From burgers and pizzas to nourish bowls and fine dining, this Canadian city is a haven for plant-based food.
So if you're wondering where the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Victoria are, this handy guide lists them all!
Victoria isn’t like the rest of Western Canada.
It lacks the modern, polished feel of Vancouver and instead feels like an old English town.
Being British, I feel a certain predictability for liking its quaint, old-world charm, but it’s more than that.
For a small city nestled amid the mountainous backdrop of British Columbia, Victoria really holds its own when it comes to culture.
And more specifically, Victoria is one of Canada's most vegan-friendly cities!
The first time I visited, I was shocked by how many plant-based options there were.
You can easily while away a foodie weekend here.
Start with breakfast (or make your own: these cookie dough overnight oats are great to make ahead when travelling) then drift from restaurant to bakery, and on to dessert!
Trust me, you won't get bored.
So for the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Victoria, read on.
(Note: MeeT would have been included in this list, but it hadn't yet opened when I visited Victoria. Based on its Vancouver locations however, I would highly recommend it for great burgers, bowls and fries!)
Be Love
Hands down my favourite restaurant in the city, if not the best vegetarian restaurant in Victoria.
With a seasonally-changing, mostly vegan and completely gluten-free menu, Be Love offer truly delicious dishes.
Try their Mediterranean gnocchi (they even inspired the recipe for my Yam Gnocchi with Pesto), bibimbap bowls, cheesecakes and house-made cocktails.
The restaurant is slightly higher end so the price point can be a little steep, but the quality is excellent.
If I could go here every week I would - it truly it some of the best food in Victoria.
Green Cuisine
No list of Victoria's vegan restaurants would be complete without Green Cuisine.
A staple among Victoria residents, this self-serve vegan buffet has been open for over 25 years.
It has a wide range of savoury dishes (think lasagna, curries, savoury tempeh and potato wedges) as well as a full salad bar.
In addition, they offer some incredible-looking baked desserts, with offerings alternating daily.
Everything is priced by weight, and while not luxurious, Green Cuisine offers healthy, tasty options in a very casual setting.
It's great value for money and really deserves its loyal following. I always crave the food here long after I've left Victoria!
Nourish Kitchen
A great spot for vegan food in Victoria (particularly breakfast).
Not fully vegan or vegetarian, Nourish nonetheless has an extensive selection of delicious plant-based options.
With a focus on local, nutritious and seasonal food, expect to eat a colourful meal that's been beautifully plated.
Try the Tartine or Golden Benny (veganized with tempeh). They also offer indulgent superfood lattes.
You'll leave feeling - well - nourished, and thoroughly satisfied.
Virtuous Pie
A branch of the popular Vancouver chain, the all-vegan pizzas at Virtuous Pie are excellent and can be made gluten free as needed.
With a menu that changes regularly there are always plenty of options.
Some solid staples are the Stranger Wings (buffalo cauliflower and blue cheese) and Ultraviolet (pesto, kale, tomato and pine nuts) pizzas.
Cocktails are also really good (try the VP Shaft - their take on the classic Victoria cocktail).
Note: If you're in Victoria over a weekend, definitely try their vegan brunch (pictured above). Their bowls and garlic herbed tater tots are to die for!
Fern Cafe & Bakery
It's not often you find a fully vegan bakery (with gluten-free options), but Fern Cafe is just that.
Offering such delights as this Black Forest cake and mint macaron, as well as pastries and cookies, the surroundings are cool, casual and relaxed.
You can either stop by for lunch (try the sandwiches) or grab a treat (or several) to go.
When you're finished, pop next door for a vegan ice cream from Cold Comfort.
(Bonus Tip: If you're looking for the best sourdough bakery in Victoria, I really love Wildfire. They make the best sourdough baguette I've tried, and hands down THE most delicious vegan chocolate cake!)
Frickin Delights
A completely vegan donut shop. I mean, what more could you want?
And Frickin Delights donuts are REALLY GOOD.
They have a lot of varieties and each one I tried was absolutely delicious - not too sweet and perfectly flavoured.
This place is a must if you're in Victoria.
Their opening hours can fluctuate (it's a husband and wife team who run it all) so check before you go, but well worth planning ahead to make sure you get to experience these donuts.
Superbaba
It may not be a fully vegan or vegetarian restaurant, but Superbaba deserves a mention for its convenient wraps, bowls and fries.
A fast food restaurant, its vegan options include falafel and fried eggplant with pita or salad.
It's a perfect spot for when you need filling, tasty food on the go at a reasonable price.
Rawthentic Eatery
Rawthentic is a semi-raw vegan restaurant that's outside of downtown Victoria, but is the place to go if you're looking for nutrient-dense meals.
Think nourishing rice bowls, healthy tacos and some delicious raw desserts.
It's a perfect spot to hit en-route to the ferry if you're travelling back to Vancouver.
Cinnaholic
Cinnaholic, the American cinnamon bun chain has a branch in Victoria, and it's fully vegan. Who knew?
They offer a wide range of bun flavours, from Cookie Monster to Blueberry Pie.
Or you can just order an old skool cinnamon roll with frosting (which is still really good).
It's a sugar fix, but a good one.
The Hidden Gem
This cute little coffee and bakery spot is in the gorgeous Cook St. Village neighbourhood, and offers lots of vegan options.
Their shortbread and scones were particularly good, and they can veganize most of their lattes and seasonal drinks.
A great spot to grab a coffee and snack before hiking in Beacon Hill Park, or simply sit outside and enjoy their cute patio.
What are your favourite vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Victoria? Leave a comment below to let me know!
Check out my web story on the top vegan restaurants in Victoria.
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Lyndsay
Great list!! Can't wait to try The Very Good Butchers, and I hadn't heard of Be Love - looks delicious! I used to live in Victoria many moons ago, can't believe Green Cuisine's still kicking! 🙂
Elizabeth
So glad you like it Lyndsay! Be Love is my absolute fave - the tables are a little packed in close together but the food is amazing. 🙂
Tina
Loving this list! Saving it for the next time I travel to this area. It’s nice to have something to refer back to 🙂
Elizabeth
I agree, I can never find the guides I need when I travel! Hope it's helpful.
Lindsay Howerton-Hastings
This is a fantastic list, can't wait to try a few new ones!
Elizabeth
Fantastic! So glad you like it Lindsay.
Jere Cassidy
This post came at just the right time, we are going to Vancouver in May, and being a foodie the first thing I look for are coffee shops and bakeries.
Elizabeth
Oh excellent! You won't be disappointed, there are loads of bakeries and coffee shops. 🙂
Dee
What a great list. I'm in the US so I've never heard of these but they all sound so delicious!
Elizabeth
Oh I'm so glad it's helpful. Hopefully you'll make it to BC soon!