Where to find Victoria's best sweet and savoury pancakes
Pancakes. So much debate surrounding these golden disks of maple syrup covered bliss. You have the fluffy-as-a-down-pillow camp, and you have the mile-high flat stack club. Some people are all about the berries and whip, while others need something a little more savory. Whatever your desire, Victoria has the hotcake spot for you.
Jam Cafe
542 Herald St, Victoria BC V8W 1S6Jam is probably Victoria’s most talked-about brunch spot. They have concocted some of the most unusual yet totally drool-worthy breakfasts in the downtown area. If you’re a red velvet fan (who isn’t?), you can’t look past their Red Velvet Pancakes – it’s like eating a slice of cream cheese glazed heaven for breakfast. More of a savory bruncher? Try their Pulled Pork Pancakes with pickled cabbage and maple BBQ glaze. Pro tip: you’re going to need a doggy bag for these!
Spoons Diner
2915 Douglas St, Victoria BC V8T 4M8Most people would easily look past this groovy diner, situated in the lobby of the Douglas St Super 8, but it happens to be one of the best restaurants for over-the-top, excellently priced pancakes. Your sweet tooth will sweat as you attempt to gobble down their Sooke Potholes – three massive hotcakes with chocolate chips, granola, caramel, chocolate sauce, and a mountain of whipped cream. Too much for you? They also have customizable minicakes.
The Blue Fox Cafe
101-919 Fort St, Victoria BC V8V 3K3The hour long wait to get into Blue Fox may not seem worth it in your caffeine deprived state, but once you taste their from-scratch, super fluffy griddle cakes that time will fade into oblivion. This Spanish-inspired, hole-in-the-wall café has brunch on lock. The Ambrosia Apple Cakes are a favourite, but you can’t go wrong with any of their variations.
De Dutch Pannekoek House
4011 Quadra St, Saan BC V8K 1K1Because De Dutch isn’t located near the downtown core, it often gets overlooked by would-be pancake munchers. Even if you can’t say pannekoeken, the friendly staff will still bring you their amazing Dutch pancakes. These humongous, crepe-style treats are loaded up with everything from eggs and bacon to hearty trail mix to the classics like chocolate and strawberry. Get in early for these delicious 12-inch Dutch pancakes – they close at 2.30pm!
John's Place Restaurant
723 Pandora Ave, Victoria BC V8W 1N9This place is real hometown eats with a seventies diner feel. John has been flipping hotcakes in his restaurant for the past thirty years, and the restaurant makes everything from scratch. His pancakes are some of the fluffiest in town, because he uses a yeast-based batter. You can choose from a variety of toppings, including their famous cream cheese syrup.
My Chosen Cafe
4492 Happy Valley Rd, Victoria BC V9C 3Z3If you have a car and are serious about pancakes, My Chosen Café is the place to go. Located out in Metchosin, the café serves up breakfast daily until 11am. They’re a little more country than rock n’ roll, but they certainly know what makes a good pancake. You can choose the standard golden stack of buttermilk hotcakes, or you can try something totally unique like their Pancake Sandwich.
Shine Cafe
1320 Blanshard St, Victoria BC V8W 2J1You may have seen Shine featured on Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here back in 2012. This diner-style eatery is famous for their egg bennies, but their options for sweet teeth are just as good. Their Famous Pancakes are made from scratch and come with a choice of two mix-ins. If you’re ravenous, you can even pair the cakes with bacon and eggs for a few dollars more! They serve breakfast all day at both of their Victoria locations.
Rebar
50 Bastion Sq, Victoria BC V8W 1J2Looking for some healthy hotcakes? Look no further! Re-Bar is Victoria’s first choice for fresh, nourishing, and local food. They have dozens of vegetarian and vegan options available daily, but their brunch is only served during weekends. If you find yourself in Bastion Square on a Saturday morning, be sure to pop down and check out their weekly hotcake selection. This is health food with serious flavour.
The Village Cafe & Deli
2518 Estevan Ave, Victoria BC V8R 2S7This little gem is hidden in the heart of Estevan Village in Oak Bay and serves up some mean sustainable and local fare. If you’re looking for pancakes with a twist, you can’t bypass their Latke Potato Pancakes. These crispy delights come with a large dollop of sour cream, apple sauce, and fresh fruit on the side. Enjoy them seated outside on the patio, and follow up with a leisurely walk to Willows Beach. Talk about your perfect Sunday afternoon!
