Oak Bay’s Got Flavour
Oak Bay is an enchanting community brimming with British charm and an array of delightful places to eat and enjoy a spot of tea. Here's a guide to some of the culinary hotspots this quaint community offers when you need a well-deserved break.
The Penny Farthing: A Victorian Pub with Olde World charm
Step into The Penny Farthing and be transported to a Victorian-era pub that exudes old-world charm. With its warm wood accents and hearty pub fare, it's the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring Oak Bay. The tea selection is extensive and can be enjoyed on the pub's hidden garden patio.
49 Below Ice-Cream: You’ll scream for this ice-cream
49 Below creates ice creams using their original recipes honed and perfected over the years. Their ice creams have a uniquely smooth texture and buttercream body, with flavour that pops and a clean finish.
The Snug Pub: You’re going to want to stay awhile
Here, you’ll find a curated selection of dishes ranging from comfortable classics to refined, modern cuisine. The restaurant offers an excellent selection of local brews on tap and an inviting atmosphere with floor-to-ceiling ocean views. The Snug is located in the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.
Marina Dockside Eatery: Enjoy the food and the view
The menu at the Dockside Eatery includes house-made sandwiches, coffees & teas, paninis, freshly made soups, salads, and a variety of gelato. Their team uses fresh ingredients from local suppliers such as Mount Royal Bagels and Finest at Sea.
Abkhazi Gardens & Tea House: When it’s time to get fancy
Renowned for its four-star guest service and exquisite cuisine, Abkhazi Gardens & Tea House is set against a stunning backdrop. The teahouse's seasonal menus feature regional delicacies and produce grown in the Abkhazi Garden itself, perfectly complementing the garden's spectacular bloom.
Chef on the Run: Amazing food brought to you
Chef on the Run offers fresh meal deliveries with a menu that’s updated weekly. Each dish is meticulously crafted in their kitchen, using only fresh ingredients and unique recipes created by their excellent Head Chef.
Bon Sushi: A must for sushi lovers
Enjoy an authentic Japanese dining experience right in the heart of Oak Bay. Bon Sushi is a delightful spot serving up a mouth-watering array of sushi classics, from the freshest sashimi to expertly rolled maki, all prepared with a finesse that only true sushi artisans can offer.
The Whole Beast: Mmmmeat!
Here, at The Whole Beast, you’ll find handmade, traditional, artisan-cured meats without unnecessary additives, preservatives, or fillers. Meats are hormone and antibiotic-free and are locally sourced.
Ottavio: A bit of Europe on this side of the Atlantic
Take a needed pause in your day at this bustling, casual café. At Ottavio, this charming Oak Bay landmark serves Illy espresso, Fernwood coffee, and local & imported teas. You can also choose from a selection of panini, baked pasta, daily salads, and soup.
Oak Bay Seafood: As fresh as seafood gets
If you love seafood, you’ve got to visit this family-operated local favourite. Offering the freshest Dungeness crab and Spot prawns around, the food tastes incredible and is sustainably caught. Oak Bay Seafood also provides a fantastic selection of hot and cold smoked salmon, oysters, and sablefish that you can grab fresh or frozen.
Nohra Thai Kitchen: Just the right amount of spice
Enjoy bold, elegant, beautiful flavours of classic Southern Thai cuisine with subtle yet distinctive variations that take it to a new level. Norha’s menu incorporates ingredients ranging from Dungeness, Rock Crabs, and Salmon to locally sourced meats and produce.
Windsor Cafe: Eat local and love it
The Windsor Cafe name is synonymous with quality locally sourced food and craft drinks. From takeout coffees to baked pastries and desserts to full lunch dining both indoors and outdoors, the Windsor Cafe has something for every taste.
The Village Restaurant: A local favourite
The Village is the premier destination for those seeking an all-day breakfast experience. With a variety of delectable choices, it caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences, making it a favourite for both early risers and late brunch enthusiasts alike. It’s also earned a reputation among local residents as being one of the best-kept culinary secrets in town!
Village Butcher: For those with a passion for meats
The Village Butcher is committed to offering top-quality, locally sourced meats and products. They take great pride in supplying the finest cuts of meat and poultry, serving both the local community and restaurants in the Victoria area.
Kiwanis Willows Beach Tea Room: Feel good about your snacking
Situated on the beachfront at Willows Beach, you’ll find the Kiwanis Willows Beach Tea Room — operated by the Kiwanis Club of Oak Bay. Open from May to September, serving hot food, ice cream, drinks, and more to beach-goers. Volunteers and paid students work here, with proceeds supporting several organizations, including Kiwanis.
The Oaks: Reasonably priced deliciousness
Now known as The Oaks Restaurant, you’ll find a down-to-earth spot serving afternoon tea with some of the best prices in town. Be sure to try their homemade jams, marmalade, and made-from-scratch desserts!
Pure Vanilla Bakery and Cafe: Treat yourself
Nestled in the heart of the community, you’ll find this excellent cafe where you can savour your coffee, indulge in a variety of treats, or enjoy a delightful lunch. Adding to Pure Vanilla’s charm, every item on the menu is freshly baked in-house.
Vis à Vis: Bouchon & Bar: French flavours with a West Coast flair
Indulge in fresh, local, French-inspired food with the perfect glass of wine, cocktail or beer to complement the experience. The staff is welcoming and friendly, with a cozy ambiance featuring exposed brick and stained wood. Be sure to try Vis à Vis’s incredible brunch menu!
FARO: You can’t go wrong with pizza
With a Wood Stone pizza oven and a seasonally changing menu that includes handcrafted, Neapolitan-style pizzas, a variety of fresh salads and small bites, cocktails, and local wines, FARO is the hidden gem you’ve been looking for. Located in the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.
Demitasse: Good food done right
Demitasse creates amazing burgers, pizzas, salads, and delicious snacks — all crafted with intention. Usinglocal ingredients, they make everything from freshly baked breads to the most amazing kale salads, with a menu that brings people back again and again.
Willows Galley Fish & Chips: Appreciate why it’s been loved for decades
Part of the community since 1980, this renowned restaurant is now run by a husband and wife team working side-by-side to offer the same beloved menu that locals have known and loved for decades. Willow’s has even resurrected the world’s best original sourdough fish batter and the Neptune Fish Burger.
COBS Bread: Get a loaf of this
Quality ingredients and made-from-scratch baking techniques create that warm, buttery smell and happy feeling when you walk into a COBS Bread bakery. From bun to crumb, COBS Bread ingredients are as pure as it gets.
Hide + Seek Coffee: You’ll find just what you’re looking for
A welcoming space serving exceptional coffee baked goods and teas in the heart of Oak Bay Village. Put on one of your favourite Hide + Seek's vinyl collection records, or stop by for their weekly public knitting nights! It's all about community and hot drinks here.