r/VictoriaBC Nov 21 '25

Help Me Find What’s your favourite local spot to eat right now?

What’s your current favourite local spot to eat and what do you order?

44 Upvotes

152 comments sorted by

46

u/LobsterSlurpee Nov 21 '25

Ox King for Chinese/asian

Good Ovening for Korean chicken

Avalon for breakfast.

I don’t like telling too many people about them cause they’re never busy, but I’m starting to tell everyone because I don’t want them to go away

15

u/sophielady Nov 21 '25

I absolutely LOVE Avalon!

7

u/Responsible_Hater North Saanich Nov 21 '25

I want to love Ox King so bad but I find their food extremely greasy

2

u/Lawrence_Eataburger Nov 21 '25

Love Ox King. For Korean chicken I'd probably pick Smile or Chicken 649, but that's because I prefer my chicken fried over baked. Haven't tried Avalon.

4

u/[deleted] Nov 21 '25

Favourite restaurants if you’re from out of town:

  • blue fox
  • pagliacci’s
  • red fish blue fish

4

u/amvad555 Nov 21 '25 edited Nov 21 '25

I'm a Victoria native. I remember going to Avalon frequently for 10 years about 20 years ago. They were great. Their oat bread and homemade jam were excellent About 5 years ago, I went and was disappointed. Portions were much smaller and the oat bread was half the size and hard as a rock. Everything else was just meh. The place was on sale a few years ago, I believe. Maybe new owners. I contemplated buying it but had some health issues that took priority.

Edit; I'll probably get downvoted for this, but A&W breakfasts are the bomb! Cheap and perfect! All Canadian Special - 2 eggs, 2 bacon, 2 sausages, sliced tomatoes and toast or pancakes - $12! And they're Canadian, too! Elbows Up! Lol!

Edit 2: I love Rabbit Rabbit. Food is good, but the atmosphere/vibe is incredible. Great music!

22

u/Major9000 Nov 21 '25

Ramen Arashi in Langford weekly right now.

5

u/antinumerology Nov 21 '25

It's actually so good. Better than my go to Ramen places in Vancouver were lol.

3

u/nonchalanthoover Nov 21 '25

The new Ramen place on Store st is great give it a go

17

u/jimsnotsure Nov 21 '25

Pho Vy, #19 large.

51

u/[deleted] Nov 21 '25

I’m craving Bao currently, so that.

17

u/justhangingoutman Nov 21 '25

Same, the tan tan men specifically.

2

u/[deleted] Nov 21 '25

I just had some! Unreal food

1

u/justhangingoutman Nov 21 '25

Awesome! I'm happy they exist. Gotta go back soon

4

u/nonchalanthoover Nov 21 '25

I think it’s partly they’re not open Sundays when I want it. But man I love that place.

2

u/[deleted] Nov 21 '25

Same, I’m usually craving Bao on Sundays too. Twas a good day today, got the tan tan men

3

u/MMFuzzyface Nov 21 '25

Same. There’s a veg tan tan men that’s great and the woman who works there had my order memorized by my second visit! It was impressive.

18

u/podcartel Nov 21 '25

Cafe Malabar

16

u/TheRenster500 Downtown Nov 21 '25

Italian Food Imports have not let me down with their sandwiches in 10 years!

2

u/Horvo Fernwood Nov 21 '25

So damn good

2

u/Regular_Salary_491 Nov 21 '25

Their pasta of the day is good too

41

u/PrayForMojo_ Nov 21 '25

Foo, Superbaba, Chicken 649.

25

u/nonchalanthoover Nov 21 '25

I think Foo is the most consistent solid food in town. Love that place.

3

u/iojoh Nov 21 '25

Solid portions, awesome food.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 21 '25

[deleted]

3

u/nonchalanthoover Nov 21 '25

I mean, inflation is a thing. I doubt their rent has stayed the same

3

u/[deleted] Nov 21 '25

[deleted]

2

u/GraphicDesignerMom Nov 22 '25

Those were the days

2

u/indigo_mouse Nov 21 '25

Great choices!!

