After what has felt like the longest winter, spring is here. It’s finally time to retire the sweaters and embrace the warmth of a West Coast spring. Whether you live in Colwood, Langford, or Sooke—or you want to explore outside of your neighbourhood—the Westshore has many fantastic patios to visit. From local beer and handcrafted cocktails to casual bites and West Coast-inspired dishes, there is a lot of great food and drinks to discover. With another spring spent staying local and with our bubbles, ring in the warmer weather and sunny days with our list of top Westshore patios.
April 16th, 2021Mike Rathjen started his farm-based winery Rathjen Cellars on the Saanich Peninsula in 2016, opened his tasting room in 2019, and produced just shy of 2,000 cases of wine in 2020. In this interview, Tasting Victoria catches up with Mike to learn about how he got started with wine, upcoming wine trends, and how you can get more involved in the local wine scene here in Victoria.
April 15th, 2021Spring is here and that means sunny days, blossoms, and patio season has now arrived. If you and your bubble find yourself around the Cook Street, Fairfield or Oak Bay areas, be sure to check out one of these patio spaces. With warmer weather and sunny days to come, sitting outside with your bubble at one of these restaurants is a splendid way to kick off the spring season. Each of these restaurants features a wide selection of menu choices. Whether you're looking to try out a new cocktail, burger or want to enjoy brunch with your bubble, one of the restaurants below is sure to offer a patio and food-worthy service.
April 8th, 2021Shafts are a staple drink here in Victoria. Despite the great debate of where the shaft originated, Victoria locals have claimed the drink as their own. The shaft usually consists of Kahlua, Baileys, vodka, coffee or espresso, and cream.
April 2nd, 2021With more vegans per capita than any other province, British Columbia is no stranger to plant-based eating. It’s no surprise that new vegan-friendly restaurants and menu items keep popping up as the movement has only picked up steam in recent years. Now, our local community is embracing its first and only 100% plant-based Indian restaurant, Delhi.
April 1st, 2021Vis-à-Vis, meaning “face to face” in French, offers a personalized and engaging experience. The stylish and quaint Vis-à-Vis Bouchon Bar is located in the heart of Oak Bay Village. Bouchon equates to a type of restaurant typically found in Lyon, France that serves traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. The emphasis in a bouchon is not necessarily on haute cuisine but rather a cordial and warm atmosphere. There are small tables and front-row seats at the bar, where visitors are able to interact with the bartender while sipping on a glass of wine, locally crafted beer, or signature cocktail.
March 31st, 2021Last year, we did not get the opportunity to celebrate Easter—a time usually spent with family, friends, and Mini Eggs. Even though we’re still in the midst of the pandemic, there are many ways that we can enjoy and celebrate Easter weekend this year. Celebrate Easter and the beginning of Spring with this list of local restaurants and businesses offering delicious Easter menus and tasty treats:
March 30th, 2021It’s time to get excited because chocolate Mini Egg season is here! Every year we have more delicious Mini Egg treats in the city, from Mini Egg ice cream, cookies, cheesecakes, macarons, and even Mini Egg chocolate bars! Here are the ultimate chocolate Mini Egg treats you need to try in Victoria.
March 28th, 2021A great way to support local restaurants is by ordering delivery directly. Here are some Victoria restaurants that do their own delivery.
March 27th, 2021It’s a well-known fact that Victorians truly enjoy patio season. With warmer temperatures and sunshine in the city, we've put together different series of guides of the best patios where you can soak up the sun and have a great meal this season! Whether you’re after delicious food, a great drink, or an incredible view, here are our top picks for patios in downtown Victoria. Follow along to see the best patios in other Victoria neighbourhoods.
March 24th, 2021There are three stages to a tasting, Laura Ritchie explains, if you want to do it properly. With six varieties of vermouth laid out from driest to sweetest in the middle of Clarke & Co’s rich wood-grain bar, we approach each one with all available senses.
