Summer is officially here and we at Tasting Victoria felt it would be appropriate to look back on the great meals we’ve had so far. Map out your meals with our help.

From donuts and beer to tater tots and caviar, check out seven of our favourite dishes this summer so far.

Earl Grey Donut from Empire Donuts

Empire Donuts is one of those places that makes its stock fresh daily, and it also sells out daily. You can find Empire Donuts in coffee shops across the city, but if you want to go to the source, head to this hole-in-the-wall on Cook Street Village or on View Street. The flavours are inventive, but the classic Earl Grey Donut is always a crowd pleaser (as in, it’s often sold out by noon).

Address: 736 View St. and 230 Cook St.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9am-3pm
Instagram: @empiredonut

Tater Tots from Wind Cries Mary

Wind Cries Mary has an unbelievable menu full of craft cocktails, creative dishes, and impeccable service. On a windy day this past June, we sat on the patio and ordered a ton of amazing dishes and cocktails. The standout, surprisingly (but also not?), were the Tater Tots served with jalapeno ranch caviar… yes, caviar. When two worlds collide, it can make a beautiful thing.

Address: 45 Bastion Square
Hours: Every day, 4pm-1am
Instagram: @windcriesmary.vic

Raspberry Beret Wheat Ale from Swift Brewing

This brand new brewery beside CRAFT Beer Market takes its name from the street on which it resides; and takes cues from CRAFT’s delectable selection of craft-brewed beers. It is summer, after all, so the Raspberry Ale was the most obvious choice. Paired with the old school decor and Forrest Gump VHS playing on the TV, I felt like I was a child again—except, like, old enough to have a beer. Check out Swift Brewing.

Address: 450 Swift St.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, noon-midnight
Instagram: @swiftbeer

Poutine from La Belle Patate

La Belle Patate is legit. It serves the most authentic poutine in Victoria, squeaky cheese curds and all. It’s a bit of a hole-in-the-wall too, and it can either be a quick in-and-out experience, or you can post up on a stool and watch all the characters, smells, and Quebecois accents fill the room with joy. Highly recommended.

Address: 1215 Esquimalt Rd.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11am-8pm
Facebook: @labellevic

Pacific Oysters from the Wandering Mollusk

This one’s for the locals. Jess Taylor from the Wandering Mollusk is getting ready to open up his first brick and mortar store, Shuck Taylor’s, sometime this summer. But you can still get some of his fresh, Pacific oysters at his pop-ups, which are often on the patio of Whistle Buoy Brewing at Market Square. To us, a Whistle Buoy beer and a plate of fresh oysters is the perfect way to enjoy summer.

Address & Hours: Check Instagram for locations and hours.
Instagram: @wanderingmollusk

The King Arepa from Los Panas Kitchen

You may recognize Los Panas Kitchen from the dozen or so people who are often lining up to taste the amazing offerings from this Venezuelan food cart. From fried plantains to pulled pork, Los Panas really pulls out the stops and serves the most authentic Venezuelan food in Victoria. “The King,” is particularly hearty and delicious, served with pulled pork, black beans, sweet plantain and feta cheese on Los Panas classic corn arepa that fits the ingredients like a glove.

Address & Hours: Check Instagram for locations and hours.
Instagram: @lospanaskitchen

Pulled Pork Sandwich from Bangers

One of the newest pop-ups sure is taking the city by storm this summer. This week, Bangers announced it will have a more permanent spot at Shatterbox Coffee in the Hudson Market. You must try its sandwiches. If I were to choose one, it would be the Homie G—a North Carolina-styled pulled pork sandwich with a flavour punch of mustard-based sauce and BBQ mayo on a crunchy bed of coleslaw and a pillow of bread that holds the sandwich together like the frame of the Mona Lisa.

Address: 770 Fisgard St.
Hours: 5:30pm-late or until sold out
Instagram: @bangervictoria

Follow us on Instagram to see what we’re eating daily.