Teasing Your Taste Buds in James Bay

By Doreen M Gee

 

James Bay has everything to indulge your cravings for great food, wonderful wines, sumptuous meals, delicious coffees and sinful snacks. Here is a summary of all those places where you can eat drink and be merry and what makes them unique. Prices from Budget $ to Luxury $$$

Dining Establishments

 

The Mark ~ Hotel Grand Pacific ~ 463 Belleville ~ 250-386-0450

• Fine Dining at its most splendid and luxurious. 7 tables for maximum 28 guests. You get a private and intimate dining experience. Licensed. Open 5 PM to 9:30 PM daily for dinner. Only fresh local products. The chef changes the menu frequently to make sure each visit is a new experience. Savour the "Crabapple Iced Tea" as your tongue melts on the "Poached Qualicum Bay Scallops" with Apple Linguini. Classic wines from Europe and New World wines. Unique: You have your own door man. Prices $$$

 

The Pacific Restaurant and Pacific Lounge ~ Hotel Grand Pacific ~ 463 Belleville

250-386-0450

• Luxurious Dining. Licensed. Lounge open 11 AM to 12 midnight daily to get your Bison Burger! Restaurant open 6:30 AM to 10 PM daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Children's menu in restaurant. Live music in the restaurant 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM Friday and Saturday. West Coast Afternoon Tea Thursday to Sunday from 2 PM to 4:30 PM but 7 days a week in July and August. Treat yourself to an "Anise Cured Berkshire Pork Chop" with Red Calypso Beans, D'anjou Pear and Ginger Emulsion. Unique: "Dim Sum and Then Some" - The Pacific Restaurant now has their own Dim Sum lunch mixing Chinese fare with fresh Western ingredients (weekends from 11: 30 AM to 3 PM). Prices $$$

 

The Gatsby Mansion Restaurant ~ 309 Belleville ~ 250-388-9191

• Upscale Casual Dining. Licensed. Sunday all-you-can eat brunch/buffet (10 AM to 2 PM). Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Open daily 8 AM to 11 PM. Afternoon Tea daily from 2 PM to 4 PM. High Tea daily after 6 PM. Offers The Gatsby Children's Tea Party. For a truly luxurious treat, indulge yourself in "High Tea" with Walnut Herb and Lemon Zest Scones plus Salmon Pinwheel and Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches. Unique: Dining in an exquisite mansion full of architectural eye-candy and boasting a fascinating history. Located at Belleville Park, an acre of exquisitely landscaped gardens and lawns, ponds and pathways of cobblestone. Prices $$$

 

Hunter's Club Bar and Grill ~ Huntingdon Hotel ~ 330 Quebec

250-381-3456

• Casual Dining. Licensed. Open daily from for Breakfast (7 AM to11 AM) and Lunch (11 AM to 2 PM) only. Children's menu. Licensed. Tables inside and out. West Coast Fusion Cuisine: Hearty food that looks scrumptious, with a beautiful flavour and made from wholesome fresh ingredients. Wonderful manicured surroundings. Unique: Outdoor seating and television for sports fans. Just a short walk to the Inner Harbour to enjoy warm evenings, sunsets and an ocean breeze. Prices $$$

 

Pablo's Dining Lounge ~ 225 Quebec ~ 250-388-4255

• Fine French Dining and Cuisine. Ah, luxury - this is where you go when you really want to treat yourself or for that extra special occasion or person! Offers an intimate dining room, private upstairs room and a lounge. Open Wednesday to Monday for Dinner 5 PM until 10 PM. Saturday and Sunday Brunch 10 AM to 2 PM. Closed Tuesdays but available for private functions upon request. Licensed. Table service. All in a refurbished 1900's heritage house. Trained in Paris, owner and chef Robert Cassels takes pride in classical French cuisine with locally sustainable ingredients. Try the mouth-watering "Fillet Rossini" with beef tenderloin, foie gras and perigeux sauce. Unique: One of the last places in the city for 'table side service.' Prices $$$

 

Blue Crab Bar and Grill ~ Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel and Marina

