Recently named the brunch capital of Canada by the Food Network, Victoria is home to some of the best breakfast and lunch spots in the country. While there is no shortage of amazing restaurants in the city, there are a few that stand out from the crowd.
Food tours are very popular in Victoria and I recommend going on one if you have time. Here are a few you might want to consider:
- Victoria Guided Food and History Tour
Guided walk through the city where you can enjoy food tastings of local products and learn the culinary history of Victoria. - Best of Victoria Food Tour
Enjoy delicious barbecue, English food, farm-to-table produce, and more on this 2-hour guided food tour of Victoria - Victoria Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings
Hop on the Brew Bus and enjoy a guided tour of three craft breweries in Victoria. All craft beer and tasting fees are included.
As a breakfast connoisseur, I love discovering the best breakfast spots when visiting a new city. Whether you’re looking to enjoy comfort-food classics or try a unique breakfast dish, you are certain to find something to satisfy your craving at one of these three breakfast spots.
Here are three breakfast spots you need to try in Victoria!
Related Post: How to spend 36 hours in Victoria, BC
Table of Contents
1. Jam Café
Location: 542 Herald St, Victoria, BC
Phone: (778) 440-4489
Located in Old Town Victoria, the Jam Café serves up some of the best all-day breakfast and lunch in the city. Created by Union Pacific Coffee owners Jim and Candy Walmsley, the Jam Café offers a unique menu that will tempt you to broaden your breakfast horizons. From comfort classics like biscuits and gravy, to unexpected dishes like Green Eggs and Ham, there is something for everyone at the Jam Café.
They operate on a first come, first serve basis, so I highly recommend arriving early to grab a seat. It’s not unusual to see a line up outside the restaurant in the morning, even on weekdays.
The Ambiance / Service
The Jam Café has a rustic-city atmosphere which is warm and welcoming. I arrived just after 8:00am on a Monday morning and the restaurant was already filling up.
Service was quick and friendly and my coffee was always refilled promptly. I really enjoyed the laid back and trendy vibe, which was a great way to start my morning.
What I Ordered
The menu offered a variety of different breakfast items, which all sounded equally delicious. It was tough to decide between ordering Veggie Eggs Benedict or their Red Velvet Pancakes. I was leaning towards something savory, so I opted for the Veggie Eggs Benedict and had no regrets.
It consisted of two poached eggs, mushrooms, spinach and roasted tomatoes with goat cheese and classic hollandaise over a toasted english muffin, served with a side of hasbrowns. I am not a big fan of mushrooms, but the Veggie Eggs Benedict tasted amazing. I loved the unique flavours of the roasted tomatoes paired with the goat cheese. This was a fun twist on the classic Eggs Benedict.
Unfortunately my hasbrowns tasted like they had been sitting on my plate for awhile. They were served warm instead of hot and didn’t stand out for me.
The Verdict
Overall, the Jam Café served up a delicious breakfast which was the perfect way to start my visit in Victoria. I loved the rustic-city décor and enjoyed the friendly and warm atmosphere. If you’re looking for a fun brunch spot, then the Jam Café will certainly satisfy your appetite.
2. The Blue Fox
Location: 919 Fort St, Victoria, BC
Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am – 4:00pm; Saturday and Sunday 8:00am – 3:00pm
Phone: (250) 380-1683
Located on Antique Row, the Blue Fox is your go-to spot for generous portions of fresh and local comfort food in the city. With its heritage brick walls, huge glass windows and beautiful high ceilings, this all-day breakfast and lunch restaurant houses a hip and happening crowd.
Emphasis is placed on serving fresh and locally sourced products – organic coffee and free run chicken for example. Enjoy delicious favourites like Eggs Benny or giant gourmet beef burgers with a little West Coast funk.
The Ambiance / Service
The modern and eclectic décor at the Blue Fox offered a fun and friendly vibe to guests. I sat near the window, which was perfect for people watching as I enjoyed my tasty breakfast.
The restaurant was fairly busy when I arrived after 8:00am on a weekday. Despite the rush, I was able to get a spot right away. Unfortunately though, service was quite slow after I placed my order. It took awhile to receive my coffee and ice water, and even longer to find someone to refill my cup.
What I Ordered
On this particular morning I was craving something sweet, so I ordered the Ambrosia Apple Cakes. They were served with Saigon cinnamon, freshly whipped cream, freshly grated nutmeg, caramelized ambrosia apples and pure maple syrup.
I am a huge fan of cinnamon and was really looking forward to these pancakes. Once they arrived, they did not disappoint. The portion was huge and the warm fluffy pancakes tasted incredible with the whipped cream, maple syrup and spice.
I loved the addition of the caramelized apples, they were delicious and the perfect accompaniment to the pancakes. My only recommendation is that they peel the skin off the apples next time, this is just a personal preference.
The Verdict
Despite the slow service, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at the Blue Fox. It’s the perfect spot for breakfast or brunch before visiting Victoria’s Craigdarroch Castle, just a short walk away.
3. Willie’s Cafe & Bakery
Location: 537 Johnson St, Victoria, BC
Hours: Open daily 8:00am – 10:00pm
Phone: (250) 381-8414
Founded in 1887, Willie’s Café & Bakery is British Columbia’s first bakery. It’s still operating at the original location and has become a local’s favourite for plentiful all-day breakfasts and lunches.
All their meals are made with fresh, local and organic ingredients including organic fair trade coffee, freshly squeezed OJ and free-run eggs. Arrive early to order one of their Early Bird specials or sleep in and grab one of their delicious lunches.
The Ambiance / Service
The historic location gave this restaurant a cozy and rustic vibe. It wasn’t as busy as the Jam Café or the Blue Fox, since there were only a few tables taken when I arrived after 8:00am on a weekday. It was nice to enjoy a quiet meal with quick and friendly service.
What I Ordered
I wanted to try their take on the Veggie Eggs Benny as it sounded quite unique compared to other restaurants I’ve visited. Their Herbaceous Eggs Benny consisted of two free-run poached eggs, peppers, mushrooms, onions, tomato, spinach and hollandaise, served on house baked brioche with a side of hash browns.
The eggs were cooked to perfection and went well with the sautéed veggies and hollandaise. It was served on their house baked brioche, which was a tasty spin on the traditional english muffin. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Eggs Benny and would order it again myself.
The hash browns were crispy and delicious, which I enjoyed more than the ones served at the Jam Café.
The Verdict
An excellent choice if you’re looking for a classic breakfast spot with friendly service and a warm atmosphere. I love that all their meals are made using local and organic ingredients, which is a nice touch from a place with a long history in British Columbia. I recently learned that they are now open for dinner, so I would love to visit again and sample some of their other dishes.