tasting victoriaEst. 2019Vancouver Island
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What is happening in Victoria's food scene this week?

Three cafés opening soon, we tried Janevca Kitchen & Lounge, cooking classes and workshops, best restaurants for date night, and more!

Tasting Victoria·Jan 30, 2025·8 min read
Tasting Victoria
Newsletter №082

Good morning foodies, 

Today we have all the details on our experience at Janevca Kitchen and Lounge, plus a list of cooking classes and workshops you or someone you know may want to try out this winter.

With Valentine’s Day coming soon, it’s the perfect time to share a little bit more about the best restaurants in Victoria for date night as voted by you—our readers. Make sure to check out the news section of today’s edition to learn more about three cafés opening soon. One opening today in downtown, another one in Sidney, featuring a play area for young kids, and one at Uptown Shopping Centre.

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😍 5 spots to try right now

🍝 Il Terrazzo: Italian fine dining in a romantic atmosphere at 555 Johnson.  

🥂 Victoria Cider Co: Family-owned craft cidery in North Saanich. The tasting room is reopening in the spring.

🍺 Whistle Buoy Brewing Company: Delicious craft beer in Market Square.

🌮 Tacofino: Delicious tacos and burritos in two locations: downtown and Langford.

🍳 John's Place: Classic joint for Canadian fare and brunch at 723 Pandora. 

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

FEATURED

We tried Janevca Kitchen & Lounge: Here’s how it went

Primrose Pork Chop. Tasting Victoria.

Since its opening in October last year, the restaurant has been praised for its stylish atmosphere and commitment to high-quality cuisine. It is gaining a reputation as a go-to spot for those looking for a memorable dining experience, whether it is a romantic evening, a celebration, or casual meal. We visited earlier this month and have all the details on our experience—our favourite dishes, the overall ambiance, and photos to top it all off. 

Learn more about Janevca. 

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FEATURED

Cooking classes and workshops to check out this winter

Cooking class at Sea Cider Farmhouse by The London Chef. Instagram

This winter, treat yourself to the joy of creating delicious meals or desserts while staying warm and inspired. Beyond the practical skills, cooking classes are also a great way to bond with friends, meet like-minded foodies, or simply enjoy some me-time doing something meaningful. Check out some of the exciting cooking classes and workshops happening soon and book them before all the spots are gone.

Check them out.

🗞️ News

Best restaurants in Victoria for date night as voted by readers.

Routine Coffee & Supply is officially opening its doors today at 1036 Fort St. 

Tull’s Café and Play is opening in Sidney on Feb. 8. 

Rhino Coffee House is opening a new location this summer at Uptown Shopping Centre. 

Epicure, a cookware and clean food meal supply company, announced its closure Friday due to financial concerns. [CHEK]

Blue Nile African Restaurant just reopened its doors at a new location.

The wine world is in Vancouver this winter! Plan your weekend getaway to the Vancouver International Wine Festival, February 22-March 2.*

*Sponsored Listing

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

Get in touch with our team for small business-friendly advertising plans.

🗓️ Events

Wassail Day at Sea Cider Farm: This Sunday, join a wonderful winter celebration with many activities and experiences to enjoy, including 25 specially artisan vendors, food from Bicycle Pizza and Working Culture Bread, hot churros from Churros + Mor, live music, a craft station for kids, and more.

Tamales Pop-up: Head to Cook Street Village Activity Centre on Jan. 31 for a Food on the Run tamales pop-up. 

Mad Love X Kinu: Head over to Kinu Restaurant on Feb. 4 for a special pop-up dinner and cookbook signing to celebrate chef Devan Rajkumar’s brand-new cookbook, Mad Love—a culinary love letter packed with vibrant recipes and creative inspiration.

Tropical Party Sooke Brewing Company: Stay away from the cold and join a tropical party on Feb. 1, where Hawaiian shirts are a must, there will be margaritas and Mai Tais all day, and prizes. 

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

Wondering what food events are coming to Victoria this year? We made a list of food events. Check it out here.

 💸 Deals

• 2 for 1 appetizers at Flying Otter Grill on Sundays, 3pm-close.

• $10 chicken skewer and $6 draught beer at Tre Fantastico during daily happy hour, 3-5pm.

• $11 10” pizzas at Fifth Street during daily happy hour, 3-5:30pm. 

• $11.95 margaritas and melontinis at Belleville's on Thursdays. 

• $12 duck wings at The Palms during daily happy hour, 4-5:30pm and 9pm-close.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

  • Bar manager at Clive’s Classic Lounge

  • Baker/pastry chef at Working Culture Bread

  • Cafe manager at Neighbourly Cafe

  • Cooks at Maiiz Nixtamal 

  • Assistant manager at Ramen Arashi

📸 Post of the week

See how they make a charcuterie box at Gigi’s Italian Foods on this time-lapse reel. The box they make in this video is a Valentine’s box for two people featuring specialty cheeses and meats, roasted nuts, dried fruits, mixed Italian olives, Italian tapenades, and artisan crackers. Place your order two days in advance via email or in-store. 

That’s it!

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tasting victoria
Est. 2019Vancouver Island
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