Mentioned by Daily Hive
7 awesome must-try bars and restaurants in Victoria
"Spinnakers is Canada’s oldest brewpub, having opened in 1984 at a time when there were only about a dozen craft breweries in all of North America. The Victoria brewery was founded by 3 partners: John Mitchell, who opened the first brewpub in June 1982 at the Troller Pub in Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, Ray Ginnever, an accountant from Victoria and Paul Hadfield, an architect who managed the development process. Spinnakers Brewpub was inspired by John’s original work at the Troller Pub."
"A hop, skip, and a jump over the Blue Bridge and you'll find Spinnaker's- Canada's oldest gastropub!. With 4 separate patios Spinnakers is a must-visit spot on your next patio hopping adventure!. The food menu is focused on local, sustainable farming and there are over 26 taps for beer lovers to choose from- including original recipes that date back over 30 years."
"One of Canada's first craft brewers, this wood-floored smasher is a short hop from downtown via Victoria Harbour Ferry. Sail in for copper-colored Nut Brown Ale or the lip-smacking Lion's Head Cascadia Dark Ale,..."
"Royal Oak - 4517 West Saanich Rd. (778) 265-8898Gordon Head - 4087 Shelbourne St. (778) 265-5200Oak Bay - 2518 Estevan Ave. (250) 592-8311China Town - 1609 Store St. (250) 590-9821Cook St. Village - 355 Cook St. (250) 590-8915. Since this is Victoria, it probably comes as no shock that another brunch place is on the list. In full disclosure, these restaurants can be a little tight which might not always constitute the most kid-friendly places for some."
"It's perfect for lazy brunching with friends and is super family-friendly. They offer a range of choices from pancakes or oatmeal to eggs benny and latkes. Alternatively, try their famous breakfast sandwiches or a granola bowl."
"Located just off the main strip, Smiths has a great selection of beers and great food choices as well. You’ll find a classic pub downstairs, but an incredibly well-decorated lounge upstairs. It’s your choice but whatever choice you make – you’re in for a great night."
"No, the Breakwater Tasting Room isn’t entirely new (it opened in 2018), but with a new Head Chef, it may as well be. Head Chef Israel Alvarez, formerly of Pujol, CDMX (named the best restaurant in Mexico City by the Wall Street Journal), has handcrafted a tantalisingly intimate menu of authentic Nixtamal tacos and botanas with an unmistakable Pacific Northwest twist. With sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients — and unbelievably tasty handmade tortillas — this is some of the finest food you’ll find anywhere in North America, situated on one of the most scenic spots on Vancouver Island."
"Not only does the Breakwater Bistro overlook the breakwater itself (a perfect walk to burn off some post meal calories) but it also offers views of Dallas Road and the Olympic Mountains to the south. The Bistro has also added a SECOND beach-front patio which runs along the breakwater foot path and is doggo friendly!. With the "circuit breaker" regulations in place, the Breakwater Bistro is open 7 days a week with outdoor dining options available as long as the weather permits."
"Along with the outstanding menu, which offers choices for vegetarians, adventurers, and traditional meat-eaters, there are kid specific meals complete with milk and a cookie. I always feel good knowing about the environmental practices and local support that Big Wheel exhibit, not to mention, the staff has always been phenomenal, the service is speedy, and the atmosphere is fun and diner-esque. If the weather is nice we usually order to go and take our food down to beach or park at the end of Cook St. If it’s a bit rainy, we like staying inside at the diner like booths to enjoy our meals."
"Jackson’s Ice Cream Float is the only floating ice cream shop in Canada – possibly the world!. Located at Fisherman’s Wharf and full of charm, Jackson’s embodies a classic ice cream parlour with generous scoop sizes and friendly staff. Offering sixteen flavours of hard ice cream, three flavours of soft-serve, milkshakes and floats."
"A weather station for 75 years, the observatory now stands as a scenic heritage building in the Gonzales Hill Regional Park. Toward sunset, make the quick walk up to the top for a breathtaking waterfront view."
"Jackson’s Ice Cream Float is the only floating ice cream shop in Canada – possibly the world!. Located at Fisherman’s Wharf and full of charm, Jackson’s embodies a classic ice cream parlour with generous scoop sizes and friendly staff. Offering sixteen flavours of hard ice cream, three flavours of soft-serve, milkshakes and floats."
"Owner Brett Black’s travels through Mexico inspire the incredible array of paletas (or popsicles) that loyal fans flock to purchase every day. Now relocated in Fan Tan Alley from Fisgard Street, the store specializes in small batch, made from scratch, locally sourced paletas and ice creams. The milk used is organic from Avalon dairy and their delicious products are packed in wrappers made from natural plant-based sustainable resources that are 100% biodegradable & compostable."
"In the heart of Victoria’s Chinatown, tucked down Canada’s narrowest street, discover this small-batch ice cream shop. Packing big flavour, Kid Sister Ice Cream is a must-try, from-scratch, ice cream and popsicle joint. With flavours that alternate almost daily, you can try something new each visit!"
"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user cyclonebill used under CC BY-SA 2.0. Photo is only for illustrative purposes. I scream, you scream, who doesn’t love ice cream?"