We’ve been away — did you miss us?
Tasting Victoria has been asleep for the past year, but the city definitely hasn’t. We’re back in your inbox to tell you about 7 new food openings coming to town in the next 2 months.
Now that we’re back, we’re here to stay. Expect us in your inbox once a month with the latest in industry news: openings, closures, upcoming events, and features on local tastemakers. If this landed in your Promotions tab, drag it to Primary — otherwise you'll miss the next one. Even better, hit reply and tell us what you most want us to cover.
Check out our swanky new website, read the full newsletter to get early access to the newest restaurant reservation in town, and fill out the poll at the bottom to give us a piece of your mind.
It’s a good time to be a foodie in Victoria.
— Zoe
Moves & Shakes
Q at the Empress: The construction board cocoon is down and Q at the Empress has reemerged a beautiful butterfly. The iconic bar got a much-needed facelift and has been transformed into a modern, bright and airy cocktail oasis. Go check out the new selection of raw items and handrolls, served at the newly installed sushi bar (open for dinner service). If anyone’s been in yet to sample the $68 Millionaire’s Margarita or the $60 Smoke & Pearls dessert (coconut ice cream with Royal White Sturgeon caviar), please do write us a review.
Perro Negro: New menu alert! Perro Negro has expanded to take over the entire former Ferris’ Upstairs space, transforming it into a lively Spanish-inspired tapería with an expanded tapas program, stronger wine and cocktail focus, and a more social atmosphere built for sharing and lingering late into the evening. Chef Sergio Hernandez of Part and Parcel was brought on for the menu redesign (read our feature on Chef David Healey below to find out why that’s a really, really good thing).
Janevca: The main dining room is still closed following a kitchen fire, but the lounge and veranda are now open daily from 4:30 PM, no reservations required.
Citrus & Cane: Their doors have been shut for over a month now, but breathe easy — the tropical cocktail bar will be relocating to 606 Trounce Alley. They’ll be serving the same rum-based cocktails with fresh ingredients, but with an exciting update: their new location has a kitchen. Meaning that for the first time ever they’ll be serving up “elevated drinking snacks, small plates, and easy shareables.” Follow them on Instagram to get notified as soon as they reopen.
Picnic Too: This much-loved local spot shut its doors for the final time a few weeks ago, and left a noticeable gap in town when it comes to fast, healthy options. A small consolation is that their catering services will continue uninterrupted (check out this form on their website to order for your next event).
Any moves we missed? Reply and let us know!
THE BIG STORY
7 New Restaurants Coming To Victoria In The Next Two Months
Photo courtesy of Fülcanteen
A new fast, healthy cafe to fuel up at.
A third concept from the team that brought you Wind Cries Mary and Rudi.
A berry cafe one block from Cadboro-Gyro Beach, just in time for summer.
Plus, the latest local ice cream shop expansion. Click the link below for the full scoop!
Upcoming Events
Savour the Wild x Highland Pacific Pop-Up
What: Chef Colton Armstrong-Ashley of Savour the Wild — known for high-end, remote dining experiences across the Pacific Northwest — is teaming up with Finest at Sea to take over Highland Pacific Golf Course's outdoor kitchen and lounge every Wednesday evening. Expect a rotating, à la carte menu built around seasonal, local ingredients, paired with wines by the glass, rotating cocktails, local beers, and non-alcoholic options. Guests can eat, gather, and even hit balls at the driving range, making for a more social, casual evening. No tickets required as food will be ordered à la carte, and the golf course and range are open to the public. Keep an eye on @savourthewild and @highlandpacificgolf for preorder perks.
When: Every Wednesday starting May 20, 2026 — 4 PM to 8:30 PM, running through the fair weather months
Where: Highland Pacific Golf Course
Tequila Nights
What: A new tasting event debuts in Victoria! Designed to cater to newbies and experts alike, the event invites guests to taste and learn about the world of Tequila, Mezcal, and premium spirits through cocktails, tastings, and food pairings. It’s not just tequila though, you’ll also find cider, beer, and cocktails made with Gin, Rum, Rye, and Vodka. There are a host of local bars participating, including Clive’s Classic Lounge, Humboldt Bar, The Courtney Room, plus Mt. Pleasant Vintage & Provisions from Vancouver.
When: Saturday, May 24, 2026 — Afternoon 2 PM to 4:45 PM & Evening 5:30 PM to 8:15 PM
Where: Main Foyer, Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, Victoria
Strawberry Ichigo Market
What: A truck full of Saanich strawberries arrives in Fernwood for this two-day market featuring 130+ artists, chefs, and designers — with all-new vendors each day. Over 20 chefs serve up creative strawberry-inspired bites, plus there are traditional Japanese games, the Chado Tea Ceremony Group serving fresh ichigo daifuku and tea, karaoke, terrarium building, a strawberry photo booth, and dress-up prizes. Entry is $4 by tap or cash at the main door.
When: Saturday, May 30 & Sunday, May 31, 2026 — 11 AM to 4 PM
Where: Fernwood Community Centre, Victoria
BC CrabFest 2026
What: A one-day harbour festival centred on fresh, sustainably harvested BC Dungeness crab. The day includes the Authentic BC Crab Boil (cooked on-site by top chefs), a Captain’s Table VIP experience, live music, family zone, educational marketplace, local BC beverages, and sunset harbour drinks (8–10 PM by Driftwood Brewery). This event is a few months away but we’re giving you an early heads-up because although admission is by donation, Crab Boil Buckets are limited and expected to sell out.
When: Saturday, July 18, 2026 — 11 AM to 10 PM
Where: Ship Point, Inner Harbour, Victoria
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CHEF SPOTLIGHT
Late Night On Johnson Street
Executive Chef David Healey
In our conversation I asked David Healey whether what I'd been feeling — this sense that something is shifting in the Victoria food scene, that there's a wave coming — was real, or whether it was just my own short timeline talking. I've been here three years. He's been here eight.
He didn't hedge.
"Definite upturn. When I moved here, the joke was Victoria is where you went to retire. That's not it anymore. Young people are moving here, people who fell in love with the city and want it to be exciting. We're seeing fine dining, casual, every kind of concept, and they're killing it. There's a lot of young blood in this city. People want to do new projects."
Eight years, he says, has gone by very quickly. He thinks the next eight will look completely different.
Birdman, the latest concept from the team that brought you Wind Cries Mary and Rudi, opens this Friday, May 22nd!
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