Cowichan Restaurants
These are our Favourite Cowichan Restaurants
In Alphabetical Order
Bridgemans Bistro
Sitting right out on the wharf overlooking Mill Bay Marina on the Saanich Inlet, Bridgemans Bistro’s patrons enjoy the best of west coast living. Culinary excellence and picturesque charm will define your dining experience. Drink in the breathtaking views and feast on seafood fresh out of the Bay!
Bridgemans uses locally sourced ingredients, including farm-fresh produce harvested from nearby fields so you can be sure that every dish is just bursting with mouth watering flavours and seasonal flair. Don’t miss the four different types of Eggs Benedict on the brunch menu!
The dedicated chef at Bridgemans showcases a diverse array of culinary delights, catering to a spectrum of tastes and preferences. Spanish Carbonara, Black and Blue Steak Salad, Bridgeworker Burger, Vegetarian Pizza … so much to choose from, and so little time!!
Beyond the menu highlights, Bridgemans’ ambiance is one of warmth and hospitality. You can kick back and savour the west coast vibe present in the rustic charm of the dining room, with its exposed wooden beams and panoramic views of the Inlet. The outdoor patio provides a relaxing setting where you can bask in the summer sun’s warm glow. You might even see some of the “locals” – harbour seals popping their heads up out of the bay.
Romantic dinners, casual lunches, and daily Happy hour cater to everyone!
Cobblestone Pub
A long time staple of the community, Cobble Hill’s Cobblestone Pub stands as a cherished gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Offering the quintessential pub experience with a West Coast twist, the Cobblestone has always got something going on!
From the moment you step through the door, the vibrant atmosphere and lively entertainment will foster a sense of community and camaraderie among the patrons. Throughout the week, live music performances, pub trivia nights, and other special events fill the space with energy and excitement.
At the heart of the Cobblestone Pub experience is its exceptional culinary offerings. The extensive menu tempts diners with a tantalizing array of pub classics and innovative dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. From hearty burgers and hand-cut fries to fresh seafood and artisanal salads, each dish is prepared with love and care. Dietary restrictions? No problem! The menu offers, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
Complementing the delicious fare is an impressive selection of craft beers, fine wines, and expertly crafted cocktails. So, sip on a locally brewed IPA and enjoy a game of pool, catch the game on tv and savour a glass of premium BC wine, or just relax and indulge yourself with a signature cocktail.
Whether seeking a casual meal with friends, a celebratory gathering, or simply a place to unwind after a long day, the family-run Cobblestone Pub offers West Coast hospitality at its best.
Cook and Butcher
Located in the Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay, the rustic Cook and Butcher exudes a warmth and hospitality that is quintessentially West Coast. The cozy restaurant‘s welcoming ambiance invites you to linger and savour the moment while the outdoor patio draws you in to the stunning views of Cowichan Bay and the surrounding coastline.
The menu at the Cook and Butcher is a testament to the creativity and skill of its culinary team. Each dish is an adventure of flavours, textures, and aromas! Whether indulging in the smoky richness of house-cured charcuterie, savouring the delicate sweetness of freshly shucked oysters, or reveling in the robust flavours of a perfectly grilled steak, foodies will be treated to an unforgettable culinary journey.
Complementing the taste sensations offered on the menu is an equally extensive selection of locally sourced wines, craft beers, and artisanal cocktails. With a focus on showcasing the best of British Columbia’s beverage scene, the drink menu offers the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Don’t miss their award-winning Caesars!
The Cook and Butcher’s commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients from local farmers, fishermen, and artisans reflects its dedication to quality and sustainability. Can’t get enough? Check out the butcher counter’s offerings and wrap up your favourite cut of meat to take home.
Just Jakes
Situated in old town Duncan, the heart of the Cowichan Valley, Just Jakes is a culinary destination that has been serving up exceptional food and hospitality for years. This vibrant local hot-spot combines a laid-back atmosphere with delicious fare, making it a favourite place to grab a bite for locals and visitors alike.
