- Story by Susan Lundy Photography by Lia Crowe

When the sun shines, temperatures soar and itB次元官网网址檚 time to wine and dine, outdoors is the place to be. Luckily, restaurants and bars in downtown Victoria have a range of options B次元官网网址� from sidewalk seating to lush garden settings B次元官网网址� to sip and savour al fresco. Here are 11 of our favourite spots and why we love them.

#1

ItB次元官网网址檚 Obvious

Canoe Brewpub

If youB次元官网网址檙e thinking B次元官网网址減atioB次元官网网址� in Victoria, Canoe might be the first image that pops into mind. Quintessential Victoria, it checks all the boxes B次元官网网址� scenic, seaside dining (and lots of it) with a great menu and a diverse selection of beer crafted on site. ItB次元官网网址檚 a perfect place to gather with a group and share a sunny afternoon.

SAVOUR: Canoe Classic Burger B次元官网网址� B次元官网网址渉appy cowB次元官网网址� organic beef, lettuce, tomato, cheddar, bread and butter pickles, burger sauce.

SIP: Canoe Beer B次元官网网址� try the mainstays and the seasonal.

#2

To the Sea

Fishhook Mermaid Wharf

One block down the harbour from Canoe, find Fishhook and prepare to tantalize your taste buds. This waterfront patio with views to the working waterway and Johnson Street Bridge serves up fantastic seafood with an Indo-French influence. Delish.

SAVOUR: Mermaid Thali B次元官网网址� crispy, house-pickled seasonal local vegetables served with candied salmonaisse, harissaB次元官网网址檇 wild shrimp, lemony baguette and an assortment of local, sustainable cured, hot and cold smoked seafood.

SIP: Seaside Sangria B次元官网网址� apricot brandy, peach schnapps, white cranberry juice, choice of white, red or sparkling wine.

#3

Viva Italia!

Il Covo Trattoria

With a lush and peaceful setting, an Italian-inspired menu and exquisite service, Il Covo Trattoria is the spot for outdoor fine dining. Step off a busy street in James Bay and find yourself seated in a lush garden, surrounded by many of the herbs and edible flowers also found in your meal. We sipped Prosecco and savoured cool gazpacho (served with a lavender garnish). Molto buona!

SAVOUR: Spaghetti Allo Scoglio (GF) B次元官网网址� calamari, mussels, prawns, clams and bay scallops in a light white wine marinara sauce.

SIP: Grappa di Amarone B次元官网网址� deep amber, fruity cherry notes along with flavours of almonds and anise.

#4

Raw is the draw

E:Ne Raw Food Sake Bar

Sidewalk seating at E:N茅B次元官网网址檚 black, bar-style tables on Pandora Street may not offer the most scenic setting B次元官网网址� although the people watching is definitely fun B次元官网网址� but the menu will have you swooning in your seat. A $4 bites menu plus sake flight options let you sample your way through a large section of Japanese specialty dishes and sakes. Try a sake bomb!

SAVOUR: E:N茅 Aburi Charcuterie Platter B次元官网网址� chefB次元官网网址檚 choice aburi roll, aburi oshi sushi, aburi nigiri and aburi oshi bites.

SIP: Sparkling sake.

#5

SheB次元官网网址檚 so high/high above me

The Livet

Rooftop dining with skyline views and a cosy setting at The Livet sets the stage (theatre metaphor intended) for a must-do patio experience. Located across the street from the Royal Theatre, the upstairs location offers a private oasis from the busy street setting below. Features a char grill and a focus on tapas-style eating.

SAVOUR: Honey Garlic Pork Ribs B次元官网网址� sesame, ginger, smoked tamari almonds, seasonal pickles.

SIP: Above the Clouds: gin, cr猫me de viollette, lillet blanc, citrus, egg white.

#6

We like to watch (the world go by)

10 AcresB次元官网网址� Commons

While 10 Acres is split into three separate dining areas B次元官网网址� Bistro, Kitchen and Commons B次元官网网址� itB次元官网网址檚 the street-side sidewalk patio of Commons that is the outdoor place to be for tasty bites and mega sights. Situated with views of the Inner Harbour and across the street from the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel, this is people-watching central in Victoria. Faster-paced than Bistro and Kitchen, the menu incorporates the same farm-to-table philosophy.

