The San Juan Islands Restaurants

The San Juans have myriad small farms and restaurants serving local foods and fresh-harvested seafood, and culinary agritourism—visiting local farmers, growers, and chefs at their places of business—is on the rise.

Sort by: 21 Recommendations {{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }} 0 Recommendations
CLEAR ALL Area Search CLEAR ALL
Loading...
  • 1. Doe Bay Cafe

    $$$

    Most of the tables in this warmly rustic dining room at Doe Bay Resort overlook the tranquil body of water for which the café is named. This is a popular stop for brunch or dinner before or after hiking or biking in nearby Moran State Park—starting your day off with a smoked-salmon Benedict with Calabrian-chili hollandaise will provide you with plenty of fuel for recreation. The kitchen uses ingredients foraged from the lush resort garden in such artful, healthy dinner creations as crisp-skinned wild salmon with onion-port jam, dandelion greens, salsify-chevre-quinoa cakes, and walnuts; and Thai green curry with local spot prawns.

    107 Doe Bay Rd., Orcas Island, Washington, 98279, USA
    360-376–8059

    Known For

    • Locally sourced and foraged ingredients
    • Smoked-salmon Benedict
    • Funky, rustic vibe

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.–Thurs. Limited hrs Oct.–May; call ahead
  • 2. Restaurant at Friday Harbor House

    $$$$

    Ingenuity and dedication to local ingredients are hallmarks of this stylish, contemporary restaurant, where locals and tourists alike come for dishes such as baked oysters, mushroom panzanella, San Juan Island–raised lamb shoulder cooked in fig leaves, and a popular house burger; during the summer, the hotel's outdoor Raw Bar serves seafood and frozen cocktails. The restaurant's daily breakfast is popular with islanders and convenient for hotel guests: the brunch burger, topped with a fried egg and green-tomato-and-bacon jam, and breakfast poutine with duck confit and cheese curds make for decadent starts to your day.

    130 West St., Washington, 98250, USA
    360-378–8455

    Known For

    • Excellent cocktails and an expansive wine list
    • A popular daily breakfast (until noon on the weekend)
    • Panoramic views of Friday Harbor

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Tues.–Wed.
  • 3. Bakery San Juan

    $

    The fabulous aroma lets you know you're in for a treat at this popular island bakery, which makes fresh bread, cakes and pastries, sandwiches, and pizza.

    775 Mullis St., Washington, 98250, USA
    360-378–5810

    Known For

    • Wild-yeasted baked goods
    • Fresh sandwiches and pizza
    • Nice place for morning coffee
  • 4. Brown Bear Baking

    $

    You might make it a point to get to this wildly popular village bakery by late morning—come midafternoon, many of the best treats are sold out. Delectables here include flaky almond-coated bear paw pastries, rich croque monsieur sandwiches, hubcap-size "Sasquatch" cookies, Tuscan olive bread, and moist blueberry muffins. Dine on the garden patio on sunny days.

    29 N. Beach Rd., Orcas Island, Washington, 98245, USA
    360-855–7456

    Known For

    • Almond-coated bear paw
    • French pastries
    • Alfresco dining on the patio
  • 5. Downriggers

    $$

    This snazzy, contemporary, seafood-driven restaurant overlooking the harbor has a light-filled dining room that makes a terrific spot to watch boats and ferries come and go while sampling such tempting fare as Penn Cove mussels, pan-seared sockeye salmon with seasonal veggies, and a seafood Cobb salad piled high with Dungeness crab and whole shrimp.

    10 Front St., Washington, 98250, USA
    360-378–2700

    Known For

    • Pub fare with creative twists
    • Extensive list of craft cocktails
    • Seafood salads
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Ernie's Aviation Cafe

    $

    Ask a local for the best lunch recommendation in town, and you may be surprised by the answer—plenty of folks will send you to this casual diner at the airport, where you can watch planes take off while you eat. You'll find a few Asian-fusion dishes on the menu, including Korean-style bulgogi (grilled marinated beef) and hearty noodle bowls, plus diner classics like hefty cheeseburgers, breakfast sandwiches, and flaky popovers.

