The Ultimate Victoria Patio Guide

The best dining spots to soak in Victoria’s summer sun!

The Drake Eatery

With one of the largest selections of craft beer options in the city, The Drake Eatery is a must-stop on Victoria’s famous self-guided Victoria Ale Trail. Draught taps feature hard to find west coast craft beers and ciders,. They offer a concise menu with small plates and individual meals, produced from quality local suppliers. They have a spacious patio overlooking Victoria’s historic Market Square.

Images: The Drake Eatery

Il Covo Trattoria

Just a ten-minute walk from the Inner Harbour, you’ll feel miles away from it all at Il Covo Trattoria, a traditional, rustic Italian restaurant nestled into Victoria’s historic James Bay neighbourhood. The restaurant features a super secluded, split-level patio with soft music and lush foliage abound, plus a tiny antique shop hidden within the building itself. Choose from several delicious a la carte options (like cannelloni stuffed with ricotta, spinach, crab and lobster), or opt to go family-style with a four-course chef’s choice menu.

Images: Il Covo Trattoria

Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse

Located in the heart of the Saanich Peninsula, only a 25-minute drive north of Victoria, Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse is a lovely place to stop and enjoy some snacks and cider on a warm afternoon. With an indoor/outdoor seating space and picturesque views over the orchard and the Strait of Georgia beyond, you’ll enjoy the best of the island all in one place. Order in advance for a picnic pack to enjoy on their property or to take away with your cider.

Pro tip: Opt for a long flight, which consists of nine cider samples shared between two people. Decide which ones you like best, then purchase a few bottles to enjoy at home!

Images: Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse

Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub

Victoria’s reputation for oceanfront brewpubs began with Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub, the city’s first brewpub when it opened in 1984. A pilgrimage of sorts for beer lovers, Spinnakers offers over 26 taps including some original recipes that date back 30 years. Working closely with local food producers and farmers, their chef has crafted a menu that also highlights local cuisine and flavours, which can all be enjoyed waterfront on their covered, heated patio.

Image: Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub

Boom + Batten

With its perfect view of the inner harbour, Boom + Batten’s elevated casual dining offers guests an inventive culinary experience. Savour coastal cuisine inspired by local surroundings and the chef’s global adventures. Sip on a carefully curated cocktail as you watch Victoria Harbour Ferries, sea otters, kayakers from Ocean River Sports, and dragonboat racers paddle by – all from your front-row Inner Harbour seats.

Fathom

Fathom’s Terrace seamlessly blends nature and sophistication. With a heated pergola for year-round enjoyment, as well as a Lower Patio to enjoy the fresh air, Fathom offers an enchanting, secluded setting to enjoy dinner. Visit Fathom’s website to make a reservation or see what Executive Chef Roy Tam is cooking up!

Little Jumbo

Located at the harbour end of Fort Street, Little Jumbo offers a tantalizing selection of finely-honed classic dishes and cocktails. Chef Gabe Fayerman-Hansen’s farm to table and fish boat to table philosophy is legendary. No two visits are the same – their change their array of globally recognized cocktails every 6 weeks, while setting new standards of their classics.

Fireside Grill

Take a drive along West Saanich Road and visit the gorgeous patio at Fireside Grill. This local favourite operates out of a restored estate home and offers farm-to-table cuisine paired with a unique ambiance (think: fireplaces – many many fireplaces!). The atmosphere is perfect and the food is delectable – and don’t the locals know it. In 2021, Fireside Grill racked up five Times Colonist Reader’s Choice Awards – one of them being Best Patio and a second one, Best Happy Hour!

Image: @fireside_grill_victoria

Irish Times Pub

A favourite among locals and visitors alike, the Irish Times Pub is a lively spot located on Victoria’s famous Government Street. Enjoy a pint on their patio and indulge in their Irish comfort food or West Coast classics.

Image: @irishtimespub

10 Acres Restaurants

Some of the hottest patios in town! The farm-to-table 10 Acres restaurants are all about embracing our island’s patio culture. Each patio is unique in its location and overall dining vibe. For 10 Acres Commons, we recommend ordering an Aperol Spritz and dynamite sushi – one of the only places in Victoria you can enjoy sushi alfresco! The tree-covered 10 Acres Bistro patio is a great place to try a pasta dish – all pasta at 10 Acres restaurants is made in-house. 10 Acres at the Pier faces stretching views of open water, so ordering seafood only feels right. Try their famous seafood pasta or their mussels!

Other Great Patios in Victoria:

Please check with the businesses directly for the most up to date information.

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