The Best Breakfast & Brunch in Victoria BC - Top 17 Restaurants

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Victoria, located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, is a great city to visit and explore, especially on a weekend trip from Vancouver. While here, I highly recommend going for brunch at least once!

Going out at night or for weekend brunch are super popular activities among both locals and tourists. It's a good way to spend a lazy Saturday or Sunday, relaxing with friends and enjoying fantastic food and drinks.

As it is a popular pastime, lots of Victoria restaurants offer wonderful brunch options. You can enjoy all types of dishes in a range of restaurant settings from luxurious hotels to cute and cozy cafes.

To help with your quest for the perfect brunch, check out my suggestions of restaurants that I think serve the best brunch in Victoria, BC!

• 17 Victoria restaurants

The Best Breakfast in Victoria BC

Josie Wanders

Jam Cafe

Jam Cafe is a popular all-day breakfast spot in Downtown Victoria. Their Herald Street location, opened in 2012, was so popular that they opened additional restaurants in Downtown Vancouver and Kitsilano.

Their menu is heavily inspired by southern recipes. You'll be able to enjoy southern classics, like homemade cornbread, chicken and waffles, and buttermilk biscuits. You'll also find traditional breakfast treats, such as french toast, parfait, and a range of egg dishes.

Jam Cafe's yummy dishes are served in a rustic dining space. It's a great brunch spot in Victoria for those looking to hang out in a cozy restaurant with comfort food and friendly staff.

There can be long line-ups on the weekend, but it's worth the wait!

Floyd's Diner

If you see a hot pink building in Victoria, it means you’ve discovered Floyd’s Diner! Floyd’s has been a landmark in Victoria for 15 years. This American diner-style restaurant offers a friendly and family atmosphere that everyone will enjoy.

Floyd’s Diner is best known for The Mahoney. If you request this, you’ll be served a unique dish that the chefs create on the spot. There’s another catch to this mystery dish; you can flip a coin to either get it for free or pay double.

If you’re not in the mood for a surprise dish, Floyd’s also serves classic brunch and breakfast dishes. Popular choices are their french toast and various preparations of the eggs benedict.

Finish your meal with a milkshake topped with whipped cream and cherries or a heavily garnished caesar!

Fuego Old Town Eatery

Fuego Old Town Eatery

Fuego Old Town Eatery is a laid back, Mexican-inspired brunch spot in Market Square. They offer a wide range of Mexican-style breakfast and brunch options.

The menu items include chorizo eggs benny, chilaquiles, and breakfast burritos. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy their Carmalita dish as it features fruits wrapped in a tortilla and topped with cinnamon, sugar, and yogurt. They also have a choice of sweet churro or mango pancakes.

If you’re leaning more toward the lunch part of brunch, you can order tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas. Everything at Fuego is made from scratch, including their homemade habanero hot sauce.

Add a Michelada or Horchata Latte to your meal, and chill out in this cozy, cantina-style spot.

The Courtney Room

This is an excellent spot if you’re looking for a more sophisticated place to have brunch in Victoria. The Courtney Room is an extension of the stylish Magnolia Hotel & Spa, located close to the Inner Harbour.

If you decide to brunch here, you’ll be served modern Pacific Northwestern Cuisine. Some specialities are their crab eggs benedict, truffle frittata, and smoked salmon toast.

There is also a range of sharing plate options and an oyster bar. Complement your meal with one of their unique craft cocktails.

The Courtney Room was even named one of the top 100 restaurants in Canada, so you know you’ll have a great experience!

Marina Restaurant

This oceanfront restaurant in Oak Bay Marina offers an award-winning west coast buffet brunch on Sundays.

Diners can choose from a range of traditional brunch options like hash browns, pancakes, parfaits, and egg dishes. You can also enjoy daily specialties, fresh seafood, and sushi.

You can add brunch cocktails, such as caesars, mimosas, or champagne cocktails, for an additional cost. If you don't want a buffet, you can also order a la carte.

This is the perfect place to relax with delicious breakfast food and drinks while enjoying the magnificent view of the marina.

John's Place

John's Place has been one of the best brunch spots in Victoria for over 35 years. It can definitely call itself a local favorite and has even been featured on The Food Network.

This well-known restaurant makes a lot of their ingredients from scratch. This includes their famous cream cheese syrup, the perfect accompaniment to their Belgian waffles.

