what I was feeling – this sense that something is shifting in the Victoria food scene, that there's a wave coming – was real, or whether it was just my own short timeline talking. I've been here three years. He's been here eight.

He didn't hedge.

"Definite upturn. When I moved here, the joke was Victoria is where you went to retire. That's not it anymore. Young people are moving here, people who fell in love with the city and want it to be exciting. We're seeing fine dining, casual, every kind of concept, and they're killing it. There's a lot of young blood in this city. People want to do new projects."

Eight years, he says, has gone by very quickly. He thinks the next eight will look completely different.

What's still missing, in his view, is the kind of food he used to walk two minutes to in Vancouver. We commiserate about the lack of options in town when it comes to quality, authentic Asian cuisine. Hand-pulled noodles. Real dimsum (I spend some real time bemoaning how much I miss the quality dimsum options in Vancouver. We talk about dim sum in Victoria. It is a short conversation.) But even there, he sees the gap closing. He points to Ox King for noodles. Chobap for sushi. The pop-ups. "More demand here means more of those places will show up. That's the food I like to eat anyway."

The conversation came back to producers eventually, because for Healey, the producers are kind of the whole point. He doesn't lock into dishes, he says – he locks into suppliers. The dishes will be driven by the quality of ingredients he can get. All of the chicken for Birdman comes from Rossdown Farms in Abbotsford. All three restaurants get their bread from Portofino Bakery in Saanich. He’s particularly excited about the buns they’re making for Birdman – “Their buns remind me of being a kid at a backyard barbecue. I always wanted that bun for the chicken." 

He believes in tomatoes only when tomatoes are in season – a rule he'll defend at length. "Outside the season they're awful. I don't allow them."

He's not, he tells me, dogmatic about local. Healey's view: it's about quality. The closer something travels, the better it usually is. But not always. Some things travel fine. Onions, for instance. If you want to buy local onions, "they cost about four times as much as ones from Washington. And in restaurants where onions are that prevalent, you have to be honest about it." He'll spend the time and the money on the things that matter. He'll source onions where they make sense.

It’s a refreshing mix of obsessively local as well as pragmatic about the bottom line, and it goes a long way to explaining why we’re already seeing restaurant number three from Healey and Dame. 

Cottage Hospitality has more concepts already drafted in the notebook. Healey won't say what. ("Once we get Birdman flying. Then we focus on the next one.") What he does say is that he and Dame both love this city, that they want to keep contributing to it, and that some of the things they want to see here they'll have to build themselves.

"We fall in love with this place," he says, "and then we want to be part of it. That's it."

Birdman opens Friday, May 22 at 537 Johnson Street. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to midnight, daily, with brunch service to follow. The menu centres on fried chicken sandwiches, oysters, mac and cheese, and house-baked pies. They are, to my knowledge, the only kitchen on Johnson doing that at 11:45 p.m.

There are some seriously exciting openings coming to Victoria in the next two months — and now you can be the first in line.

While hunting down these details we stumbled across 4 more rumoured openings planned in town for 2026. While they aren’t ready to announce quite yet, we promise there are some really cool, locally owned concepts in the works — and we’ll be reporting on them as soon as we can.

Foodies of Victoria, rejoice. We are in for a great year.

Downtown

Photo courtesy of Fülcanteen

Fülcanteen

We’ve all seen the signs up beside Rudi, and the mystery ends here.

Fülcanteen will be a West Coast cafe powered by whole, organic ingredients. Think macro-conscious smoothies, sandwiches, bowls, wraps, and coffee, all in a calm, simple space. They’ll be serving up clean, satisfying food that balances health and indulgence.

With Picnic Too’s recent closure, they’ll be stepping into a much-needed gap in Victoria’s food scene when it comes to quality, fast, healthy options. We’re really looking forward to this one!

Fülcanteen plans to open by early to mid-June, with operating hours of 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Address: 730 Pandora Ave

Website: https://fulcanteen.ca/

Photo courtesy of Meat & Bread

Meat & Bread

We’ve all seen their sign up downtown, and some of us had started to lose hope. But it’s confirmed — Meat & Bread will be (re)opening their doors in Victoria this July.

This will be their first ever location to include a full barista program, and they’ve partnered with Fernwood Coffee Company (operators of beloved local spots Parsonage Cafe and Little June) to lead the coffee offering. 

They’ll be serving up a breakfast menu and their core sandwich lineup, with the notable inclusion of their Steak Frites, previously a rotating special, being offered as a permanent item at this location (pictured above!).

Address: Broad St and View St

Website: https://www.meatandbread.com/

Photo courtesy of Birdman

Birdman

Fried chicken alert! Birdman marks the third opening by Cottage Hospitality Group, the team behind local favourites Wind Cries Mary and Rudi.

The menu will centre on fried chicken, oysters, and shareable sauces, paired with a thoughtfully crafted wine list. It aims to honour the classics without overworking them: stacked handhelds, oysters every way, mac and cheese, and house-made pies and soft serve.

Birdman opens May 22nd in the former Friends of Dorothy space (who have announced on their Instagram that they plan to return after a short break).

Address: 537 Johnson St

Website: https://www.birdmanvic.ca/

Ayoub’s Dried Fruit & Nuts

A Vancouver staple is making its island debut this year! Ayoub’s offers a huge selection of snacks and pantry items, from roasted nuts, nut butters, and dried fruits, to baked goods, chocolates and desserts (currently craving their Turkish delight), and more. They also offer up snack platters and gift sets. Find a wide variety of Middle Eastern flavours here, and if you haven’t already tried their lime and saffron nuts, get yourself to their local store this summer.

Address: Broad St and View St

Website: https://ayoubs.ca/

Photo courtesy of Oakberry

Oakberry

Another snack spot is making its way over the water just in time for summer. Oakberry is a global chain that serves a menu of açaí bowls and smoothies. You can build your own bowls with classic toppings like granola, fresh fruit, nut butters, chia pudding, cocoa nibs, honey and protein add-ins, or choose from their signature bowls.

The Fort St location plans to open to the public this June, with the Tuscany Village location expecting a June/July debut.

Addresses: 801 Fort St and Tuscany Village

Website: https://www.oakberrycanada.ca/

Cadboro Bay

Photo courtesy of Noble Berry

Noble Berry

Blazing the way for a Caddy Bay revival (we’re calling it now, don’t say we didn’t warn you), Noble Berry Dessert & Kitchen Studio will be opening their doors this May, right beside neighbourhood sushi staple Mutsuki-An. They will be offering “berry desserts with clean flavours and refined textures, freshly baked pastries, seasonal salads made with local ingredients, sandwiches, and a selection of gluten-free and vegan options.”

They have a focus on local, seasonal ingredients and will be working directly with local berry farms.

Noble Berry plans to open this May, with planned hours of Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday and Monday from 10am to 2pm.

Address: 2560B Sinclair Rd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nobleberrystudio/

Vic West

Photo courtesy of 49 Below

49 Below (New Location)

Just in time for summer! This favourite local ice cream shop is expanding into Vic West. They’ll be joining Fry’s Red Wheat Bread Bakery and Spiral Cafe on Craigflower Road across from Banfield Park (that sounds like the perfect summer picnic combo to us!).

