“This is the go-to spot for your coffee's. They have a wide variety of options, from muffins, sweets, sandwiches, breakfast items, and lunch options. There is also a section of the store front in Emporium that sells a variety of locally made items. I go to the Emporium at least 2 to 3 times a week. The staff is friendly and quick. I have never waited too long for my coffees. As long as I'm working close to the Emporium I will be going there for my coffee breaks regularly.“
“LOVE their vegan sandwiches. It’s a budget-friendly place with lovely staff and the BEST vegan brownie I’ve ever had. Lattes are great and milkshakes reportedly superb friends tell me. It’s a bustling place where finding a table at lunch can be a challenge but you worth that small hurdle.“
“We ate here 2 nights when staying at Brentwood Bay resort as Arbutus Room was shut during our stay. We came for a relaxing break so although food was good it was very noisy in pub which somewhat distracted from atmosphere of resort. Also residents had to line up outside to wait for a a table as you can't book for pub dining.“
“Love the staff, drinks, and food here! The cafe has a chill vibe, though it's not quiet. However, they have a sweet covered patio in the back which is quiet, and you can enjoy your meal/drinks in the company of all the little birds. One of my favourite spots for sure.“
“Busy location but staff are always friendly and accommodating, gluten free food options are delicious, they’re not weird about dairy alternatives, and the vibe is great!Dietary restrictions: Gluten and dairy free options are clearly marked and also delicious“
“Not what I was expecting but BETTER!!!! This place was amazing and the cafe was modern, bright, cute and spacious !! They have plant based mills which was the main thing I was seeking out. And many different syrups too. My latte was amazing!!! They have a full staff so ordering was quick and my coffee came out pretty fast too for having a lot of people. I recommend if you are in the area! They have a cute side shop in the store too with cute mugs and powders to buy etc.“
“Great food & drinks!! Staff are incredibly kind and friendly. Doug the owner is the BEST! He always goes above and beyond for his customers and truly cares. They always remember your name which I find so sweet! You can tell Doug truly loves and cares about his community. :)“
“Literal “Hidden Gem”. Tucked away in a deceptive location within the converted motel that is the Portage West Apartments, this is my new favourite cafe in Greater Victoria. Phenomenal baked goods made in-house (I tried the Iluka bun - a modified sweet roll with macadamia and coconut - mmmm), superb coffee, and a bright tropical atmosphere. I’m picky about my pastries/baked goods, and in-house baking is a very good sign, which was definitely borne out by my experience here. Plus the bathroom was amazing. I totally support a place with a bathroom this nice. ?15/10 recommended!“
“Always such a treat coming in and being greeted by the most delightful staff and owner. Baked goods are amazing, quality food and coffee, great vibes and today I left with a delicious birthday cake. Thank you for the incredible vegan goodies!“
“Great variety of sandwiches and breakfast options. My toddler was happy with his food here and they had a high chair- some cafes do not. My toddler also dumped my husband’s latte all over the floor and the staff were very friendly and kind about it.“
“Always welcoming, freindly, witty inclusive humor, laughter and great food. Accessable indoor seating as well as covered outdoor seating.I go often as able to support local good people. Feels like home.Vegetarian options: Specific vegetarian choices also can make some meat options vegetarian.Kid-friendliness: Customers of all ages welcomed. Toys and coloring available. I have also seen them put children's shows on the wall mounted televisionWheelchair accessibility: Indoor eating bathrooms accessable, one step to outside seating.“
“Hands down the best coffee I've ever had! You instantly feel welcomed, and have your order in your hands within minutes.It's run by an awesome family that always takes good care of their staff and customers - They also serve a mean pastry!“
“If you don't already know this amazing foodery, you gotta go! If you love pies, this is your place! Best pastry ever! And I know pastry!A unique and innovative approach to food. Tastes and ingredients are often in unusual combinations, but they are soooo good! Today was a spicy chorizo sausage pie. Oh my.There are also frozen take home meals when you don't know what's for dinner. We love the vegetarian lasagna and their shepherds pie.The staff are fun and personable and enjoy a bit of banter too.Go there! You will not be disappointed.Parking: There are parking spots available right out front.“
“The atmosphere was lovely! I spend my free time visiting cafes in Victoria, and by far Hey Happy is my favourite. I strongly recommend visiting! I got the coconut milk iced latte and the flavours were perfectly balanced making it my new go to drink.“
