Marina Dockside Eatery — Restaurant in Oak Bay

This café has changed hands over the years, but in its latest iteration it is known as the Marina Dockside Eatery.

I am here on a Thursday morning, just after opening. There are about ten patrons here, enjoying coffees, pastries, and food. There is also takeout available.

I’ve spotted a Kindle, a magazine, and the Times Colonist newspaper being read. Quiet music is being played and only the sounds of conversation, and refreshments being made behind the counter, are heard.

Outside the entire expanse of windows that wrap around the café are sailboats, other patrons on the terrace, and those who work nearby.

Altogether a lovely spot for this morning’s cappuccino, which is good, but not quite strong enough for my taste.

Update: All of my cappuccinos have been superb since. Well done, baristas!

The café offers breakfast, teas, coffees, wraps, sandwiches, chowder, soups, and other similar fare.

While it has a good ambience, the décor could use a bit of an update. It is mainly beige walls, fairly modern chairs and tables, though, there is a definite overdraft of beige and brown. Some pop of colour would be welcomed; even some nautical décor - not the tacky type - but some better pieces.

If you’re driving, just park at Turkey Head and walk down to the café, or else use the ramp if need be. Buses also stop at Turkey Head.

The Marina restaurant, just up the ramp, just recently closed its doors, but the last time I was there for a meal it was far too quiet and the food wasn’t altogether anything to write home about, so to speak. It was an icon, certainly, but time moves on.

I will definitely return to this café. A relaxing place, overall and friendly,...

We had been to the Oak Bay Marina Cafe (I believe it is now called the Marina Dockside Eatery), a long time ago for coffee; that was not memorable. We recently revisited their premises for lunch because we were in the vicinity and very hungry. The location is pleasant, especially the outdoor tables facing the Oak Bay Marina. As it was around noon, there was a sizeable lineup. The menu is rather limited, and some of the options were sold out, so my husband chose the curried chicken wrap, and I had the falafel wrap. Unfortunately, the food is mediocre, and prices do not reflect the poor quality. While we were waiting for our food, we noticed the kitchen staff coming out with dishes that did not look or smell appetizing. Although the chicken wrap was on the generous side, it was bland, insipid, there was no curry flavour, or any flavour for that matter. In contrast, the falafel wrap was skimpy, just three little burned falafels lost in a soggy, watery, so-called Greek salad. It was not a satisfying meal; we left in a hurry to find another place to satiate our hunger. I am at a loss to understand what the people in that long lineup were there for. We won't go back and do...

I really enjoyed this place, The coffee was fresh and tasty, honestly, it made me happy just holding the cup, The staff were super friendly and welcoming, which made it easy to relax and just enjoy the time there, Inside there’s plenty of seating if you want to hang out, but the patio is the real star, Right by the water, lots of tables, umbrellas if you want shade, and sunny spots if you’re chasing the sun, I also noticed customers were careful to keep their dogs on leashes so no one got bothered, and staff even politely reminded one person, it was kind of cute and really showed how much they care about everyone’s comfort, Overall, I had a great time, felt cozy and welcome, and I’d definitely...