Since opening its doors in 2013, Little Jumbo has been more than just a place for cocktails and fine dining—it’s been a well-known gathering spot for locals and tourists.
After 11 years of service, the time has come to say goodbye. Little Jumbo has announced it will be closing for good by the end of October, citing an unsustainable 40% rent increase and rising operational costs.
“We've weathered floods, frozen pipes, and a pandemic, but unfortunately, a 40% rent hike and rising costs have made it impossible for us to keep things going. While we're gutted, we're choosing to go out on a high note—and we want you to be a part of our final chapter,” Little Jumbo wrote in its newsletter with the announcement on Sep. 5.
Although the closure is bittersweet, the team behind Little Jumbo is encouraging patrons to make the most of the remaining weeks. The doors will be open until the end of October, offering a final chance to savour their iconic cocktails, enjoy signature dishes, and soak up the cozy, intimate atmosphere one last time.
Little Jumbo has been a Tasting Victoria reader’s favourite for a long time. The restaurant has been voted Best Cocktail Bar in the 2021 Tasting Victoria Restaurant Awards, and second place in the same category in 2022. It has also been recognized as one of the Top 50 Bars in Canada and mentioned in Forbes, The Washington Post, and the New York Times as a good place to dine and drink in Victoria.
If you have a chance to visit this month or the next before they close, we definitely recommend getting a cocktail, that’s what they are very well known for and their menu is always creative and fun. For food, we’ve always had good steak and fish there. The burger is also a good choice. The food menu changes frequently and it’s always great.
Little Jumbo is among several beloved restaurants that have ceased operations recently, with Bear & Joey, Chorizo & Co., and Smiths Pub.
Little Jumbo
Address: Down the Hall, 506 Fort St. #102, Victoria
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 5-10pm; Friday and Saturday, 5-11pm
