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CENOTERestaurant & Lounge
Guests toasting craft cocktails in the candlelit room at Cenote

Est. 2012

See you around in the underground.

For over a decade, Cenote has been a hidden oasis beneath the streets of downtown Victoria — a place to slow down, share a plate, and discover your next favourite cocktail.

The Story

A cenote, beneath the city.

In the Yucatán, a cenote is a natural pool hidden underground — cool, quiet, and worlds away from the heat above. When we opened in 2012, we wanted to build that feeling in the middle of downtown Victoria.

So we went downstairs. Below 768 Yates Street you’ll find low light, flickering candles, shelves of curios and collectibles, and a bar that takes its craft seriously without ever taking itself too seriously.

Award-winning cocktails, shareable plates, inspired monthly feature sheets — we’re proud to pour for new friends and old ones alike.

Vintage books and curios lining the shelves of the underground lounge

What We're About

Three things we never compromise.

Made from scratch

Syrups, infusions, foamers, bitters — our bartenders build the whole drink, not just pour it. It's why the same cocktail tastes like nowhere else.

Always changing

A rotating seasonal feature sheet and weekly rituals mean the menu is never quite the same twice. Regulars come back for what's new.

Built for sharing

Tapas-style plates arrive as they're ready, so the table stays full and the night keeps moving. Come hungry, come curious.

Come find the stairs.

Downstairs @ 768 Yates St · Downtown Victoria, BC