Elevate your pizza experience at Faro, located in the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.
There’s something magical about winter in Oak Bay. Twinkling lights, charming village streets, the pleasure of finding a thoughtful gift in a local shop, and the promise of something delicious waiting around the corner.
Whether you’re planning an annual office party, gathering friends for a festive evening, preparing to host at home or simply taking a break from holiday shopping, Oak Bay offers plenty of ways to make the season memorable. Here’s your guide to eating, drinking and celebrating the holidays in Oak Bay.
Gather, Celebrate & Raise a Glass
From intimate get-togethers to larger celebrations, Oak Bay has a gathering spot for every kind of holiday occasion.
Discover the perfect pairing at Vis-à-Vis.
For a Cozy Night Out: Vis-à-Vis
For a holiday gathering that feels intimate and a little indulgent, head to Vis-à-Vis on Oak Bay Avenue. This French-inspired bistro and wine bar pairs a welcoming atmosphere with West Coast ingredients, charcuterie, small plates and a thoughtful selection of wines and cocktails. It’s an inviting choice for a catch-up with friends, a festive dinner for two or a smaller group looking to linger over good food and conversation.
Penny Lane, in The Penny Farthing Public House, is a great place to plan a larger gathering.
For a Classic Pub Gathering: The Penny Farthing
Sometimes, the best holiday party is the one where everyone feels at home. With its old-world English pub atmosphere, warm wood accents and hearty fare, The Penny Farthing Public House is a natural choice for a relaxed get-together. Gather colleagues for a casual year-end meal, meet friends for a pint or settle in for a festive lunch after exploring the village shops.
Its welcoming pub setting makes it an easy option when you want to celebrate without the formality of a traditional holiday dinner.
Planning a group celebration? The Penny Farthing Public House also offers a private event space, Penny Lane, with customizable menus. Contact the restaurant to discuss your group's needs and holiday plans.
The Snug Pub is a must-stop for incredible ocean views and great food.
For a Special Occasion: Oak Bay Beach Hotel
For a celebration with a little extra sparkle, Oak Bay Beach Hotel brings together oceanfront scenery, elegant accommodations and distinctive dining experiences. Choose from the refined atmosphere of the hotel's dining venues, including FARO for handcrafted, Neapolitan-style pizza and seasonal bites, or The Snug Pub for a relaxed meal with sweeping ocean views.
It’s an appealing setting for a special holiday dinner, an out-of-town guest’s visit or a festive occasion that deserves a memorable backdrop. The hotel also hosts meetings and events, making it worth exploring for corporate celebrations and larger gatherings. Contact the hotel directly to discuss event spaces, group dining and availability.
For a Private Party or a Catered Celebration
Prefer to host your own gathering? Oak Bay has local food businesses that can help take some of the work off your hands.
Demitasse Café & Kitchen offers catering with options ranging from fresh salads and hearty mains to canapés and dessert platters. It’s a useful option for an office gathering, an at-home cocktail party or a holiday celebration where you want the food to feel thoughtful without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
For a more intimate dinner party or a gathering with a personalized menu, Liv Café & Bistro also offers chef-driven catering, including charcuterie, canapés, dessert platters and family-style meals.
A little advance planning goes a long way during the festive season, so reach out early to discuss menus, dietary requirements, group sizes and delivery or pickup options.
Visit Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen for all that you’ll need for the perfect grazing board.
A Table Worth Gathering Around
Hosting is about more than the main course. A well-stocked pantry, a beautiful grazing board and a few special touches can turn an ordinary evening into something worth celebrating. Oak Bay makes it easy to find delicious additions to your holiday table while supporting local businesses.
Build a Beautiful Grazing Board
For cheeses, Italian specialties and pantry essentials, make Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen a stop on Oak Bay Avenue. Browse its selection of deli items, cheeses, antipasti, olive oils and freshly baked goods to assemble a generous grazing board or find ingredients for a festive meal.
For charcuterie lovers, The Whole Beast specializes in artisan-cured meats and traditional salumi. Add a few favourite cheeses, crackers, olives and seasonal fruit, and you have the makings of a simple but impressive spread for guests.
And don't forget the finishing touches. Oak Bay Avenue and Estevan Village are home to independent boutiques, galleries and specialty shops where you can look for unique gifts, table accessories and thoughtful hostess presents. Explore the local shops, including Nicholas Randall, for distinctive homeware and gift ideas. A locally sourced treat, a bottle of something special or a carefully chosen gift can be a lovely way to thank the person bringing everyone together.
Date Night, With a Festive Twist
The holiday calendar fills quickly, which makes a dinner out with someone special feel all the more worthwhile. Whether you're planning a romantic evening or simply carving out time together, Oak Bay has options for a memorable night out.
French-Inspired Flavours at Vis-à-Vis
Settle in for wine, cocktails and French-inspired fare at Vis-à-Vis. Share a few small plates, enjoy a leisurely dinner and let the conversation run long. Its intimate setting makes it a lovely choice for a festive date night or a celebration that doesn't need a special occasion.
Pizza, Cocktails, & a Change of Scenery at FARO
Located at Oak Bay Beach Hotel, FARO offers handcrafted Neapolitan-style pizzas, seasonal dishes, small bites and drinks in a polished coastal setting. It's an appealing choice for couples who want something relaxed but still feel like they're making an evening of it.
Make a dinner reservation, then take a stroll along the nearby waterfront.
Spice Things Up at Nohra Thai Kitchen
For something a little different, Nohra Thai Kitchen brings bold Southern Thai flavours to Oak Bay. Whether you're planning an evening out with a partner or catching up with a friend, a change of flavour can make the occasion feel fresh.
Liv: Farm-to-Table Fresh
At Liv, Chefs Louise Lu and Milton Rebello are passionate about creating exceptional experiences through sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients. Liv boasts the most gracious hosts to ensure that your experience is as delightful as the food.
Take a Shopping Break at a Cozy Café
Holiday shopping is better with a little time to slow down. Stop for an espresso, a pastry or a panini at Ottavio before continuing your Oak Bay Avenue shopping adventure. Its Italian-inspired café atmosphere makes it an easy place to recharge and enjoy a little European-style indulgence in the middle of the day.
The best holiday memories often come from the simplest things: sharing a meal, finding a gift that feels just right, lingering over coffee or discovering a new local favourite with someone you love. In Oak Bay, these small pleasures are close at hand. Plan a festive dinner, arrange a gathering with colleagues, fill your holiday table with local flavours or spend an afternoon wandering between independent shops and cozy cafés. However you choose to celebrate, you'll find plenty of ways to make the season delicious. This holiday season gather close, shop local, and savour the best of Oak Bay.
Planning your visit? Explore Oak Bay Tourism's dining guide, local shopping and itineraries, and things to do to plan your seasonal outing. Holiday hours, menus, event spaces and reservations may vary, so check directly with businesses before visiting.