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

Good morning foodies,

Today we are bringing you a story about a Mexican eatery that has gained popularity in Victoria for its delicious tacos, tortas, pambazos, birria, and more, earning the restaurant a 4.9 out of 5 rating based on 324 Google reviews.

We are also bringing you a list of places where you can get Dubai chocolate bars and Dubai chocolate strawberries in Victoria, as well as a list of the best places to get seafood this spring/summer. 

And just like many other Canadians, we have BC’s Filipino community on our minds and in our hearts following the tragedy that happened last weekend at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival, so we’ve highlighted some incredible local Filipino spots to try below. 

Now let’s get to it. 

😍 5 spots to try right now

🥐 Friends and Family Bake: A cozy bakeshop in Fan Tan Alley offering authentic Filipino breads and pastries alongside Western baked goods.

🍽 Benjamin’s Café: Filipino-style brunch, lunch, and dinner at 614 Grenville Ave. in Esquimalt.

🧁 Tinapay Atbp. Bakery: Filipino bread, cakes, and more at 4087B Quadra. 

🛒 The ABR Store: Find a vibrant array of groceries at this shop downtown. Filipino specialties like taro leaves, ube, papaya, kangkong, and more. 

🇵🇭 Ate *A Restaurant: Great Filipino food pop-up by the same restaurant group as Hanks and Nowhere A Restaurant.

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

FEATURED

This hidden gem is serving some of the best Mexican food in Victoria

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and we’re already thinking about tacos. We checked out one of Victoria’s hidden gems for authentic Mexican street food—and trust us, you’ll want to add it to your list. From birria to pambazos, this spot is serving up some of the best flavours in the city.

Check them out. 

SPONSORED BY BC DAIRY

Got Tech? Got Cows? Got Ice Cream.

Third-generation dairy farmer Rebecca Senicar is redefining what farm life looks like. At Winners Holsteins in Cloverdale, she balances family, future-focused ag-tech, and handcrafted ice cream—all while mentoring the next generation. It's heart, hustle, and heritage in one sweet scoop. Read more here.

FEATURED

Dubai chocolate everything

The Dubai chocolate trend has officially landed in Victoria: from pistachio-packed chocolate bars to decadent strawberry cups, Victoria spots are putting their own spin on the viral Dubai treat. Here's where to find all the over-the-top sweets popping up around town.

Check them out. 

🗞️ News

Best seafood spots in Victoria, according to readers.

West Coast Grill opened a second location in Sidney.

Two Vancouver bars named in North America’s 50 Best Bars. [Georgia Straight]

Ciccio’s Cucina announced its closure after being in business in Victoria for 5 years.

Politano Cafe in Brentwood Bay has been sold. The new owners will continue the cafe under the same name and with the same staff. 

Cheers to Mom with Pure Day Spa’s exclusive Mother’s Day glow package—luxurious facial + Renewal Mani or Pedi, sparkling sips, and decadent macarons. Gift cards available!*

*Sponsored Listing

SPONSORED BY THE BUTCHART GARDENS

Serving light fare and gourmet coffees

Step into the Coffee Shop, where fresh blooms and rich aromas collide! Located in Waterwheel Square, the Coffee Shop is the perfect place to stop and smell the coffee and flowers.

Indulge in a selection of sweet and savoury pastries or sip on a freshly brewed coffee, refreshing tea, or specialty drink.

🗓️ Events

Esquimalt Farmers Market: Fresh-baked breads, farm fresh produce, kid’s activities, food trucks, music, and more. Every Thursday from 4:30-7:30pm at Memorial Park.

Annual Big Cheese Cut: Head to Ottavio’s this Saturday at 11am for sampling, sales, and more.

Mother’s Day at Merridale Cider: Celebrate Mother’s Day this Sat. and Sun. with a charming pop-up market at Merridale Cidery featuring local artisans, food and drink specials, and live music in a beautiful cider farm. 

May Day at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse: Celebrate spring with cider tastings, live music, local food, and family-friendly fun at Sea Cider’s annual May Day event this Sunday. A perfect countryside outing to welcome the season. 

Cinco de Mayo at Benjo’s Tacos: Celebrate this Monday with free agua fresca with every order. From 4-8pm (or until sold out). 

 💸 Deals

• $5 duck wings and $5 sliders at Pagliacci’s during daily happy hour.

• $5 house lager and $6 highballs at The Surly Mermaid Restaurant during daily happy hour.

• $7 tofu bao buns and $11 takoyaki at Block during daily happy hour.

• $15 dishes at Swan’s Pub. Mon.-Fri. until 3pm. Choose from a cheeseburger with a side, a cranberry apple quinoa salad, fish and chips, and more.

• $49 three-course meal with a bottle of wine (min. 2 people) at House of Boateng on Wednesdays for ladies' night. 5-8:30pm.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Server at Il Terrazzo Ristorante

• Line cook at Penny Farthing

• Full-time and part-time servers at 3rd Street Cafe

• Part-time baker at Deer and Dough

📸 Post of the week

Have you ever had a waffle with brie cheese? The Ruby on Douglas and The Ruby on Johnson are offering a unique breakfast item: The un-brie-lievable waffle: waffles layered with Brie cheese, berry compote, prosciutto chips, and maple syrup. 

That’s it!

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