12 new restaurants that have opened in Victoria this year, so far

Cera Korean Tapas/Website

From beloved spots making a comeback to exciting international openings and creative pop-ups, the city’s lineup of new eateries is bringing fresh energy—and plenty of tempting dishes—to the table. Whether you’re catching up or just looking for your next bite, here’s a roundup of the restaurants and cafés that have opened their doors so far this year.

Cera Korean Tapas 

Cera Korean Tapas reopened in a new location, the former Little Jumbo spot, with a new concept focused on tapas and plates to share, mixing fun Korean drinking culture with high-quality fresh food and cocktails. 

The small plates, or tapas, are where much of the fun begins. Options range from light bites like spicy cucumber in sesame chili dressing or house-made fresh kimchi, to more inventive creations like kimchi ragu fries. Seafood lovers will appreciate the mustard ceviche—snow crab and shrimp dressed in tangy mustard and topped with pine nuts—or the shrimp and fish egg gambas sautéed in tomato garlic oil. More substantial plates include crispy Sinpo-style chicken glazed in sweet-and-spicy sauce, LA galbi short ribs served with fries, and Korean fried chicken with dipping sauces and pickles.

The fusion continues with inventive takes like gochujang quesadillas, bulgogi-topped alfredo pasta, and a Korean ragu pasta made with kimchi and spicy gochujang. 

Address:
506 Fort St #102

Cafe Malabar - new location  

Cafe Malabar reopened in a new waterfront location last month. The new location offers an inviting atmosphere with stunning views of Victoria's Inner Harbour. The space boasts 60 indoor seats and an expansive patio that will open in the spring/summer and accommodate an additional 70 guests, perfect for enjoying waterfront dining during the warmer months.

While the menu retains beloved staples that people have been missing while the restaurant has been closed, 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. Guests can look forward to an increased emphasis on fresh, local seafood.

In addition to the delectable food offerings, Cafe Malabar will introduce a thoughtfully curated beverage program. Initially, guests can enjoy a selection of island wines and beers, with plans to expand into a full cocktail menu in the near future. The focus will be on showcasing regional wineries and breweries, complementing the rich flavours of the cuisine.

For those with dietary preferences, Cafe Malabar continues to offer a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. The chefs emphasize that Kerala cuisine naturally accommodates these diets, utilizing ingredients like rice flour, coconut milk, ghee, and an array of fresh vegetables.

Address:
407 Swift St.

Volta

Cenote Restaurant introduced a new Spanish breakfast and lunch spot in their space upstairs. The restaurant is inspired by the culture and energy of the Spanish Riviera. Volta’s approach to food is grounded in affordability and quality. Their breakfast menu features everything from soft-boiled 7-minute eggs with Manchego and pan con tomate, to full-plate options like the English or Spanish breakfast, both loaded with house-made potato hash, toast, greens, and optional bacon or chorizo. For those in a rush, they also serve grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches and grilled panini with ingredients like prosciutto, brie, and cranberry-date jam, or Genoa salami with artichokes and tapenade.

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 8am to 2pm.