Veggie, Set, Go! The Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Victoria

Nestled on the picturesque southern tip of Vancouver Island Canada, Victoria BC is a charming, vibrant city. As the capital city of British Columbia, Victoria boasts a unique blend of historic elegance and modern amenities, making it one of the best places to experience Canadian hospitality. When it comes to dining, whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Victoria or curious about exploring new hidden gems, this city has something for everyone!

The city is known for using local, seasonal, sustainable ingredients in every dish making it a perfect place to find diverse and delicious vegan and plant-based food. With so many options in Victoria, from incredible brunches to upscale dinners to incredible takeout, it can be tough to find the right place! That’s where we come in – we’ve got a list of our favourite places to find incredible vegetarian and vegan food in the Garden City! 

There’s no doubt that Victoria and Southern Vancouver Island is one of the best places on Earth for a Canadian vacation! When you’re ready to book your holiday, you’ll want to take a look at the properties offered by EMR Vacation Rentals for the very best rental options in the Capital Region! Whether you’re looking for the ideal pet-friendly rental, need a comfortable house rental for a family vacation or ready to book a romantic retreat, you can find it with EMR!  

Book Your Victoria Vacation Rental Today!

Vegetarian Restaurants in Victoria 

Whether you’re seeking gluten-free options or a cozy brunch spot, you’ll find plenty of delicious choices around Victoria!

Be Love

1019 Blanshard St, Victoria, BC | 1-778-433-7181

Why We Love It: Be Love’s commitment to sustainability and health is evident in every dish, making it a standout choice for conscious eaters.

A go-to for gluten-free vegetarian cuisine, Be Love offers a menu full of creative, nutritious dishes that will delight! The modern dining room with its natural wood features and soft lighting, creating a serene atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. 

Rebar Modern Food

50 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC | 1-250-361-9223

Why We Love It: A long-standing, local favourite with a central location, relaxed vibe and great food.

Located in the heart of downtown Victoria, Rebar Modern Food is renowned for its vibrant vegetarian dishes and welcoming atmosphere. The eclectic dining space, adorned with colourful artwork and cozy seating, invites diners to unwind and enjoy a delightful, healthy, plant-forward meal.

Nourish Kitchen

225 Quebec St, Victoria, BC | 1-250-590-3426

Why We Love It: The enchanting garden patio at Nourish Kitchen offers a tranquil escape, making it a delightful spot for a leisurely brunch.

If you’re looking for an incredible brunch spot in Victoria, you’ll want to check out Nourish Kitchen! Nestled in a quaint heritage house in James Bay, this restaurant is open daily for brunch and features a cozy, rustic dining area with a beautiful garden patio for al fresco dining. Their commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients shines through in dishes like the Pulled Mushroom Benny, a delicious twist on the classic eggs benedict.

Yummy Green

4440 W Saanich Rd #108, Victoria, BC | 1-778-432-4800

Why We Love It: A dedication to raw, plant-based cuisine offers a refreshing and healthful dining option!

This Langford gem is dedicated to raw, vegan, and gluten-free dishes, providing a unique dining experience for health-conscious eaters. The bright, airy dining space is complemented by a friendly and knowledgeable staff who are passionate about their offerings. The Raw Pad Thai, made with spiralized vegetables and a tangy almond sauce, is a standout dish that keeps customers coming back.

Restaurants with Vegan and Vegetarian Options

While these spots are not strictly vegetarian eateries, they do offer an array of vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes so you can be sure to find something you love on each of these menus. From Thai delicacies to Italian classics, these restaurants are brimming with fantastic vegetarian food!

Sookjai Thai

893 Fort St, Victoria, BC | 1-250-383-9945

Why We Love It: Sookjai Thai’s dedication to authentic flavours and a broad range of veggie dishes makes it a standout spot for Thai food lovers!

If you’re looking for some incredible vegetarian Thai food, this is a great option! Whether you’re dining-in and enjoying the restaurant’s cozy ambiance and friendly staff or looking forward to digging into some incredible takeout, this is a must-try!

