Are you wondering where to eat in Sidney? The choice may be difficult but not from a lack of options. Sidney has several fantastic restaurants and all types of cuisine. For this piece, we are going to focus on the best restaurants in downtown Sidney. These are also within walking distance of the Port Sidney Marina and Sidney Spit Ferry, so don’t worry fishermen and tourists we got ya covered!
GRILLS, BREWERIES, AND PUBS IN SIDNEY
If you’re craving comfort food, then nothing beats a burger and a beer. These are our top comfort food picks for pubs near downtown Sidney.
SEA GLASS WATERFRONT GRILL
2320 HARBOUR RD
This grill has gourmet burgers and flatbreads and the restaurant overlooks a beautiful ocean view. I mean, really, where else can you get a fire-grilled lamb burger with peach chutney? This grill has a small but mighty menu and reservations are highly recommended.
THE SURLY MERMAID
9851 SEAPORT PL #1B
This gem is located near the Port Sidney Marina, perfect for those needing a bit of time to get their land-legs back. This place has seafood, burgers, tacos, and many more delights.
SMALL GODS BREWING CO.
9835 THIRD ST SIDNEY
Deli sandwiches done right along with craft beer are highlights of this place. They have an emphasis on literature with author readings, trivia, and a book club.
SPITFIRE GRILL
9681 WILLINGDON RD, NORTH SAANICH
Ok, this one is technically just outside of Sidney but it’s so good we had to include it on the list. If you are near the airport, this is where you need to fuel back up with some good eats. Breakfast, lunch, burgers, sandwiches, and pasta are just some of the menu items at Spitfire. Watch the planes go by as you enjoy a home cooked meal right here on the Saanich Peninsula.
10 ACRES AT THE PIER
2538 BEACON AVE
Westcoast dining at its finest is what defines 10 Acres. This restaurant is located inside of the Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, so this is a fantastic option for tourists. Spend a day at the spa then relax to a gourmet meal made with farm-fresh local ingredients.
THAI AND CHINESE FOOD
GOOD FORTUNE RESTAURANT
9775 THIRD ST
Good Fortune Restaurant offers freshly made Chinese food for all types of flavour preferences. They have all your top Chinese dishes like egg rolls, chow mein, chop suey, szechuan, lemon chicken, honey garlic pork, and they are known for having the absolute best ginger fried beef! If you’re craving Chinese food, then you gotta check this one out!
SABHAI THAI RESTAURANT
2493 BEACON AVE
Spice it up with one of the top-rated Thai restaurants in Sidney. This family-owned restaurant has been voted #1 for best ethnic food restaurant in Sidney, year after year! Locals love this place for its fresh food and friendly staff.
LOCAL COFFEE SHOPS AND CAFE OPTIONS
ALEXANDER’S COFFEE BAR
2385 BEACON AVE
Along with the usual suspects like Tim Hortons (2343 Beacon Ave, by the way), there are some amazing local coffee shops like Alexander’s Coffee Bar. This shop features local art and has a special charm about its atmosphere. It is cozy and inviting with ample parking nearby.
MARY’S BLEUE MOON CAFE
9535 CANORA RD
This is one of our favourite cafes, not just for the amazing service and coffee but because of their delicious breakfast menu. Eggs Benny, pancakes, waffles – anything you want, she’s got it here! The rest of the menu is quite varied, making this place great for picky eaters.
GRAY’S CAFE
2526 BEVAN AVE #101
Another local coffee shop in Sidney is Gray’s Cafe. This one is just off the main street, so it tends to be a bit quieter. For those that are gluten-free, Gray’s cafe is happy to accommodate your dietary needs.
FOX & MONOCLE CAFE
2300 CANOE COVE RD #3
Getting off the Swartz-Bay ferry? Then your first stop should be at the Fox & Monocle Cafe. Not only is one of the owner’s a fantastic pastry chef, but the food options here are unreal. Creative, beautiful dishes make any dining experience at the Fox & Monocle Cafe one to remember.
TONOLLI’S CAFE AND BAKERY
2400 BEVAN AVE (CORNER OF BEVAN AND FIFTH)
Another local hot spot is at Tonolli’s. This is their second location and for good reason. Excellent mochas and macchiatos paired with homemade paninis and baked goods. Their scones are the best in the area, hands down. It doesn’t get much better than Tonolli’s!
THE FICKLE FIG FARM MARKET EXPRESS
2489 BEACON AVE
This eatery revolves around their farmer’s market. Pasture-raised hens provide all the eggs for breakfast and lunch items depending on what’s in season at the farm! Fresh, local, seasonal produce means the menu always has something new at the height of its perfection. There’s also pizza and an excellent assortment of baked goods. Their original location is at 1780 Mills Road, where you will find the full market, and a third option is available near the airport at #1071-1640 Electa Boulevard.
SUSHI AND JAPANESE CUISINE
TASTE OF TOKYO
101-9842 RESTHAVEN DR
There aren’t too many sushi restaurants in Sidney, but Taste of Tokyo is a popular choice. Locals keep coming back to this restaurant despite some longer wait times (due to how busy they are) because the food is made fresh, the staff are attentive and friendly, and it tastes really good!
INDIAN FOOD
FRESH TANDOORI FLAVOUR INDIAN RESTAURANT
2395 BEACON AVE
This is a restaurant you may have seen in other places, like Oak Bay, Royal Oak, and Duncan. This is the best Indian restaurant in Sidney with authentic North-Indian cuisine. They have familiar favorites like butter chicken, samosas, vegetable korma, biryani, and an assortment of tandoori and lamb features. Give your tastebuds a ride and enjoy authentic Indian food right here in Sidney!
PIZZA JOINTS
900 BiSTRO
2360 BEACON AVE #103
Fresh, organic, wood-fired, local pizza is the hallmark of this pizzeria. Enjoy classics like never before such as a simple margherita or try something new like a pear and gorgonzola combination. Their sourdough thin crust pizzas are a crowd-pleaser, along with several pastas and appetizers.
MARINER PIZZA
2321 JAMES WHITE BLVD
Slightly off the beaten path is another local pizza joint. This style of pizza is similar to pizza chains, except the quality level has been boosted way up. Their menu contains specialty pizzas as well as the option to create your own based on your favourite toppings. Prices are fair, staff are friendly, and service is fast, even on busy nights.
ICE CREAM, DESSERTS, AND BAKED GOODS IN SIDNEY
We all love a soft serve ice cream from Dairy Queen (2323 Bevan Ave), but Sidney has even more to offer for dessert options.
QUINCE CAFE & ICE CREAM
2527 BEACON AVE #104
This tiny shop has ice-cream to go and a couple of small tables outside to enjoy your treats. For a quick order to take elsewhere, this is a great place to stop by on the way back to your hotel. In addition to ice cream they also have other treats like scones, cookies, and other baked goods.
ROGER’S CHOCOLATES
2423 BEACON AVE
This is a staple in Victoria – if you haven’t had a chocolate from Roger’s Chocolate then you are missing out on a key life experience. The Victoria Creams are highly recommended. If you are unable to visit in person, they have an option for ordering online, too!
SIDNEY SCONES
2310 BEACON AVE
What’s a visit to the Greater Victoria region without tea and scones? Chelsey from Sidney Scones offers gourmet scones in a variety of tempting flavours.
JANET’S SPECIAL TEAS
2451 BEACON AVE
Once you picked out a few to sample, head on over to Janet’s Special Teas to find that perfect pairing. These teas are high in quality and variety. Black, green, herbal, rooibos, oolong, and white tea are all here, along with some amazing blends and flavoured black teas.