Are you trying to find the best breakfast in Victoria, BC? Well, we’re here to show you that this small island city offers a breakfast experience beyond the ordinary.
After all, we’re talking about a city that the Food Network recently dubbed the ‘Brunch Capital of Canada.’
In this article, we’ll delve into Victoria’s best breakfast spots that make the city a paradise for morning meal enthusiasts.
The Best Breakfast in Victoria, BC
Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day, and it is no wonder why. A good breakfast can set the tone for the rest of the day and provide the necessary fuel and nutrients to start your day off right.
But what makes a breakfast truly the best? In Victoria, BC, there are several factors that contribute to the title of “best breakfast.”
- First and foremost, a delicious and satisfying breakfast is a must. This could include a variety of dishes, from sweet to savoury, and options for different dietary preferences.
- The ambiance and atmosphere of the breakfast spot, as well as the quality of service, also play a significant role in creating the best breakfast experience.
- Ultimately, the best breakfast spot should leave you feeling satisfied, energized, and ready to take on the day.
Bearing this in mind, I’ve called back on my many bangin’ breakys and boozy brunches at Victoria’s best restaurants in the ultimate search for Victoria’s best breakfast.
Related: Victoria’s Best Bars: A Newbie’s Guide
Where Can You Find the Best Breakfast in Victoria, BC?
In a city known for its vibrant food scene, finding the best breakfast in Victoria, BC, can be a daunting task. To help you start your day off on the right foot, we’ve narrowed it down to my amazing eight breakfast spots that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
And if you read on below, I’ll toss in a few honourable mentions for good measure – including plant-based options, family-friendly choices, and Victoria breakfast spots with a view.
1. Jam Cafe – The Best Brunch Restaurant in Victoria
$$ | 542 Herald St. | Website
Jam Cafe is a popular breakfast spot in Victoria, BC, known for its delicious menu and cozy atmosphere. This eatery offers a wide variety of breakfast options, including classic dishes like Eggs Benedict and innovative items like their famous Pulled Pork Pancakes. With its welcoming service and mouth-watering food, Jam Cafe is a must-visit for anyone exploring Victoria’s breakfast scene.
After a night out, I make sure to stop by and treat myself to their signature dish, the Charlie Bowl. The combination of Southern-style grits, chorizo, avocado, and poached eggs is absolutely divine. Trust me, this is a breakfast experience that will stay with you for a long time.
Did you know? The Jam Cafe’s original Herald Street location opened in 2012. It has proven so successful that it has since spawned three Vancouver-area locations.
2. John’s Place – The Best Place for Breakfast in Victoria for Families
$$ | 723 Pandora Ave. | Website
John’s Place, a well-known eatery in Victoria, BC, boasts a diverse breakfast menu. Its mix of classic and innovative caters to all tastes and dietary preferences, including options for vegans and those with gluten sensitivities. In addition, the restaurant offers a delightful atmosphere and friendly service, making it a favourite breakfast destination for both locals and visitors.
If you’re visiting Victoria with kids, I recommend John’s due to its extensive menu, casual atmosphere, and fantastic value. I promise, even the pickiest of eaters will find something to their liking!
Fun Fact: John’s Place has been serving mouth-watering breakfast dishes for over 40 years, solidifying its place as a beloved institution in Victoria’s culinary scene.
3. Blue Fox Cafe – Victoria’s Best Breakfast Restaurant
$$ | 919 Fort St. | Website
Blue Fox Cafe, situated in Victoria, BC, is well-known for its inviting atmosphere and delicious breakfast menu. The cafe offers a wide range of breakfast options, from traditional items like eggs benedict and pancakes to tempting vegetarian and gluten-free choices.
With its cozy ambiance and scrumptious dishes, Blue Fox Cafe is a top choice for breakfast in Victoria, BC. This longtime favourite has been slangin’ hash since way back in 1991 when it became Victoria’s first dedicated breakfast joint. As they proudly claim, we started this shizzle!
