Owners Eirini and Leftheri Sypss. Photo: Ryan Hook Bread, olive oil, and wine are likely considered the holy trinity of Greek cuisine. But a new food truck is bringing a more fulsome Greek palate to Victoria. The family owned and operated Greek n’ Go food truck is set on bringing a more casual take on Greek food by serving gyros, lamb kebabs, poutine, and desserts, and it’s totally flipped the former Burger Crush truck, redesigning it with the family’s YaYa (Grandma) smiling upon the Cook Street traffic.  “We love the spot, the traffic, and the diversity of people that come by [Cook Stre ..read more

(Maritza Sanchez, behind the eponymous wall of spice inside the Mexican House of Spices // Michael John Lo) The entrance to Mexican House of Spice is tucked inside an alcove between a cannabis store and a tiny dine-in restaurant along the busy thoroughfare of Douglas Street. But once you cross the threshold, merengue music fills your ears and you’re inside Victoria’s oldest Latin American grocery store. “We bring a little bit of every single country starting from South America, all the way to Mexico,” says shop owner Maritza Sanchez, quickly rattling off the ..read more

Hertel’s Meats—Vancouver Island’s longest-running local and family-owned pork production company, is based in Port Alberni. Hertel’s is bringing in the new year with 55 years of service to Vancouver Island with no plans of slowing down. As pioneers in the industry, they have been carving the path and elevating the standards for generations. From manufacturing, processing, and production Hertel’s Meats has provided the best quality pork products with a wide range of options since 1967. “All county fresh, from our family to yours” Thomas and Helena Hertel started their journey back in the late s ..read more

Photo: Ryan Hook Clif Leir always strived to bring the best local ingredients to each plate at his restaurant—no matter the cost. But sourcing locally is hard work, and coupled with rising inflation and food prices, it’s among a few reasons Agrius is shutting its doors for good this Sunday. “We hoped to be in better shape heading into spring,” owner Leir told Tasting Victoria. “We just don’t have any room to take a loss.” In Victoria, supporting local farmers has become a point of pride, with the BC government sponsoring events such as Every Chef Needs a Farmer so local suppliers can connect ..read more

Did you know that there are nearly 20 coffee roasters in Greater Victoria? From small single roasters just starting out to large multi-roasters that have been around for decades, this list combines a mixture of the bunch. If you are interested in coffee culture, supporting locally owned and operated businesses, or coffee roasting in general, read on dear friend to find out which local roaster to visit next!   Bows & Arrows Coffee Roasters This popular, not-so-underground roaster, located on the corner of Bridge Street and Garbally Road, has certainly grown a cult following since ..read more

@pagliaccisvic Eating together as a family has been firmly established as a cultural ideal. Family meals provide the perfect opportunity to come together, strengthen ties, and build important relationships. It’s even proven to be good for your health! And there’s a few reasons why dining out in restaurants with your children is beneficial: They can learn about different cultures through food They can learn about making healthy choices They can practice their table manners They can sit and engage in conversation They can learn to enjoy their food and not to rush when eating Victoria has plent ..read more

Photo: upper left, MeeT on Blanshard; upper right, Ugly Duckling Dining; bottom left, Sidney Scones; bottom right, GoodSide Pastry House It’s an exciting year ahead for Victoria foodies, since many new restaurants are beginning to open their doors in 2023. Whether you’re looking to try a new type of cuisine, or you simply want the comforts of an old favourite, these Victoria restaurants are sure to tantalize your taste buds this year.  Here’s a few we’re excited about that either opened recently, or are intending to open this year. Check them out.  Biryani Palace—2709 Quadra St. Biry ..read more

The Super Bowl is the biggest event in the football year. Why not spend it worry-free and with all of your friends?!  The Sticky Wicket is known for hosting the biggest Super Bowl party in Victoria. No stress of planning a party, no fuss over who’s coming and who’s not, and you are already at a bar to celebrate your team winning (or mourn your team losing).  Tickets are only $30 and available at the Strath Liquor Store now!  Tickets include a tailgate buffet before the game starts, an all-you-can-eat wing bonanza at halftime, cheap beer, an incredible atmosphere, and each ticket ..read more

It’s almost the last day of 2022—and the first time in two years that some of us can get together en masse and count down the year’s final moments. It’s bound to be exciting, and a few restaurants are pulling out all the stops with one-of-a-kind menus to keep your palette punching with beautiful dishes and boozy (or not boozy) drinks. Check them out below. The Fairmont Empress’ New Year’s Eve Gala Since 1919, the Fairmont Empress has put on the most epic New Year’s Eve gala. Put on your best black tie, and head to the historic Crystal Ballroom for live music, cocktails, and a four-course din ..read more

Image: Shutterstock The holidays are synonymous with unwinding with a few drinks—or being gifted a beautiful bottle of whiskey, wine, or scotch. But not everyone likes the taste or enjoys alcohol as others do. While alcohol is a big component of a great cocktail, it takes more than that to tango; and nowadays, there are a ton of non-alcoholic spirits and tasty mocktails that can keep your hands busy at the holiday dinner table.  Here are a few local options to satisfy the tastebuds, sans hangover.  Lumette Sooke’s Sheringham Distillery produces Lumette—its non-alcoholic brand of al ..read more