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What Food To Try in Victoria and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Victoria for 2024.

National currency: Seychelles Rupee, symbol — (international currency code SCR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Victoria cafes and restaurants
$11.1 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $3.71
$59.4 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $29.7
$5.9 
Combo Meal
Starting from $5.94

What to Try in Victoria

Must-try Dishes
Bacon & Eggs - Breakfast Plate (savory classic) - A hearty combination of crispy bacon paired with perfectly scrambled or fried eggs served on fluffy toast. Locals typically enjoy this classic breakfast at cozy diners, especially on lazy Sunday mornings.

Fish Tacos - Tacos de Pescado (fresh and zesty) - Soft corn tortillas filled with grilled fish, shredded cabbage, and a splash of lime for that fresh kick. You’ll find these popular street food options at food trucks during the summer months, often enjoyed as a quick lunch by beachgoers.

Salmon Chowder - Sopa de Salmón (rich and hearty) - Creamy chowder simmered with fresh salmon, potatoes, and herbs—it's comforting and totally local. You’ll spot this dish on many dinner menus, often shared among friends at casual seafood eateries.

Seafood Linguine - Linguine de Mariscos (pasta delight) - Packaged with clams, mussels, and shrimp in a garlic-infused broth, this dish is a taste of the coast. Typically enjoyed for dinner, it's a favorite among locals embracing the ocean's bounty.

Salmon & Veggie Bowl - Cuenco de Salmón y Verduras (colorful and nutritious) - Grilled salmon served over a bed of quinoa and seasonal vegetables, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. Many locals cherish this dish as a filling lunch option, especially in the spring when the veggies are fresh.

Pastrami Sandwich - Sándwich de Pastrami (savory and stacked) - A generous portion of tender pastrami piled high on hearty rye bread with tangy mustard. Locals often grab this classic for a quick lunch, although a common mistake is to underestimate its size; it’s a proper meal!

Grilled Halibut - Halibut a la Parrilla (flaky and flavorful) - Freshly caught halibut, grilled to perfection and served with a citrus salsa. This seasonal delight usually makes the rounds during the summer months when the fish is at its best, captivating local diners.

Bagna Cauda - Bagna Cauda (a dipping tradition) - An elegant dish featuring warm garlic and anchovy sauce served with seasonal vegetables for dipping. Enjoyed at communal gatherings, it fosters a sense of sharing and togetherness among locals.

Keep in mind that some dishes are best enjoyed for lunch after visiting the local markets, as they feature the freshest ingredients!

Desserts & Drinks
London Fog - London Fog (cream-infused tea) - A cozy drink that combines Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup, served hot. You’ll find locals sipping this delight on rainy afternoons, often accompanied by a warm pastry while planning their next outing.

Berry Smoothie - Smoothie de Frutos (frozen fruit blend) - A refreshing concoction of locally-sourced berries mixed with yogurt, ice, and a touch of honey, served cold. Popular on hot summer days, you’ll often see families enjoying this treat at waterfront picnic spots.

Craft Beer - Cerveza Artesanal (locally brewed beer) - A wide array of delightful craft beers brewed from local hops and grains, each with unique flavors. Best enjoyed at community events or during sunny evenings at outdoor patios, these brews are popular among locals for their relatively affordable price compared to mass-produced brands.

Butter Tart - Tarte au Beurre (sticky-sweet pastry) - A small pastry filled with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs, often with raisins or pecans. Often enjoyed at local bakeries during family gatherings or special occasions, you might find them quite addictive!

Ice Cream - Glace (frozen dessert variety) - Creamy and rich artisan ice cream with flavors like lavender or earl grey, often topped with fresh local fruits. Best enjoyed on warm summer nights at local festivals, where you can also meet the passionate creators behind these unique flavors.

By the way, make sure to check the seasonal availability of these treats; berry smoothies are definitely best in the summer while butter tarts can be found all year round!

Food and Groceries in Victoria

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $1.23
Oranges $1.15
Potatoes $1.67
Apples $3.79
Beverages
Water 1.5L $1.36
0.5L Local Beer $1.97
Imported Beer $3.34
Wine Rating >4.0 $12.07

Various Groceries
Chicken $5.01
Cigarettes $11.07
Rice $1.9
Local Cheese $13.61

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

Walking through Victoria during lunchtime, you can see throngs of locals flocking to cafes and food trucks, eagerly waiting for their midday fix. The bustling energy is palpable—both locals and tourists alike seem to converge on the popular Inner Harbour area around noon. It's amusing, though, how many tourists come expecting the same leisurely pace for lunch they might encounter elsewhere. Here, the locals are all about efficiency. Many opt for quick bites, grabbing fresh fish and chips for about $15, or a hearty banh mi for around $10 at one of the many food stalls.

In Victoria, meal times generally revolve around community and routine. Breakfast often starts early, around 7 AM, but by 11 AM, the cafes fill up quickly as folks prepare for brunch—often a favored meal in the city. Dinner tends to sit comfortably between 5:30 PM and 7 PM, with many establishments experiencing a rush right at 6 PM. This timing can really dictate your dining experience; if you want a quieter atmosphere, aim for earlier or later seating.

Neighborhoods also tell a story through their dining culture. Areas like Fernwood and Cook Street Village offer casual eateries and cafes with fare ranging from affordable to mid-tier—perfect for those looking to explore without breaking the bank. A meal of hearty local fare can be found for around $20 in these areas, whereas dining in the downtown core might bump that up to closer to $30 for similar items.

As for payment, most establishments will accept credit cards, but it's worth noting that smaller vendors may only take cash. I learned early on that having a few $5 notes helps when ordering from food trucks. As for tipping, while it's not mandatory, rounding up the bill or leaving around 10-15% is appreciated, particularly in sit-down restaurants where service is more traditional.

One common mistake tourists make is assuming they can get a table at peak times without a reservation. In busy districts, especially during weekends, it's wise to call ahead or use online booking systems to secure a spot. Oh, and before I forget—bring your appetite for brunch! It’s easily the most beloved meal here and can often mean waiting in line during weekends.

Watching this vibrant food culture unfold, it’s clear that Victoria is all about balancing quick, casual bites with a deep appreciation for its local food scene. The way locals embrace their meals—whether enjoying a coffee on the go or sitting down for a full dinner—connects them to the community. And, just as you settle into their rhythm, the upcoming summer will surely bring out a visible shift in dining trends: outdoor patios will be brimming, menus will highlight fresh produce from local farms, and the overall atmosphere will shift towards casual summer dining under the sun.