900 Degrees Wood-Fired Pizza & 900 BiSTRO

Langford: 2401Millstream Rd, Unit 101-B, Victoria, BC | 1-250-590-4493

Sidney: 2360 Beacon Ave #103, Sidney, BC | 1-778-426-7059

Why We Love It: The authentic wood-fired pizzas and charming Italian ambiance make 900 Degrees a favourite for vegetarian Italian cuisine.

Whether you’re heading to 900 Degrees in Langford or Sidney these restaurants offer a delightful Italian dining experience with plenty of vegetarian options! With wood-fired ovens and tons of vegetarian options, like the Veggie Delight pizza, topped with fresh seasonal vegetables and a perfectly crisp crust, 900 Degrees is a great place to go for delicious, Italian food! 

Fish on Fifth

9812 Fifth St, Sidney, BC | 1-250-656-4022

Why We Love It: A classic fish and chip shop with a variety of vegan and veggie options!

Fish on Fifth is known for its fresh seafood, classic British-style fish and chips and extensive selection of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes! The relaxed, beach-themed restaurant and cheerful service make it a great spot to grab some delicious food and head to the beach!

Fuego Old Town Eatery

1435 Store St, Victoria, BC | 1-250-590-2177

Why We Love It: With a vibrant ambiance and flavorful veggie tacos Fuego is a must-visit for brunch lovers!

Fuego Old Town Eatery is the go-to spot for delicious tacos and hearty brunch options in the heart of old downtown Victoria! The lively atmosphere and colourful decor make a perfect backdrop to enjoy the Mango Mama Pancakes or Veggie Tacos, filled with roasted vegetables and topped with fresh salsa!

Vegan Restaurants in Victoria 

When it comes to vegan restaurants, these are perfect for offering a range of dishes that showcase the flavours and creativity of vegan cooking!

Green Cuisine

560 Johnson Street #5 At Market Square’s Courtyard, Victoria, BC | 1-250-385-1809

Why We Love It: This incredible vegan and vegetarian restaurant makes most of their food in-house so you can be sure it’s of the highest quality! 

Green Cuisine is a staple in Victoria’s vegan scene, known for its extensive buffet featuring a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The cozy, welcoming dining room is perfect for enjoying their diverse offerings, from hearty stews to fresh salads. Don’t miss their famous vegan lemon cheesecake, a delightful end to any meal!

Virtuous Pie

530 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC | 1-250-590-2992

Why We Love It: The combination of innovative vegan pizzas and decadent ice cream makes Virtuous Pie a perfect spot for some seriously delicious comfort food!

Virtuous Pie is renowned for its vegan comfort food, offering a menu full of delectable pizzas and mouth-watering ice cream. The modern, vibrant eatery is a great place to relax and indulge in creative dishes like the Stranger Wings pizza!

MeeT on Blanshard

797 Hillside Ave, Victoria, BC | 1-250-704-2900

Why We Love It: Fun and funky party vibe with a menu filled with plant based comfort food! 

It’s rare for a restaurant to dedicate such a large menu to plant-based dishes but at MeeT, that’s exactly what you’ll find! They serve up hearty vegan dishes with a twist, offering unique creations like the Nashville Hunny Glazed mac n cheez donuts and numerous vegan poutine options! 

Fern Cafe and Bakery

1115 North Park St, Victoria, BC | 1-250-590-3376

Why We Love It: Vegan breakfast treats and baked goods make Fern Cafe and Bakery a favourite!

Fern Cafe and Bakery is beloved for its vegan breakfast options, including scrumptious cinnamon buns and luscious lattes! The fun, bright, charming cafe is ideal for a relaxed morning and the order window means you can grab your favourite on the go! 

Good to the Last Bite! 