SAVOUR: Halloumi + Tofu Tacos B次元官网网址� AdrianaB次元官网网址檚 corn tortillas with guajillo and arbol chili bbq, pico de gallo and 10 Acres Farm spicy sauce.

SIP: Fare Fruit Margarita (and itB次元官网网址檚 on the Happy Hour menu, too!).

#7

ItB次元官网网址檚 the gin

The Veranda at the Empress

Elegance, charm and spectacular views of VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Inner Harbour, The Veranda at the Empress offers a summertime setting thatB次元官网网址檚 great for a quiet bite amid the bustle of the city. And the drinks menu is dazzling. If you have yet to taste the pleasingly purple Empress Gin, this is the spot to do it. Or try one of the drink B次元官网网址淚mpostersB次元官网网址� such as the one featured below.

SAVOUR: Floating Island (dessert) B次元官网网址� bourbon vanilla bean cr猫me anglaise, fresh raspberries, meringue chips.

SIP: Honey Lavender Lemonade: citrus blend, Fairmont honey, lavender and pea flower lemonade.

#8

For body and soul

Nourish Kitchen + Cafe

The sun-drenched seasonal patio at Nourish Kitchen + Cafe pairs a quiet, foliage-framed setting at the foot of a beautiful heritage building with divine flavours created from wholesome ingredients. Why wouldnB次元官网网址檛 you want to eat at a restaurant that aims to B次元官网网址渕ake people feel healthy and happy?B次元官网网址� Open from 9 am to 3 pm, this is a perfect spot for breakfast or brunch al fresco. Gluten free? This is your happy place.

SAVOUR: Sleeping Beauty Pancakes (GF) B次元官网网址� cardamom oat pancakes, warm fruit compote, organic pomegranate whipped cream, bee pollen sprinkles, maple syrup.

SIP: Uprooted B次元官网网址� harmonic arts chaga kola root syrup, soda water, sacred basil flower essence, immune depth tincture.

#9

Crafty

The Drake Eatery

With a rotating selection of unique West Coast beer and a deck overlooking Market Square, The Drake offers an urban oasis completely removed from the hustle of the city. ItB次元官网网址檚 the place to go if youB次元官网网址檙e a craft beer enthusiast, but it also pours a delicious, hoppy cider plus various wines, and serves up a full menu of bites as sipping sides.

SAVOUR: Grilled Cheese and Kimchi B次元官网网址� aged cheddar, green apple on grilled ciabatta, or make it vegan with The Cultured Nuts Ottima Mozza.

SIP: The beer! (or try the Tod Creek Mala-Hop Cider).

#10.

Hefty happy hour

Glo Restaurant + Lounge

ThereB次元官网网址檚 lots to like about the shoreline-hugging Glo B次元官网网址� located on Jutland Road with views of the busy Selkirk Waterway B次元官网网址� but add in a lengthy Happy Hour and an extensive Happy Hour menu, and youB次元官网网址檒l be particularly happy to sip and savour away the afternoon. Happy Hour runs 2-5 pm as well as late night and features a power-packed range of drink and food specials.

SAVOUR: Shanghai Lettuce Wraps B次元官网网址� hoisin-ginger ground chicken, crispy farkay noodles, cilantro, toasted peanuts, shredded carrot and crisp iceberg lettuce cups, served with three sauces, sweet chili aioli, peanut lime and ginger soy.

SIP: Happy Hour Prosecco Cocktails

#11.

Urban escape

The Fort Common

With alley-access only, the courtyard patio at Fort Commons is a superb spot to bring your takeout and step into a private haven right downtown. Staged with communal-style tables and offering napkins, cutlery and water, itB次元官网网址檚 perfectly positioned as an outdoor eatery for nearby favourites such as Be Love, Yalla, La Taquista, Fishhook and Chorizo & Co. Open from June 1 to September 16.