Related: Victoria’s Craft Beer Scene
4. Q at the Empress – The Best Victoria Breakfast for Special Occasions
$$$ | 721 Government St. | Website
Located in the most storied room in Victoria, Q at the Empress is my go-to spot when I’m looking for a breakfast worthy of Queen Victoria herself! Is it pricey? You bet! But the restaurant’s sheer elegance, coupled with the best harbour views in the city, make it well worth it.
Looking to feel like royalty? Pair their PNW Benny with Dungeness crab, chives, and wilted arugula with a Market Fresh Mimosa and your mundane commoner worries will melt away, at least until the bill arrives!
Related: The Best Hotels in Victoria: Unearthing Hidden Gems
5. Nourish Kitchen & Cafe – The Best Breakfast in Victoria for Vegetarians
$$ | 225 Quebec St. | Website
Nourish Kitchen & Cafe is a popular brunch spot in Victoria, BC, known for its dedication to providing healthy and sustainable food options. The diverse, vegetable-forward menu offers a variety of dishes, including options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
The cafe’s peaceful atmosphere and beautiful location in a James Bay heritage home make it the perfect place for a calm and enjoyable breakfast experience. So, if you’re searching for a tranquil breakfast spot with a range of options to accommodate different dietary needs, Nourish Kitchen & Cafe is for you.
Did you know? This popular Victoria brunch restaurant recently began serving dinner.
6. Spoons Diner – Victoria’s Quirkiest Breakfast Restaurant
$$ | 2915 Douglas St. | Website
Spoons Diner is a local favourite that has carved out a special place in the city’s vibrant breakfast scene. Known for its quirky, retro ambiance, this diner takes you on a nostalgic trip with its colourful decor and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that reminds you of a 50’s diner – think checkered floors and vintage furniture.
The menu is a delightful mix of classic comfort foods and inventive twists on traditional breakfast fare. I like to pick from their extensive selection of creative egg bennies, or you can even opt to build your own. But whatever you choose, Spoons is a place where each meal is served with a side of joy, making it a standout in Victoria’s breakfast landscape.
Fun fact: You can flip a coin at the end of your meal. If you win, your meal is free. But if you lose, you’ll pay double!
7. The Ruby – Victoria’s Best Breakfast for Meat Lovers
$$ | 642A Johnson St. | 3110 Douglas St. | Website
The Ruby has established itself as a Victoria breakfast haven, renowned for its hearty, flavour-packed dishes that leave a lasting impression. You’ll find two convenient locations – one on Johnson Street in the heart of downtown and the other at the Hotel Zed on Douglas Street in Hillside (closed for renovations until Feb. 2024).
The menu celebrates bold flavours and generous portions designed to satisfy the heartiest of appetites. Standout dishes include their Smoked Brisket Hash and Fried Chicken Benny, both of which are guaranteed to stick to your ribs. Trust me, this is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a satisfying breakfast experience in the city.
Quick tip: The Players Delight includes any two breakfasts, a bottle of Pol Roger brut champagne, and sweet waffles for $220. Looking to save some cash? Grab the Fugazi and switch to Prosecco for $100!
8. Bear & Joey – The Best Breakfast Cafe in Victoria
$ | 1025 Cook St. | Website
Looking for something a bit more casual? Bear & Joey has rapidly gained acclaim as the best breakfast cafe in the city. This charming spot is the epitome of casual, chic dining, offering a delightful escape for those seeking a quick yet unforgettable breakfast experience.
Modelled on the cafe culture of Sydney, Australia, the ambiance strikes a perfect balance between modern elegance and relaxed comfort. The menu, though concise, is thoughtfully curated, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients that elevate simple dishes into culinary delights. Oh, and the breakfast sandwiches are delish!
On a budget? Check out their $10 breakfast sandwich happy hour Monday – Friday from 8-9 am/2-3 pm.