A haven for plant-based dining, offering an impressive array of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, Victoria caters to all tastes and preferences! From cozy cafes to bustling downtown eateries, you’ll find a wealth of delicious, creative dishes that make plant-based dining an absolute pleasure. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll want to explore these fantastic restaurants and savour the magic of food that brings people together, fosters connections, and celebrates the joy of eating well!

Most Romantic Restaurants on Vancouver Island

two glasses of champagne on a ledge overlooking the ocean
Book a Romantic Vancouver Island Vacation Rental Today!

There’s lots to love about February on Vancouver Island, British Columbia! The month usually marks a change in the weather from the rains and plummeting temperatures of winter to the mild breezes and sunnier skies of spring. When the new buds begin to form on bare trees and early spring flowers pop out of the soil, you know that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! With the season of love and romance is upon you, you’ll want to log into Opentable and find the perfect romantic restaurants on Vancouver Island to take your special someone! Whether you’re looking for a fine dining restaurant, a cozy eatery or a romantic brunch spot, all over the Island, there are incredible restaurants where you can find great food and fabulous cocktails! With so many to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the best romantic restaurant so we’ve done the heavy lifting for you! Here are our top ten restaurants near EMR rentals to ensure that your Valentine’s Day on Vancouver Island is magical!

Romantic Restaurants in Victoria

Il Terrazzo 

555 Johnson St, Victoria, BC | 250-361-0028

Tucked away in Waddington Alley right in the heart of old town you’ll find one of the most romantic restaurants in Victoria. For nearly 30 years, Il Terrazzo has been known for its incredible ambience, service and menus, and is the perfect place for an intimate dinner with your Valentine. 

Tapa Bar

620 Trounce Alley, Victoria, BC | 250-383-0013 

Another long-standing local favourite in downtown Victoria is Tapa Bar. Known for its extensive food menu filled with incredible, Mediterranean inspired tapas, a warm, intimate dining room, open kitchen and incredible cocktail and wine list, Tapa Bar is a fun and unique place to take your special someone on Valentine’s Day. 

Q at The Empress

721 Government St, Victoria, BC | 250-384-8111

Located in the historic Inner Harbour hotel, Q at the Empress is one of the best places to go if you want to immerse yourself in some of Victoria’s grandest history. The dining room was thoroughly updated and seamlessly blends modern upscale interior design with the gilded elegance of the Victorian era giving diners a uniquely high-end dining experience. Whether you’re making reservations for their famous brunch or a romantic dinner overlooking the Inner Harbour, Q offers incredible, imaginative cocktails and a menu filled with approachable haute cuisine! 

Brasserie L’ecole

1715 Government St, Victoria, BC

This long-standing restaurant has been serving upscale French country food with an emphasis on local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients for years. This cosy bistro is a great place for an intimate dinner, with delicious food and fantastic wine and cocktails. While they are one of the busiest places in Victoria, they don’t take reservations and work on a first-come, first-serve basis. While you wait, you can always take a seat at the bar and whet your appetite with a delicious cocktail!

Ferris Oyster Bar – Upstairs Seafood and Oyster Bar

536 A Yates St, Victoria, BC | 250-360-1824

If you’re looking for an incredible selection of seafood – especially oysters, you won’t find much better than Ferris’! With a perfect blend of upscale dishes, friendly service and a distinct laid-back ambience, Ferris’ is the perfect place to go when you want to have a relaxed evening, good food and great wine. 

Il Covo Trattoria

106 Superior St, Victoria, BC | 250-380-0088

This fantastic Italian restaurant is one of the most popular places to go for any special occasion. Located right on the water near the Inner Harbour, this restaurant has a great Italianate ambience and serves the most mouth watering Italian cuisine on the Southern Island! If you’re looking for something a little special to celebrate, this is it! 

Little Jumbo

Down the Hall, 506 Fort St #102, Victoria, BC | 778-433-5535

If you’re looking for a funky place to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Little Jumbo should be at the top of your list! Tucked away in Old Victoria, this cool speakeasy takes their cocktails seriously and offers a fantastic eclectic ambience, and an ever-changing menu filled with delicious dishes made with local, sustainable ingredients. Get ready to squeeze into this cozy space, make friends with the table next to you and enjoy some seriously incredible craft cocktails, incredible food and great music! 