They plan to open in mid-May, and will also be at the Vic West Fest on June 6th.

As in their Oak Bay location, they’ll be serving up 12 flavours of ice cream, but expect some extra features in this new space. For guests who want to skip the queue, they’ll have grab-and-go options including single-scoop cups, pints, and ice cream bars. They will also be introducing ready-to-go ice cream cakes — perfect for us last-minute planners who forget to order ahead. And perhaps most exciting: they’ve polled their social media followers to co-create an exclusive Vic West flavour dubbed “The 420”(after their new address, of course).

Show up to support the opening in May to find out what this mysterious flavour will be!

Address: 420 Craigflower Rd

Website: https://www.49below.ca/

Did we miss a spot? Write in to let us know.

Berry Sweet. Instagram.

Berry Sweet - Food Truck

Although the new food truck by the popular Greek N Go team opened last week for private events, Berry Sweet will be officially opening to the public this Thursday, June 5, at the Sidney Street Market and will be there every Thursday from 5:30-9pm all summer long. Berry Sweet offers a varied menu of dessert cups, including the option to build your own. Dessert cups include the Dubai Deluxe: fresh strawberries, milk chocolate, pistachio cream, and crispy kataifi; the classic: strawberries with your choice of milk, dark, or white chocolate, and more. 

Aside from the cups, the food truck will have cinnamon buns with different topping options, banana pudding, Dubai chocolate bars, ice cream bars, and signature drinks. 

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Address: Find them at the Sidney Street Market this summer, and they are hoping to find a permanent spot downtown. Stay tuned. 
Look for their schedule on the Victoria Street Food website. 

Ramen Arashi – Langford

Ramen Arashi is bringing authentic Japanese ramen to Langford, marking the Westshore's first dedicated ramen shop. While the official opening date is yet to be announced, the restaurant is preparing to serve its signature bowls in a space more than double the size of its Victoria location. ​

"For years, we've welcomed guests from Langford at our Victoria location. Again and again, they told us the same thing: 'We need a Ramen Arashi in the West Shore.' We listened," said co-owner Allan Nichols on Ramen Arashi’s website blog. "With Langford's incredible growth and the city's vibrant community, opening our next location here was an obvious choice."

Ramen Arashi Langford marks the sixth location in the growing Ramen Arashi family and is owned and operated by Yuko and Allan, who also run the Victoria store. The new location will feature the same beloved menu as Victoria but will be nearly double the size, offering more seating and an enhanced dining experience while staying true to the brand's roots.

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Address: 109-1331 Westhills Dr. 

Rhino Coffee House – Uptown

The beloved coffee house from Tofino is opening a third location in Victoria soon, expanding to Uptown Shopping Centre this summer. This new location will bring their signature donuts, all-day breakfast, sandwiches, and wraps to Victorians, continuing their tradition of quality and community engagement, including mommy happy hour and offering catering and a venue space for private events​, as well as the coffee house will have a liquor licence. 

Some of the menu items that had made Rhino popular are the maple bacon donut, apple fritter,  the seasonal limited-edition donuts, the famous “Bronut” breakfast sandwich, the seasonal limited-edition donuts, and their coffee drinks and cocktails. 

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Address: 440 Saanich Rd.

Hero Sandwich Bar

Hero Sandwich Bar became very popular in Victoria in 2022 and 2023, and Victoria foodies are super excited for this comeback, with the first pop-up coming up this June 16 at Standard Pizza. Pre-orders for this date are sold out, but don’t worry, more pop-ups are coming soon. Pre-sales are usually live about 2 weeks before the pop-up date, so make sure to stay in the loop for the next one. We at Tasting Victoria will keep you posted in our weekly newsletter.

Hero sandwiches are big, hearty sandwiches made on a long, crusty roll and packed with a mix of meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables. Some are served cold with deli meats and crunchy lettuce, while others, like meatball or chicken parm heroes, come hot with melted cheese and sauce. No matter the version, hero sandwiches are meant to be filling and satisfying, often big enough to be a full meal on its own. The menu for June included the classic combo: mortadella, coppa, soppressata veneta, provolone, marinated eggplant, mayo, shredded lettuce, onion, oil and vinegar; and the spicy trio: hot baked capicollo, mortadella, hot soppressata, provolone, marinated eggplant, Calabrian chili spread, mayo, shredded lettuce, onion, oil and vinegar. At Hero Sandwich Bar, guests can pre-order add-ons like chips, drinks, and desserts. 

These sandwiches aren’t just tasty, they’re really filling. Each one is packed from end to end and are a full meal. If you’re ordering with a friend, try ordering both and swapping halves so you can taste a bit of each. It’s the best way to enjoy both the classic combo and the spicy trio.

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Address: Pop-up at Standard Pizza (1515 Cook St.)
Location may vary. 

Mosi Florentine Bakery & Cafe – Oak Bay

The classic and popular Victoria bakery is expanding to Oak Bay, with a new location at the corner of Cadboro Bay Road and Bee Street. Known for their handmade pastries, gelato, and Florentine sandwiches, Mosi's new location will continue to offer their beloved Italian-inspired fare to another neighbourhood.

Mosi Florentine just opened its first location a couple of weeks ago in Fairfield, and locals have been raving about it. The space is beautifully decorated, and aside from the delicious baked goods, their coffee menu is large with options for everyone. Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee or indulging in a delicious breakfast or brunch, Mosi offers a warm, welcoming experience rooted in family heritage and culinary excellence.

Established in 2015, Mosi has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors seeking authentic Italian-inspired baked goods, gelato, and café fare. The Mosi family’s passion for gelato dates back to the 1920s, when Stefano’s grandfather crafted it in his Torino pasticceria. Today, Mosi continues this tradition by producing award-winning gelato in-house, incorporating seasonal ingredients sourced from local Peninsula farmers. Mosi’s commitment to quality and tradition extends to its cozy ambiance, with indoor and outdoor seating that invites guests to relax and savour their meals. 

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Address: 2045 Cadboro Bay Rd. 

Otto Charcuterie on the go 

A new concept of small-scale, ultra-local, and great quality charcuterie on the go and delivered to your door is coming to Victoria, offering a curated selection of fine cheeses and charcuterie. Otto Charcuterie is a collaboration business between local restaurant Eva Schnitzelhaus and PVT Charcuterie, producing ultra-local charcuterie focused on quality and supporting great farmers, working with Stillmeadow Farm. This new business is a great option for locals to bring a charcuterie box to the beach or the park, get some sausages for your grill, ham for your sandwich, and more. 

Some of the products in their shop include lonza, coppa, Alsatian salami, kasewurst, smoked ham, caraway mustard salami, and more. 

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Did we miss any upcoming openings? Let us know at info@tastingvictoria.com. 

Victoria Cider Co. by Sarah Reynolds Photo. Instagram.

