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

Good morning foodies,

Today we are bringing you a roundup of new restaurants and food spots that opened around Victoria in the past few weeks, and we can’t wait to hear what you think. Have you discovered a new favourite? Did a recent opening totally blow you away? We love hearing your picks and seeing which local gems are winning hearts (and stomachs). Drop your thoughts in the comments or the poll section.

One standout: Humboldt Bar downtown, which was recently ranked No. 22 on the Top 100 Best Bars of 2025 and No. 69 on the inaugural North America’s Best Bars 51–100 list. We’ve got the inside scoop on our visit. Have you been yet?

Alright, let’s dive in!

😍 5 spots to try right now

🍺 Île Sauvage Brewing: A modern, funky craft brewery in Rock Bay specializing in wild ales, sours, and IPAs, served in a cozy industrial-style tasting room.

🌊 Steamship Grill: A waterfront dining spot on the Inner Harbour offering fresh West Coast seafood, steaks, and cocktails with unbeatable views of the harbour and the historic Steamship Terminal.

🌶️ The New Mexican Village: A casual Mexican restaurant in Cook St. Village serving colourful plates of enchiladas, tacos, and chiles rellenos, plus Mexican desserts, aguas frescas and friendly service.

🥐 Crust Bakery: A downtown and uptown staple for buttery croissants, cronuts, and flaky seasonal pastries—expect a lineup and a serious pastry game.

🍛 At Bangkok Thai: A family-run Thai restaurant on Douglas known for its authentic curries, fragrant noodle dishes, and warm hospitality in a cozy, low-key setting.

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

FEATURED

10 new restaurants and food spots that just opened in Victoria this spring

We’ve rounded up brand-new restaurants, cafés, and food spots that opened across the city these past few weeks. From ramen bars and dreamy dessert cafés to cozy bistros and waterfront dining. You may find your new go-to lunch spot, your favourite small-batch ice cream, or your next top brunch spot; this list has something for every craving. 

Check them out.

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FEATURED

Humboldt Bar: A nature-inspired cocktail experience in downtown Victoria

What if we told you there’s a cocktail bar in Victoria where every drink is inspired by science, nature, and history, and it’s already earning international acclaim since its opening in 2023? Humboldt Bar, tucked downtown, is quickly becoming one of the city’s most talked-about spots, recently landing on two prestigious Best Bars lists. 

Learn more. 

🗞️ News

H Mart at Mayfair Mall opened last week. [Vic News]

Azure Pier Coastal Cafe opened its doors in Brentwood Bay this week. 

Cera Tapas is introducing a new lunch menu available from 11:30am to 3:30pm starting June 1. 

Your 2025 guide to Victoria’s farmers markets.

More restaurants that have opened this year.

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

Get in touch with our team for small business-friendly advertising plans.

🗓️ Events

Ichigo Strawberry Moon Market: A vibrant Japanese-inspired food and arts market happening May 31 at Fernwood Community Centre. Featuring 25+ food vendors like Kikan, Oota-ya, Hide and Seek, and Whisk & Yolk, plus 75+ artists, traditional matcha ceremonies, Japanese sweets, and strawberry-themed creations. 

Sidney Street Market: The beloved summer tradition on the Saanich Peninsula is back next Thursday. The Sidney Street Market transforms Beacon Avenue into a bustling pedestrian market each Thursday evening of the summer. With over 150 vendors, the event features fresh produce, local artisans, live music, street food, and a lively community atmosphere that draws big crowds each week. Food vendors include the popular Sidney Scones, B Gluten Free, Beacon Brewing, Bretzel Traditional German Treats, Alfajores by Griselda, A La Mode Ice Cream, and more. 

Sooke Night Market: This Thursday night market is back on June 5, featuring over 40 vendors offering local produce, handmade goods, baked treats, and hot food. With live music, food trucks, and a warm, forest-coast community vibe, it’s a perfect evening outing.

Island Restaurant Collective Tasting Event: A relaxed backyard tasting event at Averill Creek on June 8. Enjoy a welcome glass of wine and sample creative bites from top Island chefs representing Pluvio, Wild Mountain, Fox and Monocle, Uchida, and De L'Île.

A Summer in Italy at Gigi’s: Join Shrawan Khanna from Cheeky Chalice Co. on June 19 at Gigi’s Italian Foods for a night of sampling wine and tasting Italian-inspired canapés by chef Vincent Capitano of Island Chef.

Are you hosting a food event? Let us know

 💸 Deals

• $1 per chicken wing at Sawmill Taphouse on Wednesdays from 2-6pm.

• $6 wine, highballs, and draft beer, plus appies starting at $12 at West Coast Grill Sidney during daily happy hour, 2:30-5pm.

• $7 papas bravas and $8 croquettes at Tapa Bar during daily happy hour, 3-5pm.

• $15 for 3 fresh shucked oysters + a glass of prosecco, pinot gris, or draft beer at Nautical Nellie's Sun.-Thurs. From 4-6pm. 

• $15.50 for 3 bao buns at Bao Victoria all day, Mon.-Sat. 

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Full-time baker at GoodSide Pastry House

• Chef at Atelier Sidney

• FOH and BOH positions at Janevca

• Chef and kitchen assistant at Spoon and Spade

📸 Post of the week

Lure’s patio has officially opened with a brand new summer menu. Enjoy a delicious brie chicken sandwich, tomato basil bisque, seared scallops in red Thai curry, miso brussels sprouts, and more. Plus, they have a happy hour menu available daily from 3-6pm. 

That’s it!

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