Your food guide to Dine Around 2021 Victoria
JANUARY 14 - FEBRUARY 7, 2021
January 11th, 2021Burger Crush just opened a new Victoria storefront
Hey Burger Crush fans, Burger Crush just opened their new location at 787 Fort Street.
January 6th, 202112 of the most Instagrammable restaurants around Victoria
If it’s not on your story, did it even happen?
January 4th, 2021Victoria's best new restaurants of 2020
It’s been a difficult year for restaurants. They had to adapt and reinvent themselves to be able to work according to the new COVID-19 restrictions. But despite it all, great restaurants joined Victoria’s culinary scene this year. These are Victoria’s best new restaurants of 2020.
December 31st, 2020Dine in or take out: Victoria restaurants celebrating New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
A lot of Victoria restaurants are offering New Year’s Eve dinners and New Year’s Day brunch: for dine in or take out. Here are a few ways to celebrate in Victoria.
December 29th, 2020Finding community and delicious pizza at MOD Pizza: a pizzeria where happiness is a slice away
In the heart of the Langford community you’ll find MOD Pizza: a pizzeria that prides itself on quality pizza and community involvement; a pizza joint where everyone and anyone is welcome. At MOD Pizza, good vibes and great food go hand in hand.
December 21st, 202015 Victoria restaurants serving Christmas Dinner (Dine in and To-Go)
The holidays will be different in some ways this year, but there are always good reasons to celebrate and enjoy. There are tons of Victoria restaurants offering Christmas dinners: for dine in or take out. Here are some of them to make your December 25 complete.
December 17th, 2020Bar 500 Eatery opened its doors in the Oswego Hotel in James Bay
Southern Italian inspired, with an innovative and global influence, Bar 500 Eatery showcases local and sustainable products, true cocktails, smart wines and Whistle Buoy draught.
December 4th, 2020Victoria welcomes acclaimed Executive Chef Ken Nakano
Inn at Laurel Point is delighted to welcome acclaimed Executive Chef Ken Nakano to its renowned gastronomic team.
December 3rd, 2020Tacofino Victoria! Moved to a new location downtown
Tacofino Victoria said goodbye to their Fort Street location. They are now open at their new and bigger space.
December 1st, 2020Ramen Joints in Victoria to Try This Holiday Season; Comfort Food Like No Other
Were you ever or still one of those people who adored Mr. Noodles? Well, ramen is on a whole other level! Ramen is a traditional Chinese noodle dish, served with soup, vegetables, meat and usually a hard boiled egg. Filled with so much flavour, ramen is a choice pick on any given day. Check out these four Ramen hot spots for a tasting experience that’s out of this world.
November 30th, 2020Recipe: Crispy Baked Shrimp Balls
The holiday season may be marked by festive decorations, cool weather, and tasty holiday cookies. But most importantly, this season brings lots of delicious holiday appetizers! While we may not be going to big parties with friends and family this year, we can still treat ourselves with some delicious home cooked food, including my recipe for Crispy Baked Shrimp Balls!
November 29th, 2020Bubby Rose’s Bakery and Café just opened a new downtown location
This is their 4th location including two spots on Cook street and one in James Bay.
November 27th, 2020Drop Coffee Service: the coffee service we’ve all been waiting for
Do you know where your next cup of coffee is coming from? Wouldn’t it be nice if someone just brought it to you?
November 26th, 20206 Ways to Use Your Tasting Victoria X Nature Bee Wraps (PLUS a Giveaway!)
So, you managed to get your hands on the limited edition Tasting Victoria X Nature Bee Wraps. Congratulations, you now own what will quickly become one of your best friends in the kitchen!
November 23rd, 2020First Look: Tres Gourmet Bakery and Cafe
A new cafe concept opened this summer on Broad Street and if you haven’t visited this gem yet, it’s time to make some eating plans.
November 17th, 2020Holiday offerings at Chocolats Favoris
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
November 16th, 2020Dumpling Drop opens its doors in Victoria’s Chinatown
The 556A Pandora Avenue eatery is officially open.
November 13th, 2020Faro Lane brings a new take on Victoria patio season
Oak Bay Beach Hotel just introduced FARO Lane, an extension of FARO Handcrafted Pizza and Tasting Room’s outdoor patio, brought indoors.
November 3rd, 2020Best breakfast sandwiches in Victoria
It’s hard to beat a good breakfast sandwich in the morning, whether it’s a simple brioche with a perfectly cooked egg and melted cheese or a towering concoction of Eggos and crisp bacon. There are countless variations on this classic, all of which provide the perfect fuel to get your motor running on these cooler fall days. Victoria is a city steeped in brunch restaurants and swimming in great breakfast sandwiches. Lucky us! Keep reading for some of our favourites, plus one intriguing honourable mention.