The weather is finally warming up, patios are calling, and the Island’s cider scene is in full bloom. If you’re after an orchard-side charcuterie board, a unique cider flight with ocean views, or a laid-back family-run farm, Vancouver Island cideries know how to do it right. So grab your sunglasses and follow us on a tour of sip-worthy cideries in and within reach of Victoria.

Junction Orchard & Cidery – West Saanich

Just 20 minutes from downtown, Junction is the closest full-on orchard and cidery to the city. Formerly known as Todd Creek Cidery, this orchard was founded by four friends—Jillian, Nick, Cody, and Tamra, who used their initials (JNCT) to help form Junction’s name. Cody and Jillian Brown remain as the current owners of the cidery, with a focus on creative, small-batch flavours. The south-facing patio is ideal for sipping in the sun, and it’s kid- and bike-friendly (and often dog-friendly too). They are open on weekends.

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Address: 273 Prospect Lake Rd. 

Victoria Cider Co. – North Saanich

Located on a five-acre orchard with over 40 varieties of apples and more than 2,000 trees that have been nurtured over the past several years, Victoria Cider Co. is a family-run operation led by master cidermaker Wayne Ralph with support and help from his wife Maureen and their four children Kirstie, Jamie, Emily and Daniel. Their cider approach blends classic apple varieties with locally inspired flavours like ginger and lavender. Their premium English and French cider apples are grown on the farm surrounding the original 1912 farmhouse. The harvest is crushed by family and friends, and the pure juice is hand-blended in small batches—truly a farm-to-bottle process. They are open on weekends with extended hours during the summer. 

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Address: 9635 W Saanich Rd.

Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse – Saanich Peninsula

Sea Cider is perched on a hillside orchard in the Saanich Peninsula, offering one of the most iconic cider tasting experiences on the Island. The modern tasting room has floor-to-ceiling windows looking out across the orchard and the ocean, and the large patio is perfect for a slow, sunny afternoon.

The farm spans 10 acres and is home to over 1,300 apple trees, with more than 50 varieties of apples. Their commitment to organic farming and traditional cider-making techniques has resulted in award-winning ciders that reflect the uniqueness of the region. 

The tasting room offers flights of their handcrafted ciders, which can be paired with organic cheeses, local meats, spreads, and more. The venue also hosts various events throughout the year, including cooking classes, paint nights, and yoga retreats, providing a vibrant community space for locals to gather and celebrate.

Sea Cider. Website

Address: 2487 Mt. St. Michael Rd.

Merridale Cidery & Distillery – Cobble Hill

The 20-acre orchard has a free self-guided tour for you to fully immerse yourself in the Merridale story. Nestled in Cobble Hill, it spans 20 acres of apple trees. The bistro serves up brunch, lunch, and orchard-forward fare all day. Cider tastings are available too, and they host many events throughout the year. 

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Address: 1230 Merridale Rd., Cobble Hill

Valley Cider Company – Duncan

Valley Cider is a hidden gem with a creative vibe just outside Duncan. Located on a former dog training property, this small-batch cidery is all about flavour experimentation. You’ll find traditional dry ciders alongside Bruce’s “Modern Sodas”—non-alcoholic fizzy blends sweetened with apple juice and available in nine rotating flavours. The 27-acre farm includes fertile pastures, lush forests of maple, fir and cedar, converging hills filled with wonderful botanicals and berries, and more. Open on Saturdays. 

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Address: 7661 Mays Rd., Duncan

Salt Spring Wild Cider – Salt Spring Island

A short ferry ride brings you to Salt Spring Wild—one of the most breathtaking cideries on the Island. Salt Spring Wild produces cider from its centuries-old apple trees using 450 different types of apples. There’s a full food menu, too, at the Cider House Kitchen. Guests are welcome to bring friendly dogs and children to the Cider House to enjoy the outdoor picnics and surroundings. 

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Address: 151 Sharp Rd., Salt Spring Island

Gyrosa. Instagram.

Spring is all about fresh starts, and Victoria’s food scene is blooming with exciting new openings. From downtown ramen bars and dreamy dessert cafés to cozy bistros, there’s no shortage of delicious places to check out. Whether you’re craving a steaming bowl of noodles, an Instagram-worthy pastry, or a scoop of small-batch ice cream, this season’s newest spots have you covered.

Here are 10 new restaurants, cafés, and food businesses that just opened their doors in Victoria:

Kinton Ramen – Downtown Victoria

Kinton Ramen, established in 2012 in Toronto, has grown into a prominent Japanese ramen franchise with over 40 locations across Canada and the US, and it has recently opened a location in downtown Victoria. The Victoria location is a great spot, surrounded by scenic views, shops, and local attractions; it’s the perfect stop for a comforting bowl if you are exploring downtown Victoria, the harbour, or out with friends. Known for its authentic, high-quality ramen, Kinton offers a variety of customizable options, including different broths, noodle types, and toppings, catering to diverse tastes.

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Address: 813 Wharf St. ​

Oso Café Dessert - New location at Mayfair Shopping Centre

Oso Café Dessert opened a second location this April at Mayfair Shopping Centre, right by the food court, next to Purdy’s chocolates and across from Kennel's. After a busy and sold-out first week, it’s clear that people are loving this sweet new spot.

This local, family-run café is known for its creative and beautiful, delicate desserts, inspired by European-style bakeries. They serve coffee, iced lattes, and their famous hot chocolate, plus a rotating menu of trendy treats. You’ll find everything from fancy croissants and crolls (a croissant-roll that sells out fast!) to chocolate-covered muffins, pretty donuts, gourmet cookies, and realistic mousse cakes shaped like fruit or bears.

The menu changes often, so there’s always something new to try. They also offer custom orders and catering, and they have another location downtown at the Bay Centre. 

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 ​Locations: Mayfair Shopping Centre and the Bay Centre. 

Liv Café Bistro – Oak Bay

A new addition to the Oak Bay food scene, Liv Café Bistro is a bright, welcoming neighbourhood space with a focus on fresh, seasonal fare. Chef Milton Rebello, a finalist at Food Network’s Fire Masters, has curated a menu that blends café classics with bistro-inspired dishes, all served in a cozy, community-oriented setting.​ The philosophy at Liv is simple: as the seasons change, so does the menu. The restaurant cares about creating an experience, not just a meal. Menu items that locals have been raving about include the avocado toast, chicken and waffles, eggs benedicts, and shrimp tacos. 

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Address: 713 St. Patrick St.

Roast at Phillips - Downtown

Roast moved into the Phillips Tasting Room this month. With the Victoria Public Market closing soon, this beloved local food spot has found a new downtown home. The menu at the Tasting Room includes sandwiches, salads, hot dog towers, nachos, tots, and more. Guests can also expect rotating menus and weekend features. Roast X Phillips is the perfect place to visit this summer. 

Roast X Phillips. Provided.

Address: 2000 Government St. 

Parachute Ice Cream - Oak Bay

Parachute Ice Cream opened a new location in Oak Bay early in April, making it a perfect location to visit and head to Windsor Park or to the beach with your ice cream cone. The shop used local ingredients for its ice cream, including hand-making ingredients like brownies, crumble, and compote. It also makes its waffle cones from scratch. The ice cream shop has many gluten-free and vegan options, as well as cakes and pies. Parachute offers classics like chocolate truffle and its best-selling lemon cream, as well as limited-time flavours. Recent limited-time scoops include salted skor and lemon cream.

