Everyone knows Victoria to be one of the best foodie cities in the country. Despite the city’s relatively small size, our restaurants scatter the “Best of” lists among Vancouver’s and Toronto’s. And where there’s food, there’s sure to be great wine nearby…
The city of Victoria is home to several stunning wine and tapa bars with atmospheres to match. Here you’ll find small plates and appetizers, inventive cocktails, and impressive wine lists.
In this article, we’ll seek to highlight some of our favourite wine bars around Victoria:
Tourist
Opened sometime in 2023, Tourist Wine Bar has quickly become a local favourite. In a laid-back but chic and refined atmosphere, this wine bar allows you to pick your own bottle from the stand-up fridge.
Located in the southern section of town towards the hotel district and across the street from the Royal Theatre, Tourist can be found at the corner of Blanshard and Broughton. As you approach, you’ll notice the highly coveted handful of patio seats and a small line wrapping the corner. Open Wednesday through Sunday, there are no reservations available.
On the menu, you can expect to find a deep wine list with international offerings, plus a delicious food menu that changes constantly. Check their website or Instagram story for the most recent version.
Bodega
Bodega is a Spanish tapas bar and restaurant nestled in Trounce Alley – a small but bustling eating and drinking hideaway with several restaurants. The interior is intimate, plus there’s a large, covered (and heated) patio where you can sip in any weather and watch date-night couples pass by arm in arm.
The menu at Bodega is distinctly Spanish. With one of Canada’s largest Sherry menus, try a sample flight or sip on Vermouth from around the world. The strictly tapas menu has some of the best dishes in the city, including ceviche, boquerones, beef carpaccio, patatas bravas, and Spanish chorizo.
Open daily at noon, Bodega operates on a first-come, first-serve basis and waitlist system.
Stage
Image credit to Stage Wine Bar
Stage is a comfy neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant that has gathered international acclaim with several awards since opening over a decade ago. Nestled in Fernwood Square, the founders of Stage bought the once derelict space in 2007 and turned it into a central part of the Fernwood community.
At Stage, the menu is changing constantly because it’s based entirely on what’s available, relying on local farmers and purveyors. The menu has a French focus, where you’ll find the likes of beef tartare, pork belly, cured fish, fresh salads and pomme frites.
The wine list is a product of collaboration between the owner and long-time Vancouver Sommelier Robert Herman. The list features some of BC’s best producers plus small European wineries.
Rabbit Rabbit
Image credit to Rabbit Rabbit
Rabbit Rabbit is the newest wine bar on this list, located on the outskirts of Victoria’s historic Chinatown on Herald Street. This exciting new wine bar with the curious double-worded name makes much more sense when you experience the double threat combination of wine and food.
The wine list features an extensive collection of bubbly, plus white and red wines from around the world. Their usual players are all hear, plus exciting selections from Greece, Lebanon, Austria and Georgia (the country). For food, expect internationally inspired cuisine, veg-dedicated options, and savoury appetizers. Rabbit Rabbit offers a select number of reservations each night, plus walk-ins are always welcome. Try visiting from 4-5pm to check out the ‘Happier Hour’!
Matadora
Matadora is an authentic spot for Spanish tapas, cocktails and wine with a cozy spot in Victoria’s Chinatown, right near one of the city’s most iconic landmarks – Fan Tan Alley. The vermouth menu is a highlight, alongside signature Spanish cocktails, a dedicated gin & tonic menu, sangria, and a wine list spanning the Iberian Peninsula. For food, you’ll find Spanish shared plates including favourites like tinned conservas of premium seafood.
Happy hour is 3-5pm daily, plus visit on a Wednesday or Thursday night and enjoy a tapas dinner for two and a bottle of wine for $125. Reservations are available upon request, which are recommended due to the intimate setting.
Vis-à-Vis
Image credit to Vis-à-Vis
Vis-à-Vis is living proof that you don’t need to be downtown to enjoy an exquisite wine bar with French cuisine. This authentic wine and charcuterie bar is located 10 minutes out of town in Oak Bay.
Named after the term that translates to ‘face-to-face’, Vis-à-Vis is known for a more social and engaging experience. Sit right up at the bar to chat with the bartender, or grab a table and enjoy top-tier service.
Come for lunch or dinner and take your pick between French Onion Soup, Mussels, Steak Sandwich, a number of French appies, and many more. The award-winning wine list is staggeringly thorough, with options from all over Europe, Canada, Australia, and beyond.
Bray’s
Image credit to Bray’s
Bray’s is a contemporary wine bar with west coast inspired tapas. In an iconic location at 460 Pandora, Bray’s is found near the Johnson Street Bridge in the bottom of the Janion building – a historic part of town. The patio puts you right in the middle of the action.
The tapas menu features fresh, west coast ingredients including local produce and seafood from right here in Victoria. The wine list boasts favourites from local BC vineyards, plus an extensive selection from overseas.
Open 7 days a week at 2pm, reservations are available for inside while the patio remains walk-in only.
For more on the best of Victoria, visit our website. Get to know the municipalities and neighbourhoods of Victoria, find cool things to do in Victoria, and learn more about moving to this beautiful city.
