
John's Place Restaurant
A Victoria institution serving Canadian comfort food for decades. Known for huge portions, quirky decor, and a warm, friendly vibe.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

John's Place Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Victoria institution serving Canadian comfort food for decades. Known for huge portions, quirky decor, and a warm, friendly vibe.
"Huge portions that had us happily full (and maybe a little smug about skipping lunch)."
Visit during holidays
Experience special festive decorations for a unique dining atmosphere.
Come hungry!
Meals are known for generous portions that are incredibly tasty.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Canadian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Generous Portions of Comfort Food
Indulge in massive, delicious servings of homemade comfort food. Think pancakes bigger than plates!

Eclectic Decor & Pop Culture History
Immerse yourself in a unique ambiance, with walls covered in souvenirs and pop culture memorabilia.

Festive Holiday Ambiance
Experience a special dining atmosphere, especially during holidays with unique, festive decorations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during holidays
Experience special festive decorations for a unique dining atmosphere.
Come hungry!
Meals are known for generous portions that are incredibly tasty.
Try the weekly specials
Explore an extensive weekly special menu for new culinary delights.
Family-friendly options
Children can enjoy drawing on menus while parents savor great food.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during holidays
Experience special festive decorations for a unique dining atmosphere.
Come hungry!
Meals are known for generous portions that are incredibly tasty.
Try the weekly specials
Explore an extensive weekly special menu for new culinary delights.
Family-friendly options
Children can enjoy drawing on menus while parents savor great food.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
John's Place is praised for its delicious, hearty comfort food and exceptionally generous portions, making it a go-to for a satisfying meal. The eclectic, memorabilia-filled atmosphere contributes to a unique and welcoming dining experience. While most diners rave about the food and friendly service, one review mentioned a negative interaction with the owner regarding noise levels.
"John’s Place is THE place. It has old school vibes where the walls are absolute plastered with souvenirs, memorabilia and assorted pop culture history. It’s a bit of a blend between a well-lit friendly neighborhood bar and a clean version of your grandparents garage.
The people are kind, the service is quick, the menu is no frills and the servings are MASSIVE. The pancake was bigger than a dinner plate at other restaurants. And they don’t sacrifice quality for the quantity.
This is a great spot with real personality. We would definitely come back."
Aneesh Vaghadia
"We had the absolute best service from Paris today! I noticed her beautiful smile as we waited out front this morning and saw how busy and well organized she was and always smiling to her customers. Brunch was out of this world delicious. Best waffles with decadent maple cream cheese. Nice fresh fruit garnish. Eggs perfectly cooked. Great Americano. A fantastic place to enjoy a great meal and outstanding service."
Marilyn Friedmann
"We stumbled upon this spot for brunch and were absolutely blown away. Everything we ordered was incredibly tasty—from the first bite to the last. Huge portions that had us happily full (and maybe a little smug about skipping lunch). Great flavors, cozy atmosphere, and a menu that delivers. Loved every minute of it!
The restroom was clean, which we appreciated, but felt a bit outdated. A little renovation could elevate the overall experience even more. Still, we’d definitely come back!"
Maryam Bojarian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
John's Place specializes in Canadian comfort food, with a strong emphasis on breakfast and lunch items like pancakes, waffles, frittatas, and hearty hashes.
Yes, reviews consistently mention that the portions are massive, often describing them as bigger than expected and very filling.
Yes, John's Place is known to offer gluten-free options, including gluten-free waffles.
Yes, the restaurant is child-friendly and offers menus that children can draw on.
The atmosphere is described as eclectic and cozy, filled with souvenirs and pop culture memorabilia, creating a unique and friendly neighborhood vibe.
Yes, the restaurant offers special dining experiences during holiday seasons with festive decorations.
