1280 Broad St
Victoria, BC
Phone: (250) 382-3147
Menu: donerdelight.ca
Hours: 11 am tp 9pm (most days)
Delight has taken over the space that used to be Old Vic Fish & Chips, and suddenly I feel old. The former establishment and its owners tried to keep it afloat, but sadly, that wasn’t meant to last. Also gone is West Coast Waffles, which closed as the pandemic faded. It had been a local favourite for more than a decade, so its closure came as a surprise. Among the remaining eateries in and around Trounce Alley, a few have withstood the test of time, but there’s a sense of a slight curse affecting this block. With Doner Delight now in the mix, I’m not convinced this new place will last either.
One reason for my skepticism is the price: a doner averages $16. I expected an American-sized, stuffed portion—something I can usually get at Maham & Pop’s Donair & Poutine on Quadra (currently temporarily closed). With similar operations popping up around town, the question of “who does it best” is wide open. I tried the beef donair with the works, but somehow I was hungry again almost immediately. Traffic during my late-lunch visit was light, and sadly, I don’t think this spot will last much longer either.
Looking back at past eateries on Broad Street / Trounce Alley paints a colourful picture of the block’s history. Old Vic Fish & Chips (1316 Broad St) closed in January 2023 due to redevelopment of the historic Duck’s Building into a 135-room hotel. Toby’s, remembered locally as a classic fish-and-chips spot, and Lee’s Smorgasbord, an upstairs restaurant, also lived in community memory. Further back, Medieval Inn and Peking Buffet appear in local history threads. And of course, West Coast Waffles (1235 Broad St, 2010–2024) delighted the neighbourhood with inventive sweet and savoury waffles, gluten-free and vegan options, and late-night hours—even until 4 a.m. Its closure marked the end of a decade-long era for locals.
Old Vic and West Coast Waffles both represent the charm and nostalgia of Broad Street’s culinary history. Doner Delight now steps into this space, but between the price point and light traffic, I’m unsure it will withstand the test of time. Only time will tell if it can carry the torch or join the growing list of short-lived ventures on this block.
3 Blokes out of 5
Doner Delight Takes Over Broad Street — Will It Last?
1280 Broad St
Victoria, BC
Phone: (250) 382-3147
Menu: donerdelight.ca
Hours: 11 am tp 9pm (most days)
Delight has taken over the space that used to be Old Vic Fish & Chips, and suddenly I feel old. The former establishment and its owners tried to keep it afloat, but sadly, that wasn’t meant to last. Also gone is West Coast Waffles, which closed as the pandemic faded. It had been a local favourite for more than a decade, so its closure came as a surprise. Among the remaining eateries in and around Trounce Alley, a few have withstood the test of time, but there’s a sense of a slight curse affecting this block. With Doner Delight now in the mix, I’m not convinced this new place will last either.
One reason for my skepticism is the price: a doner averages $16. I expected an American-sized, stuffed portion—something I can usually get at Maham & Pop’s Donair & Poutine on Quadra (currently temporarily closed). With similar operations popping up around town, the question of “who does it best” is wide open. I tried the beef donair with the works, but somehow I was hungry again almost immediately. Traffic during my late-lunch visit was light, and sadly, I don’t think this spot will last much longer either.
Looking back at past eateries on Broad Street / Trounce Alley paints a colourful picture of the block’s history. Old Vic Fish & Chips (1316 Broad St) closed in January 2023 due to redevelopment of the historic Duck’s Building into a 135-room hotel. Toby’s, remembered locally as a classic fish-and-chips spot, and Lee’s Smorgasbord, an upstairs restaurant, also lived in community memory. Further back, Medieval Inn and Peking Buffet appear in local history threads. And of course, West Coast Waffles (1235 Broad St, 2010–2024) delighted the neighbourhood with inventive sweet and savoury waffles, gluten-free and vegan options, and late-night hours—even until 4 a.m. Its closure marked the end of a decade-long era for locals.
Old Vic and West Coast Waffles both represent the charm and nostalgia of Broad Street’s culinary history. Doner Delight now steps into this space, but between the price point and light traffic, I’m unsure it will withstand the test of time. Only time will tell if it can carry the torch or join the growing list of short-lived ventures on this block.
3 Blokes out of 5
In Montreal, Quebec, a first-time visitor may well feel overwhelmed with what can be found here! Fortunately, my mission was to enjoy the Fantasia Film Festival, and to be transparent, I was doing remote coverage of this event. Had I truly been in this city, I’d be hitting up as many restaurants as possible! Instead, in what I feasted on were two films that played together to sate my appetite in other strange ways.
238 Abbott St,
3945 Quadra St
1133 W Broadway
twohungryblokes.com 