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Address:
2548 Windsor Rd.
105-2626 Bridge St.
129-735 Goldstream Ave.

Kizuna Ramen and Good Filling Sankaku - Downtown

Kizuna Ramen is a popular ramen spot previously located in Esquimalt and it has just moved to downtown Victoria. Known for its authentic Japanese flavours, the restaurant offers a variety of traditional ramen dishes. They blend Japanese umami food culture, authentic cooking methods, and locally sourced and Canadian-made ingredients to create Victoria's own original rich umami. Their menu features rich broths, fresh noodles, and a selection of toppings to customize your bowl.

Good Filling Sankaku, specializing in Japanese-inspired snacks like gluten-free handmade rice balls, opened in the same spot, making it the perfect partnership and combo. You may be familiar with them since they have been selling their snacks in local markets for the past year. 

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Address: 1314 Douglas St.

Gyrosa Greek – Royal Oak

Gyrosa Greek has opened its second location, this time in the heart of Royal Oak. Following the success of their original spot in View Royal, this new location brings their popular gyros, calamari, and halloumi fries to the Saanich region. Expect the same bold, classic Greek flavours, speedy service, and hearty portions that have made them a local go-to.

Their menu features souvlaki, salads, wraps, and calamari, plus house-made dips and sauces like hummus and tzatziki. Whether you’re picking up lunch or grabbing dinner for the family, this spot is convenient and delicious.

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Address: 109-4430 West Saanich Rd.

Wairua Cafe - North Park

The newest coffee shop in Victoria, located in North Park, Wairua, emphasizes mindfulness and quality in its coffee and all offerings. They are quickly becoming popular for their iced matcha latte, made with Genuine Tea, a Canadian family-owned tea company that makes high-quality tea. They also offer baked goods in collaboration with local bakeries.

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Address: 1040 N Park St. 

West Coast Grill – Sidney

The Sooke classic restaurant West Coast Grill has expanded to Sidney with a brand-new waterfront location, bringing its signature coastal vibe and seafood-forward menu to the Peninsula. The Sidney restaurant features stunning ocean views and a bright, open layout that’s perfect for everything from brunch to date night.

Their menu offers a West Coast twist on comfort food: think fish tacos, chowder, seafood linguine, and locally inspired share plates. 

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Address: 2320 Harbour Rd. 

Bond Bond’s Bakery Café – Oak Bay

The beloved downtown bakery has officially expanded with a brand-new café in Oak Bay. This charming new outpost offers all the same house-baked goods and community vibes in the residential area. 

Expect sourdough loaves, buttery pastries, handmade sandwiches, and rotating daily specials—plus quality coffee, of course. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to stop by after a walk or settle into with a book on a rainy day. This second location brings a slice of Bond Bond’s freshness and local focus to Oak Bay.

Address: 2865 Foul Bay Rd. 

More restaurants that have opened this year.

Humboldt Bar. Website.

The Victoria bar that was named one of the top 100 Best Bars of 2025, coming in at No. 22, as well as being named No. 69 on the inaugural 51-100 list from North America’s Best Bars, is tucked away across from the classic Bartholomew’s Public House in downtown Victoria. Cozy, stylish, and romantic, this cocktail lounge draws inspiration from 19th-century naturalist Alexander von Humboldt. With moody lighting, nature-themed artwork, and inventive drinks, it’s a hidden gem for cocktail lovers seeking something unique. The entire experience, from name to atmosphere, is shaped by Humboldt’s deep reverence for nature and scientific curiosity.

From the moment you arrive, it feels like stepping into another city—quieter, slower, and filled with intention. Low lighting and warm wood details create a comforting atmosphere, while the décor transports you into another era with a modern edge. The bar is lined with bottles, gold-finished bar stools, beautiful artwork, plants, and fruit, adding to the sense that you’re somewhere else.

Humboldt Bar. Website.

There are no TVs or digital distractions, just carefully composed cocktails, hushed conversations, and a space that invites you to stay a little longer. The ambiance is refined but not pretentious, with just enough seating to make it feel exclusive. It’s a place where time slows down and where every detail, from the music to the glassware, feels intentional.

The drinks themselves are mini journeys. Each cocktail is inspired by a scientific idea, natural phenomenon, or historic concept related to Humboldt’s life. The Cyanometer, named after a tool Humboldt used to measure the blueness of the sky, is a citrus option that is bright and refreshing. Life in the Woods leans darker and earthier, made with bourbon, candy cap mushrooms, tart maple water, and wild blossom honey. For something bold, Concentrated Sunbeams blends raspberry and prune eau de vie and natural-process coffee. Beyond the cocktail list, Humboldt also offers an excellent selection of bubbles, spirits, and wines. 

Humboldt Bar. Website.

Every drink comes with a story, and the staff are happy to walk you through it. The bar also offers a small, curated food menu with elevated snacks and small plates—thoughtfully designed to complement the cocktails without stealing the spotlight. Highlights include house-made sourdough focaccia, croquettes, Italian meatballs, and honey-roasted carrots, some of the best bar bites in the city and perfect for sharing.

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Humboldt Bar isn’t just about drinks; it’s about atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve found something special and secret. Perfect for a first date or date night, a night out with friends, grabbing a drink with a friend, or tucking into a quiet solo drink, it invites you to look a little more closely at the world around you.

Humboldt Bar
Address: 722 Humboldt St. (Arcade level of the DoubleTree Victoria)

Humboldt Bar. Website.

Humboldt Bar. Website.

Humboldt Bar. Website.

BC CrabFest. Provided.

Get your bibs ready because BC CrabFest is back, and it’s moving into Victoria’s Inner Harbour for its most exciting year yet. On Sunday, June 29, from 11 am to 7 pm, Ship Point will transform into a seaside celebration of BC’s coast: incredible seafood, vibrant local culture, and the hard-working fishing families who make it all possible.

Guests can pre-purchase a BC Dungeness CrabBoil Bucket online and select a convenient one-hour pickup window: Picture a bucket of freshly caught crab, mussels, and prawns—all sourced directly from BC’s own waters—with potatoes, corn, and warm local bread, drenched in house seasoning and melted butter. These sell out fast, so plan ahead.

But CrabFest isn’t just about the food. It’s a full-day festival for all ages, with live music, craft drinks, and an interactive Seaside Family Zone featuring face painting, bubbles, water play, and artistic fun with Birdhouse Creative Studio. Meanwhile, the Education Market invites curious minds to learn about sustainable seafood, ocean health, and the stories behind our coastal harvest.

BC CrabFest. Provided.

VIP long-table dinner

New this year, a VIP long-table dinner will take place the night before, on Saturday, June 28, hosted under a glowing tent on the pier. Guests can enjoy a curated menu by Savour the Wild, stories from the fishers themselves, and a more intimate take on this beloved festival.

