7 Best Restaurants in Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Farmhouse Eatery at Merridale

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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.

Heartwood Kitchen Food Outfitter

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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, Canada
250-726–2200
Known For
  • Ukee fried chicken
  • most popular brunch in town
  • in the old Matterson House
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No dinner

Pizzeria Prima Strada

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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, Canada
250-929–4655
Known For
  • traditional calzone
  • seasonal flavors of gelato and sorbetto
  • take-out available
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.

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Saturna Lighthouse Pub

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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.

Seom Restaurant

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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, Canada
250-266–5899
Known For
  • local fresh fish
  • views over the marina
  • happy hour
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed. and Thurs., No reservations

Sobo

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The name, short for "sophisticated bohemian," sums up the style here: a classically trained chef serving casual fare influenced by international street food. The offbeat concept started in a purple truck before finding a permanent home in this light-filled café and bistro. The truck's long gone, but the food is still eclectic. The killer fish tacos are legendary as is the smoked-fish chowder. There's a great kids' menu and a bakery counter for take-out treats. Pick up a signed copy of chef Lisa Ahier's award-winning cookbook while you're there.

311 Neill St., Tofino, British Columbia, V0R 2Z0, Canada
250-725–2341
Known For
  • fresh seafood
  • fish tacos
  • international street food influence
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. No dinner

Wildside Grill

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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.