November 2nd, 20208 places to get spooky Halloween treats in Victoria
Spooky season is here! If you’d like to enjoy some treats from Victoria local businesses to celebrate the holiday, here are 10 places where you’ll find some spooky treats! Let us know which one you end up getting.
October 28th, 2020Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup With Crispy Tofu Crumble
Now that it’s officially fall, the time has come for cozy sweaters, hot chocolate, and comforting bowls of creamy soup. Though I’m not a vegan, I make this recipe regularly because it’s delicious, healthy, and inexpensive -- not to mention very easy.
October 26th, 2020Pumpkin Spice Everything - Where to find the best pumpkin spice treats this fall
Are you obsessed with Pumpkin Spice as much as we are? There are delicious Pumpkin Spice treats in Victoria, from pumpkin tarts, pumpkin cheesecakes, pumpkin donuts, and even pumpkin spice cocktails! There are some vegan pumpkin treats too. Here are the ultimate pumpkin spice treats you need to try in Victoria
October 23rd, 2020Taste of Japan in a Cup!
Paradise Parfait does pop-up each month with their one signature parfait and uses local and organic ingredients whenever it is available and possible. Parfait is simply described as an alternating layer of several ingredients such as chocolates, ice cream, fruits, granola, whipped cream, the possibilities are just endless and paved in a tall cup or glass.
October 22nd, 202012 Victoria Restaurants serving Thanksgiving Dinner (Dine in or To-Go)
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we may be celebrating it a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a good Thanksgiving Dinner. Here are some Victoria restaurants that will do the cooking for you, whether you choose to dine-in (tables of six or fewer only) or do take-out.
October 7th, 2020Best Japanese and Sushi Restaurants to Try This Fall!
Craving some Sushi and or Japanese food? Looking to start Fall off with discovering new delicious restaurants and food? Then give these five hot spots in and around Victoria a try! These restaurants and their atmospheres are diverse and range from casual eateries to fun spots to go on a night out with friends. Some of these spots in Victoria offer take-out and or patio service and dine in. Check out these splendid restaurants for fun flavour-filled adventures!
October 6th, 2020First Look: Flourish BeauTea
Hey FAM, there’s a new tea cafe in town — Flourish BeauTea. Located in Downtown Victoria, this spot offers carbonated fruit tea incorporated with fresh fruit, unique blends of coffee and light refreshments.
September 28th, 2020The King of Market Square: The Making of Los Panas Kitchen
It’s a busy summer afternoon at the historic centre of Market Square in downtown Victoria. Down in the lower courtyard, people line up to grab a seat on the patio of local brewing company Whistle Buoy. With the brewery’s varied selection of drinks and surrounded by food pop-ups, the crowd sits back and soaks up the sun. A tricolour food cart stands in the left corner of the patio, showing off the vivid red, blue, and yellow colours of the Venezuelan flag. Every Friday and Saturday afternoon, Los Panas Kitchen set up and open up their business to serve authentic Venezuelan arepas.
September 11th, 2020Island Holiday at The Fairmont Empress - A magical experience
Millions of people have had to cancel their holiday plans, meaning that the Victoria tourism industry has taken a massive hit. But, why not do a Staycation in your own town? Victoria is a beautiful city, people all over the world come to visit and explore all Victoria has to offer and we could definitely take the time to appreciate all we have around us while supporting the local economy.
August 27th, 2020First Look: ASH Refillery & Co.
Cook Street Village’s newest kids on the block are here to make incorporating sustainability in your daily lifestyle even more easy and accessible.
August 17th, 2020Grocery shopping a little more Low-waste
Being environmentally conscious when out in the community is equally important as making good choices at home and in the kitchen. There are a ton of environmentally friendly restaurants in town so what can we do at home?
August 12th, 2020Recipe: Cypriot Cooking - Halloumi-Mint Scones
Cypriot cuisine has a Mediterranean allure, mixing Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours and ingredients. It is similar to Greek food, but say where a Greek recipe might use dill, the Cypriot recipe might use mint instead. I am thrilled to be sharing this recipe in the run up to the release of my cookbook coming out September 27 called Cypriot Cooking.
July 28th, 2020Recipe: Cypriot Cooking - Garden Greens Phyllo Pie
I have been a big fan of the Tasting Victoria platform for awhile now. So I am thrilled to be sharing two recipes in the run up to the release of my cookbookcoming out September 27 called Cypriot Cooking. Cypriot cuisine has a Mediterranean allure, mixing Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours and ingredients. It is similar to Greek food, but say where a Greek recipe might use dill, the Cypriot recipe might use mint instead.