Vista 18 Restaurant + Lounge

740 Burdett Ave, Victoria, BC | 250-382-9258

Located on the 18th floor of the Chateau Victoria Hotel in the heart of downtown Victoria, Vista 18 offers guests great food and a stunning dining room with sweeping views of Victoria and the Inner Harbour. If you’re looking for an impressive place to spend an evening enjoying fantastic food and delicious cocktails, this is a great option! 

Zambri’s

820 Yates St, Victoria, BC | 250-360-1171

Pair an incredible menu and top quality service, and it’s no wonder why Zambri’s has been a local favourite for many years! If you’re looking for honest, hearty and tasty Italian food in a beautiful dining room, you’ll want to book a table at Zambri’s. 

Bodega

1210 Broad St, Victoria, BC | 778-406-1210

This European style wine bar is a cozy and romantic place to enjoy a special evening. With an incredible wine and good amount of yummy cocktails as well as delicious, Spanish style small plates, Bodega is a great place if you’re looking for a unique and charming spot to spend an evening with your special someone.

Finn’s Seafood Restaurant

1208 Wharf St, Victoria, BC | 250-360-1808

Right on the edge of the water in Old Victoria you’ll find Finn’s, a perfect place for fresh seafood, steaks, chops and more! With a large heritage dining room and fantastic patio overlooking the Inner and Upper Harbour and a menu filled with dishes for every taste, Finn’s is a great place to enjoy the view and sample some of the best surf and turf Victoria has to offer!  

Glo Restaurant + Lounge

2940 Jutland Rd, Victoria, BC | 250-385-5643

Nestled on the edge of the Selkirk waterway just north of downtown Victoria is the hip restaurant, Glo. This trendy spot has a youthful, upscale vibe and offers some incredible views of Victoria’s waterways. With a kitchen dedicated to transforming local, seasonal ingredients into delicious Asian, American and global inspired fusion dishes, unique cocktails and an impressive wine list, Glo is a wonderful option when you’re looking for a spot to celebrate! 

Romantic Restaurants in Sidney 

Sea Glass Waterfront Grill

2320 Harbour Rd, Sidney, BC V8L 2P6 | 778-351-3663

Sea Glass Waterfront Grill is a restaurant perched on the edge of the water at the upscale Van Isle Marina just north of Sidney town centre. With a menu that reflects the abundance of Vancouver Island, a carefully curated wine list and incredible ocean views, this is a restaurant made for special occasions. 

Deep Cove Chalet 

11190 Chalet Rd, North Saanich, BC V8L 5M1 | 250-656-3541

Right around the corner from Brentwood Bay and Butchart Gardens, if you’re looking for elegant, upscale dining you’ll want to book a table at Deep Cove Chalet. Offering impeccable French inspired cuisine and a wine list created by a Sommelier, this restaurant caters to those looking for memorable fine dining in an intimate, beautiful oceanfront setting.

Romantic Restaurants in Cowichan Valley

Alpina at the Eyrie

600 Ebedora Ln, Malahat, BC V0R 2L0 | 250-856-0188

If you’re staying in the Cowichan Valley and want to take your special someone somewhere upscale and unique for Valentine’s Day, you’ll want to book a table at Alpina at the Villa Eyrie Resort. With food inspired by the cuisine of the Italian, Swiss, German and French alpine regions and informed by the incredible ingredients found in Canada’s Pacific Northwest, Alpina creates unique and inspired dishes that will thrill and surprise you. Plus, with unparalleled views of the Saanich Inlet, Southern Vancouver Island, the Olympic Mountain Range and majestic Mount Baker from almost every table in the dining room, an evening here is simply unforgettable. 