146 Kingston 250-480-1999

• Upscale casual dining. Exquisite Pacific Northwest cuisine. Fine seafood and meat and pasta dishes with a world class view of Victoria Harbour. Licensed. Table service. Open daily for Breakfast 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM, Lunch 11:30 AM to 3 PM and Dinner 5 PM to10 PM. Sunday Brunch. Indulge yourself with a "Lamb Apricot Burger" for lunch or "Sage Rubbed Free Run Chicken Stroganoff" for dinner. Freshest ingredients - Daily specials capitalize on local seafood catches. Eclectic selection of wines, including 'hard to find wines.' Unique: Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and Chef Andrew Dickinson is a two time winner of the Vancouver Island Chef of the Year Award. Prices $$$

 

Aura Restaurant ~ Laurel Point Inn ~ 680 Montreal ~ 250-414-6739

• Fabulous upscale dining. Offers a memorable dining experience in its beautiful public and private dining rooms. Come and relax in the all weather patio with tents, heaters and mood lighting. Live music every Thursday night on the patio makes for a romantic night setting. Ocean Wise Catch of the Day. Savour the Cinnamon Smoked Duck Breast or Apple Toffee Cheesecake! Licensed. Table Service. Open every day from 7 AM to 10:30 PM. Breakfast 7 AM to 11 AM. Lunch 11:30 AM to 2 PM. Dinner 5 PM to 9 PM. Sunday Brunch from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. They even have a special afternoon menu from 2 PM to 5 PM with Fish and Chips, Green Salads and Smoked Tomato Bisque. During the summer, they are adding a "Light Dinner" to their menus. It will consist of salads, sandwiches and burgers for those hot evenings and will cost less than the regular dinner. Unique: Sunday Brunch 25 % discount for seniors. Prices $$$ and for light dinner $$.

 

Swiftsure Restaurant and Lounge ~ 427 Belleville ~ 250-413-2707 (Restaurant) 250-389-0839 (Lounge)

• Casual Dining. Licensed. Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from 7 AM to 10 PM. The lounge is open from 11: 30 AM to 1: 30 AM for lunch and dinner. Children's menu in the restaurant. Live music every Saturday 3 PM to 6 PM. Unique: "Peach Purse" Okanagan peaches blended with nutmeg, cream cheese and sugar and baked in a puff pastry purse. (Yummy!) Prices $$

 

Samuel's - By The Park ~ Queen Victoria Hotel ~ 655 Douglas

250-388-4488

• Casual Dining. Licensed. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 AM to 9 PM. Licensed. Children's menu. Sunday brunch buffet. Over 60 delectable items on Sunday brunch menu. One of the most delicious baby shrimp salads in the city! Unique: Samuel's Strawberry Program. If you think that the staff have given extra special service, you can award them a 'strawberry' by writing it down on a special form. At the end of the month, strawberries are tallied and staff are rewarded accordingly. Prices $$

 

Heron Rock Bistro ~ #4 - 435 Simcoe ~ 250-383-1345

• Upscale Casual Dining. Licensed. Open Tuesday to Thursday 10 AM to 9 PM; Monday and Friday 10 AM to 10 PM ; Saturday 8: 30 AM to 10 PM ; Sunday 8 : 30 AM to 9 PM. Children under ten only $6. Live Music on Monday and Friday evenings. Saturday and Sunday Brunch. Unique: Six different kinds of "Eggs Benedict." Wrap your taste buds around ' Portabella & Applewood Cheddar Benedict.' (Oo La La!) Prices $$

 

O Bistro Restaurant and Lounge ~ In the Oswego Hotel ~ 500 Oswego

250-294-7500

• Casual dining. Intensely flavorful small plates "Tapas" menu for lunch and dinner. Regular breakfast. Wholesome local ingredients in a relaxed contemporary setting. Lounge and a fireside dining room surrounded by stylish cut stone walls. Licensed. Table service. Open daily for breakfast 7 AM to 10 AM, Lunch 11:30 AM to 1:30 AM and Dinner 4 PM onwards. Brunch Saturday / Sunday 7 AM to 1:30 PM. A monthly roster of live jazz music, art and wine. Outdoor patio. Treat yourself to the "Pan Roasted Sable Fish with leek, goat cheese tart and yam & pear puree or the Crab Cakes with roasted corn and tomato relish! Unique: Themed daily drink specials. Prices $$

