The guide to what's hot in the Victoria B.C. Canada's cafe scene
Updated May 9th, 2026! - Weekly updates through May and June!
(This list was created in the Spring of 1995 - and has been read by millions!)
Have you been wondering where the best Cafes and are in Victoria, B.C. and the surrounding area on Vancouver Island? Look no further!
Photo above - Fika Coffee Cacao Booch Art - 1329 Cook Street
This is the definitive guide to coffee and espresso in Victoria B.C. Canada - This Cafe Scene has been in print (on line) since 1995! Trust the coffee crew team for the bottom line on who is serving the best bean!
If I have missed a cafe or some detail or another, jot me a note -- replies are almost instant... Worthy intel will be rewarded with a $20 gift card from one of your favorite cafes!
If there is something you love or hate about the cafe scene in Victoria, make sure you bring it up with us.
If you are coming into one of these cafes for the first time (or a repeat visit) please let them know that you saw them on the CoffeeCrew.Com website! Thanks!
This collection of observations has been built from consumer reviews and personal visits. We visit these cafes a minimum of 5 times with at least 6 reports from other consumers before we offer an opinion.
What qualifies Colin to review coffee houses you ask? Good question. He has been drinking coffee in Victoria since the 1980's.
- Esquimalt Roasting Company - The Esquimalt community will notice change in local coffee has indeed come.
Located at 102 - 505 Park Place and 854 Esquimalt Rd - Unit #101 -- in the heart of Esquimalt, ERC is the creation of Greg Sherwell and his wife, who wanted to make a unique contribution to the community. Hours: Monday until Friday - 6:30 am until 4:30 pm - saturday: 7:30AM until 4:30PM -- Sunday (and holidays): 8:30AM until 4:30 PM - Wairua Cafe 1040 North Park - Unit #2 several paces from Cook Street. Husband and wife team of Wilson and Hanisa opened up this sweet little joint a year ago - I have been in 4 or 5 times - more visits required. Very skilled origin pours and traditional espresso with minimal baked treats.
- ** NEW!!** FIKA Cafe - Coffee Cacao Booch and Art - 1329 Cook Street - checked out this window service cafe for the first time in May 2026 - Gotta say: "Best cappuccino I have had in years!" More details to follow.
- New and HOT!!! - Mosi Bakery - Locations: 5303 West Saanich Road - 4649 West Saanich Road - 1548 Fairfield #10 - 2045 Cadboro Bay Road - OK. All told I have visited around 20 times. Great coffee. Great bakery - sweet and savoury. It's all here - I need to find out who supplies the coffee beans... but eveything is top notch!
Hours vary - but in general: 8/8:30 AM until 4:30 PM... Come on down! - Iluka Espresso - #100-101 Island Highway. I have been here around 20 times now - high end treats and great coffee! Arguably the best cafe waterfront views (of the Gorge waterway)- Hours: Tuesday through Saturday - 9 AM through to 4 PM - Sunday: 9 AM until 3 PM.
- Little June Cafe - Nestled in the heart of Fernwood Square, Little June café is the place to go for an early morning breakfast with a smile or an afternoon espresso with your fresh made sandwich. Hours: 7 AM until 5 PM... Licensed for Beer and Wine.
Little June was established by four friends who are proud to work and live in this diverse community. More than 110 years have passed since the Parfitt brothers first built the heritage building that we now call home. We are excited to share this journey with you as we write our chapter in Fernwood Square's rich and continuing story. Little June is located at the S.E. corner of Fernwood and Gladstone Ave.
- St. Cecilia Coffee - 535 Yates Street - It is funky. It has great coffee. It has great sight lines and people watching. They source their coffees from here, there and everywhere. Come on down! What is different here is: Their coffee menu is max-minimal as is their treat menu -- and they sell merch... like clothing... which is different.