Romantic Restaurants in Nanaimo 

The Nest Bistro

77 Skinner St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5G9 | 250-591-2721

If you’re looking for something really special while you’re staying in Nanaimo you’ll want to be sure to get a reservation at The Nest Bistro. Husband and wife team, Jen and Nic both have illustrious hospitality industry experience and have channelled all of their passion and expertise into opening one of the best restaurants north of Victoria. For superb service, romantic ambience and incredible food and wine, Nest is the place to go in Nanaimo.

Simonholt 

6582 Applecross Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9V 0A4 | 250-933-3338

Looking for a more casual and lively way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Nanaimo? Simonholt has you covered! With a great menu filled with delicious, casual dishes made with local ingredients, this popular live music venue is a fun way to spend a date night!

Romantic Restaurants in Parksville and Qualicum Beach

Kalvas The Log House

180 Moilliet St, Parksville, BC V9P 2J9 | 250-248-6933

This gorgeous log cabin restaurant is the ideal way to experience true West Coast Canadian dining. With a gorgeous ambience, friendly staff and extensive menus featuring fresh seafood and expertly prepared meat dishes, this seafood and steakhouse is sure to impress. 

Romantic Restaurants in Comox Valley

Avenue Bistro

2064 Comox Ave, Comox, BC V9M 1P8 | 250-890-9200

This upscale, casual bistro in the heart of the Comox Valley is the perfect place to take your Valentine! With perfectly prepared bistro classics made with locally sourced ingredients, fresh seafood and globally inspired flavours in a beautifully appointed dining room, Avenue Bistro is sure to make your night a special one. 

The Best Valentines Day Restaurants on Vancouver Island

There’s lots to love about February on Vancouver Island. The month usually marks a change from the rains and plummeting temperatures to mild weather and sunnier skies. It’s during this month that the new buds begin to form on bare trees and early spring flowers pop out of the soil to welcome the burgeoning spring season. This is also the month of love and romance with Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s time to start planning where you’re going to take your special someone out for dinner. All over the Island, there are incredible restaurants where you can find gorgeous dishes and fabulous cocktails, perfect for a memorable evening. With so many to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect restaurant so we’ve done the heavy lifting for you! Here are our top ten restaurants near EMR rentals to ensure that your Valentine’s Day on Vancouver Island is magical. 

Victoria

Il Terrazzo 

555 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 1M2

Tucked away in Waddington Alley right in the heart of old town you’ll find one of the most romantic restaurants in Victoria. For nearly 30 years, Il Terrazzo has been known for its incredible ambience, service and menus, and is the perfect place for an intimate dinner with your Valentine. 

Tapa Bar

620 Trounce Alley, Victoria, BC V8W 1K3

Another long-standing local favourite in downtown Victoria is Tapa Bar. Known for its extensive food menu filled with small, shareable dishes, warm, intimate dining room and incredible cocktail and wine list, Tapa Bar is a fun and unique place to take your special someone on Valentine’s Day. 

Sidney 

Sea Glass Waterfront Grill

2320 Harbour Rd, Sidney, BC V8L 2P6

Sea Glass Waterfront Grill is a restaurant perched on the edge of the water at the upscale Van Isle Marina just north of Sidney town centre. With a menu that reflects the abundance of Vancouver Island, a carefully curated wine list and incredible ocean views, this is a restaurant made for special occasions. 

Deep Cove Chalet 

11190 Chalet Rd, North Saanich, BC V8L 5M1

For elegant, upscale dining you’ll want to book a table at Deep Cove Chalet. Offering impeccable French inspired cuisine and a wine list created by a Sommelier, this restaurant caters to those looking for memorable fine dining in an intimate, beautiful oceanfront setting.

Cowichan Valley

Alpina at the Eyrie

600 Ebedora Ln, Malahat, BC V0R 2L0

If you’re staying in the Cowichan Valley and want to take your special someone somewhere upscale and unique for Valentine’s Day, you’ll want to book a table at Alpina at the Eyrie. With food inspired by the cuisine of the Italian, Swiss, German and French alpine regions and informed by the incredible ingredients found on Vancouver Island, Alpina creates unique and inspired dishes that will thrill and surprise you. Plus, with unparalleled views of the Saanich Inlet, Southern Vancouver Island, the Olympic Mountain Range and majestic Mount Baker from almost every table in the dining room, an evening here is simply unforgettable. 