Festival Programming Highlights

Throughout the day, the main stage will host a mix of live musical performances, chef demos, and fisher storytelling sessions. Expect everything from upbeat coastal tunes and acoustic sets to engaging panels on Indigenous fishing traditions, marine conservation, and cooking demos. 

BC CrabFest. Provided.

Seaside Kids Zone

This all-ages zone is packed with fun, hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Kids can play in the bubble and water zones, have their faces painted, or take part in craft workshops with Birdhouse Creative Studio. The area is designed to be both fun and educational, helping young festival-goers learn about BC’s marine life and coastal environment in a playful, engaging way.

Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025
Time: 11am-7pm
Location: Ship Point, Inner Harbour
Admission: By donation at the door. CrabBoil Buckets must be purchased in advance
Website

BC CrabFest. Provided.

Sea Cider. Instagram

From beautiful harbour views to garden hideaways, these scenic spots are perfect for sipping, snacking, and soaking up the season. We asked our newsletter readers what their favourite restaurant patio in town was, and they delivered. Here’s where to find some of the best in the city:

Glo Restaurant

Featuring a 180-degree view of the Selkirk Waterway, just minutes from the Galloping Goose Trail, Glo Restaurant + Lounge is a fantastic location for intimate and relaxed dining, including the spacious patio to enjoy any season. With every seat in the restaurant showcasing the vista, including a lounge patio area, it’s no surprise it’s taken the top spot at the Tasting Victoria Restaurant Awards and in our newsletter polls.

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Address: 2940 Jutland Rd.

The Snug at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Dating back to 1954, The Snug Pub was the city’s first neighbourhood pub. With floor-to-ceiling ocean views, an inviting atmosphere, and a beautiful oceanfront patio, The Snug Pub pays homage to good food, good spirits, and incredible views all year. 

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Address: 1175 Beach Dr.

CRAFT Beer Market

Launched in Calgary in 2011, the CRAFT movement has been spreading across Canada ever since. The restaurant opened in Victoria in 2022 and has steadily gained popularity, primarily for its beautiful and large patio with harbour views, as well as for its daily food specials. The multi-level patio has an area that is covered, a games zone, and inviting fireplaces.

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Address: 450 Swift St.

More patio favourites:

Boomtown Burritos, Beer, and Garden Bar

One of the favourite downtown spots for locals, Boomtown brings together delicious, good quality food and vibes in a nice patio that’s always humming. Known for its burritos, Humboldt squid bowl, loaded tots, and local beer taps, this eatery has become a staple in Victoria’s food scene, especially in the summer. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch on the patio or settling in with friends while the sun sets, Boomtown delivers every time.

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Address: 950 Yates St.

Cafe Malabar

The beloved Kerala restaurant moved recently to a bigger space in the downtown core with one of the most pleasurable patios in the city, with beautiful harbour views. While their current menu retains esteemed staples like their popular Kerala tasting board, dosas, parottas, and the popular Kerala fried chicken, diners can expect some new items as the restaurant gets going. Visit at lunchtime or sunset for the most beautiful views.

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Address: 407 Swift St.

Finn’s Seafood, Chops & Cocktails

Situated inside a beautiful heritage building along the Inner Harbour, Finn’s offers a sophisticated West Coast dining experience with one of the best views in Victoria. With a focus on Ocean Wise seafood, the restaurant combines sustainability with fine dining. The large waterfront patio is a must in warmer months. Catch a beautiful sunset on Finn’s patio or opt for the covered lower deck patio for a delightful view.

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Address: 1208 Wharf St.

Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio

Located at the Inn at Laurel Point, Aura’s menu fuses global flavours with local ingredients, with standouts like the Fraser Valley duck breast and the pink swimming scallop linguine. Aura’s patio is the perfect spot to visit this summer for beautiful harbour views, and guests can go for a stroll afterwards. Don’t forget to grab dessert; they always make them right. 

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Address: 680 Montreal St.

Ferris’ Grill & Garden Patio

Ferris’ Grill is part of the treasured Ferris trio including Ferris’ Upstairs and Perro Negro. The Grill has long been a favourite for locals and visitors craving oysters, seafood, and laid-back West Coast fare. The restaurant has a beautiful and cozy garden patio, perfect for a laid-back night with great food.

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Address: 536 Yates St.

Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse

Just a short drive north of the city, Sea Cider offers a unique patio setting. Set on the cider farm with sweeping views of the orchard and ocean, the tasting room opens onto a spacious patio perfect for cider flights and light bites. It’s a serene escape from the city and a must-visit on spring and summer afternoons.

Sea Cider. Instagram

Address: 2487 Mt St Michael Rd.

Whistle Buoy Brewing Company

Ever since Whistle Buoy Brewing started making beer in 2019 in the courtyard of historic Market Square, it has become a staple for locals. It brings a fun, casual energy to the downtown scene, along with great beer. The patio is open-air, dog-friendly, and often buzzing with live music, food pop-ups, food trucks, and small-batch beer releases. It’s an easygoing spot to unwind in the sun with friends with a rotating pint in hand or a beer flight to taste a little bit of everything. 

Whistle Buoy Patio. Instagram

Address: 63-560 Johnson St.

Helmed by Fire Masters finalist Chef Milton Rebello and ceramic artist-chef Louise Lu, Liv Café and Bistro is a cozy addition to Oak Bay, offering globally inspired dishes focusing on freshness, simplicity, and seasonality. Currently open Wednesday to Sunday from 9am to 2pm, the café offers pastries and an extensive lunch menu on weekdays, as well as a fun, exciting brunch menu on weekends.

In just its second week, Liv Café and Bistro is already drawing locals into its bright, welcoming space. The team just received its liquor license and soon will be offering a refreshing lineup of brunch-concentrated summer drinks, including house-made craft sodas, mimosas, spritzers, ciders, and craft beers.

So, why Oak Bay? “We always wanted to own and operate a neighbourhood bistro,” the Rebello shared with Tasting Victoria. “A place close to the ocean, with lots of walking traffic—where both patrons and staff can either walk or cycle to our restaurant”. 

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Chef Milton Rebello brings an extraordinary culinary background, having lived and worked in 10 countries before settling in Canada. His resume spans Fairmont Hotels, the Carnival Cruise Line, New York Times four-star restaurants, and even the royal service team for Saudi Arabian Airlines. He holds the prestigious Canadian Certified Chef de Cuisine designation and is a two-time Gold Medal Plates winner.

Alongside him is Louise Lu, a chef and ceramic artist whose creative touch adds an artisanal dimension to both the food and the ambiance. Together, they’ve created a menu that celebrates the flavours they’ve experienced across the globe, from their travels to the places they've called home. Many ingredients come directly from their little farm in Saanich, including vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers.

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Named after their daughter, Liv Café and Bistro is a heartfelt project. “The menus are going to change with the seasons and based on the availability of the freshest local ingredients,” they say. Dinner service is expected to launch in the second week of June.

Whether you’re stopping in for a weekday lunch, a vibrant weekend brunch, or soon, a seasonal dinner paired with a craft spritz, Liv Café and Bistro promises not just a meal, but an experience.