- Hide and Seek Coffee - 2207 Oak Bay Avenue - in the Village (CLOSING) - + at the corner of Fairfield and Irving...in addition to many circulated coffees, they feature Caffe Fantastico coffee. New location open at the Catherine Street market area.
I have been here a dozen times and will follow them whereever they go. It is a very warm space and a welcome addition at the inner core of Oak Bay village (for now - as moving maybe!). They have a passionate collection of staff and an owner that was associated with Caffe Fantastico so he knows what he is doing. (Take out window and delivery) - also now in Fairfield at the former location for Fairfield Branch - Fairfield and Irving. GREAT COFFEES! - **New and hot** - Routine Coffee and Supply - 1036 Fort Street Monday to Friday 8 AM to 4 PM - (Closed Wednesday) Saturdays-Sunday 9 AM until 4 PM - They feature a rotation of leading edge regional coffees - they are small - there is no interior seating - but on a nice day, it is great for people and bicycle watching along the Fort Street corridor.
- Cafe 109 Roasting Studio - 1407 Government Street - between Johnson and Pandora. Below street level - if you can catch them when they are open you are in for one incredible treat! They are open Saturdays and Sundays - 9AM to 4PM
- PicNic Coffee - 1021 Fort Street - Closed forever...
- Hey Happy! Coffee Unit 122 - 500 Block of Lower Johnson Street (Old Town - Market Square) Rob Kettner at the helm (formerly of Fernwood Coffee) runs this narrow and hip joint featuring some of the best coffees of the Northwest; Ritual, Heart Coffee Portland, Phil and Sebastion of Calgary, etc - selections always changing - great tea selection being added now. They do pours, Aeropress and some pretty off the wall and leading edge mash ups of your favorites. (M-F 8am until 5 PM Saturday-Sunday 9 until 5 ) - New location at UPTOWN in the Inner Plaza - Hours Mon-Thur: 8am til 4:30 PM, Friday: 8AM until 5 PM, Saturday-Sunday 9 AM until 5 PM.
- Union Pacific Coffee - located at 537 Herald Street - Great brewed coffee and espresso beverages and lots of food for sharing! Also features a great hidden patio area. Great old town people watching -- and I love the enormity of their baked treat selection.
- Fernwood Coffee Company - The Parsonage Cafe - 1105 Caledonia & Cook Street (Upper Cook Street Village) - the folks at Fernwood Coffee company are on the ball with great coffee and good eats. They totally make the grade! You can find Fernwood Coffee on the grocers shelves of Thrifty Foods and The Root Cellar to name a few. The beans are generally very fresh and very tasty. This is my go to for the best in Breakfast sandwiches on a bagel!
- Yoka's Coffee, #5 - 1046 Mason Street. Honey, Chocolate and Tea. A Vancouver Kits classic comes to Mason Street in Victoria - Yoka Coffee has been in the business for decades in Vancouver before moving from the hip and tony neighnorhood of West 4th. They feature a classic drum roaster and a dozen or so featured single origins roasted in some pretty classic styles. Hours: Tuesday through Friday- 9AM until 6 PM. Saturday 9-5. CLOSED Sunday and Monday.
- Fresh Cup Roastery - 1931 Mount Newton Crossroad - Old School origins like Sumatra Mandheling, Jakarta blend, regionals like Ethiopia Sidamo -- this is not the kind of place where signature origin farms are featured - Air bed roasting is the primary method here - coffee fans raised on drum roasted coffee may find the flavor profiles a tad sharp. Coffee beverages seem to be competently made in this semi-rural enclave. I've only visited twice in the last 20 years -- grabbed a bag of Ethiopian beans that I am currently tasting...
- Township Coffee- Finally - Great coffee comes to Gordon Head. Featuring Drumroaster coffee - and some great breads, muffins and soups. At the corner of San Juan and Tyndall in Gordon Head. Open Tuesday through Sunday -- usually 9AM until 3 PM... Closed Monday.
