Covered Patios You Can Enjoy This Season

While patio season may be long over in some parts of the country, Victoria’s mild year-round temperatures make patio dining accessible throughout the winter. This season, layer up and experience these covered patios around the city, rain or shine.  

Please note that all businesses mentioned have taken the necessary steps to adapt their business to safely serve you during this time. Please check directly with the business you wish to visit for their COVID-19 safety protocols. 

LURE Restaurant & Bar

Overlooking the Inner Harbour from across the Johnson Street Bridge, LURE brings a taste of “lively, fresh and local” to the city’s culinary scene. Sit back and take in this front row seat of the harbour in an enchanting dining dome.

Insider tip: Reserve your dining dome for your bubble in advance by calling 250-360-5873.

The Tapa Bar Restaurant 

Take a meander down the enchantingly lit Trounce Alley and indulge in Latin Cuisine at it’s finest on The Tapa Bar’s heated patio.  

Image by @brandikrause_

Bodega Tapas Wine Bar 

Located on Broad Street in downtown Victoria, cozy up on Bodega’s patio and enjoy flowing tapas, pintxos and sherry as you savour Spanish cuisine.  

Image by Derek Ford

10 Acres Bistro and Commons

Indulge in farm to table fare at 10 Acres Bistro or Commons. What they don’t grow and ethically raise on their very own farm in North Saanich, they source from like-minded farmers, food purveyors and fishermen so you’re guaranteed a seasonal and fresh culinary experience. With cozy and covered patios, you can indulge in local delights in all conditions. 

Image by Danielle Lindenlaub Photography

Q at the Empress 

Keep it classy on the Veranda at the Fairmont Empress. Overlooking the sparkling Inner Harbour, the Veranda is well covered and situated for maximum sunlight hours and features a selection of handcrafted, seasonally inspired cocktails (Pimms Cup, two kinds of Sangria) and a menu made for sharing. We recommend gin lovers try their handcrafted Empress 1908 Gin by Victoria Distillers. This smooth-drinking gin is purple in colour and turns pink when you add citrus or tonic. 

Whistle Buoy 

Whistle Buoy is one of Victoria’s newest covered patios. Located in the heart of Market Square, give this locally owned, micro-brewery a try. Their patio is spacious and offers the perfect setting to try their small-batch, experimental beers with your bubble. Layer up and bring your own blanket to make it extra cozy sippin’! 

Image by @bright_photo

Finn’s | Seafood Chops Cocktails

Ideally situated overlooking the Inner Harbour, Finn’s serves up delicious and sustainably sourced seafood, chops and cocktails. Enjoy their scenic patio, covered by umbrellas.

Craft Beer Market

Coming in the summer of 2022! Located in a designated heritage site in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Craft Beer Market will be a premium casual restaurant and bar with a passion for fresh local food and great craft beer. Launched in Calgary in 2011, the CRAFT movement has been spreading across Canada ever since. 

Fire + Water Restaurant 

Located in the Marriott Hotel, Fire + Water Restaurant is home to a street-level patio in downtown Victoria with shelter from the elements and heaters to keep you cozy. Indulge in their palette-tempting menu and delectable cocktails. 

The Bard & Banker 

Immerse yourself in the heart of downtown on The Bard & Banker’s Government Street Patio. Here, umbrellas and heaters will keep you protected from elements as you savour hearty food and sip on ale.  

The Drake Eatery 

With one of the largest selections of craft beer options in the city, The Drake Eatery is a must-stop on Victoria’s famous self-guided Victoria Ale Trail. Draught taps feature hard to find west coast craft beers and ciders. They offer a concise menu with small plates and individual meals, produced from quality local suppliers. They have a spacious, covered patio, equipped with umbrellas in Victoria’s historic Market Square. 

Image by @maximilliankelly

Breakwater Café and Bistro  

Elevate your storm watching experience at the Breakwater Café, located right at Ogden Point in the Breakwater District. Here you’ll be well protected from the elements while enjoying cozy eats and tasty drinks.