Under the historic “The Empress” sign a the front of the majestic Fairmont Empress sits The Veranda is a relaxing and casual location for cocktails or a meal with a view.
Now open for another summer season, The Veranda, is one of the best locations for people watching, overlooking Victoria’s bustling Inner Harbour Causeway; yachts, tour buses, horse-drawn carriages and hundreds of visitors make their way past.
While you’re sipping on your signature Empress 1908 cocktail or Veranda Iced Tea visit with your friends or watch the scenery. Late afternoon sun sets the tables ablaze or if it’s cool, soft blankets are available to wrap across your lap.
Executive Chef Morgan Wilson and his team have created a light and local menu that has something for everyone; fresh West Coast Oysters & seafood, salads using local Mason Street Greens (from just a few blocks away), savoury fish & chips, sandwiches and new this summer thin-crust pizzas. In a couple of recent visits, I’ve had the Chicken BLT and one of the pizzas. Both were excellent, adding the local greens with the light and savoury dressing made a perfect pairing for the BLT and the pizza went down great with the Veranda Iced Tea.
The Veranda is open from 1130am until dusk, or too chilly. Reservations are not required.