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    Cocktails enjoyed on a patio

    The Ultimate Victoria Patio Guide

    Alfresco is basically a way of life here. We've put together a list of some patios where you can soak up the sun!

    Home > Tourism Victoria Blog > The Ultimate Victoria Patio Guide

    The Ultimate Victoria Patio Guide

    Posted on July 20, 2021

    Victoria, British Columbia is known as foodie heaven. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria boasts more restaurants per capita than almost any other city in Canada. With seemingly endless outdoor dining opportunities, alfresco is basically a way of life here. We've put together a list of some patios where you can soak up the sun this season.

    Next month, we will also be starting our annual Picnics & Patios promotion! From Tuesdays to Thursdays, local celebrities will take to one our favourite patios to pick up someone’s tab. This is a tasty way to support local businesses in Greater Victoria’s restaurant industry. While we won’t reveal which patio they’re going to – if you visit any of our patio recommendations below, you may have the pleasant surprise of getting your meal covered!

    Also, while visitors certainly enjoy eating alfresco - dogs might just enjoy it even more. Check our dog-blog for a list of dog-friendly patios in Victoria (bottom of the page). 

     

    The Veranda at Fairmont Empress

    Keep it classy with a champagne cocktail on the Veranda at the Fairmont Empress. Overlooking the sparkling Inner Harbour, the Veranda is situated for maximum sunlight hours and features a selection of handcrafted, seasonally-inspired cocktails and a menu made for sharing. Gin lovers, try the handcrafted Empress 1908 Gin by Victoria Distillers. This smooth-drinking gin is purple in colour and turns pink when you add citrus or tonic.

     

    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 patio overlooking Victoria’s historic Market Square.
     
    Images: The Drake Eatery
     
     

    Sherwood Café

    Breezy plants, large umbrellas for shade, the hot sun and cool, crisp cocktails. All can be found at Sherwood Café, which boasts an impressive espresso bar, a delectable health-conscious menu (both dine-in and take-away!), and charismatic service to pair. What’s more: their trendy, plant-filled space and colourful cocktails are great for snapping those summery pictures you’ve been longing for. 
     

     

    Clive’s Classic Lounge

    New patio alert! Launching ‘the Terrace’ is the award-winning Clive’s Classic Lounge, located inside Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites. Clive’s is world-renown for their incredible cocktail culture, being well-decorated in accolades such as a repeated nominee of World’s Best Hotel Bar by Tales of the Cocktail and Top 5 Places to Drink in the World by the Thirsty Traveller. Always thinking “outside” the box, Clive’s is now taking their imaginative cocktails outdoors, to be enjoyed under the sun. 

     

    Il Covo Trattoria

    Just a ten-minute walk from the Inner Harbour, you’ll feel miles away from it all at Il Covo Trattoria, a traditional, rustic Italian restaurant nestled into Victoria’s historic James Bay neighbourhood. The restaurant features a super secluded, split-level patio with soft music and lush foliage abound, plus a tiny antique shop hidden within the building itself. Choose from several delicious a la carte options (like cannelloni stuffed with ricotta, spinach, crab and lobster), or opt to go family-style with a four-course chef’s choice menu.
     
    Images: Il Covo Trattoria
     

    Tug Eatery

    Celebrate island life every day at Tug Eatery, where a magnificent waterfront patio is their defining attraction. The 3,000-square-foot patio is adorned with lush gardens and provides an exciting view of the working inner harbour. Located at the Mermaid Wharf on Swift Street, Tug Eatery features tasty cocktails, cold craft beer, an expertly curated wine list, and a food menu with addictive flavour profiles. They feature live acoustic music throughout the week!
     
    Image: Tug Eatery

     

    Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse

    Located in the heart of the Saanich Peninsula, only a 25-minute drive north of Victoria, Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse is a lovely place to stop and enjoy some snacks and cider on a warm afternoon. With an indoor/outdoor seating space and picturesque views over the orchard and the Strait of Georgia beyond, you’ll enjoy the best of the island all in one place. Order in advance for a picnic pack to enjoy on their property or to take away with your cider. 
     
    Pro tip: Opt for a long flight, which consists of nine cider samples shared between two people. Decide which ones you like best, then purchase a few bottles to enjoy at home!
     
    Images: Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
     

    Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub

    Victoria’s reputation for oceanfront brewpubs began with Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub, the city’s first brewpub when it opened in 1984. A pilgrimage of sorts for beer lovers, Spinnakers offers over 26 taps including some original recipes that date back 30 years. Working closely with local food producers and farmers, their chef has crafted a menu that also highlights local cuisine and flavours, which can all be enjoyed waterfront on their covered, heated patio.
     
    SpinnakersImage: Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub

     

    Boom + Batten

    With its perfect view of the inner harbour, Boom + Batten’s elevated casual dining offers guests an inventive culinary experience. Savour coastal cuisine inspired by local surroundings and the chef's global adventures. Sip on a carefully curated cocktail as you watch Victoria Harbour Ferries, sea otters, kayakers from Ocean River Sports, and dragonboat racers paddle by - all from your front-row Inner Harbour seats.

     Boom + BattenImage: @boombatten

     

    Little Jumbo

    Located at the harbour end of Fort Street, Little Jumbo offers a tantalizing selection of finely-honed classic dishes and cocktails. Chef Gabe Fayerman-Hansen's farm to table and fish boat to table philosophy is legendary. No two visits are the same - their change their array of globally recognized cocktails every 6 weeks, while setting new standards of their classics.

    Little JumboImages: @littlejumbobc

     

    Fireside Grill 

    Take a drive along West Saanich Road and visit the gorgeous patio at Fireside Grill. This local favourite operates out of a restored estate home and offers farm-to-table cuisine paired with a unique ambiance (think: fireplaces - many many fireplaces!).  The atmosphere is perfect and the food is delectable - and don't the locals know it. In 2021, Fireside Grill racked up five Times Colonist Reader's Choice Awards - one of them being Best Patio and a second one, Best Happy Hour!

    Image: @fireside_grill_victoria

     

    Irish Times Pub

    A favourite among locals and visitors alike, the Irish Times Pub is a lively spot located on Victoria's famous Government Street. Enjoy a pint on their patio and indulge in their Irish comfort food or West Coast classics.
    Irish Times PubImage: @irishtimespub

     

    10 Acres Restaurants

    Some of the hottest patios in town! The farm-to-table 10 Acres restaurants are all about embracing our island’s patio culture. Each patio is unique in its location and overall dining vibe.  For 10 Acres Commons, we recommend ordering an Aperol Spritz and dynamite sushi – one of the only places in Victoria you can enjoy sushi alfresco! The tree-covered 10 Acres Bistro patio is a great place to try a pasta dish – all pasta at 10 Acres restaurants is made in-house. 10 Acres at the Pier faces stretching views of open water, so ordering seafood only feels right. Try their famous seafood pasta or their mussels!  
     

     

    Other Great Patios in Victoria:

    Please check with the businesses directly for the most up to date information.