One of the best things about living in Oak Bay is that there are so many great little food shops in the vicinity to discover, explore, and cherish. I rarely frequent large grocery stores anymore, because my food (and foodie!) needs are met, in a much more enjoyable manner no less, by the shops in my community. Here are a few that I love, and that merit a visit if you are interested in making any of the recipes on my blog.

Charelli’s Cheese Shop

2851 Foul Bay Road
250.598.4794
https://www.charellis.com/

Charelli’s specializes in sourcing superlative cheeses and extremely fine imported foods, most of which I can only ogle at. The staff are very knowledgeable, and, like cheese matchmakers, will help you find The One. Or Three. While you’re falling in love with pecorino Romano or burrata, also check out the selection of chocolates, cocktail supplies, preserves and kitchen paraphernalia. Don’t miss a visit to Charelli’s, but expect to spend more than you anticipated!

What I buy here: cheese (obviously), but also dried mushrooms and quality spices that may be hard to find elsewhere, like black cardamom or long pepper. I also love that they sell gourmet salts like Maldon in bulk.

Fujiya Foods

3624 Shelbourne Street
250.598.3711
https://www.fujiya.ca/

Fujiya Foods may be known around town as the iconic takeout sushi place, but to me, it is first and foremost a treasure chest of Japanese ingredients, many of which cannot be found elsewhere in town. In addition to a good selection of dry, bottled and frozen goods, they also have fresh mushrooms (enoki, maitake, shimeji, shiitake), shiso leaves, and organic vegetables from Umi Nami Farm.

What I buy here: seaweed, natto, miso, gluten-free soy sauce, rice vinegar, frozen seafood (such as shirasu and shishamo), thinly sliced meats for hotpots, fresh mushrooms, organic Japanese vegetables, and many more delights!

The Local General Store

1440 Haultain Street
778.265.6225
https://www.thelocalgeneralstore.ca/

Chris and Alix at the Local General Store on Haultain are champions of sustainability and community. Their popular little shop features organic produce, eggs and meat from farms in the Greater Victoria area, as well as all manner of products from local companies, from soap to leggings. They have a great selection of organic spices and herbs. Every neighbourhood needs a store like this one!

What I buy here: organic free range eggs, spices and herbs, farm produce, specialty ingredients, and all kinds of non-food-related goods.

Slater’s Meats

2577 Cadboro Bay Rd
250.592.0823
https://slatersmeats.com/

Slater’s has been part of the neighbourhood for as long as I remember. This is my go-to stop for meat, not only because it’s conveniently close to my home, but also because I always get excellent customer service. As someone who spent most of her adult life as a pescatarian, my meat education started rather late, and rather apprehensively. It helped to have a place where I could shop without feeling lost or intimidated. All of their products come from humanely raised animals, and most are local. I trust them for quality products, answers to my seemingly stupid questions, and patience with my unconventional meat measurements (“hmm, enough for eight people? No leftovers”).

What I buy here: chicken thighs, pork shoulder, lamb shanks, and everything else in between. I also buy bones for stock (chicken, beef, pork, bison). They have a handy selection of cheese and cured meats too.

Yumbrosia Fine Foods

2405 Eastdowne Road
250.592.7225
https://yumbrosia.ca/

Yum indeed! Yumbrosia is a little deli-cum-grocery on Eastdowne. They sell a variety of imported specialty ingredients as well as local necessities like milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables. Ihsan and Glenda will always welcome you in with warm smiles. Stop by for a tomato, leave with Greek olives, ground sumac, Iranian dates and Italian rice.

What I buy here: organic free range eggs, Mediterranean herbs, spices, nuts, seeds and dried fruits. They have a great selection of oils and vinegars, a small assortment of organic produce, and a great deli counter with cheese, olives, cured meats and all kinds of other delicacies.