Victoria’s Six Best Cinnamon Buns

Nothing screams fall like cinnamon and baked goods, so dust off those sweatpants and get ready to indulge! We dug deep and tested out more than a dozen different raisinless cinnamon buns across the city and rounded out the top six. Yes, we said raisinless… but if you are a fan of those tiny dried grapes in your rolled cinnamon pastries, some of these locations also have options for you. Read on and you might find some helpful tips and maybe even your new favourite!

6. The Roost

Though it’s a bit of a drive from downtown Victoria, you will not be disappointed once you arrive at this cafe. We opted for The Roost’s walnut bun, but raisin and fruit lovers rejoice—this location also has blueberry or raisin offerings. This bun had a good stickiness factor, not too sweet, and a manageable portion. Whether you are heading to or from the airport, are touring around the peninsula, or want to try out all the top cinna-spots, this is a great place to start.

roostfarmcentre.com@theroostfarm9100 East Saanich Rd.Daily 7am – 5pm

5. Bubby Rose’s Bakery & Cafe

With multiple locations around Victoria open seven days a week, make Bubby Rose’s a staple for your cinnamon bun fix. This delightfully aesthetic bun had a solid cinnamon ratio with a sweet glaze finish. If you want to learn about exactly what goes into making these tasty rolled pastries, you can check out their dedication in their YouTube video!

bubbyrosesbakery.com@bubbyrosesbakery1022 Cook St. 7am – 5pm101-240 Cook St. 7am – 6pm 103 – 225 Menzies St. 7am – 4pm 06 Johnson St. 8am – 5pm

4. Cinnzeo

When we did our poll on where to find the best buns, Cinnzeo was number one on your list of recommendations. You will definitely smell this spot before you see it in Hillside Shopping Centre. These freshly baked, warm cinnamon buns are soft and sweet, with a healthy dose of icing (optional). Order from one of their many roll options, including their cheese roll for the savoury lovers!

cinnzeo.com@cinnzeobakerycafeHillside Shopping Centre: 1644 Hillside Ave.Mon – Wed & Sat 10am – 6pm; Thu/Fri 10am – 8pm, Sun 10am – 5pm

3. Très Gourmet Bakery & Cafe

Highly ranked in our blind taste test, this bun also got top marks for aesthetics with its elegant cream cheese drizzle. It is the best combination of soft and sweet with the perfect amount of icing pleasing both those who prefer none, to those who wanted it basted.

tresgourmetbakeryandcafe.com@tresgourmetcafe1280 Broad St.Mon – Fri 7am – 4pm; Sat 8:30am – 4pm

2. Bunny’s Kitchen

If you haven’t yet visited this eclectic bakery, make their cinnamon bun your excuse to do so! Their vegan Cinna-bunnies are both adorably named and expertly crafted. These buns have a lovely soft consistency with a “can’t believe it’s vegan” creamy icing. You can choose from their original or a rotating daily special.

bunnyskitchen.ca@bunnyskitchenesquimalt904 B. Esquimalt Rd.Tue – Sat 8am – 3pm

1. Cinnaholic

Not only is it the newest cinnamon spot in town, but it also won our blind taste test and is therefore the number one spot to find your buns. As a place that specializes in only cinnamon buns, you may not be too surprised. These individually baked buns are served fresh and warm, smothered with a gooey cinnamon inside and a slightly crunchy exterior. You can easily customize Cinnaholic’s buns with a multitude of toppings or keep it simple with their classic Old Skool.

cinnaholicvictoria.ca@cinnaholic.victoria535 Yates St.M-Th 11am – 9pm; Fri/Sat 11am – 10pm; Sun 11am – 7pm

*Note: For this taste test the Tasting Victoria team ended up trying out 15 cinnamon buns from different places in and around Victoria, based on readers’ suggestions.If you have other ideas for a “Best of” article, let us know by emailing [email protected] and don’t forget to tag us @tastingvictoria along your tasting journey to be featured!