 

B.C. Legislature Dining Room ~ 501 Belleville ~ Tel # 250-387-3959

• A wonderful little secret in James Bay carefully hidden until now! Come to the security office of the B.C Legislature, show them photo ID, and they will take you down to this great eatery. Open for breakfast and lunch every week day all year around from 9 AM to 3 PM, except for Fridays when it closes at 2 PM. Eat in - tables. Offers everything from hamburgers to steaks. Unique: The prices are very reasonable - $5 to $14 $

 

James Bay Tea Room and Restaurant ~ 332 Menzies ~ 250-382-8282

• Upscale casual dining. Our own little piece of England in James Bay. Offers a beautiful Old English "Tea and Crumpets" experience. Daily High Tea service. (You can add the British accent!). Where else can you get delicious "Kippers and Eggs" and "Welsh Rarebit on Toast"? Open Monday to Saturday for breakfast and lunch 7 AM to 5 PM and Sundays 8 AM to 5 PM. Table service. Licensed - Try some champagne with your tea service. And enjoy the history. It was built in 1907 as a family home. Unique: The High Tea Service is only $ 17.50, Light Tea only $10 and they offer a Children's Tea for $17.50. $$

 

Santiago's ~ 660 Oswego ~ 250-388-7376

• Casual Dining. "Tapas" Bar with wonderful succulent South American cuisine. They promise that their Tapas menu items are large and meal-size. Regular fare as well - like burgers and salads. Open every day from 11 Am to 9 PM for Lunch and Dinner. Licensed. Table service. All salsas and sauces made from scratch. Fresh local ingredients. Children's menu. The only place in town that offers "Ceviche", which is raw fish cut up and marinated in lime juice, salt and seasonings. Enjoy the Polenta with Grilled Chicken, Black Beans and Coconut Rice. Unique: Their "Mussell Madness Mondays" with ten per cent off! Prices $$

 

The James Bay Inn Restaurant and Pub ~ James Bay Inn ~ 270 Government

250-384-7151

• Casual dining in a building rich in history. The original Inn opened in 1911 and the property was part of the Cridge Estate. The restaurant is open 7 days a week from 7:30 AM to 9 PM. Pub is open every day from 11 AM to 11 PM and offers same fare as the restaurant. Licensed. Table service. Breakfast Lunch and Dinner. A variety of menu items full of good hearty food. Morning meals offer full English breakfasts with bacon, ham and sausages. Children's menu. Staff boasts that they have the "Best Denver Omelette in Victoria! " Wrap your gums around their famous Beer Battered Fish and Chips. Dinners are made from local fresh seafood and produce. Daily pasta specials. Unique: Their "West Coast Stew "with fresh vegetables, herbs, halibut, salmon, scallops, shrimp and plum tomatoes. (Oh my!) Prices $$

 

The Embassy Restaurant and Lounge ~ The Embassy Inn ~ 520 Menzies

250-382-8161

• Elegant Casual Dining at reasonable prices. The Restaurant is open every day from 7 AM to 2:30 PM for Breakfast and Lunch. The Lounge is open daily from 11:30 AM to 9 PM where you can enjoy a light dinner in the evening. Sunday Brunch Buffet in the Restaurant from 11 AM to 2:30 PM. Licensed. Table service. Daily hot lunch specials with a variety of fresh food, like soup and sandwich. Savoury delights artfully served. Family friendly. Come and try the Home Made Pot Pies. Unique: Big Screen TV in the Lounge for sports fans. Prices $$

 

Vic's Steakhouse and Bar ~ In Harbour Towers Hotel ~ 345 Quebec ~ 250-480-6585

• Casual Dining. Staff boasts that they are a "Passionately Canadian Steakhouse." 100 per cent Canadian beef! Open every day for Breakfast Lunch and Dinner from 6:30 AM to 10 PM. Licensed. Table service. Live Music on Fridays. Their exciting West Coast Cuisine includes fresh local ingredients like clams and mushrooms from Cortes Island and gourmet cheeses from Island farms. Come to "Surf and Turf Tuesdays" and get beef tenderloin, prawns, sugar-glazed squash, oven roasted tomato and potato stuffed with cheddar and chives. Unique: Get a complimentary basket of their ' Signature' Chicken Wings with your first bottle of beer! Childrens' menu. Prices $$

