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 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 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.

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.

Address:
766 Yates St. 

Routine is a fresh addition to downtown Victoria’s coffee scene, bringing a stylish grab-and-go experience. Since opening in January, it has quickly gained a following for its expertly crafted specialty coffees, teas, and light bites. While there’s no seating, the space itself is a visual treat—think beautiful plants, vintage TVs, and a bold yellow-and-white colour scheme that perfectly reflects the brand’s playful vibe. Whether you’re in need of a quick caffeine fix or simply want to check out one of the city’s coolest new coffee spots, Routine is well worth a visit.

Address:
1036 Fort St.

Bimi Express Market opened in January this year and offers a fresh take on healthy eating with Asian-fusion cuisine and a selection of specialty groceries. The menu at Bimi Express Market features an array of dishes made fresh daily. Sushi lovers can enjoy rolls like the classic California, the inventive rainbow, or the vegetarian-friendly mango avocado. Other options include the donburi rice bowls, such as the teriyaki chicken, mushroom, and mirin miso-marinated salmon.

Beyond prepared meals, Bimi caters to those looking to stock their pantries with authentic Asian ingredients. The market section is stocked with a wide variety of products, from essential pantry staples to unique snacks, allowing customers to bring the flavours of Asia into their own kitchens. 

Address:
888 Fort St. 

After nearly two decades of serving the Esquimalt community, Blue Nile African Restaurant closed its doors in June 2024 when its lease ended. The beloved establishment, renowned for its warm hospitality and authentic East African cuisine, left a noticeable void in Victoria's culinary landscape. However, the restaurant reopened its doors in January this year at a new location in downtown Victoria.

Blue Nile's menu features a variety of dishes served family-style, encouraging guests to share and savour each bite together, reflecting Ethiopian dining traditions. Signature offerings include zebhi dorho, tender chicken served in a flavorful berbere (spicy) sauce, kilwa, slices of top sirloin marinated and sautéed to perfection with an array of peppers and house spices. The chef’s favourite, a combination of doro zebhi (spicy chicken), aletcha (potatoes and vegetables), bursen tumtumo (lentils), served with spinach; the meat lovers combo; and the lunch buffet. 

Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, with various dishes featuring lentils, chickpeas, and vegetables. Notably, all dishes are gluten-free except for the injera, the traditional Ethiopian flatbread.​

Address:
1724 Douglas St.

Scoop and Waffle, the newest addition to Sidney's culinary scene, has recently opened its doors at 2423 Beacon Ave. This charming dessert spot offers an impressive selection of 28 ice cream flavours, custom ice cream cakes, mini donuts, and authentic Belgian waffles. 

Address:
2423 Beacon Ave.

Cafe Tourist is a new addition to Tourist Wine Bar, a hidden gem in Victoria serving good food and great natural wines. The new cafe that opened just next door to the wine bar is a homage to Parisian cafe culture, an intimate space where your afternoon espresso can bleed effortlessly into an evening aperitif. The menu is focused on classic cocktails and a few delicious snacks. As of today, the cafe opens on Fridays and Saturdays at 5pm. The cafe will expand its offerings and programming to include lunch and coffee service over the next weeks.

Address:
762 Broughton St. (Next to Tourist Wine Bar)

Niloo Persian Kitchen and Grill opened in December last year, and it has become a local favourite ever since because of its authenticity and unique flavours. The restaurant embodies the passion of the owners and staff for sharing Persian cuisine and culture with the local community.

The restaurant’s menu showcases a diverse array of traditional Persian dishes alongside Middle Eastern favourites. Signature offerings include kebab wraps, mirza qasemi with naan, lamb shank with saffron rice, and so much more. There are many plant-based options at the restaurant with a variety of tastes. ​

Address:
4440 W Saanich Rd. #108

Alysa's Pho & Banh Mi has been a beloved destination for authentic Vietnamese cuisine in Victoria since 2018. The restaurant recently opened a second location in Broadmead Village.

Signature dishes include the beef noodle soup with rare beef, brisket, tendon, and beef balls, the grilled pork banh mi, featuring marinated grilled pork in a crusty baguette with fresh vegetables and house-made sauces;. Vegetarian options, such as the deep-fried spring rolls, vegetarian noodles, bbq soya, and more, are also available.

Address: 
480–777 Royal Oak Dr. 

The local business that had been popular at various markets opened its first location in a kiosk at Hillside Mall this March. The shop opens from Thursdays to Sundays during mall hours. Maria’s Cakerie and Desserts makes delicious cupcakes, New York-style chunky cookies, brownie bites, cake cups, and more. 

Address:
1644 Hillside Ave.

A new Venezuelan food pop-up has opened inside Fuego Old Town Eatery. The pop-up is open on Mondays from 4-9pm. They offer authentic cachapas, empanadas, tequeños, mojitos, and more. 

Address:
1435 Store St. 

Is there a new restaurant we missed? Please share more at [email protected] and we’ll feature them.