Late-night eats in Victoria
Sometimes you just need a plate of fried food after a night of club-hopping. Or, an elegant meal following an evening at the theatre. Or, pizza to refuel after an all-night study session. Whatever the reason, your hunger needn’t be bound by "the rules" of when to eat dinner. When you’re hungry, you’re hungry – so, dig in at one of these late-night eateries.
Palagio Pizza
165-2950 Douglas St, Victoria BC V8T 4N4Craving pizza? Get some any time of day or night from Palagio, open 24 hours, seven days a week. This is post-party, working folks’ pizza and when it’s 3 a.m. on a Thursday when nothing else is open, you’re just thankful it’s there. Visit their website for current pizza specials which generally include a Family Meal deal as well as two and three-pizza combos. They also have wings, salads, desserts and beverages available for delivery.
The Mint
When you're feeling peckish in the wee hours but looking for something with a little more style and substance than drive-through fast food, there's The Mint. Open until 2 a.m., seven days a week, this is where the cool kids hang out when they're craving good food and good tunes. The resident DJ entertains while you tuck into tasty lamb curries, pesto naan pizzas and flourless Callebaut chocolate cake. Fairy lights and a sparkly staircase add a romantic feel to this cozy basement space.
Little Jumbo Restaurant & Bar
102-506 Fort St, Victoria BC V8W 1E6Cocktail lovers, this is your late-night restaurant. Little Jumbo prides itself on quality mixology, with an extensive list of complex concoctions available for your drinking pleasure. Sip on a "Paris of the Prairies," a mixture of Alberta premium rye, Gabriel Boudier cassis, dry vermouth and cinnamon bitters over Saskatoon berry ice cubes. Pair it with one of their tasty cheeses, starters or main course meals. Food is served until 10 p.m., but you can nurse your cocktail until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and midnight on other nights.
The Joint Pizzeria & Deli
1219 Wharf St, Victoria BC V8W 1T9Though it does cater to a bustling, late-night bar crowd, this centrally located pizzeria isn't your average dollar-slice, fast food stop. The Joint uses quality ingredients like 100% real dairy cheeses, organic whole wheat pizza dough, homemade gluten-free rice crust and a variety of fresh toppings. Examples of the inventive pies include El Diablo (baked chicken, pineapple, red peppers, banana peppers, mozzarella, bacon, corn, BBQ sauce) and Wild Westcoast (alfredo sauce, wild smoked salmon, spinach, caramelized onion, mozzarella). They offer vegan and vegetarian options besides the meaty favourites so everyone leaves happy. And full.
Cactus Club Cafe
1125 Douglas St, Victoria BC V8W 2E5This popular chain is expanding across Canada but it's been a BC favourite for years. A menu of globally inspired cuisine created by a culinary team (headed by celebrity chef Rob Feenie) makes this a perfect choice for after-work bites and date nights. The restaurant offers a Lifestyle Choices menu with gluten-free, vegetarian and lighter options and you can access complete nutritional information for all dishes on their website. The Victoria location is open until midnight, Sunday through Wednesday nights, and til 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Clive's Classic Lounge
740 Burdett Ave, Victoria BC V8W 1B2Located in the Chateau Victoria Hotel, Clive's is just as the name promises. Reviving the roots of old-school, high-quality cocktail lounges, this place takes mixology seriously, using fresh, often house-made ingredients. And what could go better with a fabulous cocktail than a plate of spinach and feta perogies, or a Thai-style seafood curry? The kitchen is open until 9 p.m., but bar service runs until midnight, Sunday-Wednesday and 1 a.m., Thursday-Saturday.
Fiamo Italian Kitchen
515 Yates St, Victoria BC V8W 1K7With a kitchen that stays open until 2 a.m. daily, this is the perfect place to satisfy your late night Italian-food cravings. Tuck into artisan pizza topped with prosciutto and pancetta or spinach and onion confit, or scrumptious plates of seafood risotto or fluffy gnocchi. Fiamo proves you don't have to sacrifice quality just because you're eating late. An extensive wine list helps create the perfect pairing for an after-hours meal you'll remember.
Vista 18 Westcoast Grill and Wine Bar
740 Burdett Ave, Victoria BC V8W 1B2On the 18th floor of the Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites, you'll find Vista 18. Enjoy the impressive view and a menu that features free-range, organic and local ingredients. Sleek, modern decor complements the contemporary cuisine, and the extensive martini list and draught beer selection ensure you won't go thirsty. Dinner is served until 10 p.m. and small bites are available until midnight, seven days a week.
