Victoria & Neighbourhood Favourites Guidebook

Jen
Victoria & Neighbourhood Favourites Guidebook

Food scene

Great local butcher *definitely try their smoked olives too
Village Butcher
2032 Oak Bay Ave
Great local butcher *definitely try their smoked olives too
Best fresh fish (salmon, halibut. cod, tuna, crab, prawns) They also make great fish tacos at their food truck Buy the: *smoked tuna *smoked salmon *black cod
19 locals recommend
Finest At Sea
27 Erie St
19 locals recommend
Best fresh fish (salmon, halibut. cod, tuna, crab, prawns) They also make great fish tacos at their food truck Buy the: *smoked tuna *smoked salmon *black cod
BEST Grocer End of October 2021 there will be a location near by on Cook Street but for now... you'll have to drive to Mckenzie. Lots of vegan and gluten free items Try their: Secret Green Sauce Butter Chicken Sausages fresh pizza dough (reg and GF) Very Good butcher vegan "meats"
74 locals recommend
The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer
1286 McKenzie Ave
74 locals recommend
BEST Grocer End of October 2021 there will be a location near by on Cook Street but for now... you'll have to drive to Mckenzie. Lots of vegan and gluten free items Try their: Secret Green Sauce Butter Chicken Sausages fresh pizza dough (reg and GF) Very Good butcher vegan "meats"
Vegan Butcher butchering beans for vegan meats carefully crafted with real, whole-food ingredients. Grill it, fry it, roast it. Easy to prep plant-based meat boxes packed with flavor. Plant-Based. Made in Canada.
The Very Good Butchers
515 Chatham St
Vegan Butcher butchering beans for vegan meats carefully crafted with real, whole-food ingredients. Grill it, fry it, roast it. Easy to prep plant-based meat boxes packed with flavor. Plant-Based. Made in Canada.
Crust Bakery is a fabulous boutique artisan bakery in Victoria. Serving amazing baked goods and many delicious lunch items.
42 locals recommend
Crust Bakery
730 Fort St
42 locals recommend
Crust Bakery is a fabulous boutique artisan bakery in Victoria. Serving amazing baked goods and many delicious lunch items.
Eat in, take out or delivery: Big Wheel Burger provides the best quality burgers, shakes, sodas and fries through local, sustainable and environmentally friendly resources. Great vegan options too! Located close by in Cook Street Village.
45 locals recommend
Big Wheel Burger
341 Cook St
45 locals recommend
Eat in, take out or delivery: Big Wheel Burger provides the best quality burgers, shakes, sodas and fries through local, sustainable and environmentally friendly resources. Great vegan options too! Located close by in Cook Street Village.
Year round produce and makers market Saturdays 10-2 (summer-fall) and 10-1pm during the off season. Great breads, produce, jams, food trucks, makers of all kinds. *10 minute walk from 426 Arnold Avenue
68 locals recommend
Moss Street Market
1330 Fairfield Rd
68 locals recommend
Year round produce and makers market Saturdays 10-2 (summer-fall) and 10-1pm during the off season. Great breads, produce, jams, food trucks, makers of all kinds. *10 minute walk from 426 Arnold Avenue
Great cheese selection, fresh baguette, Italian meats and gelato *nice place to sit outside for a light lunch or coffee and then stroll along Oak Bay Avenue
39 locals recommend
Ottavio Italian Bakery, Delicatessen & Cafe
2272 Oak Bay Ave
39 locals recommend
Great cheese selection, fresh baguette, Italian meats and gelato *nice place to sit outside for a light lunch or coffee and then stroll along Oak Bay Avenue
Great Bunch and lunch *cute location in Estevan Village Also try eateries: Ruth + Dean, Norah Thai, and the Willows Galley... all in Estevan Village.
62 locals recommend
The Village Restaurant
2518 Estevan Ave
62 locals recommend
Great Bunch and lunch *cute location in Estevan Village Also try eateries: Ruth + Dean, Norah Thai, and the Willows Galley... all in Estevan Village.
Best sushi!!!! Also great general menu! *take out sushi and sit on the beach nearby or eat in at the sushi bar or the larger restaurant that serves more continental food...
36 locals recommend
Marina Restaurant
1327 Beach Dr
36 locals recommend
Best sushi!!!! Also great general menu! *take out sushi and sit on the beach nearby or eat in at the sushi bar or the larger restaurant that serves more continental food...
Best authentic Tacos
28 locals recommend
La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop
766 Fort St
28 locals recommend
Best authentic Tacos
Great food at the pub and the restaurant (get a table facing the ocean outside if you can)!!! Plus pizza and salads at Faro (street side). *Books a spa treatment and the pools for the day!
33 locals recommend
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
1175 Beach Dr
33 locals recommend