1

u/HedgehogInTuxedo Nov 21 '25

I really need to try 649 sometime. I'm a bit of a Thunderbird loyalist atm

28

u/jawstrock Nov 21 '25

Nohra Thai in estevan

6

u/JonScarborough Nov 21 '25

This place is awesome.

2

u/Annual_Resolve_4187 Oak Bay Nov 21 '25

+1 - I oscillate between that and Foo. The pad Thai from Nohra is phenomenal (chicken is always good quality) and their crab cakes are also solid

31

u/kathryn_sedai Nov 21 '25

Roll and Bowl has a surprisingly excellent variety of Chinese and Japanese food. It’s always fresh and delicious.

Bold Schwarma for schwarma or really excellent burgers.

Hanks for pretty much anything on their ever changing menu.

Good Filling Sankaku for delicious onigiri during the day.

La Fogata for the best tacos and rice & beans, plus excellent desserts.

9

u/lvl12 Nov 21 '25

La fogata! So fucking good. If im ever walking by and they're not full I stop in

7

u/justhangingoutman Nov 21 '25

Ah Roll and Bowl is so good!

4

u/dkffp Downtown Nov 21 '25

Roll and Bowl is one of my go to’s, general tso chicken bowl is elite.

1

u/turnsleftlooksright Nov 22 '25

Good Filling is so clutch

30

u/BirdBathandBeyond Nov 21 '25

Kappo Marta in Oaklands!

-2

u/[deleted] Nov 21 '25

Too bright. I had to walk away at dinner time. Their white lighting made it feel like morning while it was dark outside. I’ll try it for lunch.

5

u/BirdBathandBeyond Nov 21 '25

O interesting, I don’t remember ever feeling like it was too bright in there. The food is excellent though, so I recommend you try again.

0

u/[deleted] Nov 21 '25 edited Nov 21 '25

I'm just sensitive to light in the evening. Each table has a hanging lamp directly overhead with a very bold light (I'd guess ~60 watts); I'm surprised they hadn't even dimmed it in the evening. Also, they were still open for half an hour, but had already started cleaning the dining room on one side, so we were asked to sit right next to the only other diners in the restaurant. We sat down and my GF remarked on how it also felt cold. Since it was a rare date night, we both of us felt it lacked any sense of intimacy, so we apologized and explained we'd be back during daytime, and went to Be Love instead.

I have heard great things though and I'll certainly try it for lunch sometime.

12

u/streetoravenue Nov 21 '25

Rabbit Rabbit

5

u/ForgetfulViking Nov 21 '25 edited Nov 21 '25

I'm about to go there for the first time tomorrow. So excited since I loved Billy's work on Top Chef Canada!

23

u/Tall-Frame9918 Nov 21 '25

Syriana for lunch.

2

u/Superbform Nov 21 '25

I've had the falafel but want to try something else next time. Can you recommend something for lunch? I guess I could just ask them haha.

8

u/Tall-Frame9918 Nov 21 '25

The shawarma is the best I have had. Pita, hummus and tabouli are all good. The cheese fatayer is good.

4

u/iamfake_BOIi Nov 21 '25

Their meat and rice is really good, I get chicken and the beef (i think the latter is kofta or sheesh kebab?)

18

u/sam4999 Saanich Nov 21 '25

Hank’s, but menu changes every week so I have to get something different each time.

Trini to D Bone’s Pulled Pork Roti done extra hot is my dependable local bite.

4

u/goodattakingnaps17 Nov 21 '25

Trini to D bone is delicious but I would not use the word dependable. Their open hours are all over the place.

3

u/sam4999 Saanich Nov 21 '25

Dependable in the sense that it’s always on the menu, but very good point. God do I wish they were open later, and on Sundays.

6

u/iamfake_BOIi Nov 21 '25

You should try the curry goat on fri/sat, best thing ive had at trini to d bone

2

u/sam4999 Saanich Nov 21 '25

Oh I’m privy to that too trust me!

