Photo: Surly Mermaid Restaurant

Patio season is here to stay, and with warmer temperatures and sunshine in the city, we've combined together the best patios in and around the city of Victoria and Sidney, where you can soak up some vitamin D and have a great meal with friends and family this season!

Downtown

Whistle Buoy

Voted one of the best patios in Victoria, in the 2021 Tasting Victoria People’s Choice Awards, Whistle Buoy Brewing makes small-batch, experimental beers with high-quality ingredients in the heart of Downtown Victoria. With new beers being released weekly and the sunshine in the forecast, come join Whistle Buoy in Market Square on its dog-friendly patio that’s open from noon to 10pm daily.

Must-try beer and menu item: Coastal Pale Ale or any of their features! As for food, we recommend trying their weekly food pop-ups from Los Panas Kitchen and Wandering Mollusk.

whistlebuoybrewing.com
@whistlebuoybrewing
Unit 63 - 560 Johnson St, Victoria

Il Terrazzo

Il Terrazzo has been a landmark in the Victoria dining scene for more than 25 years. Enjoy fine Italian dining in an old town courtyard setting featuring brick fireplaces and a candle-lit ambiance. It has a lively patio with excellent service, enhancing your dining experience. You can visit the patio during the day, but the atmosphere at nighttime is super romantic.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Wine. Il Terrazzo’s certified sommeliers have created an amazing wine program to complement their offerings. As for food, Misto Di Carne.

Photo: Il Terrazzo

ilterrazzo.com
Waddington Alley at 537 Johnson St, Victoria

Finn’s Restaurant

A locally owned and operated seafood restaurant with one of the best views of the city. Finn’s Restaurant is located on Wharf Street, in a red-brick heritage building with an awesome patio. Their waterfront patio has been recently renovated and just opened their beautiful lower deck patio. Enjoy fresh local seafood, fresh shucked local oysters, AAA house cut steak and more! They have options for everyone and have a great happy hour and brunch, but you will definitely love visiting during the day and continue into nighttime to catch the beautiful sunset.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Mexican Bulldog: Margarita on the rocks with an upside-down Coronita, and for food, go with Fresh Oysters.

finnsvictoria.com
@finnsrestaurantvictoria
1208 Wharf St, Victoria

Tapa Bar

A Victoria classic with food for sharing. Tapa Bar offers a diverse menu of Spanish-inspired tapas and more. You can enjoy Spanish music alongside the beautiful Trounce Alley lights. A great patio to visit day or night.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Red Sangrias and Almond Stuffed Dates

tapabar.ca
@tapabar
620 Trounce Alley, Victoria

Sherwood

Catch a ray of sunshine and enjoy unique dishes and drinks. Day and night, Sherwood serves up a calibrated beverage program alongside comforting and locally informed café, bar, and coffee menus. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, and late night.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Little Wren 12 and Gochujang chicken sandwich

sherwoodvictoria.com
@sherwood.victoria
710 Pandora Ave, Victoria

10 Acres Commons

Voted #1 patio in this year’s Tasting Victoria People’s Choice Awards, the sun-drenched patio at 10 Acres Commons is well-known for its beautiful views of the Inner Harbour, its handcrafted cooking using fresh and seasonal ingredients and daily drink features.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Kombucha bliss and prawn tacos.

10acres.ca
@eat10acres
620 Humboldt St, Victoria

The Local

The Local is definitely one of Victoria’s most popular summer patios. The atmosphere is lively and it has a cheery ambiance. The menu features a variety of appetizers including the pretzel appetizer, main courses like the cheeseburger with garlic fries on the side, halibut burger, pancetta chicken burger, and the seafood chowder. Another patio where you get to stay for the sunset and enjoy the view.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Crunchy chicken bacon caesar wrap.

thelocalvictoria.com
@thelocalvictoria
1205 Wharf St, Victoria

The Veranda

The Fairmont Empress just reopened after weeks of mechanical upgrades, and we couldn’t be more excited to visit The Veranda at The Fairmont Empress. Let the Veranda be your next go-to patio spot: enjoy stunning views of the Inner Harbour, thoughtful service, and unforgettable experiences for which The Empress hotel is renowned. ⁣⁣⁣⁣

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Farro and flax bread with Empress honey, whipped butter, and Salt Spring seasonal salt.

fairmont.com/empress-victoria
@qattheempress
721 Government St, Victoria

Lido Waterfront Bistro

An oceanside restaurant that features food sourced from local vendors using seasonal ingredients and hand-crafted cocktails in a casual atmosphere. In their fabulous patio you get panoramic views of the Inner Harbour, as well as the best sunsets!

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Try their classic caesars and the East Coast garlic fingers

lidobistro.com
@lidobistro
1234 Wharf St, Victoria

Cook Street, Fairfield & Oak Bay areas

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. 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!

bearandjoey.ca
@bearandjoeycafe
1025 Cook St.

Vis-à-vis

Right in the hub of Oak Bay, you will find Vis-à-Vis. 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.

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. 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.

thevillagerestaurant.ca
@village.hq
2518 Estevan Ave.

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.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.

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!

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

mokahouse.com
@cookstvillagemokahouse
345 Cook St.

Vic West

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.

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

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.

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.

Lure Restaurant
100 Harbour Rd., Victoria
@lurevictoria

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] [2021 Tasting Victoria People’s Choice Awards]https://mcusercontent.com/a7fc6dd7a05c35dec9d1df427/files/9b58f998-d2c6-4c99-9a79-fd13e818d78a/2020_Tasting_Victoria_Awards.pdf 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.

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.

spinnakers.com
308 Catherine St., Victoria
@spinnakersbrewpub

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.

brownscrafthouse.com
100 - 184 Wilson St., Victoria
@crafthousevicwest

Sidney

Riva

Previously known as The Beacon Landing, Riva Sidney serves West Coast seaside authentic Italian dining. Their unique menu offers everything from Minestrone soup to Saltimbocca, Risotto, and more. Must-tries include their Whipped Ricotta with White Truffle Honey, Lobster Risotto, and their Tiramisu. The view on their patio is also beautiful, making Riva a definite must in Sidney.

2537 Beacon Ave.
beaconlanding.ca
@rivayyj

The Surly Mermaid Restaurant

Definitely a local staple, The Surly Mermaid Restaurant is well-known for its delicious food, beautiful patio, and its views. A current favourite is the Fishbowl cocktail; their selection changes every week. You don’t want to miss out on these drinks this summer. The Surly Mermaid offers excellent food, refreshing cocktails, and seasonal draft beer, alongside great service in a warm, casual setting.

9851 Seaport Pl.
surlymermaid.ca
@surlymermaidrestaurant

The Rumrunner Pub

You can’t go wrong with this family-owned restaurant. The Rumrunner has two outdoor patios where you can enjoy sunshine, sea breezes, and a beautiful view. The service is great, their food selection is varied with many gluten-free options, and they have a strong drink menu as well. We definitely recommend their burger and the fried oyster burger, as well as their Mexican bulldogs.

9881 Seaport Pl.
rumrunnerpub.ca
@therumrunnerpub

10 Acres at the Pier

10 Acres at the Pier is a great location in Sidney with beautiful views. The patio is big and their menu is focused on using fresh West Coast seafood and seasonal ingredients from the 10 Acre Farm. We definitely recommend their ceviche and their desserts. Book your table online.

9805 Seaport Pl.
10acres.ca/pier-restaurant/
@eat10acres

The Pier Bistro

The Pier Bistro Restaurant offers a casual waterfront dining experience with panoramic ocean views from the Pier itself. Located at the end of Beacon Avenue beside the Fish Market, this is an amazing spot to relax after your marine adventure or simply a great spot to grab a bite to eat. We recommend their pan fried oysters and their fish and chips.

2550 Beacon Ave.
alpinegroup.ca
@thepierbistro

Don’t forget to to share your food photos on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @tastingvictoria or using #TastingVictoria for a chance to be featured.

Westshore

Six Mile Pub + Eatery (View Royal/ Colwood)

Established in 1855, Six Mile Pub + Eatery is the oldest pub in BC. With its rich history and amazing food, the Six Mile Pub is a longtime favourite in the View Royal/Colwood area. Visit Six Mile Pub’s spacious and beautiful vine-covered patio, and enjoy locally sourced food and an extensive beer list. Located near Thetis Lake Regional Park, the Six Mile Pub is a great spot to visit after a day of swimming or hiking.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Cabin Fever cocktail, and try the Shepherd’ Pie.

sixmilepub.com
@sixmilepub
494 Island Hwy, Victoria

328 Taphouse + Grill (Colwood)

After a day at the Esquimalt Lagoon, stop by to enjoy 40 taps of craft beer, cider, specialty wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, tasty sandwiches, burgers, and more at 328 Taphouse + Grill in Colwood. 328 Taphouse emphasizes local business by featuring local craft brewers from South Vancouver Island and the Pacific Northwest. With a daily happy hour menu and family-friendly atmosphere, 328 Taphouse is the perfect patio to grab a bite with your bubble.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Local craft beer, and for food, try a wood-fired pizza.

328taphouse.com
@328taphouse
102, 328 Wale Rd, Victoria

Table Nineteen (Colwood)

Catch a round of golf, grab a bite, or both at Table Nineteen at Olympic View Golf Club in Colwood. Opened in 2020, this is Table Nineteen’s first location outside of their flagship restaurant in Whistler. Focused on good food, great drinks, and an eye-pleasing interior and exterior design—Table Nineteen is the go-to spot this patio season. Table Nineteen’s menu features casual plates, appetizers to share, a kids’ menu, and family takeout specials.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: White Sangria and Salmon Burger.

Photo: Table Ninteen

tablenineteen.com
@table_nineteen
643 Latoria Rd., Victoria

Bin 4 Burger Lounge (Langford)

Grab a burger with your bubble on Bin 4 Burger Lounge’s patio at their Langford location. Nothing beats Bin 4’s gourmet burgers, house-spiced potato chips, flavourful appetizers, local beers, and handcrafted cocktails on a warm sunny day.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Bin 4 Caesar and Bistro Burger.

bin4burgerlounge.com
@bin4burgerlounge
102, 716 Goldstream Ave., Victoria

The Rack West Coast Bistro (Langford)

Langford’s newest restaurant, The Rack West Coast Bistro, is quickly emerging as a local favourite. Visit their family-friendly patio and enjoy all-day breakfast, sandwiches, appetizers, salads, classic entrees, and an extensive drink menu.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: The Bizz Fizz, and for food, go for the Crispy Chicken Sliders.

therackbistro.com
@therackbistro
2345 Millstream Rd., Langford

Darcy’s Pub Westshore (Langford)

Darcy’s Pub is a Westshore staple. Head down to their patio to grab a cold drink and classic pub favourites such as wings, burgers, and chicken waffles. Darcy’s Pub Westshore has an awesome daily happy hour from 3pm to 6pm, with draft sleeves, house highballs, and 6oz glasses of house wine, all for $4.50 per drink.

Must-try cocktail and menu item: Darcy’s Lemonade and some Wings.

darcyspub.ca
@darcyspubwestshore
737 Goldstream Ave., Victoria