Best patios in Vic West you need to visit

April 29th, 2021

With its perfect views of the city surrounded by water, Vic West is naturally a hotspot for stunning patios. All five of these top patio spots offer brunch, lunch, snacks, and delicious drinks, so no matter what you’re in the mood for, Vic West has you covered. Take a tour on foot or by bike to these five foolproof outdoor finds.

Fantastico bar-deli

As one of Caffe Fantastico’s three locations, the bar-deli is the perfect spot to roll up on via two wheels. If you haven’t skated, scooted, or biked by this joint nestled right along the Galloping Goose Trail and the Gorge Waterway, well… you probably don’t own a skateboard, scooter, or bike. Because if you did, this place would’ve been first on your hit list.

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If your day is in need of a boost, we recommend getting it started with their Nitro Draft Coffee. Served cold, the Nitro pours like a Guinness and is just as smooth. Pair this with their delicious breakfast board or breakfast sandwich, both comprised of local ingredients, including greens from neighbouring farm Topsoil.

As their name implies, Fantastico bar-deli specializes in boards showcasing deli items like cured meats and local cheeses. At only $12, the small Fantastico board (pictured) is not only great value, but also a great way to try out many locally produced nibbles. Pair that with local beer, wine, or cider from Sea Cider and your taste buds will thank you. If you’d rather stay home, or head to the park, order one of their custom pizza charcuterie boxes.

caffefantastico.com
102-398 Harbour Rd., Victoria
@fantastico_bardeli
8am – 4pm daily (patio 9:30am – 3:30pm)

Lure Restaurant & Bar

For the best view of iconic downtown Victoria, look no further than Lure. Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour, the iconic Empress hotel, and historic Parliament Buildings are all photo-worthy day or night from one of Lure’s many patio spots. Their newest patio, The Deck, is located on the water level and you can enjoy this dog friendly seating area Friday through Sunday starting at 10am.

Photo by Nicole Mackinnon courtesy of Lure Victoria

While you are there, order a glass of wine from their extensive and predominantly BC focused list. If you head there on a Tuesday, they have a feature wine for $6, or $5 during happy hour. Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6pm, featuring $2 off all 9oz wines, along with other deals.

Make sure to order the charred brussel sprouts while you are there; these crispy, savoury bites come with a roasted garlic aioli that could make you easily order seconds. If you are feeling a little hungrier, the crispy mac and cheese bites and maple bourbon ribs will round out your happy hour order to keep hunger pangs at bay.

Lure Restaurant
100 Harbour Rd., Victoria
@lurevictoria
7am – 10pm

Boom + Batten

The stunning architecture and detailed décor are just as impressive as their sweeping waterfront views. This is the only place you will be able to feast while gawking at some of the largest yachts moored at the Victoria International Marina.

Try out one of their fancy zero proof cocktails like the Fawlty Towers made with local Sheringham Lumette, grapefruit juice, raspberry and pink peppercorn syrup, and refreshing ginger beer.

Boom + Batten was recently voted Best View on the 2021 Tasting Victoria People’s Choice Awards as well as Best Happy Hour, so if you can, try to check them out between 2 to 5pm or after 8pm to see what all the hype is about. Regardless of time of day, if you are looking for a refreshing snack or light meal, we recommend the Ahi Tuna Tataki with crispy garlic flakes.

The crispy cauliflower is another favourite with its savoury tahini and feta intertwining with fresh mint. Be forewarned, you may not want to share…

boomandbatten.com
2 Paul Kane Pl., Victoria
@boombatten
10am – 9pm

Spinnakers Brewpub

This undeniable Victoria staple has evolved into much more than a historic brewpub. With five outdoor spots, including their newest Picnic location, you have plenty of seating options to choose from.

If you are a beer or cider fan, you definitely need to try their famous flight with your choice of four tasters from their house-brewed selections. We can also attest that these flights pair perfectly with their flatbreads—try the rich and mouthwatering blue cheese and apple.

In the mood for something a little lighter? Choose from one of their signature distilled spirits, like pink grapefruit gin, and top it off with one of their own non-alcoholic sodas. You can even skip the spirit altogether and opt for a can of Spinnakers Sparkling Mineral Waters in flavours like apricot.

To pair with your lighter drink, we recommend their sustainable Oceanwise seafood house-smoked Albacore tuna loin salad—perfect for a light refreshing meal on a sunny patio day.

If you can’t decide, bring along your core bubble and opt for it all! Add in a tasting board to snack on as you people watch the day away alongside the beautiful Songhees/Westsong Walkway.

spinnakers.com
308 Catherine St., Victoria
@spinnakersbrewpub
9am – 8pm

Browns Crafthouse Vic West

The newest spot on this list, Brown’s Crafthouse, opened in the summer of 2019. With two outdoor dining options to choose from you can chase the sun all day on their picnic-style Charlie Hotel Patio, or stay warm on chillier evenings under their covered side patio with glimpses of the Gorge Waterway.

Part of the Browns Restaurant Group, the Crafthouse style is a neighbourhood-focused restaurant with scratch-made food, cocktails, and local draught beers. At the Vic West location, this means their 20 draft selections are predominantly offerings from local Victoria breweries.

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If you’re feeling peckish, opt for the sesame ginger gyoza with drool-worthy crispy bottoms. Pair this with their Chain Famous cocktail—a take on the classic Bellini.

For a more meal-worthy menu item, their Crafthouse Cowboy Salad has all the things to tantalize your taste buds. If you are the type of person who is trying to be “good” and order a salad but don’t want to starve yourself, you will thank us after you order this one.

We also recommend you check out their new spring cocktail line-up, including the Smoked Pineapple margarita, or their Zen AF—a tropical green tea with calming and refreshing mint.