Best patios in Oak Bay, Fairfield, and Cook Street you need to visit

April 8th, 2021

Spring is here and that means sunny days, blossoms, and patio season has now arrived. If you and your bubble find yourself around the Cook Street, Fairfield or Oak Bay areas, be sure to check out one of these patio spaces. With warmer weather and sunny days to come, sitting outside with your bubble at one of these restaurants is a splendid way to kick off the spring season. Each of these restaurants features a wide selection of menu choices. Whether you're looking to try out a new cocktail, burger or want to enjoy brunch with your bubble, one of the restaurants below is sure to offer a patio and food-worthy service.

Bear & Joey Cafe

If you're looking for Instagram-worthy aesthetics, lovely outdoor vibes and a mouth-watering menu to boot, then Bear & Joey Cafe is the perfect spot for you! This quaint and unique restaurant is the perfect spot to take your bubble along for brunch. With comfortable outdoor seating and heat lamps, this thriving brunch and lunch spot is an ideal patio to check out this spring. Bear & Joey offers a diverse selection of menu options; try out their Ricotta Pikelet: poached pear, house caramel, toasted almonds, coconut, cinnamon, yogurt, with a mix of sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Feeling like a cocktail with your brunch? Try Bear & Joey’s mimosa or opt for one of their many non-alcoholic options like cold-pressed juice or a matcha latte. Start patio season off right at Bear & Joey this spring!

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bearandjoey.ca
@bearandjoeycafe
1025 Cook St.

Vis-à-vis

Right in the hub of Oak Bay, you will find Vis-à-Vis. A quaint and bustling restaurant perfect for any meal occasion with your bubble. With spring in full swing, you can now enjoy a delicious meal or coffee outside on Vis-à-Vis’s patio. Vis-à-Vis offers a variety of dishes and drinks, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. For breakfast, try their scrumptious Sourdough French Toast with strawberry compote, whipped cream, and maple syrup. Looking to enjoy lunch with your bubble? Try their amazing Le Frenchie Burger: 1/2 lb. beef patty, raclette cheese, thick-cut double-smoked bacon, tomato, lettuce, caramelized onions, dijonnaise sauce, toasted brioche, and a pickle spear served with parmesan truffle frites or artisan greens. Vis-à-Vis also serves plenty of drinks options, including red, white, and rosé wines, along with a variety of sparkling wines. Enjoy locally sourced food and drinks at Vis-à-Vis this spring!

visavisoakbay.com
@visavisoakbay
2232 Oak Bay Ave.

The Village Restaurant (Estevan)

In Estevan Village, you will find the popular brunch spot, The Village. With spring in full bloom, you and your bubble can now enjoy brunch at The Village Restaurant out on their patio in the fresh and open air. With a variety of tantalizing dishes to choose from, the restaurant is the perfect spot for an Instagram photo-worthy meal. It is also conveniently close to Willows Beach, making it the perfect place to catch a bite to eat before strolling down to the water. The Village serves both breakfast and lunch dishes. Try a classic eggs Benny like the Westcoast: salmon lox, arugula, holly, and fresh dill. Served with each eggs benedict are roast potatoes or Village salad along with your choice of a base: latkes (gluten-free), sesame bagel, or braised greens. If you want to treat yourself to a drink with your meal, try the Red Barn Caesar: Sheringham Vodka or Gin, S&P, L&P, walters, garnish, and a strip of Red Barn Bacon. For patio service close to the beach, check out The Village Restaurant in Estevan today!

thevillagerestaurant.ca
@village.hq
2518 Estevan Ave.

JOIE French Café

Charming, with food that will bring a bit of extra cheer to your day, is what you will find at JOIE French Café. This little café down Cook Street is a hidden gem with its tasty drinks and mouth-watering menu. Whether you're craving something sweet or savoury, JOIE offers a selection of crepes that will suit either mood, such as their Champagne: served with both freshly squeezed lemon and fresh raspberry. At JOIE French Café, you and your bubble can indulge in some crepes, galettes, desserts, and drinks. You can choose between their menu of hot or cold beverages, such as their divine hot chocolate. Take your bubble to JOIE today for a French experience, right here on the Island.

@joie_frenchcafe
1610 Cook St.

Beagle Pub

Down Cook Street, you will find the Beagle Pub, a hip and cool hub to take your bubble this weekend for brews and bites. With plenty of patio seating, you and your bubble can relax and enjoy the lively and jovial atmosphere of Cook Street Village. Looking to try a burger with a twist? Have a taste of the Beagle Pub Hawaiian Tuna Burger: grilled ahi tuna, double-smoked bacon, grilled pineapple salsa, sriracha lime aioli, fresh lettuce, and an onion ring. The Beagle Pub even offers a Happy Appies menu every day from 2pm to 4pm, which includes mini burgers, dry ribs, and Montreal poutine. Being a pub, the Beagle does not disappoint when it comes to their range of drinks. Try out a Beagle cocktail like their Jalapeño Juan Collins: Tequila Reposado, lemon juice, jalapeño simple syrup, soda water, lemon, and lime wedges. Enjoy some spring sunshine and patio service this weekend at the Beagle Pub!

beaglepub.ca
@thebeaglepubvictoria
301 Cook St.