March 24th, 2021Vancouver Island really knocked it out of the park, with an impressive five local eateries making the cut. Keep reading to find out what makes them all worthy of acclaim — and our insider’s pick for the must-try dish at each.
March 20th, 2021A visit to Deep Cove Winery is worthwhile for so many reasons and is a definite must for any wine lover’s bucket list. The stunning drive out to the winery, located in the Deep Cove community of North Saanich, is a pleasure in itself. Once there, you are bound to enjoy your time at the winery, along with the opportunity to meet the wonderful owners and hosts, Elyse and Tasem Ramadan.
March 19th, 2021Looking for a fresh new spot for happy hour drinks in Victoria? Well, one of these hot spot restaurants in the city is sure to offer you and your bubble a drink selection worthy of any kind of celebration. Some of these restaurants even offer happy hour food options, so you and your bubble can enjoy delicious food along with your choice of drinks.
March 18th, 2021Spring is just around the corner and we want to celebrate with a special treat for our readers!
March 16th, 2021It started with more than 160 beers from across the province, but Justin McElroy—CBC Vancouver’s famed ranker of all things—has whittled the list down to the top four beers in BC. Three of them are from Victoria.
March 11th, 2021Just days before COVID-19 induced a lockdown in British Columbia, an innovative new Indian restaurant had opened its doors in Victoria. Now, one year later, Taj: Taste of India remains open for business against all odds, and is ready to celebrate the light at the end of the tunnel with diners across the capital city.
March 10th, 2021Smoke & Mirrors Coffee Co. is a fascinating local company centred on the unusual trio of great coffee, charitable giving, and advanced science. Tasting Victoria was lucky enough to speak with two of the owners recently to find out all about how they started, what drives them, and what we can expect in the future.
March 5th, 2021Customer service is a term that can’t be ignored in the restaurant industry. Superior customer service, along with amazing food and ambiance, ensures that guests will want to return time and time again.
March 4th, 2021The famed apple fritter is perhaps the most socially acceptable pastry to eat for breakfast—because well… fruit. For many of us, the smell of cinnamon and apples encased in warm, sugary dough is enough to bring back happy, nostalgic memories.
March 2nd, 2021Become a part of the community with our email newsletter that brings food stories, events and exclusive content directly to your inbox every week. Sign up now and stay informed about what's happening in Victoria's food scene.
February 27th, 2021Come learn a new recipe from one of Canada’s most renowned chefs, Executive Chef Kristian Eligh from the TopTable Group. Chef Eligh is currently working on opening Victoria’s first TopTable restaurant and will be joined by Victoria Master Bartender Jayce Kadyschuk who will walk you through how to prepare a signature cocktail.
February 25th, 2021Workers say sexual harassment and assault are endemic among the city's bars and restaurants—and that their managers know it's happening
February 24th, 2021Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria has been extended! Locals can take advantage of this fantastic culinary program and support local businesses by enjoying a wide range of culinary experiences and then staycationing at world-class accommodations offering special rates.
February 23rd, 2021A terrific way to start the day is a visit to The Beach House Café in beautiful Cordova Bay.
February 20th, 2021With its mouth-watering combination of melted cheese, savoury toppings, and crispy crust, pizza serves a powerful punch. Whether it’s loaded with various veggies, packed to the brim with meats, or garnished with the controversial pineapple topping, pizza reigns king! Check out these pipinghot spots on the Island this season for some carb‘o’licious indulgence like no other!
February 18th, 2021The novelty of a campfire, coupled with s’mores and hot chocolate, was enough to convince me to book a bonfire site for our bubble. So if you love campfires, s’mores, and lavender, this is an outdoor event for you!
February 12th, 2021If you love spicy noodles, these Chili Oil Noodles are the perfect recipe to serve for your Lunar New Year celebrations this year! These Chili Oil Noodles have become a trendy recipe recently, and for a good reason. These Chili Oil Noodles are made with just a few ingredients and they come together in under 10 minutes! Check out the full recipe and video below to see how to make them.