Erik holds court here and is very passionate about the coffee business as are his staff. (Open for take-out and whole bean ) - it gets loud and crowded pretty quickly most mornings -- on Sunny days there is lots of seating outside. - Taste Coffee - 1075 Cook and View - I have been in once (to the old location) and need to return - Looks hopeful. Coffee by Drumroaster! (Open - Limited services)
- Mile Zero Coffee - 2612 Bridge Street - They are a coffee roaster and a cafe in one of Victoria's coolest neighborhoods. We love this place so much we reviewed them on our blog over here.
- Bean around the World - Fisgard - 0730 to 1400 hours Daily - doing take-out and outdoor seating (see full review below)
- La Roux 519 Fisgard in Chinatown - 0900-1700 Daily - French patisserie - OMG - delicious things! Indoor and outdoor seating
- Murchies on Government Street - 0830 to 1600 Hours Monday to Friday Indoor and Outdoor seating. Location at Hillside Mall as well - more known for their teas - Muchies goes back -- way back -- 1894 by their website description. I have not had a cup of coffee at Murchies in over 25 years... perhaps a return visit is in order.
The Drumroaster - #24 - 1400 Cowichan Bay Rd. & Trans-Canada highway (South of Duncan) - 45 minutes North of Victoria - Monday to Friday 7 AM until 4 PM - Sat/Sun: 7:30 AM until 4 PM
Geir Oglend was involved in the coffee industry long before it was fashionable in most of North America.In the early 1970's "Coffee culture" was not even a thing yet.
After nearly a decade of working around Victoria, he moved his operation back to his hometown of Stavanger, Norway, and opened a fresh pasta/coffee bar named, Bagga Pasta.
The year 1988, saw Geir move back to Canada, where he opened Victoria's first stand-up espresso bar named Cafe Giovaninni, located at the foot of Fort and Wharf Streets. As usual, Geir Oglend was light years ahead of his time.
Through his 45 year long quest to provide great coffee and service to all those who desire, Geir's travels through Europe have included many visits to espresso manufacturers in Italy as early as 1987, and many, many times since then.
Geir has been involved in selling, installing, and servicing hundreds of espresso machines and other coffee-related pieces of equipment on Vancouver Island, Canada, and has trained well over five hundred individuals in the art of making Italian coffee drinks.
In addition to this, he has provided sales and service for such fine companies as La Cimbali and Rancilio. If you are thinking of building a cafe somewhere in North America, there are few experts more suited to steering you in the right direction than Geir!
As a cabinet maker with his own complete cabinet shop, he is available to provide his services in aspects such as building, construction consultation including design and layout, of any coffee-related retail outlet.
The Cowichan Bay location is a mecca for all things coffee - they even have a new roaster room, lab and show room making more room in the main cafe for customers - for a cafe roaster that is slightly out of the way, this place really packs them in from all over the Island.
Open since 2007, the Drumroaster continues to be a hub of activity for the region, offering the best possible coffee experience. Everything is baked or prepared in-house and that is one of many reasons I give "The Drumroaster" the top pick for Vancouver Island
The Drumroaster Cafe is a must-visit for any coffee lovers visiting Vancouver Island! Expect fast moving line ups and lots of happy faces!
Habit Cafe and Culture - 522 Pandora and Yates & Blanshard Atrium
Shane Devereaux (and his skilled associates) pilot Habit on Pandora in Victoria's historic old-town. And despite the fact that Victoria has some destination coffee shops in the downtown "area", there are few, if any, that are absolute must-visits in the core.
Habit Cafe and Culture stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of 2% Jazz, Disco on Discovery and, if you are a Vancouver resident, the likes of the Elysian Room, Revolver and Matchstick.
Habit Cafe and Culture is the kind of no-nonsense specialty coffee place you would find on the streets of Vancouver, Seattle or Portland. It's all about the coffee and espresso based drinks here folks. The Habit is an unusually spacious entity that caters to the social experience surrounding specialty coffee; conversation, meditation and education. In fact, they used to do public coffee tasting seminars on Tuesdays (and they might still). And if you really, really love your cup of Joe, it might be worth your while to take your knowledge base to the next level.