July 23rd, 2020Recipe: Gochujang Chicken Wings
If you can’t decide between spicy or sweet chicken wings, these Gochujang Chicken Wings are the best of both worlds! This recipe uses delicious Korean Gochujang paste, local honey, and a few other simple ingredients. These Gochujang Chicken Wings are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed at any occasion including a fancy cocktail party, on game day, or even on a weeknight!
July 19th, 2020Summer’s Calling! Burgers, Wraps, Treats and More! 5 Tasty Restaurants to Try this Summer
Have you been in search of some delicious casual restaurants and eateries to try? Well, look no further then these hot spots in Victoria. These popular restaurants are a ‘must try’ for any foodie or newbie to Victoria. Check out these restaurants, and you'll be dying to go back again!
July 16th, 20207 Ways to Start Your Morning Right in Cook Street Village
Nestled right by the ocean and Beacon Hill Park, you’ll find Cook Street Village tucked away in this beautiful, charming, tree-lined neighbourhood that’s brimming with history. With its array of coffee houses and bakeries, patios, restaurants, and local independent shops, there’s always something for both locals and visitors alike.
July 9th, 2020The Making Of: Blue Nile East African Restaurant
Opening a restaurant is never easy, especially in a place like Victoria where the restaurants per capita is said to be the highest in Canada. Add to the mix two broken arms, a baby expected to arrive any day, and a cuisine relatively unknown to most of the city’s residents, and you get a whole lot of nerves.
July 7th, 2020The best spots in Victoria to grab a bite/drink after a run, long hike or bike ride
There’s nothing quite so satisfying as capping off a long hike or bike ride with a delicious meal, fresh cup of coffee, or sweet treat. In Victoria, we’re lucky to have both an abundance of beautiful hiking and biking trails and a collection of restaurants and cafes designed to serve them. Keep reading for some of our favorites.
June 28th, 2020Healthy & Easy Recipes For Home Cooking - ‘Vegan Explosion’ Addition
Plant-based, hearty and absolutely delicious! These healthy vegan recipes are not only easy to follow but produce wholesome and amazingly satisfying dishes! Whether you're a meat eater, a seafood connoisseur or a vegan yourself, these recipes are a fun and healthy incorporation into any diet!
June 18th, 2020Recipe: Cast Iron Pan Pizza
If you’ve never made bread from scratch before, homemade pizza is an easy way to break into making your own dough for the first time. It’s nearly impossible to go wrong, and even if you do, the sauce, cheese, and toppings are there to cover for you! This recipe requires no kneading at all, and the timing is incredibly flexible. You can make the dough up to 4 or 5 days in advance, whenever you have some free time, and just let it chill out (no pun intended) in the fridge until pizza day.
June 9th, 20206 Local Gift Ideas you’ll Love
When you’re buying a gift for someone, you’re not just acquiring an object. An item they’ll love or an experience they’ll cherish in years to come are gestures that show that special person that you’re thinking about them. Gifts are a way of keeping in touch with them and bringing a little happiness to their day, wherever they may be.
June 5th, 20205 picnic-spiration spots in Victoria
As BC navigates Phase 2 of re-opening amidst COVID-19 and warmer weather becomes more frequent, making a picnic out of your favourite eateries is a perfect way to support them as much as possible while getting out of the house. Victoria is surrounded by gorgeous scenery so you never have to venture far to find an idyllic spot to enjoy some takeout--the hardest part is narrowing them down.
June 2nd, 20205 Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Upgrade Your At-Home Coffee
We’ve all been spending a lot more time at home this year, and whether this spring of isolation has been one of stress or boredom for you, a better cup of morning coffee is a surefire to boost your spirits. And it’s easier than you think! Read on for six easy ways to improve your morning brew, none of which costs more than a couple of jaunts to the Starbucks.
May 29th, 2020Top 5 Bakeries/Cafes in Victoria to Combat Your Sweet Tooth
Are you looking for new cafes and lunch spots around Victoria to try, whilst indulging in your sweet tooth? Well we have some of the top spots here in Victoria to satisfy all those cravings and awaken your inner foodie!
May 28th, 2020Four Great Falafels in Victoria
The very best are fried fresh to order, leaving them light and crispy rather than greasy -- and fortunately, Victoria has some great options!
May 20th, 2020Healthy & Easy Recipes For Home Cooking - ‘Asian Fusion’ Addition
Looking to expand your repertoire of recipes and explore new dishes? Try this collection of Asian fusion recipes! These dishes incorporate a wide array of ingredients and flavours to satisfy any palate and appetite. Widely tasty, healthy and easy; these simple to follow recipes do not disappoint!
