8 Best Restaurants in Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island

Olde School Coffee

$ Fodor's choice
A local favorite, stop by this former schoolhouse for a steaming latte, iced mocha, handmade sandwich, or a snack.

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 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.

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 around Vancouver Island.

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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.

Genoa Bay Café

$$$
A winding drive along the water past towering trees brings you to this waterfront eatery. Tucked on the dock at picturesque Genoa Bay, the small bistro offers a Pacific Northwest–inspired menu showcasing the bounty of Vancouver Island. Lunch is served on weekends on the scenic deck overlooking the bay.
Casual Dinner Lunch Pacific Northwest $$$
9-5000 Genoa Bay Rd., Duncan, British Columbia, V9L 5Y8, Canada
250-746–7621
www.genoabaycafe.com
Known For
  • off the beaten path
  • charming location
  • west-coast fry bread and Genoa Bay's famous calamari
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Tues. and Wed. during winter

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.

Dinner Family Lunch Pizza Quick Bite $$
14–1400 Cowichan Bay Rd., Cobble Hill, British Columbia, V0R 1L3, Canada
250-929–4655
www.pizzeriaprimastrada.com
Known For
  • traditional calzone
  • seasonal flavors of gelato and sorbetto
  • take-out available
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.

The Masthead Restaurant

$$$$

You know a chef cares about local food when his menu lists how far each ingredient has traveled to reach your plate. At this historic seaside roadhouse in Cowichan Bay, the mussels and clams come from within 5 miles of the restaurant, and the poached Dungeness crab is from the bay outside the door. Many other ingredients—bison, wild salmon, duck breast—are sourced from within 200 miles. The 1863 wood-paneled room offers sea views throughout, but waterside deck tables are favored by the loyal clientele. The long wine list has a good selection of Cowichan Valley labels. There is live jazz on Saturday nights.

True Grain Bakery

$

This popular old-world bakery is known for its organic handcrafted baked goods and breads. Everything is baked from scratch on site using BC farmed and milled organic flour. The ancient and heritage grains are freshly milled on natural stone.