Somehow, 2022 is coming to a close.
It has been a busy year, with the announcement of events and gatherings finally returning, we were all able to spend more time together.
This year, the city who loves food also introduced quite a few new restaurants!
Hungry and ready to try something new? Here are 11 new eateries that opened in and around Victoria in 2022:
CRAFT Beer Market
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After 19 years of slinging beers and bites to Victorians, Canoe Brewpub served its last pint in October of last year.
The Victoria harbour location of CRAFT Beer Market at 450 Swift Street is the ninth of its name as CRAFT’s parent company celebrates its 11th anniversary this year.
Victoria’s CRAFT features 110 taps of ice-cold beer, creative cocktails, covered patio that patrons can comfortably sit year round, a designated bocce ball area, an indoor and outdoor bar and fireplaces to warm your bones in the winter. Dogs are also permitted at one of their outdoor patios!
- Location: 450 Swift Street
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday and 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., Sunday
Mary Browns Chicken
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In 2022, Mary Browns, a Canadian owned fried chicken franchise, set their sights on two locations, Nelson Square in View Royal and the developing Colwood Corners.
Mary Browns began in St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1969. Soon, its reputation for delicious food and Eastern Canada hospitality spread, leading to stores in Ontario and Alberta. Now, more than 50 years later, the chicken franchise has over 200 locations across Canada.
Their menu features signature Canada grade A chicken and taters made from fresh potatoes as well as a variety of other items such as pickle chips, buffalo twists and even some plant based options.
- Location: 100 Aldersmith Place Unit C5
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Sunday
Small Gods Brewing Co.
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Small Gods Brewing Co., a family-owned and operated brewery, opened its doors on August 5th, welcoming guests to enjoy the new literary-themed space.
The brewery is designed to fit into the surrounding community, providing a family-friendly atmosphere where everyone can enjoy a beer, sandwiches, charcuterie boards and a good book. Small Gods Brewing Co., is offering craft beers, local wines, cider and other non-alcoholic beverages.
- Location: 9835 Third Street, Sidney
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday
Coco Grill
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There’s a brand new Hawaiian-themed grill at Fisherman’s Wharf serving up just that, which means you can pretend you’re in Hawaii for a day, anytime you like.
Coco Grill, a hidden gem at Fisherman’s Wharf, is ready to transport you to a tropical paradise, with an extensive menu of south pacific inspired food, cold drinks and fresh seafood.
- Location: 1 Dallas Road
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Sunday
Frickin’ Delights Donuts
It’s always a good day when we hear there’s a new hot spot for baked goods in the city.
Frickin’ Delights Donuts, originally from Alberta, are now open in YYJ—in their sweet little spot on Yates Street.
The confectionery company, founded in 2013 by a husband and wife duo, began selling from a converted laundry room in Devon, Alberta. In 2017, they opened a brick and mortar location which saw people driving from all over just to get their hands on the delicious baked goods.
Frickin’ Delights donuts not only look delicious, they’re also 100% vegan, made fresh daily, and come in a large variety of different flavours.
- Location: 632 Yates Street
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
The Canadian Brewhouse
BC’s newest location of the Canadian Brewhouse, a Canadian themed sports bar, opened at Uptown this June, marking the sixth location in the province and the first on Vancouver Island.
The Uptown location is a two-storey restaurant with seating for over 600 people, encompassing dining and bar seating, bowling lanes, billiards and batting cages. There is also a rooftop patio!
- Location: 3500 Uptown Boulevard #117
- Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday
Jones BBQ Langford
Jones BBQ,, the Texan BBQ joint, opened its original location in 2016 and has been blessing Victoria with the delicious smells of its brisket and ribs ever since.
Now, they have opened a second location in Langford!
Jones Bar-B-Que uses 100% southern techniques learned in the smokehouses of Texas and local woods such as oak and maple in their stick burner smoker, which they built themselves. They sell meat plates, platters, sandwiches, fried chicken and more. Smoked meats include brisket, pork ribs, house made sausage and sides include potato salad, slaw, pit beans, cornbread and tater tots.
- Location: 731 Goldstream Avenue
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Sunday
Rhino Coffee Langford
In February, Tofino’s favourite coffee shop expanded, with a brand new location in West Shore!
Rhino Coffee opened their original location in 2013, introducing their local brews to the salty air of Tofino. Ever since, locals and tourists have flocked to Rhino to enjoy their homemade donuts, all day breakfast, sandwiches, wraps and more.
They even have a Mommy Happy Hour on Wednesday!
- Location: 2840 Peatt Road Unit 111
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Soupa Cafe
Soupa Cafe is moving into the former bingo hall on Esquimalt Road after being vacant for over a year and a half.
The building is scheduled to be torn down in the future but Avi Lugassy, co-owner of Soupa Cafe, didn’t want the space to go to waste.
- Location: 820 Esquimalt Road
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday
end dive
A mysterious and unique cocktail bar has opened its doors downtown Victoria. Although their website and Instagram do not have a lot of information to go off of, the photos and experiences from happy customers have said it all. You’ll have to check it out and decide for yourself!
- Location: 1802 Government Street
- Hours: 5 p.m. to ‘bedtime’, Thursday and Friday, 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday and Sunday
Floyds Diner Brentwood Bay
After 43 years in business, Sassy Restaurant in Brentwood Bay closed their doors. Shortly after, locals began to notice the building transforming with a recognizable pink paint. A Floyds Diner representative confirmed the new location with Victoria Buzz, which would be the businesses’ fourth brunch location in Victoria! They currently have locations in West Shore, James Bay and West Saanich.
- Location: 6719 W Saanich Road
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Sunday
We are also eagerly awaiting the grand opening of MeeT on Blanshard, an already established chain from the Mainland.
Although we were lucky enough to welcome ten new restaurants to our city in 2022, a few favourites closed their doors forever this year as well.
- Sidney Boondocks
- Pink Bicycle
- Shark Club
- Johnny Rockets
- Jasmine Restaurant
- Sassys Restaurant
- Boston Pizza
- Pluto’s Diner
- Rawthentic Eatery
