Quaint Seaside Café
If you’re looking for a cute spot to grab a bite to eat in Cadboro Bay, Olive Olio’s is the place to go. The charming eatery has an upbeat community vibe with music by local artists often on the stereo and the door plastered with posters promoting upcoming events. Olio’s is a popular place for UVic students to study and for locals to grab their daily java before or after a walk on the beach. Relax inside the cozy space that boasts lots of natural light and grab a seat on the large rounded wooden bench. The café has a rustic feel with terracotta tiles, rag-painted yellow walls, an aged wooden countertop and chalkboard menus. When it’s nice outside, the best spot in the neighbourhood is on the sidewalk terrace, which features stone tables, lots of greenery and sliver views of the ocean.

Fair Trade, Organic Brews from Local Roaster
Even with a Starbucks kitty-corner, Olive Olio’s still manages to draw the crowds thanks to its superior specialty coffees. The shop exclusively serves Creekmore’s Coffee, an Island company that roasts certified organic, shade-grown beans. A variety of roasts are available every day, and high-quality Mornin syrups are also on-hand to jazz up your java. For those who don’t drink coffee, there are chai lattes, tea and cider also on the menu.

Designer Delectables
Lamb moussaka, Mediterranean chicken breast, Spanakopita with Brie cheese. If you’re not salivating yet, add a salad — your choice of basil pesto rotini, curried potato or mixed olive. Olive Olio’s serves an exciting array of dishes that make great light meals — perfect for taking on a picnic down at the beach! If you’re looking for a treat to complement your afternoon coffee or tea, there are superb sweets such as Belgian brownie cheesecake, banana caramel coffeecake and pecan pie. Everything is homemade from scratch in the tiny eatery, using local, organic ingredients whenever possible.