February 9th, 2021It's February: the month of love! A month where we celebrate our relationships, enjoy a nice date with our partner and spend some time with the people we love, friends and family.
February 7th, 2021Grab your Valentine—it's time to celebrate that special someone in your life!
February 4th, 2021The Inn at Home online store offers Valentine's day and seasonal treats, baked goods and meal kits to enjoy at home.
February 3rd, 2021Tasting Victoria and Capital Daily readers chose the city's best views, vegan food, happy hour, winter patio, coffee shop, and more
January 30th, 2021Since mid-January, the Tasting Victoria team has embarked on the task of checking out as many participating restaurants as possible, and sampling their delicious menus, to give you our top list of restaurants to try out before Dine Around ends.
January 29th, 2021For such a small city, Victoria is blessed with an abundance of excellent local coffee roasters. On a recent morning, Tasting Victoria toured Level Ground’s Tasting Room and roastery—and sampled their delicious Americano.
January 27th, 2021Victoria's biggest foodie event is happening now, and this year you get the option to enjoy it at home.
January 20th, 2021Hey Burger Crush fans, Burger Crush just opened their new location at 787 Fort Street.
January 6th, 2021If it’s not on your story, did it even happen?
January 4th, 2021It’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, 2020A 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, 2020In 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, 2020The 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, 2020Southern 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, 2020Inn at Laurel Point is delighted to welcome acclaimed Executive Chef Ken Nakano to its renowned gastronomic team.
December 3rd, 2020Tacofino Victoria said goodbye to their Fort Street location. They are now open at their new and bigger space.
December 1st, 2020Were 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, 2020The 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, 2020This is their 4th location including two spots on Cook street and one in James Bay.
November 27th, 2020Do 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, 2020So, 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, 2020A 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, 2020It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
November 16th, 2020The 556A Pandora Avenue eatery is officially open.
November 13th, 2020Oak Bay Beach Hotel just introduced FARO Lane, an extension of FARO Handcrafted Pizza and Tasting Room’s outdoor patio, brought indoors.
November 3rd, 2020It’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, 2020Spooky 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, 2020Now 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, 2020Are 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, 2020Paradise 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, 2020Thanksgiving 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, 2020Craving 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, 2020Hey 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, 2020It’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, 2020Millions 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, 2020Cook 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, 2020Being 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, 2020Cypriot 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, 2020I 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, 2020If 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, 2020Have 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, 2020Nestled 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, 2020Opening 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, 2020There’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, 2020Plant-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, 2020If 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, 2020When 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, 2020As 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, 2020We’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, 2020Are 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, 2020The very best are fried fresh to order, leaving them light and crispy rather than greasy -- and fortunately, Victoria has some great options!
May 20th, 2020Looking 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, 2020It'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, 2020Treat 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, 2020Cinco 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, 2020While 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, 2020Staying 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, 2020Stuck 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, 2020From 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, 2020Due 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, 2020The 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, 2020Today, 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, 2020COVID-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 2020 Dine around experience: Victoria's biggest food and drink event, happening every January!
March 5th, 2020We 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, 2020Are 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, 2020Balance is key! We interviewed Holistic Nutrition student Jimena Conde and here are her simple tips to enjoy brunch in balance.
February 20th, 2020Our favourite part about weekends is brunch! Here is a list of our favourite Brunch spots in Victoria.
February 13th, 2020Video Interview with local entrepreneur Aviv Guy, owner of Poké Fresh in Cook St. Village.
February 4th, 2020Did 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, 2020Our city's food scene keeps growing and growing! We love that! These are our top favourite openings from last year!
January 23rd, 2020A description of who we are, what we do and why we do it!
January 23rd, 2020We asked our community and these are our top coffee shops in Victoria!
January 22nd, 2020