What is happening in Victoria's food scene this week?

Good morning foodies, 

This is our last newsletter of 2024. We are taking a short break for the holidays and we’ll be back in the new year. We wanted to say thank you to everyone who reads our newsletter!  We feel very lucky to have readers like you, who encourage us to try out new restaurants, to keep an eye for deals, stay on top of news and events, and, most importantly, share your amazing recommendations and feedback. Tasting Victoria isn’t just a newsletter—it’s a thriving community that we’ve built together. We’re so grateful to have you as part of it, and we can’t wait to hear what you’d like us to cover in the new year. Keep those suggestions coming!

Today we are bringing you a list of restaurants that have opened in 2024 that you may be interested in trying out, plus, we’ve got the scoop on a beloved ice cream shop that has opened a second location in Cook Street Village. 

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

😍 5 spots to try right now

🍜 Ramen Arashi: Grab a delicious bowl of ramen, the tonkotsu is especially tasty, at 2950 Douglas. 

🍰 GoodSide Pastry House: Grab pastries and desserts at 1805 Fort. 

☕️ Rhino Coffee House: Brunch, donuts, coffee, and cocktails at 2840 Peatt and 2990 Irwin. 

🍞 Working Culture Bread: Pick up freshly baked bread and sweet treats at 2506 Douglas.   

🍵 Hey Happy Coffee: Welcoming coffee shop serving great coffee and baked goods at 560 Johnson and a kiosk at Uptown Shopping Centre. 

Know a great place we should add here? Reply back and let us know!

FEATURED

8 of the most exciting restaurant openings that came to Victoria in 2024 

While we said bittersweet goodbyes to beloved spots this year, Victoria has also welcomed a wave of exciting new openings. From innovative restaurants and cozy coffee shops to creative pop-ups and second locations of local favourites, there’s plenty to look forward to. Here’s a roundup of some of the must-visit new spots that are making waves in Victoria’s ever-evolving food landscape.

Check out the list.

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FEATURED

Cold Comfort Ice Cream opens a second location

The beloved Victoria staple known for its hand-crafted, small-batch ice cream has opened its second location in the heart of Cook Street Village offering its iconic ice cream sandwiches, pints, snacks, drinks, and even pup cups for your furry friend. 

Here’s everything we know about the new location.

🗞️ News

Gigi’s Italian Foods is getting the last panettone shipment from Italy today. Their selection of panettone is made in Italy, of incredible quality with options to choose from traditional panettone, amarena cherry, and pistachio. 

Immigration changes place staffing strain on Victoria restaurant Beacon Drive-In. [Saanich News]

Victoria restaurants serving Christmas dinner.

5 local restaurants hosting New Year's Eve dinners.

Give the gift of the Gala this holiday season! The Dine Around Gala takes over at the Crystal Garden on January 23. Ring in the foodie festival with unlimited bites, delicious bevvy's and live entertainment!*

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🗓️ Events

Sip and Shop at Fantastico: Head over to Fantastico Bar Deli today at 6pm and browse a curated selection of delectables and gift ideas, treat yourself to cheese and Island wine, smell and sample your way through a selection of coffees, and more. 

Yuletide Market: Today is the last day of Bilston Creek Farm’s winter market with over 90 local businesses showcasing their products, food vendors, live music, and more. 

Oops I Forgot Holiday Market: Your last chance to shop for gifts and goodies before Christmas at Junction Orchard and Cidery on Dec. 21. 

Santa Claus at My-Chosen Cafe: Visit My-Chosen Cafe on Dec. 21 and 22, bring your own camera and capture special moments with Santa Claus, enjoy a festive atmosphere, and holiday cheer. There will be a special Santa menu and the proceeds from that menu will go to the BC SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre.

Festival of Trees Victoria Tour & Dine: Make your Festival of Trees Victoria visit a Tour & Dine experience by visiting one of the Bay Centre’s 20 eateries. Earls Kitchen + Bar has a happy hour menu every day. Plan to visit after dark to see the trees when they are shining their best. The festival is on until Jan. 5, 2025.

Dine Around and Stay in Town is back on Jan. 24: It will feature more than 50 restaurants highlighting their best dishes through three-course menus set at deliciously low prices. 

Are you hosting a food event? Let us know

 💸 Deals

• $5 tacos at Benjo’s tacos on Thursdays. All proteins. One consomé per order. 2+ tacos include slaw.

• $10 pound of wings and $6.50 lager at the Flying Otter on Wednesdays, 3pm-close.

• $10 dirty little martini and $20 charcuterie at Stage Wine Bar during daily happy hour, 5-6:30pm. 

• $32 early bird three-course menu at Cafe Brio from 4:30-5:30pm, Mon.-Sat.

• $33 roast dinner at Penny Farthing on Sundays.  

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Cook at Indian Aroma Restaurant

• Assistant Manager at Bin 4 Burger Lounge

• Host at Earls Bay Centre

• Apprentice Cook at Japanese Village Restaurant

📸 Post of the week

Warm up your winter nights with a bubbling pot of chocolate fondue available on Fathom’s terrace from 5-10pm until Jan. 24. There are also cheese fondues available, sea-cuterie boards, and warm beverage options. Reservations recommended.

That’s it!

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