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: Canadian Dollar, symbol — C$ (international currency code CAD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Victoria cafes and restaurants
$19.2
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $10.56
$75.5
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $50.56
$10.6
Combo Meal
Starting from $9.06
What to Try in Victoria
Must-try Dishes
Fish and Chips - Best Fish and Chips (crispy battered fish with fries) - Freshly caught local fish, deep-fried in a light batter, served with crunchy fries and tartar sauce. A popular choice for dinner, often enjoyed at seaside pubs with a view.Benny - Eggs Benny (poached eggs on English muffins) - A classic brunch dish featuring perfectly poached eggs atop toasted English muffins smothered in rich hollandaise sauce. Locals love to indulge in this treat on lazy weekend mornings at cozy cafes.
Victoria Roll - Sushi (innovative sushi roll) - Fresh, locally-sourced fish and seasonal veggies wrapped in sushi rice, often with unique toppings like tempura flakes. A great street food option found at lively markets, it's perfect for a quick lunch while exploring.
Seafood Chowder - Chowder de Fruits de Mer (creamy seafood soup) - This hearty bowl features a medley of fresh, local seafood in a rich and creamy base, often topped with herbs. It's a favorite for lunch or dinner, especially during the cooler months, best enjoyed by the waterfront.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops - Coquilles Saint-Jacques (savory seafood dish) - Tender scallops wrapped in crispy bacon, grilled to perfection, adding a smokey flavor. This dish is frequently enjoyed as an elegant dinner option, appealing to locals and tourists alike.
Spring Vegetable Risotto - Risotto de Légumes de Printemps (creamy rice dish) - Creamy arborio rice cooked with fresh spring veggies like asparagus and peas, creating a delightful and filling vegetarian option. Best enjoyed during the spring months when those veggies are at their peak freshness.
Soft-Shell Crab - Crabe à Carapace Souple (crispy fried crab) - Delicately breaded and fried soft-shell crabs served with a squeeze of lemon and a side of seasonal greens. A delightful summer dish, locals often savor this at garden patios when the crabs are in season.
Spot Prawns - Crevettes de Spot (fresh local prawns) - Sweet and succulent, these prawns are typically grilled or sautéed, showcasing their natural flavors. A highlight of the summer menus, they are best enjoyed at seafood festivals where freshness is guaranteed.
Desserts & Drinks
Café au Lait - Café au Lait (coffee with milk) - A robust brewed coffee blended with steamed milk, creating a delightful creamy texture. Locals love to sip this warm drink at cozy cafés, especially on rainy afternoons while catching up with friends.Cold Brew - Café Glocken (cold coffee) - Smooth cold brew coffee, often infused with seasonal syrups like vanilla or lavender. Perfect for a heatwave, this refreshing drink is commonly enjoyed during the summer, usually with a splash of cream or a slice of lemon for an unexpected twist.
Victoria Gin - Victoria Gin (craft distilled gin) - This local spirit is crafted with handpicked botanicals like juniper and orris root, offering a vibrant flavor profile. It's a popular choice for after-work hangouts at waterfront bars, always served with an elegant garnish of cucumber.
Beard Papa’s Cream Puff - シュークリーム (flaky pastry filled with custard) - A light choux pastry filled with rich vanilla custard, crisp on the outside and delightfully creamy on the inside. Found at local bakeries to mark celebrations or just as an afternoon treat, these are best enjoyed fresh when the pastry is still warm.
Ice Cream Sandwich - 冰淇淋三明治 (gelato between cookies) - Creamy gelato sandwiched between two soft cookies, often featuring local flavors like berry compote or dill pickle. These deliciously indulgent treats are a favorite at summer festivals and are usually devoured on the go during city strolls.
By the way, if you find yourself in Victoria in the summer, don't miss the chance to try the local berry gelato—it's truly something special!
