5 Best Restaurants in Vancouver Island, British Columbia

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We've compiled the best of the best in Vancouver Island - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

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 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, BC, V0R 1L0, Canada
250-743–4293
Known For
  • Brick-oven pizza
  • Ingredients supplied by local farms
  • Award-winning craft brandy flights

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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 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, BC, V0R 3A0, Canada
250-726–2200
Known For
  • Ukee fried chicken
  • Most popular brunch in town
  • In the old Matterson House
Restaurant Details
No dinner

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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.

14–1400 Cowichan Bay Rd., Cobble Hill, BC, V0R 1L3, Canada
250-929–4655
Known For
  • Traditional calzone
  • Seasonal flavors of gelato and sorbetto
  • Take-out available
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues.

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Recommended Fodor's Video

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, 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, BC, V0N 2Y0, Canada
250-539–5725
Known For
  • Pub grub
  • Great views
  • Fish-and-chips
Restaurant Details
Closed Nov.–Dec.

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Wildside Grill

$$

Just steps away from the popular Tacofino truck is another take-out shack, Wildside Grill, where a commercial fisherman and a chef have joined forces to keep Tofitians and visitors supplied with straight-from-the-dock, panko-crusted fish-and-chips, plus juicy fish and beef burgers. Gather a beach picnic, or enjoy a meal under the shade of Wildside's driftwood gazebo. Advance orders are taken by phone. Open until 9 pm.