May 14th, 2020Victoria Restaurants Offering Free and Discounted Goods for Healthcare Workers
It's National Nursing Week this week, and our community is very grateful to all those who risk themselves to help others. Local restaurants and food businesses are offering special healthcare discounts as appreciation and we are happy to share these offers with you!
May 11th, 2020Recipe - Rhubarb & Cream Cheese Danish
Treat your mom to a very special breakfast this Mother’s Day with these Rhubarb & Cream Cheese Danishes. While this recipe looks impressive, the use of store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe incredibly fast, and is simple enough for chefs of any age or cooking level to make!
May 7th, 2020Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Home
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations are just around the corner! Since part of the Tasting Victoria team is originally from Mexico, we couldn't help but share with you some local options, a guacamole recipe and a mexican playlist to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home!
May 3rd, 2020Recipe - Thai Red Curry Noodles
While we may have lots of time at home these days to cook and experiment with new recipes while staying at home, sometimes you just want a quick and easy meal made with just a few ingredients. Or even better, a quick and easy meal made with ingredients that you already have in your fridge and pantry!
April 23rd, 2020Victoria Lunch Spots to Order From if You’re Working From Home
Staying home as much as possible goes a long way, and helping out local restaurants while practicing self-isolation is one of the ways we can support the community that, not too long ago, was part of our everyday life.
April 16th, 2020Healthy & Easy Recipes For Home Cooking - ‘Feeling Fruity?’ Addition
Stuck at home and looking for some new recipes to try? These simple and healthy dishes will just do the trick; not only are they packed with tasty ingredients but they use foods that can fit any budget!
April 10th, 2020Bubble Tea in Victoria
From its chewy and sweet pearls, the tea based drinks and the right amount of ice and sugar, Bubble Tea is one of the favorite drinks of all time in Victoria
April 7th, 202013 Local Businesses that are Adapting to Coronavirus
Due to the current pandemic, many local businesses have had to close or reinvent themselves. Small businesses have moved quickly to make changes to survive and keep services relevant during this period of uncertainty. We can’t name them all, but here are our favourite iniciatives from local businesses.
April 3rd, 2020COVID -19 Guide for Local Restaurants and Food Businesses
The COVID-19 crisis took us by surprise, without any preparation. It is affecting everyone, in every industry. The restaurant and hospitality industries are without a doubt some of the most affected in Victoria.
March 31st, 2020Sausage, Kale & White Bean Soup
Today, I am sharing a one-pot recipe for Sausage, Kale and White Bean Soup. This recipe is simple to make and uses fresh and local ingredients! by Melissa from @seasonserveblog
March 22nd, 2020How to support Local Businesses during the COVID-19 Outbreak
COVID-19 has presented all of us with a big challenge. As we social distance ourselves, in order to help support local businesses, the people they employ and the charities they support, we can help by doing small things.
March 16th, 2020Our Dine Around & Stay in Town 2020 experience
Our 2020 Dine around experience: Victoria's biggest food and drink event, happening every January!
March 5th, 20208 Reasons why we love Fresh Prep - a local meal kit delivery service
We find too many obstacles when it comes to cooking to ourselves. Planning meals, finding the time to go to the market, looking for the best local ingredients, and cook them when we are already hungry.
March 4th, 2020Low Package Alternatives and Where to Find them
Are you also feeling guilty about the amount of disposable packaging in your life? Breaking up with this convenience isn’t easy, but there are other fish in the sea. Here are a few of my favourite local alternatives.
February 27th, 2020How to enjoy Brunch in a more Nourishing way
Balance is key! We interviewed Holistic Nutrition student Jimena Conde and here are her simple tips to enjoy brunch in balance.
February 20th, 202012 Brunch Spots to Visit in Victoria
Our favourite part about weekends is brunch! Here is a list of our favourite Brunch spots in Victoria.
February 13th, 2020Fresh, Delicious and Nutritious - A Hawaiian restaurant in Victoria - Poké Fresh
Video Interview with local entrepreneur Aviv Guy, owner of Poké Fresh in Cook St. Village.
February 4th, 2020The Most Romantic Restaurants in Victoria
Did you know Valentine's Day is the 2nd most popular holiday to dine out after Mother's Day? And it’s just around the corner!
January 30th, 2020BEST New Restaurants/Eats opened in 2019
Our city's food scene keeps growing and growing! We love that! These are our top favourite openings from last year!
January 23rd, 2020Who we are - Tasting Victoria
A description of who we are, what we do and why we do it!
January 23rd, 2020TOP Coffee Shops in Victoria
We asked our community and these are our top coffee shops in Victoria!
January 22nd, 2020