Food and Groceries in Victoria
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $3.14 |
| Bananas | $1.4 |
| Oranges | $4.26 |
| Potatoes | $3.92 |
| Apples | $4.18 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.94 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.59 |
| Imported Beer | $3.45 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $15.09 |
| Milk 1L | $2.57 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $15.44 |
| Chicken | $14 |
| Cigarettes | $13.88 |
| Rice | $4.03 |
| Local Cheese | $14.95 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The hustle and bustle of lunchtime in Victoria noticeably peaks around noon. You’ll find locals spilling into cafés and eateries, often some twenty to thirty minutes earlier than official lunch hours. It’s a common sight to see office workers grabbing a quick bite around 11:30 AM, making it hard to find a seat in popular spots. Most places cater to this rush, offering lunch specials that typically range from CAD 10 to CAD 20. For example, a solid lunch at a mid-range café can set you back around CAD 15, whereas you might pay closer to CAD 25 for a comparable meal in a more upscale area like Oak Bay.
One common misconception among visitors is that it’s acceptable to stay for prolonged periods after finishing up a meal. While you may feel comfortable lingering over coffee in a café, it’s worth noting that locals often finish their meals more quickly and move on. This is especially true during busy periods when tables are at a premium.
In terms of payment customs, most establishments will gladly accept credit cards, but it’s wise to carry some cash, as smaller eateries might lean towards cash-only transactions during peak times. Oh, and before I forget, tipping typically hovers around 15% for good service, especially in more casual dining environments. However, if you’ve received exceptional service, a little extra is always appreciated.
When meals transition to dinner—usually starting around 5:30 PM—reservations become increasingly essential in hot spots, particularly on weekends. Some of Victoria’s more popular areas like downtown and the Inner Harbour can become quite hectic as locals and tourists alike flock to dining spots, especially during summer months. Locals generally dine earlier, so if you’re looking for a quieter experience, try heading out right when restaurants open for dinner or between 8 PM and 8:30 PM.
It’s also interesting to observe that seasonal changes can affect pricing and offerings significantly. For instance, as summer approaches, you may notice an uptick in prices and menu selections focusing heavily on local seafood, sometimes pushing meals closer to the CAD 30 range. Conversely, in the winter months, many restaurants turn to heartier fare at more affordable prices given the local sourcing of ingredients.
As dining habits evolve, younger locals are leaning towards more plant-based menus and sustainable practices, driven by a growing awareness of the ecological impact. It’s refreshing to see how the food culture here continues to reflect a blend of both tradition and modern culinary trends.
One common misconception among visitors is that it’s acceptable to stay for prolonged periods after finishing up a meal. While you may feel comfortable lingering over coffee in a café, it’s worth noting that locals often finish their meals more quickly and move on. This is especially true during busy periods when tables are at a premium.
In terms of payment customs, most establishments will gladly accept credit cards, but it’s wise to carry some cash, as smaller eateries might lean towards cash-only transactions during peak times. Oh, and before I forget, tipping typically hovers around 15% for good service, especially in more casual dining environments. However, if you’ve received exceptional service, a little extra is always appreciated.
When meals transition to dinner—usually starting around 5:30 PM—reservations become increasingly essential in hot spots, particularly on weekends. Some of Victoria’s more popular areas like downtown and the Inner Harbour can become quite hectic as locals and tourists alike flock to dining spots, especially during summer months. Locals generally dine earlier, so if you’re looking for a quieter experience, try heading out right when restaurants open for dinner or between 8 PM and 8:30 PM.
It’s also interesting to observe that seasonal changes can affect pricing and offerings significantly. For instance, as summer approaches, you may notice an uptick in prices and menu selections focusing heavily on local seafood, sometimes pushing meals closer to the CAD 30 range. Conversely, in the winter months, many restaurants turn to heartier fare at more affordable prices given the local sourcing of ingredients.
As dining habits evolve, younger locals are leaning towards more plant-based menus and sustainable practices, driven by a growing awareness of the ecological impact. It’s refreshing to see how the food culture here continues to reflect a blend of both tradition and modern culinary trends.