“Wow. Truly incredible coffee shop. I’ve been to about half of the top-rated coffee shops downtown, and this one is by far my favourite. It’s in a league of its own. I appreciate how transparent they are about where the beans are grown and roasted, and was amazed by how strongly the notes came through. If you’re looking for high-quality coffee, look no further.“
“Visited Gigi's Cafe last weekend and I was thoroughly impressed! Nestled in a cozy corner of the city, this charming little cafe boasts a warm, inviting ambiance. The decor, a delightful mix of vintage chic and modern minimalism, creates a perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon. Their menu is a fusion of classic and contemporary, with each dish prepared to perfection. I tried their signature avocado toast, and it was divine - the right blend of creamy and crunchy. The coffee, a must-try, was rich and aromatic, clearly showing their commitment to quality.“
Coffee Shops • $
“Although I did like the coffee and the cinnamon bun I had I don’t appreciate Google forcing me every day all day long to give this company a review. I have been to this café for many years. I’ve used their beans, but I don’t know why Google has to force me all day long to do the review I think Google is trying to reward me for reviewing something I’m very serious with all my reviews, honest reviews not AI generated“
“Stumbled across this very cute coffee shop down some stairs and it was amazing! George was a super friendly owner and very passionate about the coffee and it has several different specialty beans to try. The atmosphere was unique and very calming and I also loved that there were unique pastries like a matcha pineapple bun. It’s pretty newly opened so definitely worth a visit!“
“I was impressed by the charming and retro design of the café, reminiscent of its original look from 1894. I tried the "Sacher" cake, expecting it to be similar to Vienna's famous sachertorte, but it turned out to be a completely different chocolate cake.Meanwhile, I finally found some espresso that I've been missing since arriving in British Columbia. While it wasn't entirely perfect, they served me a dark roast coffee instead of the medium I ordered, but I suppose it's more than satisfactory by North American standards.Also, make sure to inquire about their loyalty card program. After 10 orders, you're entitled to a complimentary coffee.“
“I was just there yesterday with my mom and their new carrot cake loaf with generous cream cheese icing was delightful and the service is always great too!!Vegetarian options: I had a veggie panini and it was alright. Not amazing but just right!Wheelchair accessibility: The bathroom was larger and the entrance was level. The door was not automatic and it was heavy but they would come running to help you open it!!“
“Super cute family business with friendly service. Although the coffee isn't the best, the breakfast bagels for around 7 CAD are amazing and the homemade banana bread aswell. Everything is very decently priced and tastes amazing. Perfect place for an affordable and quick breakfast! Not the most striking place frome the outside, but definitely more than worth the price!!!“
Coffee Shops • $
“I had high hopes for getting my breakfast sandwich fix at Rise and Grind Coffee after researching different breakfast spots in downtown Victoria and reading their reviews. Rise and Grind Coffee definitely hit the spot! I ordered the BLAST and it was very satisfying! The bacon was crispy, the avocado was fresh and creamy, it was nice and saucy without the bread getting soggy, and I felt full from the sandwich. I replaced the multi-grain bread with sourdough bread. The sourdough bread was not what I was expecting as it was soft. I ordered my sandwich "to go", and they make it easy to eat on the go, which I really appreciate. It was wrapped in an aluminum foil pouch and paper, which made it easy to consume the sandwich without any mess on the go. I will definitely be back!“
“The owners are so lovely and kind. I ordered a panini and soup when it was busy and sat down to wait and within 5 mins my food was ready. It was delicious and reasonably priced too. Their drinks, muffins, cookies and other treats are also very good. And knowing everything there is made with love makes the whole experience even better and so much more worth it.“
“This is as close, clean, and healthy a sandwich as it gets to what your grandma will prepare for you. The owner hand picks the meats (chicken, turkey, ham) all fresh, and gets the best bread. Oven toasted, nothing comes close.... I went there twice, and will keep going “
“THIS is the place to be! If you want good food that makes you feel good, look no further! Everything I have tried here is fantastic and I am obsessed with their chocolate smoothie.Vegetarian options: Everything is vegan and gluten free which is amazingDietary restrictions: Vegan and gluten freeParking: Parking right in front of the restaurant on the street. It is a quiet dead end road which is great.Kid-friendliness: I bring my daughter and she gets treated like a queen..she loves it there.“
“This is a great spot. They make good coffee and good breakfast wraps. Pretty quick to serve unless it’s busy. They have fair prices also and are open an hour earlier than some of the other coffee shops around so now I come here in the mornings.“
“Stopped in while waiting for my car to be serviced at Glenoak… and wow!!! So glad I DIDN’T opt for a Starbucks.Flourish BeauTea…I’ll definitely be back!Desserts are made in-house. I chose the mocha cheesecake. So creamy and smooth, with just the right amount of mocha-hint.Matching it perfectly with an oat-milk Oolong tea latte…I would order the exact same thing again and again and again.(~$13)And the service? Friendly, thoughtful and welcoming ??Ok…I simply came in to rest for a little, have a tea and click away on some work on my laptop while my car is serviced…yet I felt compelled and needed to add a review first!You’ll be happy you stopped in ?Cheers!PSDid I mention they also have guest wifi?“
“Can't elaborate on service because we skipped the dishes to our hotel room after a day surgery at RJH. The food we ordered was packaged well, and absolutely delicious. Next opportunity we have we will attempt to dine in, but if we can't this will definitely be on our list of order again. Had the quesadilla, a turkey bacon sandwich, a couple iced coffees (only critique would be no request option for sugar on the iced coffee menu but we had some in the room so not a huge deal) and we also got the loaded big salad. It was all very fresh and super tasty.“
“I found this place while waiting in a ferry line with 2 sailing waits to the mainland. We had lunch and roamed the facility we came across so many things that were right up our alley , kayaking , tours , and a nice place to eat. They even have a boat launch. We decided to extend our stay , got out of the line up , got a VRBO, and explored.Best decision for us we had a great time. The staff at the marina took care of so well, better than BC ferries could. What a Great stay. I would recommend this place to all.“
“Pilgrim Coffee House truly deserves a glowing 5-star review! The experience was exceptional from start to finish. The aroma of fresh beans greeted me upon entering, setting the tone for what turned out to be a delightful visit. The talented barista crafted a cup of coffee that was nothing short of perfection, showcasing their expertise and dedication to their craft.The cozy ambience of the cafe provided the perfect backdrop for enjoying my coffee and indulging in the delicious pastries they offer. The attention to detail in the decor and layout created a warm and inviting atmosphere that made me feel right at home.Adding to the positive experience was the server who was not only attentive and efficient but also incredibly kind and friendly. Their genuine warmth contributed to making my time at Pilgrim Coffee House even more enjoyable.All in all, I can't recommend Pilgrim Coffee House enough. From the fresh beans to the talented barista, charming ambience, delectable pastries, and the kind server, every aspect of my visit was top-notch. It's a place where I'll happily return for a wonderful coffee experience again and again.“
“This little cafe is located near Chinatown. It is a cute little cafe with a friendly barista name sam. He was really helpful and let me try the coffee, Hathaway, since I was interested in buying a bag of coffee. He let me try it as an espresso and then made me a latte! Of course I got the bag of coffee cause it went well with the latte!Thanks again Sam!“
“Had a deliciously smooth coffee today that is honey fermented! I can’t drink black coffee, but this coffee is one I can imagine drinking black! Ader Reyonosso (sp?) from Ethiopia. So smooth and rich with subtle flavours— not burnt tasting or harsh at “
“Nice little sideway cafe. Great to sit on their patio in the sun. The tuna sandwich was delicious - fresh bread and tuna and homemade soup every day. It was so good I forgot to take a picture until I was 1/2 done?Go for the 1/2 sandwich and soup special !“
“Wonderful Middle Eastern food - felafel, chicken shwarma, beef donair, spanakopita, tabbouleh and fattoush salads, baclava, rice pudding, tiramisu, etc. and excellent coffee. The food is prepared onsite and it is fresh and so tasty! Takeout if you wish. A great place for good conversation too. Hiba and Fadi are excellent hosts and wonderful people to get to know. Very reasonable prices too. Highly recommended!“
Cafe • $
“I love Shawnigan Coffee House for its delicious beverages and snacks, as well as its cozy atmosphere and friendly service! My new favorite drink would have to be their play on a London Fog- the Shawnigan Smog, a house blend of delicious spices makes the perfect warm drink!“
“My daily spot for morning break when I'm at the office. The muffins and baked goods are delicious, coffee is reliable, and the sandwiches are a bit pricy but fantastic. What really sells Macchiato though is the consistently top-notch, warm and friendly service. Amazing staff.“
“My friends & I thoroughly enjoyed Alexander's Coffee two days in a row! We ordered: a macchiato, a latte, the cinnamon bun, and the peanut butter crunch bar. They were all fabulous! The staff were also wonderful- friendly, courteous, & helpful!“
“I always pick the times when there is live music to go to the Spiral Cafe. Open mic on Thursdays are mind blowing in variety and overall quality with a top notch supporting band. There are also excellent concerts Fridays and Saturdays to enjoy with your coffee, selection of teas, simple savory plates, soups, and lush deserts. A local gem. Also great on sunny mornings, or when you feel like hanging out in a laid-back environment.Vegetarian options: Many items on the board are vegetarian.“
“Just a wonderful cafe, I stopped by and was greeted by Jorge, a wonderful soul who has quite the story of how he arrived in Victoria.The atmosphere is unmatched to a lot of cafes I have checked out. I had conversations with Jorge for quite a while as he cleaned, gave attention to the other customers as well as kept me company. Definitely will be back. Never have I had such an experience at a place before.Regarding the coffee, it really is wonderful coffee, made by passionate people who care. The fritters are absolutely wonderful. Can't wait till my next visit. Hope to see Jorge again, or perhaps I'll have the chance to meet another one of his colleagues.“
“2% Jazz Coffee is a vibrant coffee shop known for its dedication to quality, atmosphere, and community engagement. Situated in a cozy, inviting space, this café stands out for its meticulous approach to coffee making, sourcing high-quality beans and employing skilled baristas to craft a wide range of coffee drinks. From the classic espresso to innovative seasonal specials, each cup is served with care and precision, ensuring a superior coffee experience.“
“Cute deli-style restaurant with lots of options for a quick work lunch, including a daily feature. Great selection of desserts too, and super nice counter staff. Beautiful outdoor seating area covered in a plant canopy. Loses one star for inconsistency of stuff cooked behind the grill doors, like french fries.“
“Such a great vibe - love all the community involvement you are doing - Open Mic night, local authors, Comedy night, local artists etc. Staff are always so helpful and cheery.Vegetarian options: Veggie sandwiches, fruit, Veggie roll, protein balls, Italiano Panini etcKid-friendliness: They love kids - yummy hot chocolate and cookies!“
“Very nice coffee place! Atmosphere was a little hectic given the constraints and how popular it is, you end up waiting in line over people's shoulders as they sit. The coffee (latte) had a good overall espresso flavour without being too strong or burnt.“
“They're in View Royal but I wish they were in my James Bay neighbourhood. I love their Vegan Wrap. Their coffee is good. Their baked goods are very good. They have comfortable seating and plenty of table space. Today we went out of our way to visit and have lunch after a shopping trip. If you're driving through View Royal consider a break for coffee at Serious Coffee.“
“My online order was ready, but when I grabbed my ice latte cup, the lid was not properly closed, I end up spilling a quarter of my drink, I told both girls about the lid and they did not acknowledge the problem, just looked at me like if it was my fault.“
“Stopped for coffee, a muffin and a sandwich on a road trip heading up to the Cathedral Grove old growth Forest. The coffee was flavorful, the muffin was fresh that morning, and so was the sandwich. There were a few tables in there with locals solving world problems.“
Mexican • $
“Just got 2 pork tacos made by the owner Carlos and they were the best I have had. I ate 1 right away because they were served fresh and smelt too good to resist in the car. The second I took home and heated up and it was just as delicious warmed up. I got hot sauce which I usually wouldn’t but it was the perfect touch to the pork taco, recommended by Carlos. I can’t wait to have lunch here again on the sunny patio.“
“Contrary to the asinine review “Cricket Hartley” left, Quince cafe is wonderful and has some amazing staff. It is a shame people like cricket are so displeased with their lives they feel the need to tear others down, just look at their previous reviews! I have always enjoyed visiting quince and the service I’ve received. Thank you for all the hard work and love you contribute to the community.Vegetarian options: 10/10Kid-friendliness: 10/10Parking: 10/10Wheelchair accessibility: 10/10Dietary restrictions: 10/10“
“This morning me and my friends came here for drinking coffee, their coffee and donuts are so good, I would definitely recommend you to try, and next time I will bring my other friends to here again. They are busy but the atmosphere and music are really great!“
“Although I am not exactly the target audience for an English Tea room, I have to say that Butchart far exceeded any expectations! Although we have been to the Gardens many times over the last 4 decades, this is the first time that my wife suggested that we take “High Tea” before our stroll through the amazing gardens... And of course it proved to be a wonderful idea as I relished every bite and sip (we also had the 3-glass “taster” which paired with the food nicely)... I will absolutely be taking tea on our next visit!“