Just Jakes boasts a diverse menu that caters to a range of tastes and preferences. From classic pub favourites like juicy burgers (there are 8 different ones on the menu!) and crispy fish and chips to creative salads and gourmet sandwiches, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The kitchen prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, ensuring that each dish bursts with flavour and quality.
The spacious dining area is adorned with eclectic decor, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends or enjoying a meal with family. During warmer months, the outdoor patio provides a charming setting to dine al fresco while soaking in the sunshine and bustling energy of downtown Duncan.
In addition to its mouthwatering food Just Jakes has daily drink specials and offers cocktail platters and house-made desserts with a just a few days’ notice.
Whether you’re looking for a casual meal, a place to unwind with a drink after work, or a lively spot to catch up with friends, Just Jakes is the place!
The Lakehouse at Shawnigan
The Lakehouse at Shawnigan is Shawnigan Lake’s go-to restaurant. Its rustic elegance and the breathtaking natural beauty of its surroundings creates a truly unique dining experience. The dining room, its huge windows framing views of the lake, invites you into the area’s natural beauty, and exposed wooden beams highlight the high ceilings.
When weather permits, the outdoor patio offers diners al fresco meals amidst lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature, creating an enchanting atmosphere that invites you to linger and savour the moment.
The Lakehouse’s menu is inspired by the bountiful offerings of the Cowichan Valley’s land and sea. From freshly caught seafood to locally sourced produce and artisanal cheeses, each dish highlights the region’s rich flavours and seasonal ingredients. Whether indulging in the delicate flavours of wild Pacific salmon, savouring the grass-fed beef, or delighting in a vibrant vegetarian dish, you are invited to celebrate the essence of West Coast cuisine.
Whether seeking a romantic dinner for two, a celebratory gathering with friends, or a memorable dining experience right on the lake, The Lakehouse at Shawnigan offers an unparalleled chance to feed your soul as well as your body!
Merridale Farmhouse Eatery
Surrounded by the rolling hills and orchards of Merridale Cidery & Distillery in Cobble Hill, the Merridale Farmhouse Eatery offers a dining experience that celebrates the best of the Cowichan Valley’s bounty.
Showcasing seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local farmers, foragers, and artisans, the Eatery’s menu reflects the region’s rich agricultural heritage. From heirloom vegetables grown in nearby fields to sustainably raised meats and poultry, each dish is a showcase of fresh farm-to-table flavours and culinary excellence.
Enjoy the savoury richness of a slow-roasted pork belly, treat yourself to the delicate sweetness of a beet and goat cheese salad, or delight in a hearty vegetarian stew. The menu offers all this and more! You’re sure to find something to suit your mood and palate.
Perhaps the best part about dining at the Eatery is its access to the award-winning ciders and spirits crafted on-site at the adjacent cidery and distillery. You can enjoy your meal with a refreshing glass of crisp cider or artisanal cocktail, enhancing your dining pleasure.
The Merridale Farmhouse Eatery offers a warm and inviting dining room, with exposed wooden beams and a crackling fireplace. As the days warm up, the outdoor patio provides a picturesque setting for al fresco meals surrounded by the orchard’s blossoms and lush greenery.
Unsworth Vineyards Restaurant
Unsworth Vineyards Restaurant stands amid the Cowichan Valley’s vineyards as an example of culinary excellence and wine country charm. Offering some of the region’s finest wines with locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine, the restaurant boasts a warm and inviting ambiance that invites you to relax and unwind amidst the vineyard’s scenic beauty. The elegant dining room, with its panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, provides a picturesque backdrop for any occasion, while the outdoor patio offers a not to be missed opportunity to enjoy a meal surrounded by the tranquility of the estate.
The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and meals created using sustainable practices. From delicate seafood caught just miles away to rich produce harvested from nearby farms, your culinary journey captures the essence of the Cowichan Valley.
Whether savouring the rich flavours of a crispy cauliflower “osso buco”, indulging in local clams in fennel broth, or relishing the robust flavours of a perfectly grilled steak, every meal offered on the menu has a suggested wine pairing tailored to the meal.
Don’t miss the dessert menu and its selection of dessert wines to finish off a dining experience that’s perfect from start to finish!