
The Ruby On Johnson
A funky Victoria bistro offering creative brunch & dinner eats, craft beer, cocktails, and vinyl tunes in a vibrant atmosphere.

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

The Ruby On Johnson

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A funky Victoria bistro offering creative brunch & dinner eats, craft beer, cocktails, and vinyl tunes in a vibrant atmosphere.
"Great vibes and great food! Loved the decor and the music from the record player."
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends, to avoid potentially long wait times.
Waffles for the Less Sweet
If you prefer less sweet options, request maple syrup on the side for your waffles.

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

Creative Brunch Creations
Indulge in unique brunch dishes like Brisket Benedict and Salmon Benny, alongside crispy hashbrowns and fancy waffles.

Vibrant & Funky Atmosphere
Enjoy a cool, vibrant atmosphere with vinyl tunes and friendly service, perfect for a lively brunch or casual meal.

Refreshing Signature Drinks
Savor unique and refreshing drinks, including the highly recommended lavender lemonade.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends, to avoid potentially long wait times.
Waffles for the Less Sweet
If you prefer less sweet options, request maple syrup on the side for your waffles.
Secure Your Table
Consider making reservations for peak hours to guarantee a table, as the restaurant is very popular.
Patio Dining Option
During suitable weather, enjoy outdoor dining on their patio at the Johnson Street location.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends, to avoid potentially long wait times.
Waffles for the Less Sweet
If you prefer less sweet options, request maple syrup on the side for your waffles.
Secure Your Table
Consider making reservations for peak hours to guarantee a table, as the restaurant is very popular.
Patio Dining Option
During suitable weather, enjoy outdoor dining on their patio at the Johnson Street location.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Ruby on Johnson is praised for its creative and delicious brunch and lunch offerings, with standout dishes like the Brisket Benny and Chicken & Waffles. Diners love the vibrant, funky atmosphere filled with vinyl tunes and appreciate the friendly service. While portions are generous and food quality is high, some find the prices slightly above average, and hash browns can sometimes be a touch too salty.
"Came here for breakfast while In town. First off, the atmosphere here is amazing. As soon as you walk in there are records and just over all good / cool vibes. I ordered the lavender lemonade to start and it was a mix of soda and lemonade, it was quite refreshing. For my meal I ordered the breakfast poutine . The portion was decently sized and had a great mix of flavors. If you are in town for breakfast I would highly recommend this spot."
Reagan Hensley
"Very clean, welcoming and professional diner setting. Staff were patient and helpful as we figured it what we wanted. We split a simple two eggs, toast, potatoes, avacado breakfast, with a side of a single waffle.
I didn’t think to ask, but the waffle didn’t come with real maple syrup - at $10 that seemed a bit high and was the only, minor, disappointment. It did come with a huge pile of fresh whipped cream! The rest of the food was very good and the staff were great!"
Ben-nifer Neff
"I have been challenging myself to explore new places a try new food to escape my rut. On my walk today I reminded myself about this place. I’ve been here before but it’s been a while. This place is popular, a waiting list for groups but since I was by myself I was seated at the bar. Staff were friendly and busy, it was a full house with a growing number waiting.
I ordered a Brisket Benny on a croissant. I opened up my book to jot down a few thought and my food appeared. Looked and smelled amazing. It tasted amazing too. Meat melted in my mouth with the buttery croissant. Sauces of the hollandaise and the bbq sauce together were beautiful. I could not put my fork down. Hash browns were a touch too salty but not enough to ruin my experience. I enjoyed myself."
Brandon Robbins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Brisket Benny, Chicken and Waffles, and various Eggs Benedict options are highly recommended by diners.
Yes, the restaurant offers dedicated vegetarian and vegan options on its menu.
Yes, the atmosphere is welcoming for families, and crayons and paper are provided for children.
Reservations are recommended, especially for peak dining times, to secure a table.
The atmosphere is described as funky, vibrant, and cool, with vinyl music playing.
Yes, the menu indicates gluten-free options are available.
Mentioned in
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With two downtown locations, this funky bistro is one of the best brunch spots in Victoria BC and offers a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse menu!. Indulge in their mouth watering eggs benny, tantalizing tacos, and lots of healthy options, all made in-house with the finest ingredients. The friendly staff and impressive vinyl collection add a cool factor to this funky eatery, making it a must-visit for breakfast lovers!