Habit Cafe and Culture on Pandora below Government Street is a fine example of the next generation of specialty coffee spaces - where knowledge is about as important as the finished product.
I have been to Habit over 100 times now - and there is no question: It's is hipster central for the specialty coffee scene. This is the place to see and be seen.
The Vibe: Habit Coffee represents the monsters of cool. By merely drinking coffee at HABIT, you become cooler, younger and sexier. Heck, being there even fixes dysfunctional elements in my childhood - and that says something! This is the place for young hipsters, sexy happy people - and the coffee is always leading edge - which contributes to the overall groove. So come on down and see what all the cool is about.
Locations - Pandora below Government Street | Yates and Blanshard at the Atrium |
Discovery Coffee - 664 Block Discovery (at Government Street) - 1920 Oak Bay Ave - 1001 Blanshard at Broughton - and 281 Menzies Street in James Bay | Roastery is at 2550 Rock Bay Ave.
Discovery Coffee on Discovery Avenue (at Douglas) is now anchored by Logan and his team of the cities best baristas.
Often considered among the most social of coffee joints, Discovery Coffee in Victoria is a prime example of cafe destination! Make it part of your coffee journey. They are well known for coordinating and hosting barista thrown downs and special coffee events.
Now also open on Blanshard Street and Broughton Street junction and Oak Bay Avenue at Amphion! 7-7 7 Days a week!
The Oak Bay Avenue at Amphion location is opening in a bigger spot a couple of blocks West on Oak Bay avenue -- right across from the Home Hardware!
Discovery coffee features the awesome Yonni's Doughnuts! You have been warned!
The Oak Bay and Amphion location used to feature a siphon bar but top quality individual pours are their thing right now.
Locations - Listed above.
Cafe Vosino - Eustace Ave, Sooke Village, Sooke B.C.
Some 25 miles down a two-lane highway towards the West Coast is the village of Sooke B.C. And up and until a few years ago, Sooke had about 9000 residents starved for great coffee - With the arrival of The Stick in the Mud Cafe, a creation of David Evans, everything has changed.David Evans shares his passion for the bean with every customer - his motto appears to be: No beverage less than the beverage before it and every drink unique to the needs of the customer.
I have been to the Stick about 20 times now - which qualifies it for the honor roll you see here.
What I find interesting is that - not only has Sooke adapted itself to The Stick Cafe, but the opposite has applied as well.
Specialty coffee is relatively new to this West Coast community but the residents have taken to David's brand of the brew as if they have always had great coffee.
And great coffee and espresso it is! Baked goods prepared on location are a must-have as well.
The Stick in the Mud cafe is at 6715 Eustace Ave, a right turn on Otter Point road in the Sooke village if you are coming in from Victoria... and then a quick left.
Coffee is roasted in house by David Evans and crew and is top notch. The Stick in the Mud is one of Sooke's main coffee spots, is full appreciated by the local community - and is generally packed during "Sooke Coffee Time..." which is pretty much all the time!
The Stick in the Mud cafe is now closed (reborn as Cafe Vosino) reopened. Vosino Cafe - A cafe run by a new Co-Op intent on keeping the coffee community together. Naturally we wish the new venture the best -
Meantime, right next door is David's "Roastoreum..." where you can get fresh beans (24 hours day from the "Bean Box" vending machine) and all kinds of coffee kit, brewers, filters, gadgets, the works! Blog and audio interview here.
2% Jazz - Hillside & Douglas
Sam Jones (photo-right) often holds down the morning shift at the Douglas Street 2% Jazz - one of Victoria's smallest and spunkiest espresso joints
There are cafes and there are cafes. 2% Jazz is one the better cafes the city of Victoria has to offer.