Great food at the pub and the restaurant (get a table facing the ocean outside if you can)!!! Plus pizza and salads at Faro (street side). *Books a spa treatment and the pools for the day!
Best fresh made Tortillas and Mexican provisions shop -Hot food (tacos) available Friday-Sunday 10am-6pm
MAiiZ Nixtamal Tortillería
540 Fisgard St
Best fresh made Tortillas and Mexican provisions shop -Hot food (tacos) available Friday-Sunday 10am-6pm
Great French Bistro
119 locals recommend
Brasserie L'Ecole
1715 Government St
119 locals recommend
Great French Bistro
Great fresh Sushi (eat in or take out)
8 locals recommend
Oak Bay Bon Sushi
1467 Hampshire Rd
8 locals recommend
Great fresh Sushi (eat in or take out)
Best food for special occasion. Atmosphere is ok but the food one of the very best in the city!
12 locals recommend
Saveur Restaurant
658 Herald St
12 locals recommend
Best food for special occasion. Atmosphere is ok but the food one of the very best in the city!
Great food! set tasting menu only
Nowhere *A Restaurant
Douglas Street
Great food! set tasting menu only
Lovely Sandy local beach (10 minute drive) (great kids playground overlooking the water) *Get the best Fish n chips to go at the Willows Galley and eat it at the beach
170 locals recommend
Willows Beach
Esplanade
170 locals recommend
Lovely Sandy local beach (10 minute drive) (great kids playground overlooking the water) *Get the best Fish n chips to go at the Willows Galley and eat it at the beach
Best Fish n chips Eat at willows beach near by or take home.
16 locals recommend
Willows Galley
2559 Estevan Ave
16 locals recommend
Best Fish n chips Eat at willows beach near by or take home.
Great bakery and luncheonette in Estevan Village (walk to Willows beach from here)
7 locals recommend
Ruth & Dean - Luncheonette & Bakery
2509 Estevan Avenue
7 locals recommend
Great bakery and luncheonette in Estevan Village (walk to Willows beach from here)
On of our Favourite Restaurants Close by in Fernwood Village
96 locals recommend
stage.
1307 Gladstone Ave
96 locals recommend
On of our Favourite Restaurants Close by in Fernwood Village
Fernwood and Fernwood Square -Stage Restaurant -Fernwood Pizza -Mesa Familiar (great Mexican) -Little June (Excellent Coffee and Sandwiches) -Lots of little shops and the Belfry Theatre
32 locals recommend
Fernwood
32 locals recommend
Fernwood and Fernwood Square -Stage Restaurant -Fernwood Pizza -Mesa Familiar (great Mexican) -Little June (Excellent Coffee and Sandwiches) -Lots of little shops and the Belfry Theatre
Delicious Indo-French influenced sustainable local seafood Serving both sit down and take away customers, offering a variety of sustainable, locally-sourced and farm-fresh ingredients. With a rotating menu includes a wide selection of mainstay dishes, tartines, salads, house-pickled organic veggies, a daily fish curry and a duet of soups - one chowder and one gazpacho. *the coconut milk based fish chowder is delicious! Maintaining Ocean Wise, local and organic standards, we also offer dairy-free, wheat-free and mayo-free alternatives, giving our customers numerous healthy food options for lunch and dinner.
51 locals recommend
Fishhook
805 Fort St
51 locals recommend
Delicious Indo-French influenced sustainable local seafood Serving both sit down and take away customers, offering a variety of sustainable, locally-sourced and farm-fresh ingredients. With a rotating menu includes a wide selection of mainstay dishes, tartines, salads, house-pickled organic veggies, a daily fish curry and a duet of soups - one chowder and one gazpacho. *the coconut milk based fish chowder is delicious! Maintaining Ocean Wise, local and organic standards, we also offer dairy-free, wheat-free and mayo-free alternatives, giving our customers numerous healthy food options for lunch and dinner.
excellent Southeast Asian fusion restaurant
17 locals recommend
Bao
626 Fisgard St
17 locals recommend
excellent Southeast Asian fusion restaurant
Morning coffee, brunch or drinks, lunch... cute space
12 locals recommend
Bear & Joey Cafe
1025 Cook St
12 locals recommend
Morning coffee, brunch or drinks, lunch... cute space
excellent breakfast/brunch
201 locals recommend
Jam Cafe
542 Herald St
201 locals recommend
excellent breakfast/brunch
great restaurant Located in a beautiful botanical garden
19 locals recommend
Charlotte & the Quail
505 Quayle Rd
19 locals recommend
great restaurant Located in a beautiful botanical garden
Brunch and lunch only. wonderful vegetarian restaurant located in a charming character house... beautiful patio as well.
56 locals recommend
Nourish Kitchen & Cafe
225 Quebec Street
56 locals recommend
Brunch and lunch only. wonderful vegetarian restaurant located in a charming character house... beautiful patio as well.

