😋 What is happening in Victoria's food scene this week?

Good morning foodies,

Today, we bring you a list of under-the-radar cafes in Victoria, because there’s something very exciting about discovering a good spot that feels like a well-kept secret.

We are also bringing you recommendations on food tours this spring, including a pedalling tour, a donut tour, a tour scheduled through an app where everywhere you go is a surprise, and more. 

Plus, lots of fun food and drink events are happening these days. Now let’s get to it.

😍 5 spots to try right now

🍳 The Breakfast Shop: Start your day with hearty breakfast classics and freshly brewed coffee at this cozy spot on Cook St. 

🍜 Le Petit Saigon: Established in 1986, this family-owned restaurant serves authentic Vietnamese dishes such as grilled lemongrass pork, pho, and coconut curry.

☕ Torch Song Cafe: A welcoming space in downtown Victoria, offering excellent coffee, homemade food, and a curated selection of vinyl records and books.  

🍕 Willows Pizza: Known for its generous toppings on a crispy and chewy crust, this spot offers a variety of pizza options, including vegetarian-friendly choices, at 2571 Cadboro Bay.

🧇 Wonderffle Cafe: A fast-casual dining experience offering sweet and savoury waffles, waffle bennies, breakfast poutine, shakes, and more. 

Know a great place we should add here? Reply back and let us know!

FEATURED

Six under-the-radar Victoria cafes

Sure, you’ve got your regular coffee spot—but these cafes across Victoria might just steal your heart (or at least your next coffee order).

Check them out. 

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FEATURED

8 food tours to check out in Victoria this spring

Longer days make it the perfect time to explore Victoria's food scene, and Victoria has many food tour options carefully curated for anyone looking to scout and learn more. Food tours aren’t just for tourists—they're a fun way for locals to discover new spots and hidden gems, too. 

See the list.

🗞️ News

Victoria Public Market is closing down, to be replaced by a No Frills grocery store. [CHEK]

Cafe Tourist is now open at 762 Broughton St. (Next to Tourist Wine Bar). The cafe is a homage to Parisian cafe culture, an intimate space where your afternoon espresso can bleed effortlessly into an evening aperitif.

Checkerhead Brewing is opening in Shirley on April 1. 

The Allenby Coffee Bar has been sold and is now closed. More info to come soon. 

Phillip’s Backyard Music Festival is back on July 4-6 and Aug. 8-10. 

Best Burgers in Victoria, as voted by readers.

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🗓️ Events

How to Craft Chocolate Masterpieces: Join Julie’s Delights Chocolates tonight for a fun night of learning the history of chocolate, transformation processes and techniques, and sampling chocolate at Westshore Town Centre.

Part and Parcel and Ottavio Pop-up at Kwench: Both the restaurant and the cafe are taking over Kwench’s kitchen and running their menu until April 4. Open Mon. to Fri. from 8am to 3pm.

Smile Chicken Toast Sandwich Pop-up: Visit Mile Zero Coffee Co. on March 28 for a taste of Korean-infused street food by Soul’s Toast. 

A Vermouth Masterclass & Pairings: As part of Victoria Cocktail Week, Matadora Taperia and Esquimalt Vermouth are hosting two immersive masterclasses on April 15. Learn all about vermouth—from its historic roots to European aperitivo culture—with some tasty pairings.

Music Bingo: Join Browns Crafthouse in Vic West every Saturday for music bingo. Two games, first come, first served. 

Are you hosting a food event? Let us know

 💸 Deals

• $8 coronas and margaritas at The Local on Tuesdays.

• $3 off shaken margaritas and frozen palomas at Cafe Mexico during daily happy hour, 3-6pm.

• $6.50 house red and white wines, $6 beer pints, and food specials at Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub during hoppy hour, Mon.-Fri. from 3-5pm.

• $8 Pilsner, IPA, and Pale Ale, $8 house wine, and $10 blood orange margarita at The Snug Pub during happy hour, Mon.-Fri. from 3-5pm.

• $6.25 Lager, $12 margaritas, and food specials at Boomtown during happy hour, Mon.-Fri. from 3:30-5:30pm.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Breakfast server at Aegir Room

• Line cooks and servers at My Chosen Cafe

• Line Cook at Eva Schnitzelhaus

• Server at Earls

• Brunch line cooks at OEB Breakfast Co. 

📸 Post of the week

Pizza Fridays at Island Chef Kitchen! These yummy pizzas have to be pre-ordered in advance by Wednesday, and guests can pick them up at their Langford location. They are 13” x 18” and made with a traditional Sicilian-style crust. Island Chef Kitchen also offers take-and-go meals during the week. 

That’s it!

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