Best Places To Eat In Victoria, BC | Top 5 Lunch Spots
The year 2021 was a difficult time for all of us for a number of reasons. Although remote working and online education allowed us to have flexible schedules, they got a little too flexible as to when to go for lunch if we plan to go at all. As things get normalized again, or some people like to call it “the new normal”, employed individuals are realizing the importance of taking lunch breaks outside the workplace, not at the desk, nor at the office dining room (if there is one).
Leaving work to go get lunch is actually therapeutic, even more so than we realize. It allows us to leave our deadlines behind for a while and focus on the second-best part of the day: lunch. Signing out and going home will always remain first. Now that you know why taking lunch breaks is so important, let’s dig into where to take them if you happen to be in Victoria, BC.
1. QV Café & Bakery
Based in Government Street, Victoria, BC, QV Café & Bakery is the most homely and welcoming spot for lunch in the town. It’s exactly the sort of therapeutic environment you need to recover from Monday blues. To refuel yourself with lots of protein, you can try QV Café & Bakery’s Angus beef cheeseburgers! With a side of fries, the meal is more fulfilling than the entire day’s meals combined. If you’re a fan of chicken, go for the grilled chicken burger. QV Café & Bakery’s homemade honey mustard sauce will have you drooling for days. Are you a vegetarian? Not a problem. Try the Yves veggie burger. They’ve got everything for everyone!
2. Victoria Public Market
Another to the list of homely lunch spots is Victoria Public Market at the Hudson. The benefit of dining from here is that you get to select your choice of lunch from a variety of cuisines and vendors. It’s like a mall food court, only without the mall and considerably better food choices. Craving the best Italian pizza? Head over to La Pizza & La Pasta. Looking for amazing homemade apple pies? Go for Victoria Pie Co. Their UVP is to use slightly bruised fruits to help farmer markets and add to sustainability. Otherwise, if no one is willing to buy this fruit, it just goes to waste.
3. Tacofino
Regardless of what day of the week or what time of the day it is, sometimes you’re just craving tacos. The best spot for tacos in Victoria is undoubtedly Tacofino. Their variety of tacos will make you go crazy. You’ll find yourself wondering which one to go for now and which one you’ll have to come back for tomorrow. If you happen to be a fish lover, you’ve got to try Tacofino’s fish tacos. Their unique combination of veggie sauces is something that you won’t find in all of Victoria.
4. Banh Mi Ba Le Victoria
If you happen to be on a diet or simply prefer delicious but healthy food, Banh Mi Ba Le Victoria is your place to go. Banh Mi is the Vietnamese version of a sub sandwich, healthy and absolutely scrumptious. It contains dietary fiber that helps in digestion and you don’t have to worry about trans fat either. Banh Mi sandwiches are also a wonderful source of calcium and potassium, both of which help to keep the bones healthy. This particular restaurant’s Banh Mi variety will make you feel dizzy. Plus, Banh Mi is absolutely Instagrammable. After all, who doesn’t like to lead and show off a healthy lifestyle
5. Green Leaf Vietnamese Bistro
Victoria surely loves Vietnamese food. Another addition to the list is Green Leaf Vietnamese Bistro. While Banh Mi Ba Le solely focused on sandwiches, Green Leaf has a lot more to offer. Here, you can get your hands on the most authentic Pho noodle soup in all of Victoria. Vietnamese food is certainly a strong choice for lunch globally because not only is it delicious but really healthy too. It’s low fat and packed with nutrients. As the name suggests, Green Leaf offers a variety of mouthwatering salads that make the perfect lunch. Their variety of rolls is light on the stomach and heavy on nutrition.
The Bottom Line
There is no one best restaurant in Victoria. The decision solely depends on what kind of food you’re into. However, if you want great value for your money, look no further than QV Café & Bakery. The best part is that you need not take another stop for dessert when you try their amazing cheesecakes.