 

Harbour House Restaurant ~ 607 Oswego ~ 250-386-1244

• Upscale Dining. The staff are proud: " Making meals memorable for over thirty years!" Specializes in fantastic seafood with other dishes. Open for Lunch Monday to Saturday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and for Dinner every day from 4:30 PM to 10 PM. No breakfast menu. Licensed. Table service. Regular Dining Room plus an intimate dining room that seats up to thirty people for private cocktail parties, dinner or conferences. For lunch, indulge your senses with a Lobster Bisque or a Spinach and Goat's Cheese Salad. For that very special occasion, pamper yourself (and/or your significant other) with Shellfish Thermidore with lobster, shrimp, scallops and crab meat and baked with a Thermidore cheese sauce. Prices $$$

 

Jonathan's Restaurant and Lounge ~ Royal Scot Hotel ~ 425 Quebec

250-383-5103

• Casual Dining. Excellent international cuisine. Open every day for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner from 7 AM to 9 PM. Licensed. Lounge / Bar in the restaurant. Table service. Lunch menu has burgers, chicken fingers and sandwiches. Delicious Crepes and Caesar Salads! Unique: The Restaurant and Hotel are surrounded by an acre of spectacular landscaped gardens. So, take a walk after lunch and smell the flowers! Prices $$

 

James Bay Fish and Chips ~ 211 Menzies ~ 250-383-5333

• Casual Dining. What a piece of James Bay history - I bought fish and chips there way back in the sixties! Offers seafood, burgers (a la The James Bay Burger) and Chinese fare. Lunch and dinner only. Licensed. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Open Tuesdays to Thursdays from 11 AM to 2:30 PM for lunch and 4:30 PM to 9 PM for dinner. Open Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 1 PM to 9 PM. Table and counter service and take out. $15 minimum for delivery. The halibut is wonderful and at $ 7.25 for a half order (with fries), it is the best deal in Victoria! Unique: Their secret is that the owner cooks all the food, his specialties. Prices $

 

The Bent Mast Restaurant and Lounge ~ 512 Toronto ~ 250-383-6000

• Casual Dining. Come and enjoy delicious juicy hamburgers and classic pub fare. Huge old Victorian House with large interior and great patio. Original 1884 architecture - you can dine in the old parlour or dining room. Licensed. Table service and seating inside and outside. Features live Irish, Bluegrass and folk music. Family friendly. Take out as well. Same menu for lunch and dinner. Open Tuesday until Saturday 11:30 AM to 2 AM and Sunday 11:30 AM to midnight. Closed Mondays. Cool down this summer with their "Honey Pale Ale "or try their "Cheese Dip with Caramelized Onions." Unique: It was a rooming house in the 1940's for wives of soldiers overseas. Prices $$

 

Sips Artisan Bistro (Spinnakers in James Bay Square) ~ 425 Simcoe

250-590-3519

• Specializes in gourmet sausages and cheeses, smoked chicken and seafood, and wines from various regions in BC. Open every day from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Licensed. Table service. Formal wine tastings. On their "Charcuterie Plate", you can choose your favorite meats that come with sourdough baguettes and preserves. Unique: To receive an invitation to a wine tasting, just fill out the feedback form on their website. Prices $$

 

The Cafe Superior ~ 106 Superior ~ 250-380-9515

• This is a treasure in James Bay offering a Dinner "Tapas" menu - a small plate sharing menu - using fresh local organic and seasonal ingredients. Open Tuesday until Sunday for Lunch from 11 AM to 3 PM, Brunch from 10AM to 3 PM and Dinner from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Famous in-house smoked Cowichan Bay Chicken Wings. Live music. Licensed. Table service. Unique: Food as art. The chef uses different colours, textures and tastes to tempt your palate. Brunch menu sparkles with chocolate chip banana bread French Toast (Oh my!). Prices $$