Nanaimo 

The Nest Bistro

77 Skinner St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5G9

If you’re looking for something really special while you’re staying in Nanaimo you’ll want to be sure to get a reservation at The Nest Bistro. Husband and wife team, Jen and Nic both have illustrious hospitality industry experience and have channelled all of their passion and expertise into opening one of the best restaurants north of Victoria. For superb service, romantic ambience and incredible food and wine, Nest is the place to go in Nanaimo.

Simonholt 

6582 Applecross Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9V 0A4

Looking for a more casual and lively way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Nanaimo? Simonholt has you covered! With a great menu filled with local favourites and casual dishes, this popular live music venue is a fun way to spend a date night!

Parksville and Qualicum Beach

Kalvas The Log House

180 Moilliet St, Parksville, BC V9P 2J9

This gorgeous log cabin restaurant is the ideal way to experience true West Coast Canadian dining. With a gorgeous interior, friendly staff and extensive menus featuring fresh seafood and expertly prepared meat dishes, Kalvas is sure to impress. 

Comox Valley

Avenue Bistro

2064 Comox Ave, Comox, BC V9M 1P8

This upscale, casual bistro in the heart of the Comox Valley is the perfect place to take your Valentine! With perfectly prepared bistro classics made with locally sourced ingredients, fresh seafood and globally inspired flavours in a beautifully appointed dining room, Avenue Bistro is sure to make your night a special one. 

Best Patios to Catch the Sunset

Summer on Vancouver Island is a special time of year for so many reasons. Paddleboard or kayak from one of the many beaches, get out into the water and search for marine life, spend a relaxing day on the beach, wander around downtown and browse the incredible local boutiques, visit heritage sites and learn more about Victoria’s history or spend the day hiking along the shoreline or through ancient forests in one of our many pristine parks – there is no end to the amount of activities that you can fill our sun-soaked days with. After a busy day, it is so nice to spend the warm summer evenings relaxing and what better way to relax than by watching the sunset over the water while you enjoy an incredible meal on a patio. There are lots of restaurant options here on the Lower Island, so we’ve made a handy list of the best ones to catch one of our stunning sunsets and taste some truly incredible cuisine. 

Sooke & Metchosin

Sooke Harbour House Restaurant 

1528 Whiffin Spit Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0T4

Located in one of the top-rated hotels on Vancouver Island, the Sooke Harbour House Hotel is one-of-a-kind. The dining room has an up-scale rustic west-coast design that is both cozy and refined. Here you can find fine dining service and elegant dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients that really give you the unique qualities of the West Coast on a plate. Located right on the edge of the water in Sooke, it’s one of the best places on Vancouver Island to catch the sunset. With unobstructed views that look right out onto the open ocean, the sunsets here are breathtaking. 

West Coast Grill

6929 W Coast Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0V1

This beautiful, waterfront restaurant, located in the Prestige Oceanfront Resort is West Coast elegance at its finest. Here guests can enjoy incredibly fresh, elevated seafood dishes on the terrace that overlooks the Sooke Basin and the shores of East Sooke. Sitting on the terrace, you can sip wine, dine on delicious food and watch the sun go down.  

Table Nineteen 

643 Latoria Rd, Victoria, BC V9C 3A3

At Olympic View Golf Club, you’ll find Table Nineteen, the highly anticipated expansion of the five star restaurant brand from Whistler. This stunning new addition to the Sooke dining scene provides guests with high-end, modern interior design, friendly, professional service and dishes made with thoughtfully selected, local, ethical ingredients and fun house-made twists that are approachable and delicious. With a patio that overlooks the beautiful course, you won’t have oceanfront seating, but you can certainly bask in peace and quiet, enjoy an incredible meal and watch the sky change colour. 