Decor: The Douglas and Hillside location is a hit with neighborhood journalists and staff from the local paper, the Times-Colonist. 2% is a great place to hang out and wait for a bus or read the paper if your so inclined. With Sam at the bar, expect good espresso based drinks.
Seating is tight and there is always a crowd.
Sam Jones, runner-up for North-Americas best barista at a past 1990's SCAA conference in San Francisco, covers the AM shift. Come on down and taste what coffee is really about!
The Coffee: His espresso shots and caffeine-powered attitude is first-rate! 2% Jazz uses the innovative Synesso espresso machine with modified 'bottom-less portafilters' for a truly leading-edge experience. In 25+ years of drinking espresso in Victoria, 2% Jazz hits the target 100% of the time. If you are visiting Victoria from somewhere else or are looking for the truly perfect espresso experience, visit 2% Jazz!
Current Locations - 105-740 Hillside Ave. Midtown 2% Jazz next to the Long & McQuade at the Hillside Junction.
Ryan and Kristi Taylor roast and serve some of Victoria's better bean on-site. The drip coffee is top notch and espresso is some of the best in town.
Caffe Fantastico has expanded its Kings Street location to fill and need and hold itself firmly as the signature gathering place for the Quadra community. The Dockside green location now includes a Charcuterie/Deli right on the bike trails!
Best bean: Causeway blend is among the best espresso in the city. Whether you brew at home or have it in-cafe, it cannot be beat. The aged Sumatra (when available) is superb and flavorful to the point of distraction. As they have expanded and improved upon an already exemplary selection of great coffees, CF continues to be near the front of the pack where great taste and sustainability is paramount.
History: I have been buying coffee from Ryan since he was selling it out of his back yard (around 1994-95!). There isn't better bean in the city. Ryan, Kristie and the team at CF care about coffee. So much so, that they have not gone the way of some other local outfits who boost production beyond their capacity to train, support and educate. Volume and quality rarely go hand in hand in the world of great coffee.
Derrick (saw him this week!) is now handling the bulk of the roasting at C.F. and is doing a fabulous job. CF is number one for fresh roasted coffee on Vancouver Island!
Tres' Fantastico is open on Humboldt featuring food, liquor and evening meals - so not really in the full cafe category but an awesome place to grab one of their great coffees and sit in the hotel lobby where they are located.
They now have a signature location at Dockside Green alongside the also new Fol Epi bakery - It is arguably the best view in town - with some highly competent coffee thrown in for good measure.
Caffe Fantastico also sells hardware, coffee brewers, filters and grinders at its flagship Kings Street location.
Locations - Kings and Quadra Roastery | Fol Epi Dockside Green 102-398 Harbour Road | Tre Fantastico 810 Humboldt Full service bistro - open with a variety of services - Call or check website for details.
No question here - This is one of the best coffeehouses for conversation and people watching!
One of Victoria's better cafes is in the heart of China town on Fisgard up from Wharf Street. The coffee is fresh and roasted on premises. They have organic whole bean coffees and 'bird friendly' eco-sensitive Java.
Bean around the World is one of Victoria's busier coffee shops/espresso joints with an older and loyal following. There is rarely a spare seat but everyone seems willing to share if there is a chair. Their staff are among the most dedicated, competent and enthusiastic.
Decor: Wild-west rustic. Do not expect hip, cool, edgy or leading edge. Move on if that is what you are looking for.
Coffee: Always spot on fresh. Espresso based beverages always reproduced faithfully and consistently. I have never had a bad coffee here.
Food: Great panini sandwiches folks!
Colin lives "retired" in Victoria B.C. Canada - Colin can be seen wandering the streets of Victoria with an empty cup and a camera looking for honestly good coffee and espresso. His current brewers include the Hario, an AeroPress, a NewCo OCS-8 and OCS-12, numerous french-presses, and stovetops. Grinder: Rancilio Rocky and Baratza Virtuoso, Vario and numerous manual Hario grinders.