8 favourite places in Victoria to eat, drink, shop, and stay

When people think of Victoria, they usually think of the Inner Harbour, Butchart Gardens, or the Parliament buildings. But the city is also full of small corners that surprise you, like coffee shops, patisseries, streetwear, etc. Over a few visits, I’ve collected a list of places that stood out to me.

1) Russell Books

This bookstore is a treasure. Shelves upon shelves of used and new books, stacked so high you almost have to crane your neck. They even have a full collection dating back 500 years!

If you go, don’t expect to be in and out quickly because this is exactly the kind of store that makes you lose track of time.

2) Bon Macaron Patisserie

If you’re walking around downtown Victoria, you’ll probably notice Bon Macaron’s window before you notice the store itself. They decorate it with towers and displays made entirely of macarons, which are super cool and impossible not to look at.

The berry macarons have a balance of tangy and sweet. I personally LOVE the matcha flavour, and followed closely by the Nutella. They have a shop in Vancouver as well if you’re curious and craving something sweet.

3) Hey Happy

This café has an upbeat energy that really does live up to its name. The music is a bit loud and the menu is straightforward (though I have to admit I was caught off guard when I ordered a “sandwich” and got a burger). No complaints though. The Hong Kong BBQ pork sandwich was my favourite. If you’re planning to do serious work with your laptop, it’s probably not the best spot because of the noise, but if you’re there for food and vibes, it works!

4) Pendray Inn & Tea House

If you want to stay somewhere with character and good feng shui, the Pendray Inn is a good pick. It has that old-world European charm, e.g. tea poured into floral cups and plates of pastries, quiche, and fresh fruits.

The service is friendly, and the inn even has a large front garden where you can jog in the morning and enjoy the sun. The rooms are clean and cozy, and I loved the overall aesthetics of the place.

I visited during early summer, when the skies were blue, the sun was shining, and the breeze was warm and light.

5) Le Petit Saigon

Pho is comfort food for me, so I couldn’t skip adding this place. The noodle soup reminded me of home. Wholesome and satisfying in that way only pho can be. I’ll be back to try it again next time.

6) Cat’s Coffee & Cake

No cats here (sorry) but plenty of cat-themed decor. Cat’s Coffee is a lovely spot where young adults come with their laptops to study or work. It gets busy in the afternoons, but the vibe is warm and welcoming.

The matcha is decent, but I especially liked their food. The ham and cheese sandwich is solid, and the garlic hotdog was surprisingly filling and savoury.

7) Complex Clothing

Complex Clothing is where you go if you’re into sneakers or streetwear. They stock Nike pieces you don’t normally see in mainstream shops. I remember when the shoes used to be tucked away in another room, and it felt like you were on a treasure hunt. Now it’s more streamlined because they renovated their store layout, but you still get that feeling of finding something rare here.

8) Bao

Bao is one of those places you want to visit with a group so you can try a little of everything. The Taiwanese Classic, Chinese BBQ, and Buttermilk Fried Chicken baos are all worth ordering.

I wasn’t as into the ramen because the broth wasn’t as rich as I usually like, but on a rainy day, it’s warm enough to hit the spot.

Stick to the bao and you won’t be disappointed!

These are just a few of my favourite corners of Victoria. If you’ve been, what are your favourite spots?