CITY EATS February | March 2021

If you haven’t yet taken advantage of Victoria’s free local delivery program, Downtown Delivers, you have until February 15 to try it out. This program was created to encourage Victorians to support local businesses during these challenging times by offering free local delivery from participating downtown restaurants and retailers. Learn more at dvba.ca/downtowndelivers.

Burger Crush has taken over 787 Fort St (previously occupied by Tacofino). Burger Crush puts a fresh and innovative spin on the classic burger shop, offering traditional and vegan versions of burgers and shakes. burgercrush.ca

You can now find Tacofino on Pandora Ave between Douglas and Blanshard. Their new, forty-seat corner spot is bright and breezy; they can’t wait to invite you all in to dine, but for now, they are offering take-out only from a convenient take-out window. tacofino.com

Tacofino is behind some positive action, taking place in the form of Shift Change. This industry initiative encourages dialogue about issues prevalent in the hospitality industry like gender, diversity and inclusion, mental health and substance dependency to find meaningful and lasting solutions. At its core, Shift Change looks to support positive and sustainable change for our industry by inspiring people to take action. To find out more about their upcoming virtual events and learn more about this vital movement, visit shiftchangenow.com.

Friends of Dorothy is Victoria’s newest LGBT2Q+ cocktail lounge. Louis XIV meets punk chic at this modern Victoria gay bar, where you can share gourmet plates and sip craft cocktails. Friends of Dorothy launched its first location in Kelowna in early 2020 and followed that success with a second location here in YYJ. foodlounge.com

Rain Dogs Wine Bar has opened at 509 Fisgard St. You will find artfully crafted and internationally inspired small plates to pair with their premier wine cellar and whisky collection. raindogswinebar.com

Dumpling fans rejoice – there is a new dumpling place in town! Chubby Dumpling was born on December 29 at 1619 Store St. Dumpling offerings include bulgogi beef, pork and cabbage, pork, shrimp and chives, and veggie with glass noodles. Find dumpling soup and more on the menu. chubbydumpling.ca

Cat’s Coffee and Cake opened at 1213 Douglas St in October, with espresso and matcha beverages as well as beautifully decorated cakes and treats. Open Mon-Sat 8am-5.30pm. catscoffeecake.com

A long-standing local favourite for Chinese food, Dragon Gate Restaurant has closed permanently after twenty-seven years in business at 1609 Fort St. We wish the owners well.

Niche Grocerant is a hybrid grocery store/restaurant coming to Broadmead Village Shopping Centre. At Niche, you will be able to shop for the best local products while their kitchen prepares you a meal to go (prepped for take-and-make, or ready-to-eat). Or grab a table and a glass of wine or beer and let Niche serve you. nichevictoria.ca

Bar 500 is the new eatery at the Oswego Hotel on Menzies. Mornings at Bar 500 feature the finest in local bites and coffees. They have partnered with Bows & Arrows Coffee Roasters, and their pastry selection is made in-house. Evenings at Bar 500 highlight globally inspired sharing plates along with truly inspired and authentic beverages. oswegohotelvictoria.com/bar-500

A secret home bakery has popped up in a 130-year-old house in the James Bay neighbourhood. Deer & Dough Bakery makes traditional baked goods you can pre-order and pick up. Cakes, sweet and savoury pies, mini Bundt cake flights, and cookies are all on offer. Using fresh and seasonal ingredients sourced locally. Not a storefront, but place an order and stroll on over to pick it up. Find @deeranddoughbakery on Instagram or Facebook.

A new pizza place is coming to Brentwood Bay. Bicycle Pizza has been hosting pop-ups at the Beauregard Café on West Saanich Rd. Follow @eatbicyclepizza on Instagram to stay in the loop.