One of the many things I love about where we live is the wide variety of beautiful and amazing cafes and coffee shops. They are scattered all throughout the city and each have their own unique fun flair. I obviously have not gotten the chance to visit them all and I am sure there are some that I missed but the following is a list of my ten faves (in no particular order).
1. NOURISH KITCHEN & CAFÉ
Set in a beautiful 1888 character heritage home in James Bay Nourish is a welcoming bright and airy place to grab a coffee and healthy snack or stay for a wholesome meal inspired by nature.
Address: 225 Quebec St.
2. MOKA HOUSE COFFEE Cook St Village
Moka house in Cook St. Village is our favourite patio to sit and play cards on. They obviously make a wicked good Mocha (J’s fave) and I love getting either an Americano or an iced watermelon cucumber mint fruit medley.
Address: 345 Cook St.
3. DISCOVERY COFFEE
With four locations located in James, Bay, Oak Bay, Blanshard St. and Discovery St. (The OG) this coffee shop roasts all their own coffee…and it is strong. Discovery coffee and their yummy Yonnis Doughnuts got me through my intensive two-year massage school program. Due to proximity to where we live we either frequent the James Bay or Blanshard St. location.
Address: 281 Menzies St, Victoria + 1001 Blanshard St.
4. HABIT COFFEE
This is another great place for strong coffee. Habit has one location in Chinatown and one in the Atrium. Both are welcoming with such a lovely atmosphere. With ethically sourced beans and great sustainability initiatives Habit is a great local business I love supporting.
Address: 808 Yates St. + 552 Pandora Avenue
5. UNION PACIFIC COFFEE SHOP
This red brick café is found not only on Herald St. but from the back at the end of Dragon Ally. It is beautiful with such a warm feel. They have amazing coffee and delicious pastries, baked goods, sandwiches and all day breakfast.
Address: 537 Herald St.
6. BEAR & JOEY CAFÉ
You will see this one pop up again on my fave brunch spots too. It is a super cute and trendy little café with Australian inspired influence. They have a coffee counter for takeaway or dine-in with a small but yummy brunch menu. My go to is definitely the breakfast sandwich.
Address: 1033 Cook St.
7. IMAGINE STUDIO CAFE
This cozy little café set in James Bay close to Fisherman’s wharf, offers not only a variety of coffee, tea and homemade baked goods but also wood fired flat bred pizza! They have a cute little covered outdoor seating area beside the café or you can take your yummy treats to enjoy in the park across the road or along the water. What I really like about this café is their positive initiatives within the community. They describe themselves as “are a non-profit business cafe providing inclusive employment to young adults who may otherwise face barriers due to mental health, addiction, and homelessness. Our mandate is to provide employment and training opportunities, life and social skills training, coaching, and self-development programs for those who need a little more encouragement.”
Address: 31 Erie St.
8. HEY HAPPY
Hey Happy is a bright café located right downtown in Market Square. It is bright, happy (obvs haha), and brings all the good vibes. Their menu has hot and iced drinks, pastries, sandwiches, salads, bowls and light snacks. My go to is their iced honey latte!
Address: 560 Johnson St.
9. DEMITASSE
This charming little place is the perfect balance of café and garden centre. Located in Oak Bay visit this spot to enjoy organic coffee, delicious baked goods, pizza or salad while being surrounded by beautiful gardens and a nursery full of unique and rare plants.
Address: 2164 McNeill Av.
10. ILUKA ESPRESSO
This gem is just a bit aways from downtown but it such a vibe and well worth the visit. Inspired by Australian beach and coffee culture it is an adorable café with gorgeous aesthetic on the water at Portage Inlet. Iluka means “by the sea” and this café transports you to a tropical dreamy paradise no matter the time of year. They have a wide selection of fancy drinks, yummy baked goods, and beautiful bowls.
Address: 101 Island Hwy #100
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