Just a short ferry or plane ride away from Seattle, Victoria, B.C. is a spot worth sailing to. Although stunning through every season, spring time on the island has a particular flair. Bright pink cherry blossoms line the streets and the local, farm-to-table eats are at their peak. From sustainable seafood and organic produce at The Commons, to mystery breakfasts at Floyd’s Diner, to award-winning craft beer at Riot Brewing, to the sexiest cup of coffee you’ve ever seen at Cafe Fantastico—Victoria is the foodie heaven you didn’t know you needed to visit.

Restaurants

John’s Place
This spot was featured on You Gotta Eat Here!, so show up early if you want to secure a table at this Victoria hot spot. Those lineups reflect how locals feel about John’s Place—so worth the wait. Follow in Food Network’s footsteps by trying dishes like the Southwestern Meatloaf, Mile High Apple Pie, Belgian Waffles with made-in-house cream cheese syrup, and the restaurant’s best brunch seller, the Eggs Benedict.

Floyd’s Diner

At Floyd’s Diner, mow down on epic portions of breakfast staples like eggs benny, omelettes, hash skillets, and pancakes—or get a little wild and order the classic Mahoney, which is whatever the kitchen wants to make for you! You either pay the menu price for the meal or they will flip a coin for it; double or nothing. Either way, makes for a tasty brunch adventure. 

Be Love

For those with allergies or sensitivities, Be Love is the spot in Victoria. Nosh on organic, locally sourced, plant-based cuisine like their Spaghetti & Beet Balls or the Karma Bowl, all of which is wheat-, gluten-, dairy-, and processed sugar-free and made from scratch. Be Love also offers a variety of unique “superfood cocktails” like the Kombucha Whiskey Sour, made with Alberta premium rye, lemon juice, kombucha, turbinado sugar, and angostura bitters. Health and booze meshed into one? We’ll take it.

La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop

Made from traditional recipes and loaded with organic and sustainable ingredients, La Taqueria will satisfy that ever-lingering taco craving. Their soft tortilla tacos are homemade, with the real taste and feel of authentic Mexico. Picture yourself on a warm spring afternoon, stuffing your face with triple stacked nachos and an ice-cold craft island beer. Perfection.

The COMMONS

Serving up shucked oysters straight out of the inlet, sustainable salmon, as well as grass-raised livestock and organic produce (think fresh baby beets, fennel, garlic, turnips, and arugula) from their own farm, The COMMONS offers some of the best in fresh that Victoria has to offer. Bonus: They’re open late with a live, local DJ spinning after 10 p.m.—so you know you’re going to get your dance on.

Breweries and Brew Pubs

Riot Brewing Co.

Go for the beer, stay for the energy. If it isn’t obvious by the vibrant, skateboard-culture-inspired branding, Riot Brewing Co. is fun. And they make a damn good beer. Pack a picnic or order in from a nearby restaurant and choose from one of their award-winning beers, like the Good Vibrations Pilsner or the Sorry We Took So Long Saison; each aptly named after a story that the owners Aly and Ralf would love to tell you.

As one of the OG’s of craft brewing and sustainable serving in North America and Victoria’s only gastro brewpub, Spinnakers Brew Pub’s philosophy has always been that “great beer goes best with great food”—and they serve up both. From their farm-to-table salads, to their own deep well aquifer pure mineral water, to their island-brewed craft beer, their menu embodies local Victoria.

The Drake Eatery

With a menu packed with small plates perfect for nibbling and an extensive list of hard-to-find west coast draught taps to choose from (over 29!), the Drake Eatery is ready to test your decision making skills. The British pub-style counter service, high ceilings, and brick walls bare of TVs keeps the focus on good food, good beer, and good conversation. Feeling hungry? Order your table the Meat Board (coppa ham, chorizo, beef bresaola, pickle, and grainy mustard) and the Two Cheese and Stout Dip, served with a pretzel, chips, and fresh vegetables. Thank us later.

Coffee Shops

Cook & Pan Polish Delicatessen & Cafe

Coffee and pierogies? At Cook & Pan Polish Delicatessen & Cafe, the combination is king. A staple in the community for over 20 years, this Polish spot dishes up home-cooked meals, cakes, pastries, and smooth coffee (the locally roasted Fernwood) all within the heart of downtown Victoria in a restored heritage house. Their patio gets lots of sunlight, making this the perfect coffee and pastry pit stop for locals and city-explorers alike.

Caffe Fantastico

Built on a foundation of deep respect for the art of coffee, Caffe Fantastico serves up award winning java that is ethically sourced and roasted in their family-run roastery. Enjoy one of Victoria’s best cups of espresso, alongside locally focused dishes in some of Victoria’s most eclectic neighborhoods. They’re one of the leaders in the rising coffee movement, so this is one cup you need to sip. 

Finding a cozy spot to sit and munch on something delicious is as simple as rounding the corner in Victoria. And it’s so close to us! Plus, with spring finally showing its colours, now is the perfect time to head up to our neighbor to the north to delve into some of the best cuisine in B.C.