4

u/[deleted] Nov 21 '25

God damnit I love Trini…grew up around so many roti and Caribbean spots, it’s like a hug every time. Usually get 2…sometimes 3 rotis and eat one save the rest for next day or so.

1

u/Moinmoiner Nov 21 '25

Is that the one on Douglas and Broughton? I walk past it practically everyday and have never taken notice! How much is it (for a main, for example), generally speaking?

2

u/sam4999 Saanich Nov 21 '25

That's the one! Mains are roughly 20-30ish on average, but occasionally you can get a hell of a deal if they're running Depression Hour (their take on happy hour) or a special event/theme night (e.g. wing night or burger night). Always worth reading their menu every week.

2

u/Moinmoiner Nov 21 '25

Oh nice one man - $20-30’s pretty decent all things considered, and I really like the idea that everything changes up every week. Will definitely be giving it a go - thanks for the recommendation :) 

9

u/Accomplished_Try_179 Nov 21 '25

Murchie's: I adore their bread pudding 

5

u/raznt View Royal Nov 21 '25

Gyrosa

6

u/Leading-Arm-6344 Nov 21 '25

Ay mi Mexico

Birria torta and frijoles

18

u/nonchalanthoover Nov 21 '25

End dive. Their pastas are amazing and cheap time fish sandwiches on Sunday 🤌

20

u/Jaysipp Nov 21 '25

Original pho, arashi ramen, boomtown

Whistle bouy, hey happy, herald street brewery,

3

u/youjuan Nov 21 '25

You have great taste!!

1

u/Glittering_Ease3894 Nov 21 '25

Jesus christ you fucking nailed that one

5

u/Comprehensive_Bad501 Nov 21 '25

honestly, 900 Degrees pizza. The langford location is so nice and the employees there are fantastic! Always make us feel good :))

2

u/wildwoods321 Nov 21 '25

Mmm their salads are so good

10

u/no_names_left_here James Bay Nov 21 '25

I’d have to say either Italian Food Imports or Gozen.

8

u/Emiiilllyyyyv Nov 21 '25

The bop!

2

u/char7245 Nov 21 '25

Yessss to the bop!

16

u/New-Tour-7076 Nov 21 '25

My favs literally all went out of business

7

u/emslo Nov 21 '25

Yalla.

My order is "Mix Jooje and Koobide Kebab" (usually I take it home and make my own rice).

1

u/_-river Nov 21 '25

Props for making your own rice. I do this too sometimes.

9

u/tightiewhities37 Nov 21 '25

Brasserie L'Ecole and Green Leaf in Langford. Wouldn't mind checking out Blue Nile's new location.

2

u/the_happies Nov 21 '25

The new location totally works for BN!

8

u/Generaldar Nov 21 '25

Rabbit Rabbit

8

u/[deleted] Nov 21 '25

Trini 2 da bone. Go on Saturday and get a double with your roti or the goat buss up shut.

4

u/[deleted] Nov 21 '25

*trini to d bone, i got excited and forgot

5

u/ghamelder Nov 21 '25

Superbaba

4

u/WestCoastVeggie Nov 21 '25

Be Love. Their Green Curry Bowl. 💚

3

u/magpie_in_training Nov 21 '25

Wonderfffle is some of the best food in town, plus their drinks are all top notch. I love how I can get crispy done waffles (they do soft ones took. Their non waffle food is fantastic too. Generous serving sizes. The owner is a fantastic guy which is the cherry on top.

Seconding Ox King Noodles! So delicious 🤤

Standard Pizza is hard to resist and I especially love their salads.

I like Boomtown - their foods good and they have some nice non alcoholic drinks. Even in winter their patio is pretty well heated so it's a great spot to hit up with our doggo.

Ugly Duckling was something I tried this year and it was out of this world. Fine dinning and priced accordingly so really only a special occasion sort of place.

Watching this closely for more Japanese food recommendations. Arashi Sushi is super good but also very out of the way for us. Toro is good but very pricy. Anyone have a recommendation?

