Vancouver Island Restaurants
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Vancouver Island - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.
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42 Recommendations
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1. Olde School Coffee
$ | |A local favorite, stop by this former schoolhouse for a steaming latte, iced mocha, handmade sandwich, or a snack....
A local favorite, stop by this former schoolhouse for a steaming latte, iced mocha, handmade sandwich, or a snack.
3515 Cobble Hill Rd., Cobble Hill, British Columbia, V0R 1L5, Canada250-743–6908Known For
- Former schoolhouse
- Popular with locals
- Drive-thru
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2. pilgrimme
$$$$ | |This small restaurant in the woods has garnered all sorts of accolades since it first opened in 2014. Here chef Jesse McCleery, who spent a...
This small restaurant in the woods has garnered all sorts of accolades since it first opened in 2014. Here chef Jesse McCleery, who spent a winter in the kitchen at Noma in Copenhagen, focuses on locally sourced food and unusual ingredients presented in the most imaginative ways. This takes farm- and ocean-to-table to a whole new level. The nightly format is now a seven-course prix-fixe tasting menu (advise staff of any allergies at time of booking) and reservations can book up months in advance. Enjoy the sunset through the trees from the deck of the rustic house—if it gets chilly, use one of the cozy blankets to wrap up. In the backyard, chef Melanie Witt has set up the low key Charmer Pizza which is open Thursday to Sunday evenings.
2806 Montague Rd., Galiano Island, British Columbia, V0N 1P0, Canada250-539–5392Known For
- One of Canada's best restaurants
- Homey setting
- Charming staff
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed. No lunch, 7-course fixed-price menu -
3. Schooner Restaurant
$$$$ | |An institution in downtown Tofino (it's been operating since 1949), the Schooner's main-floor dining room is comfortable and casually upscale. The seafood dishes change frequently,...
An institution in downtown Tofino (it's been operating since 1949), the Schooner's main-floor dining room is comfortable and casually upscale. The seafood dishes change frequently, but ask for the signature halibut filet stuffed with Brie, crab, and shrimp in an apple-peppercorn brandy sauce—it's been their signature dish for more than 35 years. The steaming bowl of island clams, mussels, salmon, halibut, and red snapper is another winner. The Schooner also dishes up weekend brunch and hearty lunchtime sandwiches, burgers, and pastas. An oyster bar and summer patio are pluses. From October to May, the whole operation moves upstairs to a more intimate room with exceptional views of Meares Island.
331 Campbell St., Tofino, British Columbia, V0R 2Z0, Canada250-725–3444Known For
- Serving epic seafood and steaks since 1949
- Great views
- Signature stuffed halibut
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch -
4. The Pointe
$$$$ | |With 180-degree views of the crashing surf, the Pointe is the top-notch Tofino dining experience. It's renowned for its refined west coast cuisine, which is...
With 180-degree views of the crashing surf, the Pointe is the top-notch Tofino dining experience. It's renowned for its refined west coast cuisine, which is superbly presented and excellently paired with options from the award-winning wine list—an impressive 11,000-bottle wine cellar is the latest jewel in this grande dame's crown. Ingredients from the water—including oysters, shrimp, salmon, and a variety of other seafood—and the land (whatever's in season, such as wild mushrooms and fresh herbs) are used in innovative but not too outlandish dishes. The service is meticulous. Insider tip: in winter months go for brunch instead of dinner to take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the octagonal-shaped dining room. For something more casual, stop at the Inn's Driftwood Café for high-end snacks and small-plate dinners right on the beach.
500 Osprey La., Tofino, British Columbia, V0R 2Z0, Canada250-725–3106Known For
- Impeccable service
- Incredible views
- An unforgettable dining experience
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5. The Wolf in the Fog
$$$$ | |Chef Nick Nutting and his crew present a unique west-coast dining experience here that puts an inspired twist on freshly caught seafood and foraged local...
