Patio season is here to stay, and with warmer temperatures and sunshine in the city, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the best patios in Southern Vancouver Island. From dog-friendly to kid-friendly, all-ages and 19+, this is your one-stop shop to find a great patio this summer.

Downtown Victoria

Whistle Buoy

This brewery makes small-batch, experimental beers with high-quality ingredients in the heart of downtown Victoria. With new beers being released weekly and the sunshine in the forecast, join Whistle Buoy in Market Square on its dog-friendly patio open from noon to 10pm daily.

Dog friendly? Yes. Minors? No.

Must-try beer and menu item: Coastal Pale Ale or any of their features! As for food, we recommend trying their weekly food pop-ups from Wandering Mollusk.

Instagram: @whistlebuoybrewing
Address: Unit 63 – 560 Johnson St, Victoria
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12-10pm; and Friday-Saturday, 12-11pm

Il Terrazzo

Il Terrazzo has been a landmark in the Victoria dining scene for more than 25 years. Enjoy Italian fine dining in an old town courtyard setting featuring brick fireplaces and a candle-lit ambiance. It has a lively patio with excellent service. You can visit the patio during the day, but it’s during the night when love blossoms in the air.

Dog-friendly? No. Minors? Yes.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Wine. Il Terrazzo’s certified sommeliers have created an amazing wine program to complement their offerings. As for food, Misto Di Carne.

Website: ilterrazzo.com
Address: Waddington Alley at 537 Johnson St, Victoria
Hours: Everyday, 4-9:15pm

Finn’s Restaurant

A locally owned and operated seafood restaurant with one of the best views of the city. Finn’s Restaurant is located on Wharf Street, in a red-brick heritage building with an awesome patio. Their waterfront patio has been recently renovated and just opened their beautiful lower deck patio. Enjoy fresh local seafood, fresh shucked local oysters, AAA house cut steak and more! They have options for everyone and have a great happy hour and brunch, but you will definitely love visiting during the day and continue into nighttime to catch the beautiful sunset.

Dog-friendly? No. Minors? Yes.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Mexican Bulldog: Margarita on the rocks with an upside-down Coronita, and for food, go with Fresh Oysters.

Instagram: @finnsrestaurantvictoria
Address: 1208 Wharf St, Victoria
Hours: Everyday, 12-10pm

Tapa Bar

A Victoria classic with food for sharing. Tapa Bar offers a diverse menu of Spanish-inspired tapas and more. You can enjoy Spanish music alongside the beautiful Trounce Alley lights. A great patio to visit day or night.

Dog-friendly? No. Minors? Yes.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Red Sangrias and Almond Stuffed Dates

Instagram: @tapabar
Address: 620 Trounce Alley, Victoria
Hours: Everyday, 12-10pm

Sherwood

Catch a ray of sunshine and enjoy unique dishes and drinks. Sherwood serves up a calibrated beverage program alongside comforting and locally informed café, bar, and coffee menus for breakfast and lunch.

Dogs? Yes. Minors? Yes.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Little Wren 12 and Gochujang chicken sandwich

Instagram: @sherwood.victoria
Address: 710 Pandora Ave, Victoria
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8am-3pm

10 Acres Commons

The sun-drenched patio at 10 Acres Commons is well-known for its beautiful views of the Inner Harbour, its handcrafted cooking using fresh and seasonal ingredients, and daily drink features.

Dogs? Yes. Minors? Yes.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Kombucha bliss and prawn tacos.

Instagram: @eat10acres
Address: 620 Humboldt St, Victoria
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30am-12pm; Friday-Saturday, 11:30am-1am; and Sunday, 12-11pm

The Local

The Local is definitely one of Victoria’s most popular summer patios. The atmosphere is lively and it has a cheery ambiance. The menu features a variety of appetizers including the pretzel appetizer, main courses like the cheeseburger with garlic fries on the side, halibut burger, pancetta chicken burger, and the seafood chowder. Another patio where you get to stay for the sunset and enjoy the view.

Dogs? No. Minors? Yes.

Must-try menu item: Crunchy chicken bacon caesar wrap.

Instagram: @thelocalvictoria
Address: 1205 Wharf St, Victoria
Hours: Monday-Thursday, and Sunday, 11:30am-10pm; Friday-Saturday 11:30-12am. 

Veranda at the Empress

Let the Veranda be your next go-to patio spot. Enjoy stunning views of the Inner Harbour, thoughtful service, and unforgettable experiences for which The Empress hotel is renowned. ⁣⁣⁣⁣

Dogs? No. Minors? Yes.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Farro and flax bread with Empress honey, whipped butter, and Salt Spring seasonal salt.