    744 Airport Circle Dr., Washington, 98250, USA
    360-378–6605

    Known For

    • Popovers at breakfast
    • Several Korean-inspired dishes
    • Watching airplanes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Thurs.
  • 7. Haven Kitchen & Bar

    $$

    You'll find something for everyone at this Lopez eatery, which seems to have picked favorite dishes from various cuisines and created solid versions of them, sometimes with inventive twists (tater tots in a burrito, for example); they've got everything from Thai fresh rolls to gamberoni linguine with fresh, locally made pasta.

    9 Old Post Rd., Washington, 98261, USA
    360-468–3272

    Known For

    • Eclectic menu
    • Expansive flower-lined outdoor deck
    • Well-crafted artisanal cocktails

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Wed.
  • 8. Holly B's Bakery

    $

    Tucked into a small, cabinlike strip of businesses set back from the water, this cozy, wood-paneled bakery has been a source of delicious fresh ham-and-Gruyère croissants, marionberry scones, slices of pizza, and other savory and sweet treats since 1977. Sunny summer mornings bring diners out onto the patio, where kids play and parents relax.

    211 Lopez Rd., Washington, 98261, USA
    360-468–2133

    Known For

    • Ginormous, decadent cinnamon rolls
    • Pizza by the slice
    • Scones flavored with seasonal fruit

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Dec.–Mar. No dinner
  • 9. Inn at Ship Bay

    $$$

    The restaurant at this stylish, contemporary inn just a mile from Eastsound offers among the most memorable dining experiences on the island. Tucked into a renovated 1869 farmhouse, the dining room and bar serve food that emphasizes local, seasonal ingredients. Island greens, fruits, and seafood are served alongside a regionally focused wine list, and the results are spectacular. Notable dishes include sea scallops with bacon-potato hash and lemon aioli, and local roasted pork with creamy garlic farro, sweet onions, rhubarb, and wilted greens. Even the bread is memorable; the restaurant serves house-made sourdough from a starter that's more than 100 years old.

    326 Olga Rd., Orcas Island, Washington, 98245, USA
    360-376–5886

    Known For

    • Outstanding wine list
    • House-made sourdough bread made from a century-old starter yeast
    • Ingredients from on-site garden and orchard

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Mon., and mid-Dec.–mid-Mar. No lunch
  • 10. Isabel's Espresso

    $

    A favorite of Lopez locals, Isabel's sources its coffee from fair trade suppliers and its creamy dairy from the mainland's small Fresh Breeze Organic Dairy Farm. Housed in a charming rustic building in Lopez's tiny "downtown," the café also serves light fare like pastries and sandwiches.

    308 Lopez Rd., Washington, 90261, USA
    360-468–4114

    Known For

    • Good coffee
    • Fresh regional dairy
    • Outdoor seating with views
  • 11. Madrona Bar & Grill

    $$

    Situated on the Eastsound waterfront, this pub-style eatery serves classic Northwest cuisine: pan-fried local oysters, Dungeness crab cakes, Angus beef burgers, and grilled wild Coho salmon. But what really stands out here is the atmosphere. A vaulted ceiling with exposed wooden beams gives the little space some serious personality, a small patio is ideal during warm summer nights, and a rotating cast of microbrews on tap complement the restaurant's spectacular water views.

    310 Main St., Orcas Island, Washington, 98245, USA
    360-376–7171

    Known For

    • Rotating microbrew beer menu
    • Some of the best water views in Eastsound
    • Classic local seafood dishes
  • 12. Mansion Restaurant

    $$$$

    For a special-occasion dinner, it's worth the drive to this grandly romantic dining room inside the historic main inn at Rosario Resort, known for polished service, sweeping bay views, and Northwest cuisine. The dishes are more classic than creative, like king salmon with risotto and a seared strip steak with potatoes au gratin, but made with high-quality ingredients (some sources are listed on the menu). Brunch is served daily, as well.

    1400 Rosario Rd., Orcas Island, Washington, 98245, USA
    360-376–2222

    Known For

    • Lovely views of Cascade Bay
    • Dinner service in the mahogany-clad fireside Moran Lounge
    • Small portions for the price
  • 13. Matia

    $$$

    A recent Orcas Island addition, Matia has already garnered national accolades for its outstanding seasonal cuisine that focuses on local ingredients, creative flavor combinations, and artistic presentation. Many of the dishes are vegetable-focused, such as an ancient grain panisse with mushrooms and carrot dumplings with pumpkin-seed pesto, but you'll also find options like a lamb pancake with gochujang creamed cabbage and king salmon with apricot confit and Szechuan chili crisp. Set in a cozy dining room with a stone-clad fireplace, the vibe at Matia is polished but casual and advance reservations are a must. If you can't nab a dinner time, they also have a patio with first-come-first-served seating only—it's truly worth the wait.