Their eggs benedict are another bestseller, and John's has some of the best French toast in Victoria. Their stuffed French toast with ricotta and blueberry coulis is particularly recommended.

If you want something sweet after a savory breakfast, their Mile High Apple Pie with granola topping is also popular.

Nourish Kitchen & Cafe

Enjoy brunch in a super cozy and homey cafe by visiting Nourish. Housed in an 1800s Victorian-style home turned restaurant, this spot offers healthy artisan brunch delights.

Choose from a selection of egg preparations, accompanied by meat or veggie protein, toast, and vegetables. If you’re looking for something sweet, try the Sleeping Beauty Pancakes. These oatmeal pancakes are topped with fruit compote and lemon cream for a unique spin on the breakfast favorite.

No matter what you order, all ingredients are farm fresh and locally sourced. Add a brunch cocktail (or two!) to your meal, or choose from a vast selection of teas and other non-alcoholic beverages.

The Ruby

The Ruby cafe offers innovative homestyle breakfast cuisine. Menu items include breakfast tacos, duck confit, sweet and savory waffles, and smoked brisket.

The smoked salmon eggs benedict is highly regarded, or try their quirky mac and cheese eggs benedict.

Another fun menu feature is The Player’s Delight. You and your brunch date can choose a breakfast option each, and will also be served sweet waffles. Additionally, you’ll get a bottle of Pol Roger Brut Champagne, all for 200 CAD. If you aren’t in the mood to spend that much, switch champagne for prosecco by ordering The Fugazi for 90 CAD.

This popular eatery is a great spot for a relaxing morning with delicious comfort food.

Blue Fox Cafe

Blue Fox promotes itself as "Victoria's first and foremost all-day breakfast." As such, it's one of the most popular breakfast spots in Victoria and a local favorite.

Their menu is extensive, so be prepared to take your time deciding what to order! They offer all the breakfast classics, including over ten eggs benny preparations. Blue Fox also makes many of their sauces and condiments in house, including their popular jams that are made fresh daily.

One of their most popular dishes is their Migas & Amigos with scrambled eggs, corn tortillas, avocado, house-made salsa, spicy chorizo, and potatoes. Vegetarians also enjoy the meal by substituting the chorizo for grilled banana.

Their early bird special with two large local farm fresh eggs, seasoned pan-fried potatoes, hot buttered toast and house-made fruit preserves is another popular choice. Get it for just 8.95 CAD between 7.30 am and 10 am, Monday to Friday.

Q At The Empress

This sophisticated brunch and breakfast spot is found in the 108-year-old Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Here, you’ll find unique takes on classic farm-to-table breakfast dishes. Popular savory dishes include their PNW Benedict made with Dungeness crab, the pulled pork benedict, and the chicken and waffles. Sweet options include the coconut chia pudding and smoothie bowls garnished with watermelon popsicles.

Be sure to also try the Q Signature Mimosa. Instead of the traditional orange or grapefruit juice, it’s made with gooseberries and lemon verbena from their rooftop garden. Classic mimosas plus coffee, a selection of teas, and homemade hot chocolate can also be ordered.

Q at the Empress is a great place to start the day with high-quality cuisine in a stylish setting.

The Village Restaurant

The Village is a relaxed chain serving all-day breakfast. It's perfect for lazy brunching with friends and is super family-friendly.

They offer a range of choices from pancakes or oatmeal to eggs benny and latkes. Alternatively, try their famous breakfast sandwiches or a granola bowl. Complete your meal with a caesar or artisan coffee.

The Village uses only locally-sourced ingredients, and they have five locations across Victoria. If exploring Downtown Victoria, visit the Cook Street one.

All locations are popular, so be prepared to wait in line, or make a reservation if you want a table before 10 am.

Bard & Banker

Bard & Banker is a popular public house style restaurant housed in an 1800s Bank of British Columbia building. Along with being a great dinner and drinks spot, Bard & Banker serves some of the best breakfast in Victoria.

Breakfast is offered every day from 8 am to 2 pm. Lovers of sweet breakfast dishes will be spoiled for choice. Choose from peanut butter and banana crepes, brioche and hazelnut praline french toast, or cream cheese cinnamon buns.

