• Tasting Victoria
  • Posts
  • šŸ˜‹ What is happening in Victoria's food scene this week?

šŸ˜‹ What is happening in Victoria's food scene this week?

Mother’s Day brunches and events, best iced matcha lattes, Marilena makes Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list, restaurant and café openings, and more.

Good morning foodies,

Today we are bringing you a list of Mother’s Day brunches and events to check out this weekend. We hope you all have a great time with your families!

In the past weeks we asked you what your favourite spot for iced matcha is, and today we are bringing the results to you in a roundup of your favourites. 

Over in the news section, you’ll find a Victoria restaurant that made the Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list for 2025, a restaurant that has opened in Oak Bay, and another in Royal Oak.

Now let’s get to it. 

What’s your favourite restaurant patio in Victoria?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

šŸ˜ 5 spots to try right now

šŸ½ Boom + Batten: A waterfront dining destination offering a refined menu of West Coast cuisine, complemented by panoramic views of the Inner Harbour.​

ā˜• Imagine Studio CafĆ©: A community-driven cafĆ© in James Bay serving pizzas, sandwiches, baked goods, and more.

🄐 de'lish: A cozy Oak Bay cafĆ© known for its fresh baked goods, hearty soups, and inviting atmosphere.

šŸŖ Alfajores by Griselda: Handcrafted alfajores, a traditional South American sweet treat made of two soft, crumbly cookies sandwiched together with dulce de leche, often found at local markets around Victoria.​

šŸœ Kizuna Ramen: Specializing in rich, flavourful broths and handcrafted noodles, this ramen spot offers both traditional and vegan options, earning praise for its authentic taste, located downtown.

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

FEATURED

Mother’s Day brunches and events happening in Victoria

Mother’s Day brunch at Lure. Instagram.

Whether she loves fresh flowers, slow brunches, sparkling wine, or handcrafted markets, there are plenty of ways to spoil the moms in your life this weekend. From lavender fields to seaside brunch buffets and hands-on floral workshops, we’ve rounded up the most delightful Mother’s Day events happening around Victoria. Plan ahead, book early, and treat her to something special—because she deserves it.

FEATURED

Best iced matcha lattes in Victoria

Fern CafƩ and Bakery. Instagram.

Looking to cool off with something green, creamy, and wildly refreshing? We asked you in one of our previous newsletters where to find the best iced matcha lattes in Victoria—and you’ve shared your favourite spots.

From floral Uji blends to creative spins like mango and strawberry matcha, the city's cafƩs are seriously stepping up their game. Whether you're already a matcha fan or just curious to try something new, this guide will point you to the smoothest, most satisfying sips in town. Your next iced matcha obsession might just be around the corner.

šŸ—žļø News

Marilena was named No. 39 in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list.

Liv CafĆ© & Bistro has soft opened in Oak Bay. 

Victoria Beer Week and the Great Canadian Beer Festival are being paused this year due to rising costs and declining ticket sales. Organizers say the decision will allow time to explore more sustainable event models for the future. [CHEK

Gyrosa Greek just opened its second location in Royal Oak at 109-4430 West Saanich Rd. 

Mosi Bakery opened a new concept in Fairfield Plaza: Mosi Florentine and will be opening another location in Oak Bay soon.  

13 restaurants to check out in Oak Bay.

šŸ’– Celebrate Mom with sparkling sips, sweet macarons, a custom facial, and a Renewal Mani or Pedi. Mom’s Sweetest Escape at Pure Day Spa—Victoria’s 5-time award-winning spa. Gift cards available now!*

*Sponsored Listing

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

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

šŸ—“ļø Events

Phillip’s Tasting Room Anniversary + Roast Kitchen Party: Celebrate a new kitchen collab with Roast and the Phillips Tasting Room’s 7th birthday with live DJs, specialty cocktails, birthday cake, and a full menu of sandwiches and snacks on May 16.

Thai Night by Kao Gang: Visit Dumpling Drop this Friday and Saturday from 6-10pm for a feast of Thai food, dessert, upbeat Thai music, and drinks.

Friends & Neighbours Pop-Up: TOUCI and Working Culture Bread team up for a spring market packed with local vendors, handmade goods, flowers, and treats on May 10. 

Cinco De Mayo Agave Paired Dinner: Celebrate with Mexican-inspired dishes and curated tequila and mezcal pairings at the Westin Bear Mountain on May 10.

ChĆ¢teau de la Font Du Loup Dinner & Wine Pairing at Atelier: Enjoy a five-course dinner paired with exceptional wines from ChĆ¢teau de la Font du Loup, featuring dishes like poached halibut, venison, and rib eye on May 23. 

Are you hosting a food event? Let us know

 šŸ’ø Deals

• Buy one, get one free MOD-size pizza or salad at MOD Pizza with a valid teacher or nurse ID. Valid today only.

• Free dessert for all moms dining in and free cheesecake with takeout orders over $60 at Bin 4 Burger Lounge on May 11. $6 mimosas and sparkling white wine are also available.

• $10 off your bill at Nautical Nellies when you spend over $60 and park in the Robbin’s covered lot next door. Just show your parking receipt to your server.

• $22.95 steak dinner and 30% off bottles of red wine at Flying Otter Grill on Thursdays from 3pm-close.

• All day happy hour at Sawmill Taphouse on Sundays. This includes $10 onion rings, $13 arancini, $14 pulled pork poutine, and drinks starting at $6.50. 

šŸ§‘ā€šŸ’» Jobs

šŸ“ø Post of the week

Patio season has started, and we couldn’t be more excited! Long lunches, fresh cocktails, and we are lucky to have beautiful waterfront views in Victoria. If you are looking for a new spot to check out, head to Jacks on the Water in Sidney. Delicious food and exquisite views.

That’s it!

If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, consider forwarding your friend; if not, let us know down below.

What did you think of today's newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.