An insider's guide to Victoria since 1997.

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.

I used to like the dim sum at Jade Palace in Market Square, but it was long ago was replaced with office space. Don Mee's became my default choice for those great little dumplings, but I wanted to find and alternative-- just to mix it up a little.

As a kid, I used to walk by the corner store across from the Crystal pool; and sometimes pop in for a Coke or a bag of chips. The shop was converted into a restaurant-- the main storefront was turned into the kitchen; and the back became the dining area. When I came in, there was a decent number of dinners, all enjoying their meals. I made two visits there.

You might miss the White Heather Tea Room if you were driving by.

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.

The Pacific Restaurant is on the main floor of the Hotel Grand Pacific, looking out toward the Inner Harbour. Unfortunately, the view is obstructed by the Coho terminal and the Wax Museum; I had expected it to be on a higher floor to take advantage of its location.

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]

Tucked into a small strip of retail frontage at 418 Craigflower road is this very popular, kid-friendly coffee shop. Spiral Cafe serves light fare --soup and baked goods -- in addition to organic coffee. Sunday mornings feature storytime and almost every night there is some sort of live entertainment. [cafe 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. 

This building was once a gas station and it shows -- they tend to leave the door open far too late on cool summer evenings. This coffee bar also offers light meals and tasty desserts. It's open 24-hours on weekends (6 a.m. - 3 a.m. through the week) with a large patio and a view of the Chinatown Gate of Harmonius Interest. 1701 Government at Fisgard.