Victoria

Spinnakers

308 Catherine St, Victoria, BC V9A 3S8

Spinnakers is a long-time local favourite for good reason. This hardworking brewpub doesn’t just make some of the most amazing beer, it also serves up some of the best elevated pub classics in Victoria and is located right on the beautiful Songhees water way. While you’re staying downtown Victoria, if you’re looking for a laid back meal on a great patio to watch the sun go down, Spinnakers is a great option. From your front door, you can walk across the Johnson Street bridge right onto the Songhees walkway, a path that takes you along the water’s edge right to Spinnakers. It’s a gorgeous walk in the sun and stunning at night where you can see the Inner Harbour lit up across the water. 

Lure

100 Harbour Rd, Victoria, BC V9A 0G1

Located right on the water, this lovely restaurant has one of the best patios in the city, hands down. With elegant, laid back decor, and incredible menu items, extensive cocktail, wine and beer lists, and one of the best water views, if you’re looking for a way to end the day in style, Lure is a great option, especially if you are a guest at an EMR rental downtown Victoria. Just a ten-minute walk across the Johnson Street bridge will take you to this incredible restaurant and the walk back, through the warm peaceful downtown evening is a great way to finish a summer day in Victoria. 

AURA

680 Montreal St, Victoria, BC V8V 1Z8

On the edge of James Bay down a little pedestrian pathway right on the edge of the water you’ll find the upscale AURA restaurant. Specializing in small plates style dining, AURA focuses on sourcing “farm-direct” ingredients for their global-inspired dishes while offering unique cocktails, excellent wine lists and the best local beer. On this patio, you’ll have fun ordering plates to share, sipping cocktails and watching the sun set over the Inner Harbour.

Sidney

Seahorses Cafe

799 Verdier Ave, Central Saanich, BC V8M 1C5

For fun, casual food, panoramic views and incredibly friendly service, Seahorses Cafe should be your next stop near Sidney! Kick back on their waterfront patio and enjoy delicious comfort food like burgers, soups and salads, cafe classics and wraps. 

Arbutus Room 

849 Verdier Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1C5

Located in the renowned Brentwood Bay Resort, this restaurant makes fine dining easy with their ever-changing menu. Using only the best local ingredients, the Arbutus Room provides guests with incredibly fresh and exciting dishes on their elegant waterfront patio. With the set menu, you simply choose your dishes, and sit back to sip your potable and watch the sailboats drift along the water.

Deep Cove Chalet

11190 Chalet Rd, North Saanich, BC V8L 5M1

For a special dining experience, you won’t find anything more elegant on the Peninsula than the highly celebrated Deep Cove Chalet. The French inspired cuisine made with high quality, fresh local ingredients is sure to impress even the most discerning of diners. With impeccable white linen clad tables on the patio that provide a stunning, front-row seat to the marvellous summer sunsets, this is the perfect place for a special evening. 

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Veggie, Steady, Go! Where to Find Great Vegan and Vegetarian Food on Vancouver Island.

Food is magic. It can cross language barriers, you can make friends over a meal, it can be a way to show love and around the dinner table, families can spend quality time catching up. One of the best things about this modern world is that there are so many food options for everyone no matter what your dietary needs or preferences are. These days, restaurants and grocery stores have a wide variety of options for those customers who either require or prefer to eat a plant-based diet – and on easy-going Vancouver Island, we have tons of options for vegetarians and vegans who are visiting.