Groceries and Provisions

Local Grocer: Get all your basics. Just a 10 minute walk from 426 Arnold ave.
138 locals recommend
Thrifty Foods
1580 Hillside Ave
138 locals recommend
Local Grocer: Get all your basics. Just a 10 minute walk from 426 Arnold ave.
Closest Liquor Store (in Fairfield Plaza) *10 minute walk from 426 Arnold avenue
41 locals recommend
BC Liquor Stores
1960 Foul Bay Rd
41 locals recommend
Closest Liquor Store (in Fairfield Plaza) *10 minute walk from 426 Arnold avenue
Closet Pharmacy
9 locals recommend
Heart Pharmacy IDA - Fairfield
1594 Fairfield Rd
9 locals recommend
Closet Pharmacy
Bets local wine, beer and spirits shop.
14 locals recommend
Cook St Liquor
304 Cook St
14 locals recommend
Bets local wine, beer and spirits shop.
Best place to buy organic wine, beer and spirits
13 locals recommend
Vessel Liquor
1609 Fort St
13 locals recommend
Best place to buy organic wine, beer and spirits
Local natural food and vitamin shop *closest location for organic foods, vegan options and vitamins/supplements.
29 locals recommend
Mother Nature's Market & Deli
240 Cook St
29 locals recommend
Local natural food and vitamin shop *closest location for organic foods, vegan options and vitamins/supplements.
Closest butcher
8 locals recommend
McLennan's Island Meat & Seafood
307 307 Cook St
8 locals recommend
Closest butcher

Spa

Book an incredible spa treatment and make sure to book time in the pools overlooking the ocean. Great Lunch and dinner by the pool or at one of their restaurants here as well.
Boathouse Spa & Baths
1175 Beach Dr
Book an incredible spa treatment and make sure to book time in the pools overlooking the ocean. Great Lunch and dinner by the pool or at one of their restaurants here as well.

Sightseeing

Stroll Canada's oldest China Town -walk thru Fan Tan alley and visit hidden shops and boutiques: -Fan Tan Gallery (boutique) -Maize (tortilleria)
124 locals recommend
Victoria's Chinatown
500 Fisgard St
124 locals recommend
Stroll Canada's oldest China Town -walk thru Fan Tan alley and visit hidden shops and boutiques: -Fan Tan Gallery (boutique) -Maize (tortilleria)
Beautiful park for strolling, picnicking, playgrounds and petting zoo. Feed the ducks and peacocks and pet the baby sheep.
503 locals recommend
Beacon Hill Park
100 Cook St
503 locals recommend
Beautiful park for strolling, picnicking, playgrounds and petting zoo. Feed the ducks and peacocks and pet the baby sheep.
Beautiful gardens for sightseeing, strolling, picnicking *Don't miss the Summer fireworks and show or the Christmas lights and ice skating in December/January.
254 locals recommend
Butchart Gardens
254 locals recommend
Beautiful gardens for sightseeing, strolling, picnicking *Don't miss the Summer fireworks and show or the Christmas lights and ice skating in December/January.
Garden and Tea House Open Sept-March (walking Distance from 426 Arnold Avenue) https://www.abkhaziteahouse.com Great for strolling thru west coast Gardens and high tea
56 locals recommend
The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden
1964 Fairfield Rd
56 locals recommend
Garden and Tea House Open Sept-March (walking Distance from 426 Arnold Avenue) https://www.abkhaziteahouse.com Great for strolling thru west coast Gardens and high tea
Lovely hike/walk to the top of the Observatory. Looks out onto Gonzales bay... stunning views https://www.victoriabc.ca/historical-buildings/gonzales-hill-observatory/
Gonzales Observatory
302 Denison Road
Lovely hike/walk to the top of the Observatory. Looks out onto Gonzales bay... stunning views https://www.victoriabc.ca/historical-buildings/gonzales-hill-observatory/
great area for a walk, and grab some food, has a great playground for kids and pretty houseboats to see.
255 locals recommend
Fisherman's Wharf Park
12 Erie St
255 locals recommend
great area for a walk, and grab some food, has a great playground for kids and pretty houseboats to see.

