An insider's guide to Victoria since 1997.

Located in a heritage building at the foot of Pandora and Wharf Streets, Swan's Brewpub may look out on a busy intersection but it feels like a retreat. We treated ourselves to breakfast here recently -- not a meal I generally associate with a brewpub, but one of Swan's best. 

I discovered Cabin12 through Twitter, oddly enough, and on a day off I stopped in for lunch which turned out to be breakfast (I had eggs benedict). More recently, I went back with family and friends and after a second sampling decided it was time to add a review.

Pluto's made its home in a one-time gas station over twenty years ago and remains popular. The food is best described as western but there are a number of dishes with Mexican and Asian influences, too. The menu also includes several tasty vegetarian choices, good burgers, and a full breakfast menu. With specials during the week that include all-you-can-eat fish and chips or tacos, plus live entertainment on the weekend, Pluto's tends to be busy almost every night.

Since 1994, this unassuming pub-style restaurant in the 'burbs has been doing steady business. Geared to the university and college student crowd, 1550's (named for its address) boasts a huge drink list and a varied menu but it is also family-friendly, offering a kids' menu and the obligatory colouring sheet and crayons. Despite the size of the menu, service is usually fast -- a bonus for campus staff who often dine here over their lunch breaks.

This BC chain is known for serving Dutch style "pannekoeks" -- plate size pancakes (perhaps closer to a crêpe) -- heaped with various toppings (over 50 varieties on the full menu). Some toppings are much better than others -- I was very disappointed last time as the apples in my topping were pretty much uncooked -- I suggest choosing with care. They also have full breakfast and lunch menus. There are two franchises in Victoria: 642 Johnson Street and 4011 Quadra Street. [restaurant website]

With a diner decor that's heavy on the chrome and red vinyl, Rosie's is a popular choice for all-day breakfasts and burgers. Located in Cook St. Village at 253 Cook St. 

Good food -- great breakfasts. Along with weekend brunch (which draws long lineups) breakfast is served every day starting at 7 a.m. (Mon-Fri) and the menu includes half a page of eggs benedict variations. They also have a wide variety of lunch and dinner entrees and incredibly yummy desserts (the cheesecake is legendary). 723 Pandora Avenue. [restaurant website]

Their menu states they serve "modern food" and it certainly was in 1989 (they feature a juice bar with wheatgrass -- way ahead of their time); Victoria seems to have caught up nearly 20 years later. The interior is very colourful and the service is always great but the reason I keep going back is the food -- they have even released a cookbook. My favourite meal there by far is breakfast. Be prepared for lineups. 50 Bastion Square.

The Blethering Place is a landmark in the heart of the "Oak Bay Village" -- an area of town that tries extra hard to be all things British. Outside, the building shows hints of faux Tudor cladding which unfortunately makes it fit right in to the rest of the village.

Part of a larger chain, abc Country Restaurants are in the same league as Denny's and the Pantry for the quality and variety of food served, popular with seniors and families because the food is inexpensive and somewhat plain; there are separate menus for seniors and children; kids also get a fun-pack that includes a booklet, crayons and a toy.