Given the popularity, especially on weekends, arriving early or being prepared for a potential wait is advisable, though reservations are not explicitly mentioned.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
What to see in Victoria, British Columbia
If brunch is on the cards, try John’s Place, a kitsch, old-school spot serving waffles, pancakes and ‘Bat Out Of Hell meatloaf and eggs’, or head for the bubblegum-pink Floyd’s Diner in James Bay, where asking for ‘The Mahoney’ will get you whatever takes the chef’s fancy. For a tipple, Downtown’s Citrus & Cane mixes killer cocktails with a tropical twist (try the ‘ooh dat’s spicy’, made with Sons of Vancouver chilli vodka), while Boomtown serves a raft of BC porters and pale ales in its beer garden.
THE COMPLETE FOODIE GUIDE TO VICTORIA, BC
Maybe I shouldn’t be starting this post on my favourite place in the whole city, but I really can’t help myself – and I could go on about how much I love John’s Place forever. Not only was the food gorgeous (I completely stuffed myself silly on pancakes, waffles, and chorizo) and the atmosphere buzzing, but the staff members were all so lovely. Debra was our server, and told us all about how she’d been here for a grand total of 34 years and loved it just as much today as she did then.
Top 5 Brunch Places in Victoria
A true Victoria staple, John’s Place has been serving up excellent brunch for over 30 years. Customers enjoy a wide range of brunch options, including the “Off the Wall Breakfast” menu, which is filled with frittatas, hash, and other exciting brunch options for a one-of-a-kind meal. If you’re in more of a lunch mood, they also have a “Sandwich Hall of Fame”, with a mix of classic sandwiches made to perfection.
Best Brunch in Victoria BC Canada: 16+ Top Victoria Brunch Spots
John’s Place Restaurant (723 Pandora Ave) is the ultimate brunch spot for Canadian comfort food with a side of rustic comfort. This longstanding eatery in Victora has been around since 1984 and serves a variety of sweet treats, like Belgium waffles, French toast, pancakes, and homemade bakery items, like bread and pie. Wood paneling and sports memorabilia create a relaxed and homey atmosphere.
Victoria Breakfast Spot Favourites
Many years ago when we lived much closer to the city center, John’s Place was our go to food joint. Every second Sunday morning we would make the trek down to John’s and line up just before opening to make sure we got in and got a place to sit. John’s Place has been a Victoria institution for almost 40 years, a place to go for some great food whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner.
10 Best Breakfast Spots in Victoria BC
For over four decades, John’s Place has been a friendly favourite among locals and visitors alike!. Located in downtown Victoria, this beloved establishment serves up incredible breakfast classics and incredible house favourites like fluffy Belgian waffles drizzled with cream cheese syrup. Be prepared for line-ups on weekends as everyone craves a taste of their legendary breakfast.
The Best Breakfast in Victoria BC: Must-Visit Cafes & Diners
John’s Place, a well-known eatery in Victoria, BC, boasts a diverse breakfast menu. Its mix of classic and innovative caters to all tastes and dietary preferences, including options for vegans and those with gluten sensitivities. In addition, the restaurant offers a delightful atmosphere and friendly service, making it a favourite breakfast destination for both locals and visitors.
A pandemic guide to the best brunch spots in Victoria
Located on Pandora Avenue, John’s Place Restaurant is a cozy diner that serves a variety of homestyle meals. The longtime staple of downtown Victoria is known for being one of the best breakfast restaurants in the city. Their brunch menu is currently limited due to the pandemic, but you can still enjoy favourites such as their classic eggs benny.
THE BEST BRUNCH IN VICTORIA, BC
If you are after your classic breakfast diner, look no further than John’s Place. This eclectic locale has floor-to-ceiling covered walls with old school posters and celebrity headshots. Its been operating for 34 years and if that doesn’t speak for itself, then its delicious breakfast dishes made from scratch will be sure to win you over.
10 Best Breakfast Spots In Victoria To Start Your Day Right
One thing people love about John’s Place is that they make everything from scratch. Whether it’s herb bread, cornbread, to salad dressings, you can count on that everything is freshly made in their kitchen. The interior of the place is very artsy as different pictures are on every wall you set your eyes to.