Address: 713 St. Patrick St.

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Fern Café and Bakery/Instagram

Bright green, boldly earthy, and refreshingly smooth, iced matcha lattes are having a moment—especially as the weather warms up. While matcha has its roots in centuries-old Japanese tea ceremonies, it’s now become a modern café staple across the globe. In Victoria, where the café scene is thriving year-round, iced matcha lattes offer the perfect balance of tradition and trend: full-bodied, antioxidant-rich, and visually stunning.

We asked our newsletter readers where they go for the best iced matcha lattes in town, and they delivered. Whether you’re a longtime matcha lover or just getting into it, an iced matcha latte is a perfect seasonal sip—and local cafés are stepping up their game with creative twists and high-quality matcha. Here’s where to find some of the best in the city:

Township Coffee Co.

Located in Gordon Head, Township Coffee Co. is known for its welcoming atmosphere and quality beverages. Their matcha latte is made with the locally milled JagaSilk matcha, an Okumidori blend that grows slower than most cultivars, allowing the plant to focus and draw out flavour rich oils. The technique JagaSilk uses brings out the brilliant chlorophyll content, velvety mouthfeel, and floral aroma. Its tasting notes are white peach, pine nuts, and fiddleheads.

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Address: 4343 Tyndall Ave. 

Wairua Cafe

The newest coffee shop in Victoria, Wairua, emphasizes mindfulness and quality in its offerings. Their matcha latte is made with Genuine Tea, a Canadian family-owned tea company that makes high-quality tea. Its matcha is premium quality, produced in Uji, Japan, for generations, promising an authentic, ceremonial-grade matcha journey.

The cafe offers a regular matcha latte on the menu, a vanilla matcha latte, and a spring feature strawberry matcha latte. 

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Address: 1040 N Park St. 

Just Matcha Tea Shop

Right next door to Fan Tan Alley, Just Matcha Tea Shop specializes in all things matcha. The tea shop uses high-quality, bright green matcha sourced from Uji, Japan, in its matcha lattes, creating a product that is flavourful and satisfying. The tea shop also has a wide selection of matcha for sale as well as vegan matcha soft-serve ice cream. 

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 Address: 544 Pandora Ave.

Routine Coffee and Supply

Routine Coffee and Supply provides excellent beverages, including a well-balanced and flavourful iced matcha option. Their ceremonial grade matcha is from Cultivate Tea, a Vancouver-based tea shop sourcing tea from small producers who continue to find ways of maintaining traditional methods of harvesting and making tea throughout China. Routine’s matcha latte is made with agave and your choice of milk.

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Address: 1036 Fort St.

JagaSilk

This tea shop downtown is a micro tea bar dedicated to the art of matcha. They source directly from Japanese farmers and mill their matcha in-house, ensuring freshness and quality. They have many different kinds of teas and offer a unique and special experience when trying them out. Make sure to check out their hours before visiting because they are very limited. 

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Address: 633 Courtney St. 

Fern Café and Bakery

This plant-based café in North Park is popular for their unique and trending menu items. Aside from the classic matcha latte and the maple matcha latte​ on the menu, they are currently featuring a creative take on the classic with their iced mango matcha latte. The blend of earthy matcha and sweet mango provides a refreshing twist, perfect for warm days. 

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Address: 1115 N Park St. 

Flourish BeauTea

With locations downtown and in Langford, Flourish BeauTea offers carbonated fruit tea incorporated with fresh fruit, unique blends of coffee, and delicious desserts. Their strawberry matcha latte has become very popular, combining grassy notes of matcha with the sweetness of real strawberry chunks. Another highlight is their Uji Matcha Latte, offering a more traditional flavour profile.

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Address:
667 Fort St.
105-2830 Peatt Rd. 

Milano Coffee

Just up from the Inner Harbour on Government Street, Milano Coffee offers iced matcha lattes known for their rich, earthy flavour and smooth texture. They have seasonal features like the strawberry matcha latte. Pair it with a slice of their carrot cake for a delightful treat.

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Address: 817 Government St. 

Mother’s Day Brunch/LURE Victoria (Instagram)

From flower workshops to elegant brunches and local markets, there’s no shortage of ways to spoil the moms in your life this weekend. Here are some of the most delightful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Victoria.

Mother’s Day Craft Market at Bilston Creek Farm

Wander through blooming lavender fields while browsing handcrafted goods at Bilston Creek Farm’s beloved annual Mother’s Day Craft Market. With live music, tasty treats, and artisan vendors in a breathtaking setting, it’s the perfect countryside escape to kick off the weekend.

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When: Fri. May 9, Sat. May 10, & Sun. May 11

Mother’s Day Dinner at Rabbit Rabbit

Treat yourself—and your mom—to an unforgettable evening at Rabbit Rabbit on Mother’s Day weekend. The kitchen will be serving a special three-course menu from executive chef Billy Nguyen, combining playful creativity with seasonal flair. Start with a carrot tart tatin layered with pea pesto and herb salad, followed by sablefish nestled in miso risotto with crispy leeks. For dessert, indulge in a silken tofu chocolate mousse with yuzu berry compote and a thyme-black pepper crumb.

Vegetarian options are available, and the à la carte menu will be offered as well.

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When: Fri. May 9 & Sat. May 10

Mother’s Day Market at Langford Station

This family-friendly market features over 20 local makers and offers plenty of interactive fun. From getting a gift for mom to enjoying a complimentary tea garden to snacking on delicious eats, Langford Station is making Mother’s Day memorable.

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When: Sat. May 10 

Mother’s Day Brunch at The Courtney Room

The Courtney Room is pulling out all the stops with a Mother’s Day brunch featuring a specially curated menu of local and seasonal delights. An à la carte menu and special features will be available. Gluten-free options are available as well, and you can add a floral touch to Mom’s experience with a beautiful bouquet add-on.

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When: Sun. May 11

Mother’s Day Brunch at Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Elevate your celebration with a luxurious brunch overlooking the ocean at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Indulge in chef-crafted dishes and enjoy the serene ambiance of one of Victoria’s most iconic seaside escapes. The elegant brunch buffet features everything from freshly shucked oysters and artisan charcuterie to lemon ricotta pancakes, prime rib, and a trio of gourmet eggs benedicts. End on a sweet note with handcrafted desserts like jasmine panna cotta, espresso cheesecake bombs, and pavlova with mixed berries.

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When: Sun. May 11

Mother’s Day Brunch at The Westin Bear Mountain

Celebrate with a beautiful view and yummy food at Callisto Restaurant, where executive chef Dylan Casimiro will be serving a seasonal two-course menu that highlights fresh, locally inspired flavours. Begin with standouts like the Dungeness crab bisque, followed by mains such as chicken supreme glazed with Madeira or AAA prime roast beef, cooked to perfection. For a sweet finish, opt for the classic tiramisu—layers of mascarpone mousse, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and cocoa.

Two brunch seatings are available, 10:30am or 12pm, or book a dinner reservation between 5pm and 9pm.