Victoria Breakfast Restaurants – Honourable Mentions
I feel like we’ve provided a good cross-section of the best breakfasts in Victoria. But in the ‘Bruch Capital of Canada,’ the options are never-ending. So, for the sake of brevity, I’ll leave you with a few more options before you head out the door.
- Fuego Old Town Eatery: Casual restaurant with a Mexican-themed menu that is absolute fire.
- Shine Cafe: Fort Street favourite famous for its elevated take on typical breakfast fare.
- Shanzees Biscuit Cafe: Victoria’s only dedicated Southern-style biscuit cafe.
- Pendray Inn & Tea House: Elegant tea house in a historic manner overlooking the Inner Harbour.
What Are the Best Victoria Breakfast Spots for Different Dietary Preferences?
As we know, Victoria is known as the ‘Brunch Capital of Canada’ due to its numerous diverse and delicious breakfast options. But it is also known to be the most vegan and vegetarian-friendly city in the country. So here are a few of the best Victoria breakfast restaurants for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet:
- Nourish: Plant-forward brunch restaurant in a delightful James Bay heritage home.
- Fern Cafe & Bakery: Rustic vegan cafe and bakery in the Fernwood district.
- Rebar: Casual restaurant and juice bar that features fresh, healthy, predominantly vegetarian fare.
- Belove: Blanshard Street eatery with a menu that is completely wheat, gluten, dairy and processed sugar-free.
What Are the Best Breakfast Spots for a Scenic View?
Victoria is known for its stunning views and delicious breakfast spots. But which ones offer the best combination of both? In this section, we will explore the top breakfast spots in Victoria that serve mouthwatering dishes and provide scenic views to enhance your dining experience.
- Q at the Empress: Elegant dining room overlooking the harbour in Victoria’s most famous hotel.
- Blue Crab Seafood House: Inner Harbour seafood house with a beautiful ocean view from every table.
- Vista 18: Victoria’s only elevated restaurant on the 18th floor of the Chateau Victoria.
- The Snug Pub: Local institution at the elegant Oak Bay Beach Hotel with floor-to-ceiling ocean views.
Visiting Victoria for the weekend? Check out our Victoria 2-day itinerary.
Best Breakfast Victoria FAQs
What are some popular breakfast spots in Victoria, BC?
The most popular breakfast spots in Victoria include Blue Fox Cafe, Jam Cafe, Spoons Diner, and John’s Place.
What restaurants have the best brunch in Victoria, BC?
The restaurants offering the best brunch in Victoria, BC, include Jam Café, known for its inventive and flavourful dishes; Blue Fox Cafe, offering a diverse menu with a cozy atmosphere; Nourish, celebrated for its plant-forward and locally-sourced menu; and The Ruby, known for its hearty takes on classic brunch items like hash and eggs benny.
What restaurants offer a good breakfast in Victoria for vegetarians?
Nourish Kitchen & Cafe offers a cozy, charming atmosphere with a view of the harbour, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing plant-based breakfast in Victoria, BC. Other options include Rebar, which offers a wide range of creative vegetarian and vegan options, and Belove, an excellent spot known for its health-conscious and plant-based dishes.
What is the best place for breakfast in Victoria for families?
The best place for breakfast in Victoria for families is John’s Place. It offers a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and a diverse menu that caters to all ages, including kid-friendly options. Other great options include Spoons Diner, Blue Fox Cafe, and the Beacon Hill Drive Inn for a more casual option.
All ready for the best breakfast in Victoria, BC?
We’ve reached the end of our guide to the best breakfast in Victoria, BC, but your adventure is just beginning.
With options for every budget and taste, Victoria’s breakfast scene is ready to welcome you with open arms and delicious dishes.
So whether you’re craving a gourmet brunch or a simple, hearty meal, remember that the best breakfast in Victoria is the one that perfectly suits your taste buds and budget.
Bon Appétit 🙂
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