Can't-Miss Eggs Benedict in Victoria BC
Considered the granddaddy of Victoria brunch spotss, John’s Place was recently featured on the Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here. Their extensive menu features 11 different eggs Benedict selections including a hollandaise-free, Mexican-inspired plate loaded with chorizo, cornbread, and jalapenos.
Best Breakfast in Victoria BC
John's Place is a classic diner for breakfast and brunch, serving up hearty dishes with a touch of nostalgia. The diner has a retro and fun atmosphere, with memorabilia and posters from the 50s and 60s. John's is consistently recommended as a spot for the best breakfast in Victoria BC.
Top 13 Gluten-Free American Diners to Experience in Victoria
Experience a lively spot with unique decor, a bustling atmosphere, and tasty signature offerings, perfect for anyone looking for a fun outing. Fantastic place to have brunch!. Being Celiac, there are often challenges with the menus, but here at Johns Place they accommodate for this.
Victoria Breakfast
It has been around and popular for probably at least the last 30 years, and probably much longer. See for yourself, all you have to do is walk around to all the memorabilia on the walls, much of it signed to John himself. The food is excellent, mostly Western food cooked perfectly.
9 Best Restaurants & Foodie Stops For A Vancouver Island Road Trip From Victoria To Tofino
since 1984 and continues to be a beloved breakfast spot in town. The restaurant serves Canadian comfort food like eggs benedict, waffles, pancakes and house made pie. A review on Yelp calls is a "great breakfast spot in Victoria" and others rave about the food and the vibe inside.
Restaurants in Victoria
Diners have lined up out the door for the past three decades for John's hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, with the longest lines on weekend mornings. It's classic comfort food, featuring homemade bread and an all-day breakfast menu featuring the city's best eggs…
17 Amazing Things to Do in Victoria, BC (+ Tips for Food)
A local favourite and quite the establishment, John’s Place has been serving amazing food for over 30 years. Everything on the menu is made fresh daily from the waffles to the meatloaf. With a homey atmosphere and a great staff, this is a great spot for breakfast or lunch.
Best Breakfast & Brunch in Victoria
Their walls are filled with frames with pictures of pop culture icons and other famous folks. Just at the end of our block, you'll find many people lining up in the morning but it's definitely worth the wait. Our favorites: Smoked Salmon Benny with Asparagus - Catch 22.
Top 12 restaurants in Victoria (BC)
It’s the oldest Diner in Victoria and a must-visit when on the Island. John Cantin opened the doors of his diner back in 1984. As a trained chef and traveler, he opened a place in Victoria to serve Canadian comfort food, homemade breads, pies and unique breakfasts.
Top 5: Best Restaurants in Downtown Victoria, BC
John’s Place has been a staple in downtown Victoria since 1969!. Everything is made in-house from scratch – including their mouth-wateringly good breads and dressings. They serve breakfast, brunch and lunch, with options for every diet and taste.
Food | Best In Victoria
It’s been a few years since I’ve been to John’s Place but it’s always been good. Generous portions at lower prices is what you can expect at John’s. There are lots of other places like Floyd’s, The Blue Fox and Mole which I’ve only been two once.
Best Restaurants in Victoria
John’s Place has been dishing out reliable comfort food for over thirty years, and people can’t help but continue to show up. This diner style restaurants offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, each one as good as the last.
Where to Brunch in Victoria
John's Place Restaurant is brimming with history, style and delicious food. Every inch of the wall is covered in memorabilia and picture's that make you feel like you're having brunch at your grandparents place.
Things to do in Victoria Canada (ultimate guide + top tips)
Breakfast – John’s Place, 723 Pandora Avenue/ Jam Cafe, 542 Herald Street 1778.4404.489/The Blue Fox Cafe 919 Fort Street 1250.380.1683
Best Restaurants in Victoria BC (and Unique Breakfast Cocktails!)
12:30 – John’s Place is another great downtown breakfast eatery. Their spicy maple syrup is delicious with chicken and waffles
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit