With so many fantastic dining establishments to choose from, you’re going to want to stay in Victoria far beyond Chorfest weekend just so you can put away a few more breakfasts, lunches and dinners! And if you’ve been to the city before, it’s likely you have a few favourite places you can’t wait to come back to. Below are some of our suggestions based on first-hand experience, customer reviews and that oh-so-powerful promotional tool known as ‘word of mouth.’

Breakfast

It won’t take you long to discover that Victoria is one of the best destinations on earth for a morning bite. And if you’re a fan of pancakes, you’re doubly in luck! In this city, they come adorned with everything from pulled pork to cream cheese syrup!

Grab and go: Try Crust Bakery or Patisserie Daniel.

Sit-down: You can’t go wrong with Shine Café (now with two locations!), Floyd’s on Quadra (the hottest place in town on the weekends!), Pluto’s on Cook, Bubby’s Kitchen in Cook Street Village, Jam Café, The Blue Fox, John’s Place, and Mo:Le. Be sure to ask a local for their favourites as well – this list is just the beginning!

Diner fare: The Ruby, Spoons, and the iconic Floyd’s.

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Lunch & Snacks

Did you know? Bagged lunches are included for the Children’s Choir, Young Adult Choir and BC Youth Choir on Saturday. The adults will be responsible for procuring their own mid-day meals – but never fear. Here’s a list of places close to the Victoria Conservatory of Music:

Across the street: Domino’s Pizza, Subway and Futaba Japanese Restaurant are all located directly opposite the venue on Quadra Street. On the other side of Pandora, you’ll find Shatterbox, Relish and McDonald’s.

Short walking distance: Shine Café is located a block east on Johnson. Floyd’s Diner is located a block south on Quadra. Bin 4 Burger Lounge, Pizza Hut and Moxie’s are block east from that on Yates. Zambri’s is the other direction on Yates, heading west.

For a quick caffeine fix: Loft and Ladder is located a few doors down from the Conservatory on Johnson. Tim Horton’s can be found a block west on Blanshard. There’s a Starbucks a block south at the corner of Yates and Quadra and Dolce Vita a block east from there, along Yates.

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Dinner

Whether it’s your first time in Victoria or a repeat visit, you’d be remiss without making a stop at the one and only Paglicacci’s. The focaccia bread alone is worth the nightly lineup, never mind the fun atmosphere and delicious entrées.

Affordable options: Nubo Japanese Tapas, Ebizo Sushi, J&J Wonton House, Baan Thai, Fuego, Sizzling Tandoor and Blue Nile East African Restaurant. Newcomer Chorizo & Co. offers affordable Spanish tapas and paella, with live flamenco music on occasion! For sustainable seafood, try 10 Acres Bistro/Kitchen/Commons. Again, the locals are your best bet when it comes to dinner recommendations!

$$$: The Tapa Bar, Il Terrazzo, Brasserie L’Ecole, Zambri’s, and Saveur are all fantastic if you’re feeling fancy with money to burn. And, chances are your hotel will have a decent bar or restaurant in the lobby – though that’ll cost you as well.

Vegetarian/vegan: Look no further than Rebar, Be Love, and Venus Sophia Tea Room & Vegetarian Eatery.

Gluten free: Santé Café is a solid choice.