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When: Sun. May 11

Mother’s Day Brunch at Brentwood Bay Resort

Celebrate Mother's Day with a delicious brunch at Brentwood Bay Resort. The carefully curated buffet features fresh and light starters like ripe seasonal fruit, Greek yogurt, and house-made granola, complemented by fresh-baked muffins, pastries, and desserts, including select gluten-free and vegan treats. Brunch classics are elevated with fluffy cage-free scrambled eggs, sizzling bacon, maple pork sausage, and savoury Field Roast plant-based sausage. Guests can indulge in mini pancake bites with maple syrup or pearl sugar waffles topped with wild blueberry and lavender compote and chantilly cream.​

Eggs Benedict lovers can choose between the traditional Blackstone Eggs Benedict and the plant-forward Lions Mane Benedict. The chilled seafood bar offers a coastal-inspired spread featuring fresh oysters, pink scallops, Salt Spring Island mussels, Spot Prawn cocktail, Dungeness crab legs, and candied smoked salmon, paired with cocktail sauce and herb-drawn butter. 

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When: Sun. May 11

Mother’s Day Flower Workshop at Emmaline’s

Join Atelier Floral at Emmaline’s Restaurant for a hands-on floral design experience. Guests will create their own lush arrangements while enjoying BC wine and charcuterie, including a selection of cheese, cured meats, bread and dips to enjoy in this charming space—a perfect treat for the creative mom.

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When: Sun. May 11

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at LURE

LURE Restaurant & Bar is offering a decadent West Coast buffet with everything from fresh seafood to sweet baked goods, all served with panoramic views of the Inner Harbour. Upon arrival, every guest will have a sparkling welcome drink, and every mother will receive a bespoke blend of artisanal bath salts, thoughtfully handcrafted by Wychbury Ave Soaps. Savour an exquisite gourmet buffet showcasing an elegant selection of salads, indulgent entrées, and desserts.

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When: Sun. May 11

Prix Fixe Mother’s Day Brunch at Fathom

Fathom Restaurant at Hotel Grand Pacific presents a three-course prix fixe menu showcasing seasonal ingredients and West Coast flavours. To begin the meal, guests can choose from fresh, raw oysters; a smoked salmon dish featuring both smoked and confit preparations; or a burrata salad. For the second course, guests can go for a truffle crepe layered with a medley of wild and cultivated mushrooms; lobster Florentine with Nova Scotia lobster, poached eggs, a bed of spinach, silky hollandaise, and fresh spring greens; or the English breakfast: cured and smoked pork belly, crispy rosti, confit tomatoes, creamy cannellini beans, and a fried egg. 

To end the meal on a sweet and memorable note, the third course features an exquisite assortment of French pâtisserie. 

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When: Sun. May 11

Family-Style Brunch at Rudi

Gather around the table at Rudi for a cozy, family-style brunch served with bubbles For a floral twist, add a bouquet from Petal Palette Florals to your table. This relaxed yet refined experience is perfect for celebrating with flair.

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When: Sun. May 11

Mother’s Day High Chai at Kinu

Skip the planning and treat Mom to a serene and stylish afternoon at Kinu’s Mother’s Day High Chai—an inspired twist on the traditional high tea. This curated experience includes your choice of tea or coffee alongside a beautifully presented three-tier snack tower filled with delightful bites (details to come, but expect something special).

Three seatings are available—11am, 1pm, and 3pm—and space is limited, so early reservations are encouraged.

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When: Sun. May 11

Mother’s Day Buffet Lunch at The Butchart Gardens

Celebrate in one of Victoria’s most iconic locations with a seasonal lunch buffet at the Blue Poppy Restaurant. Surrounded by spectacular floral displays, this sought-after experience is already on a waitlist—so if you’re lucky enough to have a spot, enjoy every blooming moment.

The lunch buffet includes assorted charcuterie and cheese, salads, small bites, hot items like chicken tinga taquitos, eggs shakshuka, baked French toast, chilled seafood, sweets, and more.

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When: Sun. May 11 (waitlist only)

Mother’s Day Brunch at The Irish Times Pub

Celebrate Mom in true Irish fashion with brunch at The Irish Times. This downtown favourite is offering a Mother's Day menu with hearty classics, live music, and a cozy pub atmosphere that makes everyone feel like family. Whether you're raising a pint or sipping on mimosas, it's a spirited way to toast the day.

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When: Sun. May 11

Mother’s Day Brunch at Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio

Celebrate Mother's Day with a globally inspired brunch at Aura, offering a culinary experience as stunning as the waterfront views.​ Begin with a selection of fresh starters, including rhubarb yogurt parfait with wildflower honey oats and vanilla-poached rhubarb or coconut key lime chia pudding adorned with shaved coconut, almonds, maple, and passionfruit. Indulge in brioche French toast topped with caramelized banana, dulce de leche, brown butter pecan praline, and strawberries.​ Savour a variety of savoury dishes such as classic eggs benedict or opt for the dungeness crab cake. Other highlights include the duck confit hash bowl and the West Coast omelette.

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When: Sun. May 11

Music & Bubbles with Mom at Averill Creek Vineyard

Treat mom to a sparkling afternoon at Averill Creek Vineyard. Enjoy live jazz from the beloved Edie Daponte while sipping on Charme de L’île sparkling wine by the glass. With golden-hour ambiance and music in the air, it’s the perfect post-brunch escape.

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When: Sun. May 11

More restaurants doing Mother’s Day events and brunches:

• Penny Farthing Pub 

• Part and Parcel

• Ithaka Greek Restaurant

• Victoria Cider Co. 

• Boom + Batten

• Artisan Bistro

Pambazo de Pollo. Ay Mi Mexico’s Instagram.

In the last few years, Victoria’s Mexican food scene has seen a major transformation. What was once a city with only a handful of Mexican fusion options has evolved into a destination for truly authentic, flavour-packed Mexican cuisine. From handmade tortillas and slow-cooked birria to hearty soups and house-made salsas, restaurants across the city are delivering dishes that reflect the depth and diversity of Mexican food.

Ay Mi Mexico is one of the authentic Mexican eateries in the city, located at the Craigflower Foods Market. Established by the husband-and-wife duo Luis and Amanda Cabello, the eatery has quickly become a local favourite for traditional Mexican street food. Luis is originally from Mexico City, and his wife, Amanda, is originally from Edmonton. Luis’s family owned a restaurant, and that’s where Amanda became well-acquainted with more traditional Mexican food like barbacoa.

Five years ago, the couple moved to Victoria, and though Luis has been in the industry for more than a decade, Ay Mi Mexico is the first place of his own and the first restaurant job Amanda has ever had.

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Their goal is to bring Mexican street food to Victoria. My personal favourite? Birria pambazo. Authentic, flavourful, filling, and different from anything else in the Victoria Mexican food scene. 

The menu at Ay Mi Mexico features a variety of traditional dishes, including birria tacos, barbacoa, cochinita pibil, pambazos, and sopes. These offerings have garnered praise from patrons, earning the restaurant a 4.9 out of 5 rating based on 324 Google reviews. 