Chef Nick Nutting and his crew present a unique west-coast dining experience here that puts an inspired twist on freshly caught seafood and foraged local ingredients; think seaweed combed from the shore and wild forest mushrooms. The big platters of charred octopus and steamed mussels beg to be shared. As do the famed potato-crusted oysters. Start with one of the signature cocktails, like the legendary Cedar Sour, and after dinner try Hailey's Cream, with its fig-infused rye and condensed milk. The cedar-walled dining room is light, warm, and welcoming.
150 4th St., Tofino, British Columbia, V0R 2Z0, Canada250-725–9653Known For
- Award-winning
- Hyper-local foraged ingredients
- Potato-crusted oysters
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. 1909 Kitchen
$$$ | |Named for the year Tofino's first post office opened, this spot can be found at the Tofino Resort + Marina, where chef Paul Moran, winner...
Named for the year Tofino's first post office opened, this spot can be found at the Tofino Resort + Marina, where chef Paul Moran, winner of Top Chef Canada 2019, is working his magic. The avid forager uses locally sourced ingredients on his signature sourdough crust to create artisanal pizzas in an impressive 1000-degree wood-fired Mugnaini oven. Resort guests can take part in the "cook your catch" program, where fish or shellfish caught that morning is specially prepared that evening by the kitchen's team.
634 Campbell St., Tofino, British Columbia, V0R 2Z0, Canada844-680–4184Known For
- Top Chef Canada winner in the kitchen
- Foraged ingredients
- "cook your catch" program
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch -
7. Auntie Pesto's
$$$$ | |Fresh local ingredients and made-from-scratch fare keep regulars and visitors well fed at this family-run spot on Ganges' waterfront boardwalk. Here chef Shawn Walton takes...
Fresh local ingredients and made-from-scratch fare keep regulars and visitors well fed at this family-run spot on Ganges' waterfront boardwalk. Here chef Shawn Walton takes it up a notch with, for example, duck confit with pear-and-Gorgonzola ravioli, or beef tenderloin with port demi-glace. The art-filled interior is welcoming, and on warm evenings the marina-view patio is positively romantic.
2104–115 Fulford Ganges Rd., British Columbia, V8K 2T9, Canada250-537–4181Known For
- Local ingredients
- Seasonal fare
- Waterfront location
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch -
8. Bridgemans Bistro
$$$ | |This bright bistro sits over the water at the Mill Bay Marina and is a lovely spot for lunch or dinner, with breathtaking views from...
This bright bistro sits over the water at the Mill Bay Marina and is a lovely spot for lunch or dinner, with breathtaking views from every table through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Part of the Bridgmans Family of Restaurants (other outposts are on Pender Island and in Port Renfrew), the vibe here is west-coast casual. Enjoy local fare straight from the boat or off the farm as you watch kayakers and paddleboarders glide by. If you're lucky, you may even see a whale.
740 Handy Rd., Mill Bay, British Columbia, V0R 2P1, Canada778-356–3568Known For
- Fresh halibut
- Seafood chowder
- Views
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. -
9. Drumroaster Coffee Co.
$ | |This family-owned and -operated coffee roastery and café, just off the Trans-Canada Highway, is popular with locals. Their coffee is also served in many cafés...
This family-owned and -operated coffee roastery and café, just off the Trans-Canada Highway, is popular with locals. Their coffee is also served in many cafés around Vancouver Island.
24–1400 Cowichan Bay Rd., Cobble Hill, British Columbia, V0R 1L3, Canada250-743–5200Known For
- Beans ground and roasted in-house
- Lovely pastries
- Local favorite
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10. Farmhouse Eatery at Merridale
$$ | |Neighboring farms supply much of the fare at this bistro, tucked down a country lane at Merridale Ciderworks. The bistro, part of the gambrel-roofed cider...
Neighboring farms supply much of the fare at this bistro, tucked down a country lane at Merridale Ciderworks. The bistro, part of the gambrel-roofed cider house, showcases local art on whitewashed walls within, and orchard and forest views from the wide, covered veranda. You can match house-made ciders to the casual comfort food featuring local ingredients and bread freshly baked in the brick oven onsite. Locals flock here for live music on the covered patio.
1230 Merridale Rd., Cobble Hill, British Columbia, V0R 1L0, Canada250-743–4293Known For
- Brick-oven pizza
- Ingredients supplied by local farms
- Award-winning craft brandy flights
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11. Genoa Bay Café
$$$ | |A winding drive along the water past towering trees brings you to this waterfront eatery. Tucked on the dock at picturesque Genoa Bay, the small...
A winding drive along the water past towering trees brings you to this waterfront eatery. Tucked on the dock at picturesque Genoa Bay, the small bistro offers a Pacific Northwest–inspired menu showcasing the bounty of Vancouver Island. Lunch is served on weekends on the scenic deck overlooking the bay.
9-5000 Genoa Bay Rd., Duncan, British Columbia, V9L 5Y8, Canada250-746–7621Known For
- Off the beaten path
- Charming location
- West-coast fry bread and Genoa Bay's famous calamari
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Tues. and Wed. during winter -
12. Heartwood Kitchen Food Outfitter
$$ | |Located in a historic yellow house, Heartwood serves hearty west coast fare and crowd-pleasing dishes, like chef Ian Riddick's UFC (Ukee fried chicken), buttermilk fried...
Located in a historic yellow house, Heartwood serves hearty west coast fare and crowd-pleasing dishes, like chef Ian Riddick's UFC (Ukee fried chicken), buttermilk fried Humboldt squid with pickled bull kelp, and "hipster-style" eggs Benedict. Cooking classes are also offered. Don't miss the cheesy baked oysters.
1682 Peninsula Rd., Ucluelet, British Columbia, V0R 3A0, Canada250-726–2200Known For
- Ukee fried chicken
- Most popular brunch in town
- In the old Matterson House
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner -
13. House Piccolo
$$$$ | |Piccolo Lyytikainen, the Finnish-born chef-owner of this tiny restaurant in a quaint village house, serves beautifully prepared and presented European cuisine. Creations include Scandinavian-influenced dishes...
Piccolo Lyytikainen, the Finnish-born chef-owner of this tiny restaurant in a quaint village house, serves beautifully prepared and presented European cuisine. Creations include Scandinavian-influenced dishes such as BC venison with a juniper-and-lingonberry demi-glace and charbroiled fillet of beef with Gorgonzola sauce. For dessert, the chocolate terrine Finlandia and vodka-moistened lingonberry crepes are hard to resist. The 250-item wine list includes many hard-to-find vintages. The indoor tables are cozy and candlelit; the outdoor patio is a pleasant summer dining spot.
108 Hereford Ave., British Columbia, V8K 2T4, Canada250-537–1844Known For
- Fine dining
- Scandinavian-influenced cuisine
- Extensive wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sat. and Sun. -
14. Max and Moritz Spicy Island Food Truck
$ | |This food truck at the Sturdies Bay Ferry Terminal offers a unique combination of German and Indonesian takeout and all-day breakfast....
This food truck at the Sturdies Bay Ferry Terminal offers a unique combination of German and Indonesian takeout and all-day breakfast.
Sturdies Bay Rd., Galiano Island, British Columbia, V0N 1P0, Canada250-539–5888Known For
- All-day breakfast
- Takeaway
- Quick bite while waiting for the ferry
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Nov.–Mar. -
15. Pizzeria Prima Strada
$$ | |The newest outpost of this popular Victoria neighborhood pizzeria offers fire-roasted pizza, house-made gelato, and local craft beers and wine....
The newest outpost of this popular Victoria neighborhood pizzeria offers fire-roasted pizza, house-made gelato, and local craft beers and wine.
14–1400 Cowichan Bay Rd., Cobble Hill, British Columbia, V0R 1L3, Canada250-929–4655Known For
- Traditional calzone
- Seasonal flavors of gelato and sorbetto
- Take-out available
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. -
16. Pluvio Restaurant and Rooms
$$$$ | |Former Wickaninnish Inn executive chef Warren Barr and his partner Lily Verney-Downey opened tiny Pluvio to up the culinary scene in Tofino's humble neighboring town....
Former Wickaninnish Inn executive chef Warren Barr and his partner Lily Verney-Downey opened tiny Pluvio to up the culinary scene in Tofino's humble neighboring town. Thoughtfully prepared dishes are made from scratch with local, wild ingredients often foraged by Barr himself. Two dinner options are on offer: a three-course dinner menu for $91 per person or chef's tasting menu for $168 including wine ($111 without). The property includes the 30-seat dining room with living art wall and also a four-room boutique hotel in the backyard next to the kitchen garden.
1714 Peninsula Rd., Ucluelet, British Columbia, V0R 3A0, Canada250-726–7001Known For
- High-end dining in a casual setting
- Locavore approach
- Chef forages for ingredients himself
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Jan.–mid-Feb. No lunch -
17. Rock Salt Restaurant & Café
$$$ | |You can watch the ferry coming across the harbor from the sea-view windows of this Fulford Harbour eatery. Wholesome goodies run the gamut from slow-baked...
You can watch the ferry coming across the harbor from the sea-view windows of this Fulford Harbour eatery. Wholesome goodies run the gamut from slow-baked ribs to seafood curries to much-loved yam quesadillas. The made-from-scratch breakfasts are worth getting up early for, and the take-out counter offers provisions for your onward journey.
2921 Fulford Ganges Rd., British Columbia, V8K 1Y6, Canada250-653–4833Known For
- Sea views
- Hearty breakfasts
- Great for take-away
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18. Salt Spring Coffee
$ | |The Ganges location of this popular local organic coffee, which is sold all around Vancouver Island and Vancouver, is the flagship café and roastery where...
The Ganges location of this popular local organic coffee, which is sold all around Vancouver Island and Vancouver, is the flagship café and roastery where it all began in 1996. Stop by for an organic brew and tasty treat. A bag of their fair trade coffee also makes a thoughtful gift to bring home.
109-109 McPhillips Ave., British Columbia, V8K 2T6, Canada250-537–0825Known For
- Organic fair trade coffee
- Local favorite
- Family-owned and operated for 25 years
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19. Saturna Lighthouse Pub
$$ | |This is a great place to grab a bite while waiting for the ferry at Lyall Harbour. Menus are seasonal and offer local, organic ingredients,...
This is a great place to grab a bite while waiting for the ferry at Lyall Harbour. Menus are seasonal and offer local, organic ingredients, such as island-grown lamb burger and organic free-range chicken wings. Local craft beer, from Lighthouse Brewery in Victoria, is on tap. If you're not racing to catch the ferry, stay to take in the spectacular sunset from one of two oceanside patios.
100 East Point Rd., Saturna Island, British Columbia, V0N 2Y0, Canada250-539–5725Known For
- Pub grub
- Great views
- Fish-and-chips
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Nov.–Dec. -
20. Seom Restaurant
$$ | |One of the new kids in town, this Korean eatery offers modern comfort food with amazing views. Located right at the marina, the restaurant sits...
One of the new kids in town, this Korean eatery offers modern comfort food with amazing views. Located right at the marina, the restaurant sits on an island accessed by a causeway in the middle of Ucluelet Harbor (Seom means island in Korean). The menu features the freshest ingredients sourced by local producers.
1971 Harbour Cres., Ucluelet, British Columbia, V0R 3A0, Canada250-266–5899Known For
- Local fresh fish
- Views over the marina
- Happy hour
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed. and Thurs., No reservations
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