    123 N. Beach Rd., Washington, 98245, USA
    206-622–2674

    Known For

    • Local ingredients
    • Small portions
    • Creative vegetarian-friendly fare
  • 14. Mijitas

    $$

    A bustling family-friendly Mexican restaurant with a cozy dining room and a sprawling shaded garden patio is helmed by Raul Rios, who learned to cook during his years growing up outside Mexico City. The flavorful food here isn't entirely authentic—expect a mix of Mexican and Mexican-American dishes, many featuring local ingredients. The tender braised short ribs in blackberry mole sauce and red-snapper tacos are justly popular, and there's a good selection of margaritas and beers, too.

    310 A St., Orcas Island, Washington, 98245, USA
    360-376–6722

    Known For

    • Sweet, tangy margaritas
    • Expansive garden patio
    • Braised short ribs with blackberry mole sauce

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 15. Monti

    $$$

    Inspired by the owners' culinary dream visit to Rome, Monti stands out for its authentic homemade pastas made with primo ingredients. The menu also features a small handful of main dishes like whole trout and a pork chop. Monti also serves as a market and wine shop.

    382 Prune Alley, Washington, 98245, USA

    Known For

    • On the pricey side
    • Perfectly made pastas
    • A taste of Rome on Orcas
  • 16. Olga Rising

    $

    A charming small café with bountiful planters of flowers and artsy touches like a gorgeous forest-scene stained glass window, the relatively new Olga Rising has become a neighborhood fixture quickly. (Note: Despite the name, it's in Eastbound, not the tiny hamlet of Olga.)

    172 N. Beach Rd., Orcas Island, Washington, 98245, USA
    360-376–3035

    Known For

    • House-made baked goods
    • Friendly service
    • Tasty coffee
  • 17. San Juan Island Brewing

    $

    The island's local brewery, just a few short blocks from the ferry landing, has a nice selection of suds brewed on-site, along with standard brew-pub fare (pretzels, cheese curds, chicken wings) and surprisingly good individual pizzas.

    410 A St., Washington, 98250, USA
    360-378–2017

    Known For

    • Craft beer made on-site
    • Fast service
    • Light eats and pizza

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
  • 18. The Bean Cafe

    $

    This friendly coffee shop has a ferry cam so you can keep track of your ride back to the mainland while enjoying espresso drinks, baked goods, and a selection of breakfast and lunch items.

    150 B 1st Street, Washington, 98250, USA
    360-370–5858

    Known For

    • Voted best latte on the island
    • Handmade caramels
    • Wine and beer options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sat. and Sun.
  • 19. The Market Chef

    $

    Only 50 yards from the ferry holding area (though that includes a lot of stairs), this pleasant little café and specialty grocery store makes fantastic sandwiches (try the roast-beef-and-rocket, which is served on a house-baked roll with spicy chili aioli). The soups and deli items—including a decadent macaroni and cheese—are also top-notch. Beer, wine, juices, and espresso are served as well. It's a great place to wait for your ferry to depart.

    225 A St., Washington, 98250, USA
    360-378–4546

    Known For

    • Strong coffee
    • Picnic and to-go lunches
    • Gourmet locally made goods

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sat.–Mon. No dinner
  • 20. Ursa Minor

    $$$$

    One of the latest upscale farm-to-table restaurants to put the San Juan Islands on the culinary map (reservations strongly recommended), Ursa Minor is helmed by Nick Coffey, formerly of the now-closed Sitka & Spruce in Seattle. He celebrates the Islands' incredible bounty with a creative seasonal menu featuring seafood, foraged mushrooms, and produce from island farms.

    210 Lopez Rd., Washington, USA
    360-622–2730

    Known For

    • Airy, serene organic-modern space
    • Island-sourced ingredients
    • Unique Northwest fare

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Thurs. and Jan.

No Restaurants Results

Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:

There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:

Recommended Fodor’s Video