There’s plenty of incredible meals to be had on Vancouver Island, from Victoria’s newest hot spot Birdman to the freshest farm-to-table of Nanaimo, and seafood caught in Courtnay. If you’re heading to Vancouver Island for a summer weather getaway, these are the top spots to dine. —Julia Dumbrell
VICTORIA
Birdman Full Permission Hospitality
The menu at Victoria’s newest gem Birdman centres on fried chicken, oysters, and sauces worth passing, plus a wine list that keeps up with sparkling, shareable, and intentionally indulgent drinks. The space mirrors this energy with modern nods to nostalgic diners and basement bars. Relax and enjoy this space; the kind where the lighting stays low, conversations linger, and people lose track of time.
Wind Cries Mary Share Plates
The dynamic menu at Wind Cries Mary is ever-changing, believing food brings people together with shareable steak, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Each dish brings a story from the island’s local farmers, foragers, fishmongers, craft brewers, and winemakers.
Rudi Deli-Inspired Dishes
Rudi approaches its menu with a sense of wonder and curiosity, creating something new that makes past generations proud. Explore its neat menu of deli-inspired dishes, also making a great happy hour destination.
COURTNAY
Sixth Street Social Balanced Menu (and Gluten Free Options!)
Beloved Courtenay restaurant Sixth Street Social believes a neighbourhood pub should feel welcoming, refined, and consistent, proven through its simple approach to quality ingredients, balanced seasonal food menus, and a welcoming space. Plus, the kitchen features a dedicated gluten-free fryer, and the majority of the menu can be enjoyed gluten-free.
Off The Hook Surf Turf Smokery
In Comox, Nanaimo and Parksville, Off The Hook Surf Turf Smokery serves house-made dressings and a unique Gluten-Free batter. From Classic Fish and Chips to Fresh Salads and Smoked Meats, this is a shop worth surfing to while visiting the island.
NANAIMO
The Mahle House Restaurant Farm-to-Table Dishes
In a restored 1904 Heritage home sprawling onto a garden and patio, The Mahle House Restaurant offers casual fine dining with local farm-to-table ingredients for a truly island-style meal.
Bar Luna Tex-Mex Comfort Food
A reimagined cantina where the cocktails are as creative and comforting as the food, you can never go wrong with the Tex-Mex dishes at Bar Luna.
Black Rabbit Kitchen French-Style Bistro
Tucked into the Nanaimo Train Station, Black Rabbit Kitchen celebrates local BC ingredients through french-style dishes and marvelous lunch-to-dinner flavour.
Crow & Gate Pub English Pub
The Crow & Gate Pub offers an authentic English Pub feel. It’s exactly like a place you’d find in England, as the English gardens and Tudor-style architecture attract visitors from around the world.
HORANG Korean Tapas, BBQ and Fusion Bites
HORANG brings a culinary adventure to Nanaimo, with a unique selection of Korean-inspired dishes, paired with authentic drinks like raw rice wine and soju.
share:
Be the first to comment