Support local brunch restaurants in Victoria with patios and take-out options
Victorians love their brunch, so much so that the city was named the brunch capital of Canada by the Food Network in 2016. The pandemic has been a difficult time for much-loved brunch establishments to keep their doors open. With restaurants closed for indoor dining, many have had to adjust to the latest health restrictions by offering patio dining and takeout options. But even amid the pandemic, brunch restaurants in Victoria continue to offer waffles, eggs, or pancakes, and so much more any day of the week.
If you’re looking for something to do (and eat), here is a guide to the best brunch restaurants in Victoria and how you can enjoy their food amid the current health restrictions.
John’s Place Restaurant
Located on Pandora Avenue, John’s Place Restaurant is a cozy diner that serves a variety of homestyle meals. The longtime staple of downtown Victoria is known for being one of the best breakfast restaurants in the city. Their brunch menu is currently limited due to the pandemic, but you can still enjoy favourites such as their classic eggs benny. The dish is one of my all-time favourites and was also featured on You Gotta Eat Here. Another great option is the breakfast wrap; perfect if you’re looking to take your brunch on the go.
How to dine: John’s Place is offering takeout as well as delivery through DoorDash and Tutti.
Shine Cafe
Another great place to enjoy brunch in Victoria is Shine Cafe. The restaurant is known for its customizable brunch options that cater to a variety of dietary needs. Shine offers both classic and unique options for brunch. Most notably they have a variety of hollandaise sauces flavoured with pesto, garlic, and chipotle, as well as give their eggs benedicts a unique twist. My personal favourite is the polish eggs benny, which is served on perogies instead of an English muffin.
How to dine: Shine Cafe has two locations, one on Blanshard Street and one on Fort Street. Both locations are currently offering patio seating, takeout, and delivery from SkipTheDishes. Shine Cafe also offers the option of preparing some of their breakfast menu at home with their new meal prep packages.
Blue Fox Cafe
Blue Fox Cafe is one of the most popular brunch spots in Victoria, as evidenced by the lineup that usually stretches down the street. The restaurant, located on Fort Street , specializes in unique all-day breakfast options. The café’s standout items include a variety of fruity pancakes and French toast. The menu also has 10 different options for eggs benedict, each served on a bagel. Blue Fox also offers a wide selection of specialty beverages, including Mayan and red chilli mochas.
How to dine: Blue Fox recently added a patio for outdoor dining and also offers takeout.
The Ruby
Known for their combination of homestyle recipes and fine dining techniques, The Ruby is another great choice if you’re looking for brunch in Victoria. They offer a variety of sweet and savoury brunch options, including a unique breakfast poutine that features their classic hollandaise sauce.
How to dine: The Johnson Street location is currently offering outdoor dining on their patio. The Ruby on Douglas Street is currently closed.
Jam Cafe
Another one of the most popular and best brunch restaurants in Victoria is Jam Cafe. Located on Herald Street, the Victoria location was the first of three locations to open in B.C. Jam serves a variety of classic brunch favourites and unique spins like their pulled pork pancakes. If you’re looking for a boozy brunch, they also offer five varieties of mimosas.
How to dine: Jam Cafe currently offers patio dining and takeout.
Spoons Diner
Spoons is a classic diner known for putting unique twists on comfort food. Located on Douglas Street, they are home to some of the most interesting brunch dishes in Victoria. If you have a sweet tooth, you might be interested in their Dulce De Leche Waffles which are topped with espresso caramel cheesecake mousse. They also serve a variety of savoury options, including Tom’s benny which comes on a grilled cheese sandwich, and the option to build your own benny.
How to Dine: Spoons has a spacious patio for outdoor dining and offers takeout.
Floyd’s Diner
Floyd’s Diner is another favourite brunch spot in Victoria. They have three locations in Greater Victoria, one in James Bay, one in Royal Oak, and one in Langford. The diner is most famous for The Mahoney, an option that allows the chef to serve any dish they want. The customer can pay the original price or flip a coin to either get the meal for free or double the cost. If you’re not feeling that adventurous or lucky, the menu also includes classics like the lumberjack breakfast as well as a variety of hashes, bennies, and crepes.
How to dine: Takeout is available at all three locations by phone or online. The Victoria locations have outdoor seating, and the one in Langford offers drive-in dining.
Information in this article is consistent as of May 9, 2021.