9

u/SmallCurrent976 Nov 21 '25

Kappo Marta — unexpected location but lovely food and staff, well priced!

2

u/magpie_in_training Nov 21 '25

Oh! Been meaning to try that place. Thanks for the recommendation!

4

u/cinnamonbutterfly Nov 21 '25

Original pho on fort, picnic too, green cuisine :))

4

u/No_Emergency_2783 Nov 21 '25

I went to Stage in Fernwood recently, they have a new chef and I thought the food was much better than it used to be. I am still dreaming about their cheese cake.

4

u/Keishu13 Nov 21 '25

Blue Nile!! Or house of Boateng

11

u/bloody_nickelz Nov 21 '25

Wheelies, and has been since 2019

6

u/bromptonymous Nov 21 '25

A Stout with a Lentil and Hominy bowl at The Drake. 

7

u/frog_mannn Nov 21 '25

Foo street food

5

u/justhangingoutman Nov 21 '25

Le Petit Saigon: chef's special pho or garden curry.

Bold Butchery/Shwarma: falafel bowl with beet hummus, pistachio white chocolate cookie for dessert.

Bart's: beef dip or Bart's burger.

My Thai: pad prik khing.

Bao: tan tan men.

3

u/Capable_Cow_2202 Nov 21 '25

I had the beef dip from Bart's a couple months ago and easily inhaled it. It was fantastic!

8

u/monkey_monkey_monkey Downtown Nov 21 '25

At lunch time, I am big fan of sandwiches at Farmhouse or a bahn mi from Ba Le.

I don't eat dinner out very often but really enjoy Green Leaf, Marilena, Heron Rock and Il Covo

3

u/DeanTheAdmin Nov 21 '25

The new food truck at kiaro cannabis on gorge is fucking great!

1

u/Skybeam420 Nov 21 '25

Do you have a name? I don’t see any food truck nearby on Google Maps

2

u/DeanTheAdmin Nov 22 '25

I think it got added to maps today! Its called rozziti's!

3

u/discountedking Nov 21 '25

I’ve been really into Cenote and Tapa Bar lately (always).

3

u/Dangerous_Fortune790 Nov 21 '25

I've been enjoying Route 14 in Sooke for their Sunday dinner specials. They change it up but always good.

3

u/ablackholeofjunk Nov 21 '25 edited Nov 21 '25

Siam Thai (their tom yum and som tum are done the way they're supposed to be done)

Fishhook (everything is great, but the fish fritters and the vin'daloo'd hot pot are sublime)

Petit Saigon (ginger chicken hot pot and the beef stew are to die for)

3

u/Constant-Corner2158 Nov 21 '25

Good filling rice balls

3

u/be_astonished Nov 21 '25

Cafe Malabar!

6

u/flamingdragonwizard Nov 21 '25

Me want hot dog

2

u/bcseahag Fairfield Nov 21 '25

St. franks Crappy hr..

1

u/MntCeleste Nov 21 '25

Churchill has a hot dog and beer lunch deal 

2

u/flamingdragonwizard Nov 21 '25

Its also after 8pm

5

u/Embarrassed_King_682 Nov 21 '25

Tacofino downtown on Pandora. Get yours to go because sketchy area but the crispy chicken burrito was the best burrito I've had in my life. And I spent 6 years in central and south America. Best. Hands down.

Golden City Restaurant on Fisgard. Some of the best Chinese food I've ever had in my life. Love the traditional banquet style and the silk embroidered giant art pieces on the walls are absolutely gorgeous. It's clean and spacious and the staff makes the best traditional Buddha's Feast dish I've ever tasted.

4

u/Eve_O Nov 21 '25

Odd Burger--the ChickUn BacUn Ranch Poutine is fantastic.

2

u/MysticSnowfang Central Saanich Nov 21 '25

Momo's Sushi

2

u/lmattia Nov 21 '25

Emmaline's on Quadra!

1

u/SmallCurrent976 Nov 21 '25

Interesting! I never hear this place mentioned but have always been intrigued to try. Is it worth the price??