Instagram: @qattheempress
Address: 721 Government St, Victoria
Hours: Everyday, 11:30am-9:30pm

Lido Waterfront Bistro

An oceanside restaurant that features food sourced from local vendors using seasonal ingredients and hand-crafted cocktails in a casual atmosphere. Check out its panoramic views of the Inner Harbour, and make sure to enjoy one of the best sunsets in the city.

Dogs? Yes. Minors? Yes.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Try their classic caesars and the East Coast garlic fingers

Instagram: @lidobistro
Address: 1234 Wharf St, Victoria
Hours: Wednesday-Monday, 12-8pm

Cook Street, Fairfield, and Oak Bay

Bear & Joey Café

If you’re looking for Instagram-worthy aesthetics, lovely outdoor vibes and a mouth-watering menu to boot, then Bear & Joey Cafe is the perfect spot for you! Bear & Joey offers a diverse selection of menu options.

Dogs? No. Minors? No.

Must-try menu item: Ricotta Pikelet: poached pear, house caramel, toasted almonds, coconut, cinnamon, yogurt, with a mix of sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

Instagram: @bearandjoeycafe
Address: 1025 Cook St.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10am-3pm; and Saturday-Sunday, 8:30am-3pm

Vis-à-vis

Right in the hub of Oak Bay, you will find Vis-à-Vis. Vis-à-Vis offers a variety of dishes and drinks, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner service.

Dogs? Yes. Minors? Yes.

Must-try menu items: For breakfast: Sourdough French Toast with strawberry compote, whipped cream, and maple syrup. For lunch: the Le Frenchie Burger: 1/2 lb. beef patty, raclette cheese, thick-cut double-smoked bacon, tomato, lettuce, caramelized onions, dijonnaise sauce, toasted brioche, and a pickle spear served with parmesan truffle frites or artisan greens.

Instagram: @visavisoakbay
Address: 2232 Oak Bay Ave.
Hours: Everyday, 7am-9pm

The Village Restaurant (Estevan)

In Estevan Village, you will find the popular brunch spot, The Village. With a variety of tantalizing dishes to choose from, the restaurant is the perfect spot for an Instagram photo-worthy meal.

Dogs? Yes. Minors? Yes.

Must-try menu items: Try a classic eggs Benny like the Westcoast with salmon lox, arugula, holly, and fresh dill; and for a drink, the Red Barn Caesar: Sheringham Vodka or Gin, S&P, L&P, walters, garnish, and a strip of Red Barn Bacon.

Instagram: @village.hq
Address: 2518 Estevan Ave.
Hours: Everyday, 8am-2pm

Beagle Pub

With plenty of patio seating, enjoy the lively and jovial atmosphere of Cook Street Village from The Beagle Pub.

Dogs? Yes. Minors? No.

Must-try menu items: The Happy Appies menu is every day from 2pm to 4pm, which includes mini burgers, dry ribs, and Montreal poutine. Being a pub, the Beagle does not disappoint when it comes to their range of craft beers on tap.

Instagram: @thebeaglepubvictoria
Address: 301 Cook St., Victoria
Hours: Monday-Thursday, and Sunday, 11am-11pm; Friday-Saturday, 11-12am

The Snug Pub

Situated in the decadent and refined Oak Bay Beach Hotel, you will find The Snug Pub. This cozy and inviting space is the perfect spot for some food and brews out on the patio. With sprawling views of the ocean, The Snug Pub promises quality drinks and food to match the spectacular views.

Dogs? No. Minors? No.

Instagram: @oakbaybeachhotel
Address: @oakbaybeachhotel
Hours: Monday-Thursday, and Sunday, 7am-10pm; and Friday-Saturday, 7am-11pm.

Morning People Food Truck

Down the street of Cook Street Village, you will find the Morning People Food Truck. Open everyday from 9am to 2pm, the Morning People Food Truck serves healthy, fresh, and mouthwatering dishes focused on all-day breakfast options.

Dogs? Yes. Minors? Yes.

Instagram: @morningpeoplefoodco
Address: 325 Cook St., Victoria
Hours: Everyday, 7am-3pm

Moka House Coffee

Coffee, tea, snacks, sandwiches, and more, all to be found at the hipster hub that is Moka House Coffee. A popular spot down Cook Street Village, this café serves a dose of strong coffee and a sense of community. With plenty of outdoor seating and patio space, Moka House Coffee is a perfect spot to grab a coffee and a bite to eat, any day of the week.

Dogs? Yes. Minors? Yes.