Operating hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 11am to 7pm. For those seeking authentic Mexican flavours in Victoria, Ay Mi Mexico offers a genuine culinary experience that reflects the rich traditions of Mexican street food.

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aymimexicobc.com

Address:
811 Craigflower Rd.

Blooming Bites. Instagram.

Made famous on TikTok, this viral treat—loaded with pistachio cream, tahini, and crispy kataifi (a dessert made with shredded pastry dough, also called kunafa)—first took off in Dubai and quickly sparked a global obsession. Now, you can find versions of the iconic chocolate bar (and those luxe pistachio-stuffed strawberries) right here in Victoria. Here's where to get your fix:

Syriana Restaurant

The Syrian restaurant located in Esquimalt started making fresh pistachio butter and their own take on the viral Dubai chocolate bars early this year.

Dubai Chocolate from Syriana Restaurant. Facebook.

Address: 2-1258 Esquimalt Rd. 

Niloo Persian Restaurant

The Persian restaurant in Royal Oak has introduced the famous Dubai chocolate strawberry pistachio cups on their menu. The cup comes with juicy strawberries, rich chocolate drizzle, and a crunchy pistachio topping.

The restaurant also offers Dubai chocolate pistachio kunafa ganache and Dubai chocolate pistachio kunafa mega cookies.

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Address: 4440 W Saanich Rd. 

Gigi’s Italian 

The specialty food grocer in Cordova Bay has a Canadian-made Dubai chocolate bar available in stores. The Flaveur brand gourmet milk chocolate bar is filled with smooth, nutty pistachio paste and kunafa. 

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Address: 5118 Cordova Bay Rd.

Blooming Bites in Cedar Hill has the Dubai strawberry cups on their menu: strawberries drizzled with chocolate fondue, in-house pistachio spread, and kunafa.

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Address: 1630 Cedar Hill Cross Rd. 

Opening soon: Berry Sweet

A new food truck by the popular Greek N Go team is opening soon and will offer a varied menu of dessert cups, including the option to build your own. One of the cups is the Dubai Deluxe: fresh strawberries, milk chocolate, pistachio cream, and crispy kataifi.

Aside from the cups, the food truck will have cinnamon buns and one of them is a Dubai version: with pistachio cream, milk chocolate, and crispy kataifi.

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Address: Find them at the Sidney Street Market this summer, and they are hoping to find a spot at the Inner Harbour as well. Stay tuned. 

Maria’s Cakery

The new kiosk bakery at Hillside Shopping Centre has its own version of a Dubai chocolate chunk cookie: crunchy kataifi filling with pistachio cream and milk chocolate. It also has a Dubai chocolate crookie: croissant filled with the same cookie filling, pistachio cream, kataifi, and milk chocolate.

Maria’s Cakerie Dubai Chocolate Cronut. Provided.

Maria’s Cakerie Dubai Chocolate Cookies. Provided.

Address: 1644 Hillside Ave. 

Purdy’s Chocolatier 

The Vancouver-based company has introduced a luxurious new treat to select locations: the Dubai Bark. Inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bar, this handcrafted confection features a centre of pistachio cream and crispy kataifi pastry, enveloped in layers of velvety milk chocolate. 

In Victoria, the Dubai Bar will be available starting May 7 at the Purdy’s Shop at Mayfair Shopping Centre. 

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Address: 3147 Douglas St.

Showcase

You can find Canadian-made Oasis Treasures Dubai Chocolate bars at Showcase in Hillside Shopping Centre and Tillicum Centre. Flavours include chocolate pistachio kataifi, cookies and cream, red velvet, Arabica coffee, and more. 

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Address: 1644 Hillside Ave. and 3170 Tillicum Rd.

Red Fish Blue Fish. Website.

Surrounded by the waters of the Pacific, Victoria is a paradise for seafood lovers. From freshly shucked oysters to perfectly seared salmon and indulgent seafood platters, the city is home to an incredible selection of eateries and restaurants that showcase the best of West Coast cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a casual spot with fish and chips by the harbour, fish tacos in the park, or an elevated dining experience, these seafood hot spots promise the freshest flavours and expertly crafted dishes. Here are the top seafood restaurants in Victoria that you won’t want to miss.

Red Fish Blue Fish

For the third year in a row, Red Fish Blue Fish takes the top spot for seafood and is increasingly becoming a destination for visitors from around the globe. Expect fresh and mouthwatering seafood, locally and sustainably sourced, and you always get a great view of the Inner Harbour while dining al fresco on the dock beside the shipping container where the magic is made.

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Our Pick:
Albacore tuna tacone

Address:
1006 Wharf St. 

Finest at Sea

The Finest at Sea Food Truck is no exception when it comes to high-quality seafood crafted for its loyal customers. All the classics are available to enjoy and savour—from fish tacos, fish and chips, seafood chowder, and more. It’s been said by many that Finest at Sea serves the best fish and chips in Victoria. Whether you’re in a rush or looking to chill and relax, this food truck is guaranteed to serve up fast and delicious seafood.

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Our Pick:
Halibut and chips

Address:
27 Erie St.

Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar

Toptable Group's newest restaurant Marilena is the elevated dining experience Victoria has been anticipating for years. The menu is crafted of West Coast cuisine with local and globally sourced seafood paired with high-quality sustainable ingredients that adhere to the highest standards. The restaurant finished first as the best new restaurant in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list.

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Our Pick:
Miso glazed sablefish

Address:
1525 Douglas St.

Other nominated restaurants in the seafood category:

Ferris' Oyster Bar

Ferris' Oyster Bar is a cornerstone of Victoria's dining scene, renowned for its fresh seafood and inviting atmosphere. The establishment offers a diverse menu that caters to various tastes, from succulent oysters to hearty burgers. Housed in a historic building, Ferris' provides a unique ambiance that combines rustic charm with modern flair.​

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Our Pick:
Freshly shucked oysters

Address:
536 Yates St.​

Nautical Nellies Steak & Seafood House

Since 1997, Nautical Nellies has been a premier destination for steak and seafood lovers in Victoria. Overlooking the Inner Harbour, the restaurant boasts a heated patio and a cozy interior. Guests can indulge in a variety of fresh, local, OceanWise sustainable seafood and well-aged, hand-cut premium Angus steaks. The oyster bar offers a large selection of fresh oysters from the Pacific Northwest and East Coast. ​

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Our Pick:
Lobster

Address:
1001 Wharf St.​

Finn's Seafood, Chops & Cocktails

Finn's Seafood, Chops & Cocktails is a top-rated seafood restaurant located in a historic red brick building overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbour. The restaurant offers a menu featuring fresh seafood, AAA house-cut steaks, and a variety of other dishes to cater to diverse tastes, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Guests can enjoy their meals on the beautiful patio, soaking in incredible views of the Inner Harbour and parliament buildings. 

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Our Pick:
Lobster spaghetti

Address:
1208 Wharf St.​

If your favourite seafood spot isn’t on this list, please send your recommendations to info@tastingvictoria.com. We would love to feature them in our weekly newsletter.

If you’d like to see the winners for the 17 other categories in the Tasting Victoria Best Restaurant Awards, check out the list here.