 

Cafeterias & Take Out

 

Barb's Place ~ 310 St. Lawrence ~ 250-384-6515

• Located in beautiful Fisherman's Wharf, this floating eatery boasts great seafood, burgers, hot dogs, coffee, tea and desserts including the famous "Barb's Carrot Cake." Open daily 11 AM until dark, March to October. Take out and seating at a few outside tables. Kids' Menu. Quality freshly made food. (They were in a film set for the TV series "Sea Hunt"). Unique: New valet system. You do not have to wait in long line - ups anymore. Just call and give your credit card and car information and when you arrive, flash your lights and your food will come to you! Prices $$

 

Subway Sandwiches ~ 239 Menzies ~ 250-480-7724

• Healthy sandwiches - low calorie take out food. Counter service - tables. Subs have 6 grams of fat or less and about one half the calories of a standard burger. (Remember Jared?). Breakfast, lunch and dinner sandwiches. Open weekdays from 7 AM to 11 PM and weekends from 8 Am to 11 PM. Unique: New Orchard Chicken Salad Sub. Prices $

 

Grilligan's (at Fisherman's Wharf) ~ Suite 12 - 12 Erie ~ 250-381-2152

• Tasty take out food. Counter service. Specialty sausages in buns. Some seats outside. Sandwiches. Unique: Barbeque Baby Back Ribs Dinner at $14.95. Open 10 AM until 7 PM all summer long. Prices $

 

Jackson's Ice Cream Float (at Fisherman's Wharf) ~ Suite 16 - 12 Erie

250-383-0057

• Victoria's sole floating ice cream hut! Sixteen flavours of yummy scooped ice cream, soft ice cream and gelato sorbeto. All products are locally made. Open 11 AM until dark all summer long. Unique: " Chocolate twist soft ice cream in a chocolate waffle cone." Prices $

 

The Fish Store at Fisherman's Wharf ~ 12 Erie ~ 250-383-6462

• Beautiful fresh seafood. Open 11 AM to 6 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 6 PM on weekends all year long. Counter service. Outside tables. They smoke their own tuna loin, Chum Salmon and salmon candy! They will clean your crabs or steam them for you. Now selling food with a new menu for eclectic tastes. The new Halibut and Prawn fritters are so delicious; they are worth the trip down! How about their "uncanny" tuna salad (fresh tuna). Unique: They are "Ocean Wise" certified: The seafood is sustainable and ocean-friendly. Prices $

 

The Courtyard Cafe (at the Hotel Grand Pacific) ~ 463 Belleville ~ 250-480-3800

• Great homemade finger food. Open every day from 6:30 AM to 8 PM. Tucked away under the Hotel Grand Pacific. Organic Fair Trade coffee. Pastries made in house. It is all in the details, like pineapple chutney, roasted garlic butter and grilled zucchini in their sandwiches. Unique: Free computer access. Prices $

 

Cafe Mulatta ~ 281 Menzies ~ 250-385-9616

• The staff believes in diversity of food, culture and music. Closed Monday. Open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday to Sunday 9 AM to 3 PM and for dinner on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 PM to 9 PM. Their menu is "Mulatta" which means mixed. If you want something spicy, they can add a Caribbean or Mexican flair to your meal. Their tantalizing menu includes Jamaican Chicken. Licensed. Tables. Unique: A Seniors' menu as well as a children's menu. Prices $

 

Ogden Point Cafe ~ 199 Dallas ~ 250-386-8080

• Right over the ocean waves, this cafe has a breathtaking view and you can watch the scuba divers as you eat! Open 8 AM to 10 Pm April to October and 8 AM to 8 PM October to April (every day). Licensed. Counter and table service. Take out or dine at tables. Wide variety of quiches, bagels, pasta meals, tasty salads, and homemade desserts for any time of day. Their lasagna is awesome. Unique: Diabetic and vegetarian menu. Prices $

 