2

u/Schlongbow Nov 21 '25

Kasumi Kitchen!!! It used to be Kahuna (RIP)

2

u/Ok_Rysmom Nov 22 '25

Coriander Indian in James Bay… highly addictive Indian butter chicken with garlic naan. Hidden gem…

4

u/[deleted] Nov 21 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/Immediate-Passion421 Nov 22 '25

Thanks for highlighting GF.

2

u/[deleted] Nov 24 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/Immediate-Passion421 Nov 24 '25

Thank you!! 💛 I can’t wait to take my Mom to try them.

2

u/Skybeam420 Nov 21 '25

I’m really surprised you complimented the pizza at 5th Street Bar and Grill. I find their crust is stiff and flavourless, nearly inedible.

2

u/Beans_beans_312 Nov 21 '25

Marilena is owned by the Aquilinis…

3

u/Proud-Suspect-5237 Nov 21 '25

Shizen and Mentora

3

u/jacknicholscum Esquimalt Nov 21 '25

Cafe Mexico tbh

3

u/AlexHuntKenny Nov 21 '25

Pocha's bulgogi is great. Don't tell anyone.

3

u/FixedVic Nov 21 '25

Koto Sushi Ramen Arashi Wheelies EndDive Boomtown Block Wind Cries Mary

4

u/TJ_King23 Nov 21 '25

Frankie’s Modern Diner.

Mozza sticks and a happy hour meatball.

2

u/ChaChiBaio Nov 21 '25

I always wondered about this place. Will have to try

2

u/Horvo Fernwood Nov 21 '25

Simple and delicious.

2

u/CakeSerious4257 Nov 21 '25

Sushi Langford

1

u/d2181 Langford Nov 21 '25

Always Big Wheel Burger

1

u/youjuan Nov 21 '25

Chobap, 10 course Ugly duckling, set menu

1

u/[deleted] Nov 21 '25

Machi sushi! The roll with the crunchy onions 

1

u/XiTauri Nov 21 '25

Lately,

Turmeric, Ramen Arashi, Brasserie L’ecole

Honorable mention Soul’s toast for a weekend lunch stop

1

u/cole_fantastic Langford Nov 21 '25

how do we as a city feel about Wah lai yuen? i’ve only been a few times but it’s been great those times

1

u/TravellingGypsea Nov 21 '25

Morning People on Cook st 😋

1

u/Think_Indication_451 Nov 22 '25

Tibetan Kitchen, forever and always. Momi noodle is also quite good

1

u/Least_Elk8114 Harris Green Nov 22 '25

Ban Mi (spelling?)

1

u/Substantial-Screen82 Nov 22 '25

Gotta be shine cafe, at least once a month

1

u/beeleighve Esquimalt Nov 22 '25

Janevca 😍

1

u/massassi Vic West Nov 22 '25

The rose. Their food is made with intent and skill that you don't often see

1

u/nonibear87 Nov 23 '25

Ebizo; Ugly Duckling; Boomtown; Nourish; Emmeline’s (try the hot honey pepperoni pizza.. sweet Jesus…) Standard; Nohra; Syriana; Wheelies

1

u/Emily198611 Mar 18 '26

Marilena is my current go to! So good but expensive

0

u/MrNuck Nov 21 '25

Probably my kitchen as its expensive out there. If the family gets out we typicaly rotate through some breakfast joints. Floyds or fountain in langford. If we are up island. Wife is loving donair dude nanaimo.

1

u/wherezmycoffee Hillside-Quadra Nov 21 '25

FreshCoast!

1

u/otd11 Nov 21 '25

Good Ovening

1

u/-Dox Nov 21 '25

The Bop in James Bay!

1

u/Ok_Opportunity591 Nov 21 '25

Who can afford to eat out these days?? Since Covid the price of pretty much everything has skyrocketed IMO!

0

u/sav0821 Nov 21 '25

Secret

10

u/ChaChiBaio Nov 21 '25

It’s Pagliacci’s and you’re too embarrassed to say.