The Collective Wine Bar & Kitchen

With craft beer cocktails, live music, and a heated patio, The Collective Wine Bar & Kitchen is the place to check out in Cook Street Village! This lively and inviting restaurant does not disappoint. With a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, The Collective Wine Bar & Kitchen offers a lunch, dinner, and happy hour menu. Enjoy The Collective’s happy hour every day, from 4pm to 5:30pm and 9pm to close. If you're taking your bubble out this weekend, try a sharing board. The Collective not only offers meat and cheese sharing boards, such as their Fine Cheese & Charcuterie board—fine cheeses alongside local and house-cured meats—but they also offer a Vegan Board: house-made seed and nut cheeses, pickled vegetables, and vegan spreads. If you can't decide what to order for drinks, try out The Collective’s flight selection, such as The Tipsy Ogopogo: Lock and Worth Semillon 2018 BC, Tightrope Blend 2019 BC, and Nichol Syrah Nate's Vineyard 2018, BC. Make your week a little more exciting and check out The Collective Wine Bar & Kitchen!

Note: Currently closed due the new restrictions. Opening again soon.

thecollectivewinebar.ca
@thecollective_winebar
230 Cook St

The Snug Pub

Situated in the decadent and refined Oak Bay Beach Hotel, you will find The Snug Pub. This cozy and inviting space is the perfect spot for some food and brews out on the patio. With sprawling views of the ocean, The Snug Pub promises quality drinks and food to match the spectacular views. This restaurant and pub also offers a happy hour menu from Monday to Friday from 2 to 4pm, so you and your bubble can enjoy delicious food and drinks at a reduced price. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, The Snug Pub is a great location to enjoy a meal out in the neighbourhood, any time of the day. We recommend you try out the Wild Chanterelle Risotto: winter squash, parmesan, black truffle, and pine nuts. For drinks, this pub offers an expansive drink selection, with beers, wines, and cocktails. Try out their Noble Ridge Chardonnay to pair with your meal.

oakbaybeachhotel.com/dining/snug-pub/
@oakbaybeachhotel
1175 Beach Dr.

Marina Dockside Eatery

Situated right by the sea, you will find the Marina Dockside Eatery. This perfectly placed eatery is the ideal spot to grab a bite to eat with your bubble, sit outside on the patio and take in the calming ocean views of the marina. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 8am to 4pm, the Marina Dockside Eatery is a great spot to take your bubble this weekend for bites to eat and spring ocean breezes to kick off patio season. Have a taste of the sea while overlooking the Oak Bay marina with a bagel topped with salmon and cream cheese. With plenty of drink choices, you can enjoy a steaming cup of tea or coffee at the Marina Dockside Eatery today!

marinadocksideeatery.com
@marinaeatery
1327 Beach Dr.

Morning People Food Truck

Down the street of Cook Street Village, you will find the Morning People Food Truck. With outdoor seating available, you and your bubble can enjoy your meal out in the spring air. Open every day from 9am to 2pm, the Morning People Food Truck serves healthy, fresh, and mouthwatering dishes to satisfy your eyes and appetite. With a diverse set of menu options, you and your bubble can enjoy delicious food at any budget and to fit any diet. Try out the Blue Oyster Cult: local sausage, egg, blue oyster mushrooms, house-made barbecue sauce, aged cheddar, local greens, and mango habanero hot sauce in a toasted ciabatta. The Morning People food truck also serves drinks. Try out their signature Mylkshakes, made with vegan Hidden Gem ice cream and oat milk. Ask about their choice of flavours today!

morningpeople.com
@morningpeoplefoodco
325 Cook St.

Moka House Coffee

Coffee, tea, snacks, sandwiches, and more, all to be found at the hipster hub that is Moka House Coffee. A popular spot down Cook Street Village, this café serves a dose of strong coffee and a sense of community. With plenty of outdoor seating and patio space, Moka House Coffee is a perfect spot to grab a coffee and a bite to eat, any day of the week. Enjoy your latte while sitting on the patio out in the fresh spring air. Then try a walk down to the water for views of the sea and flying kites. You may even spot some folks paragliding! Feel like something sweet on the side with your coffee? Try Moka House’s gluten-free, vegan Moka balls that are made in-house. If you don’t feel like having your regular coffee, Moka House Coffee offers a broad selection of drinks, including their Matcha latte, hot or iced.

mokahouse.com
@cookstvillagemokahouse
345 Cook St.

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WRITTEN BY

Tessa Cowan

Tasting Victoria Staff