Sidney

Sidney by the Sea is a beautiful little town and if you’re staying at Heron View Cottage and Patricia Bay Beach House, this quaint, seaside town is also home to tons of great restaurants that happily include vegetarian and vegan options on their menus. Can we all agree that there aren’t many things in life as wonderful as pizza? While you’re in Sidney, you’re in luck because one of the best little pizza places on the Island, Woodshed Pizza happens to be located right in the heart of Sidney’s downtown. At this little pizza place, customers can substitute a vegan nut based cheese for the traditional mozzarella on any pizza, brava! What’s a trip to the seaside without a lunch of fish and chips? Now normally, this traditional English fare is off limits to those who have a plant based lifestyle, but no longer! Fish on 5th has a full, vegan menu from fish and chips to burgers which is probably why this eatery is so popular! If you’re looking for something with some kick, Sabhai Thai is a long-standing favourite in Sidney. With sensational flavours and fresh ingredients, Sabhai Thai offers tons of delicious veggie dishes that can also be made vegan. If you’re not in the mood to go out to eat, grab some groceries at the local Thrifty Foods who specializes in excellent products and great customer service. Here you can find tons of vegan meat and dairy substitutes as well as incredibly fresh produce to make amazing home-cooked veggie meals.

Victoria

With its laid-back, pseudo-hippie vibes there’s no better city to find excellent plant-forward fare on Vancouver Island. No matter if you’re staying close to downtown at Marina View Executive Condo, these spots are a must-visit for any veggie lover! First up on our plant-based favourites list is the mindfully curated menu at Be Love. Using almost entirely organic, seasonal ingredients, everything on the menu at Be Love is made without wheat, gluten, dairy and processed sugar – which is pretty amazing considering how delicious everything is! One of the vegetarian staples in the capital city is Rebar in Bastion Square. At this long-standing, low-key vegetarian restaurant, you can find smoothies and delicious, filling, comfort food made with fresh, local ingredients. In the mood for something a little more chic? Aura offers stunning views of the Inner Harbour, great ambience, an impressive drinks list and a food menu that is hard to beat. No matter if you’re there for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Aura has mouth-watering vegetarian dishes that can be easily modified to be vegan. For the hottest vegetarian breakfasts in town, you’ll need to visit Fuego! With a huge, excellently executed Mexican and Latin American inspired menu, Fuego is a great place to go to spice up your morning. If you’re looking to stock up the fridge while you’re in town make a trip to The Market on Yates for an incredible selection of fresh, local produce, tons of meat and dairy substitutes and a huge selection of local products. If you’re looking for really exceptional meat substitutes though, you must visit the Very Good Butchers. Located in the Victoria Public Market, this ingenious ‘butcher shop’ makes flavourful, perfectly seasoned vegan sausages, burgers, taco filling, short-ribs and more.

Cowichan Valley & Parksville

Just twenty minutes north of Victoria and a five minute drive from Bayside Cottage Mill Bay, nestled in the forest, with the most astonishing views you’ll find some of the best dining on all of Vancouver Island at Alpina Restaurant. With a thoughtful, European inspired menu and plenty of vegetarian options, this is the perfect place for an unforgettable meal. A little further north, thirty minutes from Salishan Tree House Suite is a local hub downtown Duncan called The Duncan Garage Cafe & Bakery. Here you can find local, organic, vegetarian lunches, desserts and snacks that are completely in-house-made. This small, quirky, bustling little community spot is not only a great place to stop for delicious, healthy food, it also has a little market, health and vitamin store and a bookstore! If you’re staying at Salishan Tree House Suite, you’re in luck because one of the best places to stop for the freshest, local groceries and a large selection of speciality items is Great Greens Farm Market. While you’re staying with us, Lefty’s is a must for a laid-back, diner atmosphere and delicious comfort-food with lots of vegetarian options and vegan friendly modifications. For something a little more upscale, Chameleon’s is the highest rated restaurant in Parksville and offers delicious vegetarian options. If you’re looking for specialty groceries while you’re at Columbia Beach House, the best place to find them is Heaven On Earth Natural Foods. Here you can find organic produce, fair trade chocolate and dairy alternatives – everything you need to make a delicious, plant-based dinner in comfort. 

On Vancouver Island, you can find absolutely delicious vegetarian and vegan food that will impress the most devout vegan and the most fervent carnivore alike. Bon appetite!