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

Good morning foodies,

Victoria’s Hot Chocolate Festival is here—just in time to warm us up on these cold days. In today’s edition, we’re sharing all the details, plus mouthwatering photos of the hot chocolates we can’t wait to try.

Looking for the best spots to catch the Super Bowl? We’ve rounded up a list of local restaurants and pubs offering game-day specials: $3.80 draft beer, all-you-can-eat wings, tailgate buffets, and more. Whether you're in it for the football or just the food, we’ve got you covered.

And don’t miss the news section at the bottom, where we highlight a romantic Valentine’s chocolate fondue experience you won’t want to miss.

😍 5 spots to try right now

🇵🇭 Ate *A Restaurant: Great Filipino food by the same restaurant group as Hanks and Nowhere A Restaurant. 

🍣 Haro Sushi: A hidden gem in Cordova Bay serving Japanese food and fresh sushi.

🦞 Shuck Taylor's: Delicious oysters and lobster rolls at 1324 Blanshard.   

🌱 Charlotte and the Quail: Breakfast and lunch highlighting seasonal produce from local farms.

🇮🇳 Dosa Paragon: Authentic South Indian cuisine in two locations: Yates and Wharf.  

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

FEATURED

Victoria's Hot Chocolate Festival is back this weekend

There's nothing quite like a steaming, frothy beverage to warm up on a cold day. Just in time to lift our winter spirits, the Victoria Hot Chocolate Festival has begun. This year’s fest features a variety of decadent hot chocolate creations crafted by more than 25 participating restaurants and coffee shops. The best part is that many of the offerings can be made for different dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, or soy-free. 

Learn more about the featured hot chocolates.

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FEATURED

Here’s where you can watch the Super Bowl in Victoria this Sunday

The much anticipated Super Bowl rematch kicks off this Sunday, and Victorians can enjoy the match at several pubs across the city offering food and drink specials you will not want to miss: draft beer starting at $3.80, all-you-can-eat wings, a tailgate buffet, and more.

Here’s a list of bars where you can watch the game, enjoy tasty food and beer, and win prizes. 

Check it out. 

🗞️ News

4 Victoria restaurants made OpenTable’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in 2025 list.

Alyssa’s Pho & Banh Mi Vietnamese Restaurant opened a second location in Broadmead Village.

Averill Creek Vineyard just launched a Valentine’s Chocolate Fondue experience featuring an 8-ounce pot of rich melted chocolate with an assortment of apples, strawberries, marshmallows, and mini cookies, plus a bottle of Joue Rosé. Available from now until Feb. 16. 

The BC Ale Trail launched its Central Island Tasting Passport. From Cowichan through Nanaimo and Parksville Qualicum Beach to the Comox Valley, the passport offers a variety of exceptional experiences, including spectacular beaches, hiking and mountain biking trails, and coastal paddling. Each completed passport enters participants into a Grand Prize draw, featuring overnight stays, dining experiences, and more.

11 of the best local Dine Around menus to try this weekend. Dine Around ends this Sunday.

'Burger It Forward'. Canada Beef will donate $1 for every burger sold in the fundraising campaign from now until Feb. 28. [Victoria News]

💖 Valentine's Day plans? This award-winning Spa has side-by-side treatments, 45% off for your BFF! Manis, pedis, massages, glass facials ready-to-date. Private rooms with courtyard views! Gift cards available - check it out!*

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🗓️ Events

Sweethearts Market: Head to Bilston Creek Farm this weekend for a fun market with a curated selection of specialty vendors, offering a variety of hand-made, thoughtful gifts and treats. There will be food and drinks available for purchase and a hunt for the golden heart.

Beef Birria Workshop by Food on the Run: The local Mexican food business is hosting its first workshop this Sunday at the Cook Street Village Activity Centre. Guests will be guided to learn how to make beef birria and green tomatillo salsa.

Galentine's Show at Caffe Fantastico: Visit Caffe Fantastico this Friday and enjoy an intimate evening of Galentine's music, featuring songs about love with Charis Tazumi, Olivia Jackson, and Savannah Read. 

Valentine's Day Chocolate Class: Have a fun date or spend some time with family and friends on Feb. 14, while learning the basics of making chocolate in this fun workshop, hosted by the mother-daughter team of Pure Lovin' Chocolate. Each participant will leave with nine chocolate truffles in a gift box, one large piece of chocolate fruit and nut bark, and a handout with recipes. 

Savour Sidney: Exclusive prix-fixe dining experiences at participating restaurants in Sidney from Feb. 21-March 15. 

Interested in more cooking classes and workshops? We made a list. Check it out here.

 💸 Deals

• $3.99 tacos (choice of beef, chicken, or pulled pork) on Tuesdays at Ross Bay Pub.

• $6 West Was Won pierogies (three pieces), Nah Bros pierogies (three pieces), and pierogi poutine at Sult Pierogi Bar during daily happy hour. 

• $7 dumplings, deep-fried pickles, or spring rolls at Moon Under Water during daily happy hour, 2-4pm and 8-10pm.

• $7 prime rib sliders and $7 caesars at The Keg during daily happy hour, open-6pm and 9pm-close.

• $18.88 Happiness Box (two meats + noodles or rice) at Wah Lai Yuen, available until Feb. 14. Choose from: BBQ pork, soy chicken, BBQ duck, crispy roast pork, beef flank, or wontons.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Server at Park's Kitchen Korean & Japanese Restaurant

• Assistant restaurant manager at Virtuous Pie

• Bar manager at Clive’s Classic Lounge

• Restaurant server at the Inn at Laurel Point

• Manager at Bard and Banker

📸 Post of the week

Block Kitchen and Bar’s Dine Around menu features a beautifully prepared oyster dish with ikura (red caviar), daikon, and aged ponzu. Its special menu comes with five courses, including corn potage, grilled scallop, short rib, and matcha tiramisu. Would you go to Block for Dine Around?

That’s it!

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