Instagram: @cookstvillagemokahouse
Address: 345 Cook St. Victoria
Hours: Everyday, 7am-8pm

Vic West

Fantastico bar-deli

As one of Caffe Fantastico’s three locations, the bar-deli is the perfect spot to roll up on via two wheels. If you haven’t skated, scooted, or biked by this joint nestled right along the Galloping Goose Trail and the Gorge Waterway, well… you probably don’t own a skateboard, scooter, or bike. Because if you did, this place would’ve been first on your hit list.

Dogs? Yes. Minors? Yes.

Must-try menu items: At only $12, the small Fantastico board (pictured) is not only great value, but also a great way to try out many locally produced nibbles. Pair that with local beer, wine, or cider from Sea Cider and your taste buds will thank you. If you’d rather stay home, or head to the park, order one of their custom pizza charcuterie boxes.

Instagram: @fantastico_bardeli
Address: 102-398 Harbour Rd., Victoria
Hours: Everyday, 7:30am-5pm

Lure Restaurant & Bar

For the best view of iconic downtown Victoria, look no further than Lure. Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour, the iconic Empress hotel, and historic Parliament Buildings are all photo-worthy day or night from one of Lure’s many patio spots.

Dogs? No. Minors? Yes.

Must-try menu items: Order a glass of wine from the extensive and predominantly BC focused list. Head there on a Tuesday, and try the feature wine for $6, or $5 during happy hour. Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6pm, featuring $2 off all 9oz wines, along with other deals.

Instagram: @lurevictoria
Address: 100 Harbour Rd., Victoria
Hours: Everyday, 7am-11pm

Boom + Batten

The stunning architecture and detailed décor are just as impressive as their sweeping waterfront views. This is the only place you will be able to feast while gawking at some of the largest yachts moored at the Victoria International Marina.

Dogs? Yes. Minors? Yes.

Must-try mocktail: Fawlty Towers made with zero-proof Sheringham Lumette, grapefruit juice, raspberry and pink peppercorn syrup, and refreshing ginger beer.

Instagram: @boombatten
Address: 2 Paul Kane Pl., Victoria
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11am-9:30pm; Friday, 11am-10pm; Saturday, 10am-10pm.

Spinnakers Brewpub

This undeniable Victoria staple has evolved into much more than a historic brewpub. With five outdoor spots, including their newest Picnic location, you have plenty of seating options to choose from.

Dogs? Yes. Minors? Yes.

Must-try menu items: Grab a flight with your choice of four tasters from Spinnakers’ house-brewed selections. We can also attest that these flights pair perfectly with their flatbreads—try the rich and mouthwatering blue cheese and apple.

Instagram: @spinnakersbrewpub
Address: 308 Catherine St., Victoria
Hours: Everyday, 9am-11pm

Browns Crafthouse Vic West

With two outdoor dining options to choose from you can chase the sun all day on their picnic-style Charlie Hotel Patio, or stay warm on chillier evenings under their covered side patio with glimpses of the Gorge Waterway.

Dogs? Yes. Minors? Yes.

Must-try menu item: Crispy habanero hot chicken sandwich.

Part of the Browns Restaurant Group, the Crafthouse style is a neighbourhood-focused restaurant with scratch-made food, cocktails, and local draught beers. At the Vic West location, this means their 20 draft selections are predominantly offerings from local Victoria breweries.

Instagram: @crafthousevicwest
Address: 100 – 184 Wilson St., Victoria
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30am-11pm; Friday, 11:30am-12am; Saturday-10am-12pm; Sunday, 10am-10pm

Sidney

Riva

Previously known as The Beacon Landing, Riva Sidney serves West Coast seaside authentic Italian dining. Their unique menu offers everything from Minestrone soup to Saltimbocca, Risotto, and more. Must-tries include their Whipped Ricotta with White Truffle Honey, Lobster Risotto, and their Tiramisu. The view on their patio is also beautiful, making Riva a definite must in Sidney.

Dogs? Yes. Minors? Yes.

Instagram: @rivayyj
Address: 2537 Beacon Ave.
Hours: Everyday, 11am-10pm

The Surly Mermaid Restaurant

Definitely a local staple, The Surly Mermaid Restaurant is well-known for its delicious food, beautiful patio, and its views. A current favourite is the Fishbowl cocktail; their selection changes every week. You don’t want to miss out on these drinks this summer. The Surly Mermaid offers excellent food, refreshing cocktails, and seasonal draft beer, alongside great service in a warm, casual setting.

Dogs? No. Minors? Yes.

Instagram: @surlymermaidrestaurant
Address: 9851 Seaport Pl.
Hours: Everyday, 11am-10pm

10 Acres at the Pier

10 Acres at the Pier is a great location in Sidney with beautiful views. The patio is big and their menu is focused on using fresh West Coast seafood and seasonal ingredients from the 10 Acre Farm. We definitely recommend their ceviche and their desserts. Book your table online.