If you prefer savoury, they offer classic dishes like eggs benedict and omelettes. Alternatively, try their Wild West Waffle with BBQ baked beans and smoked brisket or their breakfast grilled cheese with bacon.

Be sure to also sip on one of their signature cocktails!

Cora

Cora is an all-day breakfast chain that has been popular across Canada for over ten years. Their downtown location is, therefore, a fantastic choice for brunch in Victoria.

They have a vast menu of delicious and healthy breakfast options. Savory options include multiple preparations of savory crepes and eggs, including omelettes and eggs benedict.

Sweet dishes include an array of pancakes, waffles, sweet crepes, fruit and granola, and more! Complement your meal with a specialty coffee or fresh fruit smoothie.

With so many choices, everyone will find something to enjoy. Cora is a good choice for a quick bite to eat and is very family-friendly.

Vista 18 Westcoast Grill

Located in Chateau Victoria Hotel, Vista 18 is Victoria’s only “rooftop” restaurant. They also offer a great brunch experience!

Fresh and local produce is used to create a range of delicious breakfast dishes. The crab eggs benny is highly recommended, or try their bacon and scallop version. They also serve buttermilk pancakes, French toast with brie, a breakfast burrito, and more.

If you can’t decide what you want, they also have a brunch buffet option. Enjoy your meal with a mimosa or their Royal Elephant cocktail made with prosecco, raspberry liquor, and raspberry pearls. Coffee, teas, juices, and smoothies are also available.

On top of their tasty breakfast dishes, the views are unbeatable. Vista 18 is on the 18th floor of the hotel, meaning you can enjoy views of the Inner Harbour and the Olympic Mountains from up high.

Nautical Nellies

Nautical Nellies is well-known for its high-quality seafood dishes. They have recently also started serving weekend brunch at their Inner Harbour location. Nautical Nellies is quickly becoming one of the best places to have brunch in Victoria!

Like with their dinner and lunch menus, seafood dishes feature heavily in their brunch offerings. The lobster benny is one of their most recommended dishes. Diners can also try the stuffed french toast, frittata, and fluffy buttermilk pancakes among other delights.

If you love fresh, high-quality seafood and beautiful marina views, Nautical Nellies is the brunch spot for you!

Lure Restaurant & Bar

Lure is found in the Delta Marriott just steps from the Inner Harbour. Not only will you enjoy a delicious brunch, but you’ll also get amazing views. They even have a waterfront patio, a great place to enjoy brunch on a warm day.

Lure’s brunch favorites include candied salmon and dill omelette, pulled pork and black bean huevos, and french toast with lavender yogurt. Along with breakfast dishes, you can choose from a range of savory sharing plates.

Finish your meal with one of their sweet treats, such as goat cheese cheesecake or monkey bread with chocolate-Kahlua dip. Mimosas, sangria, and caesars can be enjoyed too, as can a selection of teas, coffees, smoothies, and juices.

If you are feeling a little rough from the night before, try The Morning After caesar. You’ll get a double caesar topped with four meatballs, four garlic prawns, and a jumbo pickle. It’s sure to make you feel better instantly!

Phenomenal Globe

Crust Bakery

A great place to grab a quick bite in Victoria is Crust Bakery. While it might not be the most appropriate place for a sit-down breakfast meal as it has limited seating, it is a cute little bakery that makes everything they sell from scratch with fresh local ingredients.

You will be spoilt for choice as they offer everything from pretty pastries and buttery croissants to healthy wholemeal loaves and tasty garlic-rosemary focaccias (a popular choice!). There are several gluten-free products as well as vegetarian options, perfect to suit any traveler's taste. Whatever you choose, it will be delicious and will give you plenty of energy to explore Victoria!

Crust Bakery is open seven days a week, from 8 am until 3 pm, and is located in Downtown Victoria on Fort Street.

In Summary

There definitely isn't a shortage of fantastic brunch options in Victoria. You're guaranteed to find something for all tastes and styles in this charming city.

You can find everything from very casual and laid back spots to more high-end dining experiences. Lovers of classic breakfast dishes are also covered as are those looking for more innovative (and Instagram worthy!) brunch dishes.

There is a brunch spot for everyone, and hopefully, my list of the best brunch in Victoria helped you discover your dream breakfast place!

This article was edited by Loredana Elena.

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