Beacon Drive In ~ 126 Douglas ~ 250-385-7521

• A perennial favorite that has been around since the fifties and still has largely the same menu! Open Monday to Thursday and Sundays 7 AM to 9 PM and Friday and Saturday 7 AM to 10 PM. Full breakfast with children's menu. Meat, chicken and seafood burgers and Fish 'n Chips for lunch or dinner. Counter service - take out or dine in cafe. Tables inside / outside. Love their oyster burgers. Unique: World famous soft ice cream cones, milkshakes and sundaes. Prices $

 

Villages Pizza in James Bay Square ~ 455 Simcoe ~ 250-418-8889

• A pizza for everyone and every taste. Open Sunday to Thursdays 11 AM to 9 PM and Fridays / Saturdays from 11 AM to 10 PM. From "Smokin' Joe" to "Texas Chicken ", these pizzas will delight all ages. They use fresh ingredients and 100 % real cheese. Counter take out. Few tables outside. Unique: Villages' goal is to raise $ 500,000 for community causes. Prices $

 

Cup O Joe Cafe ~ 1-230 Menzies ~ 250-380-2563

• The staff says that they have "The best Egg Bennys in BC". Open 7 days a week from 8 AM to 3 PM for breakfast and lunch. Licensed. Novelty menu: Have a Clint Eastwood special omelette: "A Fistful of Mushrooms. "Offers a children's menu for pancakes and french toast. The Morning Hash is rumoured to be wonderful. Food for meat eaters and vegetarians. Unique: Eggs Benny under $10! Prices $

 

The Museum Cafe in the Royal BC Museum and the Royal Cafe Kiosk outside the museum ~ 675 Belleville ~ 250-381-0058.

• The Museum Cafe is provided daily with fresh baked goods made at Willies Bakery and Cafe on Johnson Street. Open 9 AM to 6 PM every day. Delicious sandwiches are made in front of you with all fresh ingredients. Regular and vegetarian. Gelato ice cream is home made. Order beforehand by phone. The Royal Cafe Kiosk outside offers quick sweet snacks and tea, coffee and cold drinks. Unique: Both the Museum Cafe and the Kiosk Cafe are operated by Willies Bakery and Deli. The original Willies Bakery, built in 1887, was the oldest bakery in B.C. Prices $

 

Jesse's Place in the James Bay School Community Centre ~ 140 Oswego

250-389-1470

• This new community cafe serves the public as well as school children. It is only open during the school year and will be closed for July and August. But in the Fall it starts up again. Between 9 AM and 12:30 PM, come and have their fresh breakfast muffins or delicious sandwiches. Unique: The prices are unbelievably low! A muffin costs 75 cents and half-sandwiches cost from $1.50 to $1.75. (I am not kidding). Prices $

 

The Blue Note Cafe ~ 201 Menzies ~ 250-590-6232

• A great new addition to James Bay's eateries. It used to be Crepes 'N Crème but is now another creation under new ownership. For now, it is open every day from 8 AM to 6 PM. They serve breakfast and lunch only. The interior is very stylish and cozy. Their breakfast menu is reasonably priced - only $5 for two eggs and toast. Lunch items are budget friendly with scrumptious wraps and sandwiches around $6. Home baked cookies. Come in and try a "James Bay Bar." Unique: Everything they sell is prepared and baked right at the Cafe. Prices $

 

Coffee Houses

 

Moka House @ Shoal Point ~ 110 - 19 Dallas Road ~ 250-298-8452

• Large spacious coffee shop with tables. All brands of coffee and lattes for caffeine fixes and herbal teas for seaside meditation. Sandwiches and sweets to indulge yourself. Open weekdays from 6 : 30 AM to 6 PM and weekends from 8 AM to 5 PM. Unique: The gorgeous ambiance and ocean views are priceless. Love that Chai Latte! Prices $

 

James Bay Coffee and Books ~ 143 Menzies ~ 250-386-4700

• A wonderful bohemian blend of coffee, eats and a great used book experience. Open 7:30 AM to 9 PM daily. On Tuesday Scrabble Nights they are open to 9:30 PM. Coffee, tea, sandwiches, soup, cakes, muffins along with a wide selection of used books. Large sunny area and many tables. In the Fall, they will be hosting the works of local artist Daniel Sali and there will be live music on Friday nights (open until 10 PM). Proprietress Kim Willoughby says what is Unique: "We are the oldest coffee shop in the neighbourhood. My favorite compliment is when people say that they feel comfortable in our shop." Prices $