Dogs? Yes. Minors? Yes.

Instagram: @eat10acres
Address: 9805 Seaport Pl.
Hours: Everyday, 11am-12pm

The Pier Bistro

The Pier Bistro Restaurant offers a casual waterfront dining experience with panoramic ocean views from the Pier itself. Located at the end of Beacon Avenue beside the Fish Market, this is an amazing spot to relax after your marine adventure or simply a great spot to grab a bite to eat. We recommend their pan fried oysters and their fish and chips.

Dogs? No. Minors? Yes.

Instagram: @thepierbistro
Address: 2550 Beacon Ave.
Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 11am-4pm; Thursday-Saturday, 11am-9pm; and Sunday, 11am-8pm

Westshore

Six Mile Pub + Eatery (View Royal/ Colwood)

Established in 1855, Six Mile Pub + Eatery is the oldest pub in BC. With its rich history and amazing food, the Six Mile Pub is a longtime favourite in the View Royal/Colwood area. Visit Six Mile Pub’s spacious and beautiful vine-covered patio, and enjoy locally sourced food and an extensive beer list. Located near Thetis Lake Regional Park, the Six Mile Pub is a great spot to visit after a day of swimming or hiking.

Dogs? No. Minors? Yes, but only in family-friendly section.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Cabin Fever cocktail and Shepherd’s Pie.

Instagram: @sixmilepub
Address: 494 Island Hwy, Victoria
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11am-9pm; Friday-Saturday, 11am-10pm; and Sunday, 11am-8pm

328 Taphouse + Grill (Colwood)

After a day at the Esquimalt Lagoon, stop by to enjoy 40 taps of craft beer, cider, specialty wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, tasty sandwiches, burgers, and more at 328 Taphouse + Grill in Colwood. 328 Taphouse emphasizes local business by featuring local craft brewers from South Vancouver Island and the Pacific Northwest. With a daily happy hour menu and family-friendly atmosphere, 328 Taphouse is the perfect patio to grab a bite with your bubble.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Local craft beer, and for food, try a wood-fired pizza.

Instagram: @328taphouse
Address: 102, 328 Wale Rd, Victoria
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30am-10pm; Saturday, 11am-11pm; and Sunday, 11am-9pm

Table Nineteen (Colwood)

Catch a round of golf, grab a bite, or both at Table Nineteen at Olympic View Golf Club in Colwood. Opened in 2020, this is Table Nineteen’s first location outside of their flagship restaurant in Whistler. Focused on good food, great drinks, and an eye-pleasing interior and exterior design—Table Nineteen is the go-to spot this patio season. Table Nineteen’s menu features casual plates, appetizers to share, a kids’ menu, and family takeout specials.

Dogs? No. Minors? Yes.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: White Sangria and salmon burger.

Instagram: @table_nineteen
Address: 643 Latoria Rd., Victoria
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:30am-10pm; and Saturday-Sunday, 9am-10pm

Bin 4 Burger Lounge (Langford)

Grab a burger with your bubble on Bin 4 Burger Lounge’s patio at their Langford location. Nothing beats Bin 4’s gourmet burgers, house-spiced potato chips, flavourful appetizers, local beers, and handcrafted cocktails on a warm sunny day.

Dogs? No. Minors? Yes.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Bin 4 caesar and Bistro Burger.

Instagram: @bin4burgerlounge
Address: 102, 716 Goldstream Ave., Victoria
Hours: Everyday, 11am-10pm

The Rack West Coast Bistro (Langford)

Langford’s Rack West Coast Bistro is quickly emerging as a local favourite. Visit their family-friendly patio and enjoy all-day breakfast, sandwiches, appetizers, salads, classic entrees, and an extensive drink menu.

Dogs? Yes. Minors? Yes.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: The Bizz Fizz, and for food, go for the Crispy Chicken Sliders.

Instagram: @therackbistro
Address: 2345 Millstream Rd., Langford
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 11am-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 9am-11pm; and Sunday, 9am-8pm

Darcy’s Pub Westshore (Langford)

Darcy’s Pub is a Westshore staple. Head down to their patio to grab a cold drink and classic pub favourites such as wings, burgers, and chicken waffles. Darcy’s Pub Westshore has an awesome daily happy hour from 3pm to 6pm, with draft sleeves, house highballs, and 6oz glasses of house wine, all for $4.50 per drink.

Dogs? Yes. Minors? No.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Darcy’s Lemonade and some wings.

Instagram: @darcyspubwestshore
Address: 737 Goldstream Ave., Victoria
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday, 11:30am-11pm; Sunday-Tuesday, 11:30am-9pm; and Friday-Saturday, 11:30-2am