Favourite Beaches/Parks

Beautiful beach and bay in walking distance
42 locals recommend
Gonzales Beach
42 locals recommend
Beautiful beach and bay in walking distance
best for: walking, sunning, paddling, picnicking, kids playground, get the best Fish n' Chips at the nearby Willow Galley and eat at the beach. *Rent Paddle Boards and Kayaks at the nearby Oak Bay Marina https://oceanriver.com/oak-bay-kayak-shack-booking-page/
170 locals recommend
Willows Beach
Esplanade
170 locals recommend
best for: walking, sunning, paddling, picnicking, kids playground, get the best Fish n' Chips at the nearby Willow Galley and eat at the beach. *Rent Paddle Boards and Kayaks at the nearby Oak Bay Marina https://oceanriver.com/oak-bay-kayak-shack-booking-page/
Favourite beach and park/playground for kids -Rent paddle boards at nearby Gyro Beach Board Shop -Peppers Crocer -Jusu Juice bar -Machi Sushi -Mocha house -Smuggler's Cove Pub
89 locals recommend
Cadboro-Gyro Park
Sinclair Road
89 locals recommend
Favourite beach and park/playground for kids -Rent paddle boards at nearby Gyro Beach Board Shop -Peppers Crocer -Jusu Juice bar -Machi Sushi -Mocha house -Smuggler's Cove Pub
walk up to government house from 426 Arnold avenue and visit the expansive gardens/park... you may see deer and Peacocks. Plan a picnic on a lovely day or walk in the rain.
103 locals recommend
Government House
1401 Rockland Ave
103 locals recommend
walk up to government house from 426 Arnold avenue and visit the expansive gardens/park... you may see deer and Peacocks. Plan a picnic on a lovely day or walk in the rain.
Dallas road waterfront trail and beach. Walk down from 426 Arnold Avenue straight thru the graveyard to the water and tur right to walk along the beach and keep going to access the water front trail. walk all the way to Ogden Point if you want a good long walk and grab a coffee or bite at The Breakwater cafe.
23 locals recommend
Dallas Road
Dallas Road
23 locals recommend
Dallas road waterfront trail and beach. Walk down from 426 Arnold Avenue straight thru the graveyard to the water and tur right to walk along the beach and keep going to access the water front trail. walk all the way to Ogden Point if you want a good long walk and grab a coffee or bite at The Breakwater cafe.

Neighbourhoods/Places of Interest

Stroll along the avenue and sit the many shops and restaurants -Ottavio deli -Bon Sushi -Penny Farthing Pub and Vis a Vis restaurant -Oak and Barrel wine/liquor shop
13 locals recommend
Oak Bay Avenue
Oak Bay Avenue
13 locals recommend
Stroll along the avenue and sit the many shops and restaurants -Ottavio deli -Bon Sushi -Penny Farthing Pub and Vis a Vis restaurant -Oak and Barrel wine/liquor shop
Estevan Village by the ocean Eat at: The Willows Galley Villages Ruth + Dean *dine in or take out and walk to Willows Beach
Estevan Pharmacy
2517 Estevan Ave
Estevan Village by the ocean Eat at: The Willows Galley Villages Ruth + Dean *dine in or take out and walk to Willows Beach
Canada's oldest China town
124 locals recommend
Victoria's Chinatown
500 Fisgard St
124 locals recommend
Canada's oldest China town
Great shopping along Johnson street. Also, check out Market Square.
12 locals recommend
Johnson Street
Johnson Street
12 locals recommend
Great shopping along Johnson street. Also, check out Market Square.

Neighbourhoods

Cook Street Village (just a 20 minute walk from Arnold Avenue) Stroll from Fairfield Road and Cook Street all the way down to Dallas road (ocean) and Beacon Hill Park and petting Zoo. -the Root Cellar Grocer (opening end of October 2021) -Pizzeria Prima Strata -Surroundings Home shop -The Reflexology Experience -Mclennan's Butcher -Cook Street Liquor -Mother Nature's Market -Big Wheel Burger -Hot and Cold cafe -Thunderbird Chicken -Empire Doughnuts -The Beagle Pub -Food Trucks -Florists
17 locals recommend
Cook Street
Cook Street
17 locals recommend
Cook Street Village (just a 20 minute walk from Arnold Avenue) Stroll from Fairfield Road and Cook Street all the way down to Dallas road (ocean) and Beacon Hill Park and petting Zoo. -the Root Cellar Grocer (opening end of October 2021) -Pizzeria Prima Strata -Surroundings Home shop -The Reflexology Experience -Mclennan's Butcher -Cook Street Liquor -Mother Nature's Market -Big Wheel Burger -Hot and Cold cafe -Thunderbird Chicken -Empire Doughnuts -The Beagle Pub -Food Trucks -Florists