 

Travelling Bean Coffee House ~ 100 - 239 Menzies ~ 250-385-7637

• Excellent sandwiches and home-cooked soups and tasty muffins. Tables. Counter service. Open Monday to Friday 7 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturdays from 8 AM to 4 PM. Unique: Home made fruit pies. Prices $

 

Serious Coffee ~ Suite 103 - 225 Menzies ~ 250-590-8506

• Coffee connoisseur heaven! Open weekdays from 6 AM to 8 PM and weekends from 7 AM to 6 PM. Tables inside / outside. All types of regular, espresso, lattes to go with scrumptious paninis and wraps and house made bars and cookies. It's all in the roasting - they roast their own beans locally in Duncan. Locally owned and operated with Fair Trade coffee. Unique: Their "Air - Roasted" quality - the beans are suspended in the air and cooked separately and evenly with no burning. Prices $

 

Starbucks Coffee ~ 1 - 425 Simcoe ~ 250-361-4884

• Delectable array of wonderful coffee blends, lattes, and espressos to tickle your throat! (My favorite is the new Dark Cherry Latte). They also have wonderful cupcakes with cream cheese icing. Offer fruit cups, yogurts and sandwiches. Tables inside / outside. Open every day from 6 AM to 10 PM. Unique: Staff want customers to know that they do use Fair Trade Coffee and are being environmentally responsible. Prices $

 

 

Markets & Delicatessens

(Coffee & Quick Food)

 

Ambrosio Markets and Deli ~ Suite 104 - 225 Menzies ~ 250-590-3354

• Delightful market and coffee bar that sells fresh and premium Island and BC produce.

Come and enjoy a coffee and a dessert and leave with a free range chicken! Open Monday to Friday 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturdays 9:30 to 5 PM. Closed Sunday. Unique: They support local farmers who farm in natural ways. Counter service and small tables inside and out. Prices $

 

Niagara Grocery ~ 579 Niagara ~ 250-383-1223

• This is not your average grocery store! They sell organic vegetables from Madrona Farm, Silly Yak gluten-free breads and Moonstruck organic cheese. But most unique - they roast their own coffee beans imported from Kona Hawaii and serve gourmet espresso coffee. Take out lunches and cookies, muffins. Few tables inside and outside. Come and discover their 'Mile O Coffee' Prices $

 

Mac's Convenience Store ~ 265 Menzies ~ 250-382-0912

• Variety of delicious coffee at a reasonable price. Cakes, muffins, cookies. If you crave a hamburger, just buy it frozen and microwave it there. Also - lots of sandwiches. Counter service and outside tables. Unique: You can buy a magazine there and read it with your morning java. Prices $

 

Bird Cage Confectionary ~ 501 Government ~ 250-381-3832

• Great place to grab a coffee and an ice cream. Coffee is only a dollar! Open weekdays from 6:30 AM to 7 PM and weekends from 9 AM to 7 PM. They have sandwiches and baked goods. Sit and eat in the sunshine on the bench in front of the house next door. Unique: A real piece of James Bay history. Built in 1915, it is the oldest grocery store in Victoria. It has the same name as the original legislature buildings. The store has heritage designation. Prices $

 

The Little Gem Grocery ~ 148 Superior ~ 250-386-3632

• Grab a java on your walk around our ocean village. Or even buy a sandwich or cake and eat it in Beacon Hill Park. Counter service. No tables. Unique: They have an ATM machine inside. Prices $

 

Thrifty's Deli at Thrifty's Foods ~ 475 Simcoe ~ 250-544-1234

• As well as grocery shopping, Thrifty's offers a coffee bar and take out deli sandwiches, salads, pakoras and samosas. Their "Hot Food" bin offers barbecued chicken, macaroni lunches, soups, and pizza to take out and enjoy. Open every day from 8 AM to 10 PM. They can brag about having 200 varities of cheeses from around the world including New Zealand and Europe. Few tables outside. Unique: Sandwiches and salads freshly made every day locally at their Saanich location. Prices $