The Victorian Brunch Guide

The Food Network crowned Victoria the brunch capital of Canada, and we hope that you can see why.  Think of this page as less of a blog, more as a checklist.  So get up, out of bed and join the queue to experience some of the best brunching Canada has to offer.

If you’d like more brunch inspiration, be sure to pick up “First, We Brunch” at Russell Books or Munro’s Books, written by Rebecca Wellman. It’s a comprehensive, 300-page (yes, there is that much brunch out here!) Victorian brunch guide accompanied by exquisite photographs, a collection of recipes (some provided by the city’s finest chefs), and tasty recommendations.

BON APPETIT!

Fireside Grill

Fireside Grill’s brunch is BACK! Towering garry oak and landscaped gardens surround you in this historic, urban acreage nestled on West Saanich Road. The ambiance: think, rich earth tones, classic planked flooring, elegant woodwork, and warmth. Fireside Grill has been voted the Best Brunch in Victoria in Victoria’s Reader’s Choice Awards from 2017 – 2021, and we can see why:  they offer a whole brunch buffet!  Having breakfast here is truly special, and can be enjoyed on special days: Easter Sunday (April 17), Mother’s Day (May 8), and Father’s Day (June 19). 

Staff Pick: Gareth recommends absolutely everything – it’s a buffet!  There are plenty of gluten-free and dairy free options available.

Friends of Dorothy’ Cocktail Lounge 

Follow the yellow brick road, and you might just find yourself at Friends of Dorothy Cocktail Lounge. This lounge is a vibrant, colourful space with a fun brunch menu to pair. Expect large, picturesque portions and tall mimosas enjoyed in a zany, eclectic atmosphere. Friends of Dorothy’s is also known to have drag shows, DJ’s, and karaoke in the evening. Brunch is served from 10-3pm, Saturdays and Sundays. A brunch so great, you’ll be sent over the rainbow!

Our Staff Pick: Harrison loves their seafood omelette.  Thank him later!
 

Floyd’s Diner

Floyd’s Diner has a few locations in Victoria. From the location on Menzies closest to our Parliament Buildings, to the one near Broadmead Shopping Centre, westward to Langford; all deliver consistent, massive portions and are a fantastic brunch choice. Feeling risky? Ask the waiter or waitress for “The Mahoney”, where the cooks will make whatever they feel like making you. You may not have to pay for the Mahoney – you have a 50/50 chance! Either pay the original price or flip a coin for double or nothing. Test your luck out – if you lose, you can still feel like a winner knowing your dollars go into supporting a great local spot.  Open 7 days a week, 8am – 3pm.

Our Staff-Pick: Erin recommends their BC Hash, which is chopped bacon & sausage, pan-fried with scrambled eggs all served over Floyd’s potatoes, topped with cheese, salsa, and green onions. 

Bard + Banker 

The Bard + Banker is a well-loved, well-known spot in Victoria for a number of things: they offer free live music, seven nights a week, spanning numerous genres. They offer a wide array of local craft beer, premium imports, and their award-winning collection of wine and spirits. They are just soaked in history, operating out of a historic bank that was opened in 1885 (the Bank of British Columbia). Lastly, they offer a filling, hearty brunch born out of their commitment to using local ingredients. On Saturdays and Sundays, they open at 7AM for brunch to satiate the city’s breakfast cravings. You’ve got to eat here!

Staff Pick: Gareth recommends their menu item, “The Bards Full English”.  Order this, and you receive two eggs any style, smoked bacon, pork sausage, black pudding, house baked beans, tomato, mushroom, potato hash, and toast. You won’t go hungry! 
 

Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio

Make your way out to Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio, where sharing is caring when it comes to food.  Situated out of the charming Inn at Laurel Point, you will be rewarded with an inspiring backdrop of Victoria’s Inner Harbour as you dine on your globally-inspired small plates.  Watch Harbour Air sea planes take off, dragon boaters paddle by, Black Ball Ferry Line’s Coho Ferry proudly sail in, and river otters dip about as you indulge on menu items such as the Point Burger or Croissant Melt. Available every Saturday & Sunday from 11:30 – 3PM.

Staff Pick: Graham recommends eating at Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio for their stunning location. It’s all about that harbour view!
 

Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub

Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub is the epitome of a good old pub. As Canada’s first brew-pub and having won a number of accolades such as “Best of Victoria” by Newsgroup reader polls, they serve top-of-the-line food and great beer to pair.  Spinnaker’s tagline is “Let Nobody Thirst” – and they do a fantastic job of ensuring that never, ever happens.  Their brunch menu offers tea from Silk Road Tea, specialty coffees, and delicious benedicts and frittatas served in either a pub or patio space. It’s worth getting up early – breakfast is served at Spinnakers from 9AM – 12PM daily. 

Staff Pick: Isla (Erin’s daughter) adores the Kid’s Brewhouse Breakfast!  

The Courtney Room

Where the old meets the new – a slogan appropriate for both Victoria, and The Courtney Room alike.  Operating from the lovely Magnolia Hotel & Spa, The Courtney Room values high-quality, fresh and seasonal ingredients, delivered in a timelessly elegant setting. Their weekend brunch menu combines everything Victoria knows and loves. From the Smoked Salmon Benny to the Crab & Gruyere Omelette, if you’re craving a seafood-fix in the first few hours of the day, The Courtney Room is for you.  Brunch is served from 7am – 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Staff Pick: Szilvia recommends their to-die-for breakfast sandwich – you won’t find anything quite like it! 

Vista 18

So, you want brunch. But you also want elevated, expansive views. Victoria has that!  Try out Vista 18, located on the Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites 18th floor.  Vista 18’s chefs take a global approach using island ingredients, offering a Belgian Waffle meal, New York Steak + Eggs, and many more coveted brunch items that are unique to them. With several vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, they ensure everyone can be accommodated! Brunch is served daily from 7AM – 11AM. 

Staff Pick: Nathan recommends ordering their tasty Chicken & Waffles!

The Food Network crowned Victoria the brunch capital of Canada, and we hope that you can see why.  Think of this page as less of a blog, more as a checklist.  So get up, out of bed and join the queue to experience some of the best brunching Canada has to offer.

If you’d like more brunch inspiration, be sure to pick up “First, We Brunch” at Russell Books or Munro’s Books, written by Rebecca Wellman. It’s a comprehensive, 300-page (yes, there is that much brunch out here!) Victorian brunch guide accompanied by exquisite photographs, a collection of recipes (some provided by the city’s finest chefs), and tasty recommendations.

BON APPETIT!