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A beloved local favorite, The Ruby on Johnson is known for its mouthwatering brunch dishes and cozy, vibrant atmosphere. Located in the Hotel Zed, this quirky diner-style spot combines the best of comfort food and innovative culinary twists. Chef Nicholas Waters and his team create a menu that’s both playful and satisfying, featuring everything from fluffy pancakes to indulgent breakfast poutines.
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The Ruby has established itself as a Victoria breakfast haven, renowned for its hearty, flavour-packed dishes that leave a lasting impression. You’ll find two convenient locations – one on Johnson Street in the heart of downtown and the other at the Hotel Zed on Douglas Street in Hillside. The menu celebrates bold flavours and generous portions designed to satisfy the heartiest of appetites.
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Known for their combination of homestyle recipes and fine dining techniques, The Ruby is another great choice if you’re looking for brunch in Victoria. They offer a variety of sweet and savoury brunch options, including a unique breakfast poutine that features their classic hollandaise sauce. How to dine: The Johnson Street location is currently offering outdoor dining on their patio.
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Brunch | 642A Johnson Street | 17-min walk from Black Ball's Victoria terminal. A quaint environment with the atmosphere of vinyl records and live music, the Ruby has two locations on Douglas Street and Johnson Street. They offer a menu that combines the world of southern brunch and lunch fare, plus the charm of their service pairs wonderfully with their good, honest food.
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Follow the sweet smell of waffles and good old-fashioned soul food to The Ruby on Johnson for the most important meal of the day – breakfast!. Innovative home-style fare combined with plenty of crayons and paper to entertain your little Picassos or Monets is sure to earn the restaurant a slot in your brunch spot repertoire.
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With a menu steeped in rhythm and lyrics, the Ruby serves up signature brunch classics side by side with their extensive vinyl collection. Seamlessly combining fine dining with a homestyle vibe, The Ruby is famous for their Breakfast Tacos, Duck Confit, Smoked Brisket and sweet/savoury waffles. View this post on Instagram
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Coming in hot - the Ruby on Johnson is best known for its mouthwatering fried chicken and waffles together with other great options such as breakfast poutine and yummy hashes. The decor in the place is also something to admire while you're waiting on your food. Think old farm but with a hint of modern.
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The Ruby on Johnson is a restaurant that will definitely give you exactly what you need for a hearty breakfast. The atmosphere leans toward a comfy, homey, and rustic vibe. With the wallpaper on its interior and vintage type of decor, its ambiance feels just like your grandma’s home!
Best Breakfast in Victoria BC
The Ruby is known for its quirky and fun atmosphere, with vintage and pop-culture decor, and its generous and delicious portions. Some of their most popular menu items include:. : Poached eggs on a buttermilk biscuit with rotisserie chicken, bacon, spinach, and hollandaise sauce.
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Another to the list of amazing brunching spots is the Ruby on Johnson. The good part about this place is that the kitchen is very accommodating when it comes to a customer’s dietary restrictions. Plus, there are plenty of vegetarian options to choose from if you’re vegetarian.
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With two venues to choose from, there is no excuse not to visit the Ruby. That being said, I am definitely partial towards the one at Hotel Zed on Douglas. This place radiates funky retro vibes with its vibrant colours, old school vinyls and 70’s style décor.
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website | neighborhoods: Downtown & Burnside ( get directions) | cuisine: southern | price: $$. Brunch is a big deal in British Columbia’s capital city. The Ruby is one of the hidden gem options when you need some comfort food.
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2:30 – First breakfast restaurant pick: The Ruby – on Douglass OR on Johnson Streets. We love their fresh and interesting breakfast items and inventive breakfast cocktails. Favorite breakfast find: breakfast poutine!!
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The Ruby is well known across the city for their oven roasted chicken, so you know their fried chicken is going to be something special. On National Fried Chicken day, try their chicken and waffle breakfast!
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A homey and rustic vibe creates a comfy breakfast destination at Ruby on Johnson. Here, the Benny selection includes a delightful bacon and oven-roasted tomato selection that is both heart and bright.
Where to Brunch in Victoria
Located right downtown on Johnson Street, The Ruby is too good not to give a nod. The menu is a savoury heaven full of waffles and chicken, a fantastic plate of huevos rancheros, and breakfast tacos.
Brunch - Co-Hosts
A funky spot for brunch or dinner eats with the best craft beer & cocktails and vinyl tunes. All you need to know!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit