Photo: La Taquisa / Facebook
While Victoria has some incredible fine dining experiences, there are also many gems across the city that are serving up delicious eats for a reasonable price.
It is no secret that life has been getting increasingly more expensive, so here at Tasting Victoria we have decided to highlight some of our favourite places that are serving quality dishes that do not break the bank. From diner fare and wraps to seafood and comfort food, these are our go-to spots for cheap eats.
El Furniture Warehouse
El Furniture Warehouse is the place to go to have a meal out on a budget. The majority of its food menu is under $12. Burgers and sandwiches range from $10 to $11.25, while its bowls and entrees range from $9 to $11.25. Portion sizes are very reasonable for the cost. The downtown restaurant and bar also has a daily happy hour on drinks, featuring $6 margaritas and $4.25 beers.
Address: 533 Yates St., Victoria
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11am-1am
La Taquisa
La Taquisa has two locations, one in downtown and one in Vic West. The Mexican restaurant has buildable meals with set rates for vegetarian and meat options. Its tacos are $4 for veggie and $4.50 for meat, while its burritos are $13.75 for veggie and $14.50 for meat. There are a variety of veggie, meat, and seafood options available. Meals can be made into combos including chips and a drink for an additional $3.50.
Address: 1017 Blanshard St.; 176 Wilson St.
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11am-8pm; Monday-Sunday, 11am-7pm
Dutch Bakery & Diner
Since 1955 Dutch Bakery & Diner has been the go-to destination for delicious baked goods. Tucked behind the bakery in the front of the shop is the eatery’s diner, which serves up reasonable all-day breakfast, sandwiches, and ice cream floats. A full breakfast—featuring eggs, toast, and bacon—is $14.50, while a half serving is $8.40. Its sandwiches and burgers range from $8.25 to $14.50. A daily coffee and dessert special is available for $7.25 from 2-3pm.
Address: 718 Fort St., Victoria
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8am-4pm
Al Barak Mediterranean Grill
Al Barak Mediterranean Grill focuses on serving up delicious authentic shawarma with a no-nonsense attitude. Its wraps are among the more reasonable in town. Its classic chicken shawarma wrap is $13.95, while its butter chicken shawarma wrap is $14.95. The eatery also does a falafel wrap for $12.95. Al Barak Mediterranean Grill makes salads as well like tabouli, fattoush, and Mediterranean, ranging from $11 to $12.
Address: 569 Johnson St., Victoria
Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 11am-11pm; Thursday and Sunday, 11am-1am; Friday and Saturday, 11am-2am
Ayo Eat
Located in Market Square, Ayo Eat serves up Indonesian food at a reasonable price point. Its sate ayam—chicken skewers with peanut sauce—is $11, while its nasi campur with a spicy hard boiled egg is $12. The hole in the wall eatery also offers $5.25 spring rolls and its tofu green curry is $14.
Address: 560 Johnson St. #140, Victoria
Hours: Monday, 12:30-6:30pm; Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30am-6:30pm; Saturday, 12:30-5pm
Willows Galley
Willows Galley in Estevan Village not only serves up delicious fish and chips but it also offers reasonably priced burgers, hot dogs, poutine, and sides. Its burgers—which offer both classic options as well as ones featuring seafood—range from $7.85 to $13. Its poutine, available with toppings like pulled pork or chili, range from $6 to $13.70. Single pieces of fried seafood are also available, with oysters, scallops, and prawns all being $2.60 each.
Address: 2559 Estevan Ave., Victoria
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, noon-6pm
