Brunch in Victoria, BC is a pretty big deal. With more restaurants per capita than San Francisco filling the British-inspired streets of the city, we’d even call it an institution. Not restricted to the weekend – or traditional morning hours for that matter – this all-important meal has become a way of life.
Whether you are looking for a cozy nook to nosh on melt-in-your-mouth pancakes or a bustling café to snag a loaded omelet from scratch, Victoria’s exceptional brunch scene will make you feel as though you have won the breakfast lottery. Stomach rumbling yet? Check out our five favorite brunch spots in town and ease those hunger pains!
1. Jam Café
If the line outside doesn’t give it away, Jam Café is one of our longtime favorite spots for breakfast comfort food at all times of the day. Though there is often a bit of a wait to get in, the reward is well worth it: red velvet pancakes, brioche French toast and green eggs and ham will make your mouth melt as you soak up the intimate and, dare we say, hipster atmosphere.
2. Nourish
Located in an 1889 heritage house in James Bay, Nourish certainly lives up to its name with its short, but sweet, brunch menu featuring freshly harvested ingredients for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. The restaurant itself has a cozy, homey vibe, from the plants hanging overhead to the original fireplace sitting squarely in the middle of the grand room.
Soak up the natural light surrounding you while you wait, sipping on an iced lavender earl grey in the summertime, or a latte in the colder months, courtesy of their in-house cafe. Afterward, head upstairs for a peek around the enchanting parlor and study rooms; and relax in these secluded quiet retreats.
3. Mo:Lé
All. Day. Breakfast. Our three favorite words to see on a menu, and a big reason why Mo:Lé has tucked its way into our hearts! Sporting a see-through kitchen, you’re able to watch your dish as it is made from scratch, from classics like bennies and omelets to specialty plates like the Chinatown ciabatta or the sausage hash featuring their signature tomato chipotle sauce. Don’t forget to order a Super Caesar (the Canadian take on America’s Bloody Mary) to sip and munch on while your food is prepped.
4. Hawk and Hen
Honing in on tried and true recipes and local ingredients, dishes at Hawk and Hen are simple but thoughtful and utterly delicious! Enjoy hearty regional fare like smoked salmon or AAA Canadian sirloin and eggs, paired with a locally brewed cup of Bows and Arrows coffee. If catching a whiff of the restaurant’s hollandaise-heavy benedicts and Yukon pan-fries doesn’t cause your mouth to melt, we don’t know what will!
5. The Ruby
Choose your pick of morning sightseeing on your way to The Ruby: a leisurely half hour stroll north of downtown Victoria on Douglas Street or wander the bustling shopping mecca that is Johnson Street that neighbors their newly opened second location. Once inside, prepare to stare down their menu for a while as you decide between drool-worthy eats, such as the bacon avocado Don Chego breakfast taco or the pulled rotisserie chicken waffle with house gravy.
They all sound so good don’t they? You’ll be hard-pressed not to get brunch every day you’re in town. Well, get a move on – you don’t want to be that guy or girl eating brunch for dinner, although we couldn’t judge you for it. On second thought, that sounds like a great game plan for tonight. See you there!
Clipper Recommends:
- Want to grab a quick coffee before or after brunch? Check out this Seattle coffee connoisseur’s guide to Victoria’s unique brews.
- Discover Victoria’s tea scene while you’re in town and keep on tea sipping and scone munching through the afternoon.
Feature Photo: Nick Bentley