Diners' Choice: Best Food restaurants in Vancouver Island

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall cuisine in Vancouver Island? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Nori Japanese Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (23)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Japanese

Qualicum Beach

About the restaurant

Nori Japanese Restaurant is a contemporary Japanese dining destination inspired by the vibrant culinary culture of Vancouver Island. Built on quality, creativity, and genuine hospitality, Nori offers a dynamic and memorable dining experience in the heart of North Nanaimo.

Our menu features premium sushi and sashimi, aburi-style nigiri, signature specialty rolls, and comforting Japanese favourites including tempura, ramen, udon, gyu-don, and teriyaki. We focus on using fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients, and thoughtful preparation in every dish.

From omakase-inspired experiences and share plates to premium sake and creative cocktails, every detail at Nori is designed to create a unique and welcoming atmosphere.

Whether joining us for a casual dinner, lunch with friends, celebration, date night, business meeting, or special occasion, guests can expect warm service, lively energy, and an unforgettable dining experience.

Top review

John

Dined 1 day ago

Glorious food, faultless service, splendid experience every time. Pleasing surprise this time was the very low corkage fee, at $15! Incredible value across the board. Strongly recommend and suggest a reservation. Busy for the very best of reasons.

Horang

4.7

4.7 (29)

CAN$30 and under

Korean

Nanaimo

About the restaurant

Whether you’re joining us for a high-energy dinner in our stylish dining room or grabbing a quick gourmet bite from our on-site market, we promise an experience that is "Tastier than Yesterday."

We’ve set the table, chilled the Soju, and turned up the music. All that’s missing is you.

Top review

Amber

Dined 7 days ago

i love everything here! thanks for serving us yesterday

Atelier by Matt Jackson

4.7

4.7 (493)

CAN$51 and over

French

Sidney

About the restaurant

Atelier by Matt Jackson | Elevated Dining In Sidney.

Marrying approachable elegance with hand-crafted cocktails, a global wine list, and an evocative dining experience, Atelier features French-inspired cuisine informed by the fresh and hyper-local ingredients of the Saanich Peninsula and surrounding areas.

We are fortunate on Vancouver Island to have some of the most incredible organic and local producers in the country and access to some of the world’s best fish and seafood. At Atelier, we draw inspiration from our local producers, fisherman, and farmers to serve you the freshest ingredients.

Top review

Rene

Dined 4 days ago

Hidden gem. Presentation of dishes was very good, most importantly taste was excellent. Great service. Highly recommend

The Butchart Gardens - The Dining Room

4.9

4.9 (5145)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Northwest

Central Saanich

About the restaurant

Enjoy the stunning floral display gardens, plus the restaurant's historic surroundings and contemporary, fresh local foods. Located in the original Butchart family residence, you can experience spectacular views of the Private Garden, the Italian Garden and Tod Inlet. Indulge in Afternoon Tea in our Spring and Summer seasons, or our High Tea which offers more warm savories from October through the winter months. Dinner is served seasonally with a strong presence of local sustainable ingredients. Choose from our award winning showcase of Vancouver Island wines. Enjoy adding to your awareness and appreciation of local grapes and vintners. Please note that admission to The Butchart Gardens is required in order to access The Dining Room Restaurant. Our current admission rates are at www.butchartgardens.com

Top review

Cori

Dined 4 days ago

Shane’s attention to detail was incredible. Two in our party were gluten free and there was an incredible attention to make sure that we were safe. The food was delicious! The sausage roll was divine. Shane was our server and he was excellent, funny and very thoughtful.

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Popular dish

French onion soup

Popular dish

AAA Alberta beef tenderloin

Popular dish

Chocolate gâteau

Bin 4 Burger Lounge - Nanaimo

4.9

4.9 (256)

CAN$30 and under

Burgers

Nanaimo

About the restaurant

Welcome to Bin 4 Burger Lounge - Nanaimo Location!

Serving up gourmet burgers, our plates feature international flavours and local ingredients. From our Greek isles-inspired burger to the red-hot spiciness of The Angry Bull, there’s a burger for every palate.
Dive into our hand made onion rings or fresh cut fries, paired with our famous house made aiolis. Wash it down with a local libation, from craft beer to local wine. Our burgers are about what goes on, beside, and down with them.

Top review

Vickie

Dined on May 3, 2026

We had awesome service and great food. We loved the Bistro Chicken burger. Thank you!

French Creek Pub

4.6

4.6 (104)

CAN$30 and under

Canadian

Parksville

About the restaurant

Welcome to French Creek Pub! We are located right at the French Creek Harbour/Marina perfectly situated on the oceanfront between Parksville and Qualicum!

Here you will enjoy the island's best Fish and Chips (cod and halibut), classic cheeseburgers, mini lobster rolls, mexi-tots, perogies and sausage and much much more!

Enjoy our PARTY BOAT CHALLENGE or come down and get a FREE Appetizer when you take a picture with our Big Bass Hat on when it's your BIRTHDAY!

Top review

CharlesGold

Dined 7 days ago

The best pub for fish and chips in Parksville great service and excellent food not just fish and chips, my wife calls it fish and chips Friday we always look forward to going out and have a booking every Friday using OpenTable

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Experience

PARTY BOAT AND BEER TOWER PARTY

Cobblestone Pub

4.6

4.6 (30)

CAN$30 and under

Pub

Mill Bay

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Cobble Hill, the Cobblestone Pub is a welcoming spot for those seeking a cozy atmosphere. Since 1983, this local favorite has been providing good times and cheer for over four decades. As you enter, you'll be greeted by friendly staff and the enticing aroma of delicious pub fare. The menu features a variety of mouthwatering options, from classic burgers and sandwiches to innovative dishes that delight the palate. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty meal or a light snack, the Cobblestone Pub has something for everyone. With an impressive selection of craft beers and cocktails, even the most discerning drinkers will be pleased. Enjoy a local brew or a handcrafted cocktail in the lively ambiance. The Cobblestone Pub is the ideal place to relax after a long day or to catch up with friends over drinks. Experience the warmth and hospitality that make this pub a beloved destination for both locals and visitors.

Top review

Katherine

Dined on May 10, 2026

my family recently attended for the Mother’s Day buffet, and it was fantastic!

Mattone Italian Kitchen

4.3

4.3 (218)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Italian

Oyster River

About the restaurant

Join us at our brand new location, Mattone Italian Kitchen at Salmon Point Resort! Our brand new restaurant space is set against the stunning landscapes of British Columbia. Enjoy modern Italian cuisine in our casual counter-service waterfront location. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Top review

Jesteene

Dined on May 2, 2026

Perfection. Food, Service,ambiance and location it’s all exceptional

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The Great Room- Long Beach Lodge Resort

4.7

4.7 (149)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Northwest

Tofino

About the restaurant

Experience The Great Room at Long Beach Lodge Resort in Tofino, where world-class cuisine meets breathtaking coastal views. Every dish by Executive Chef Shaun Snelling blends East and West Coast influences, crafted with inspiration from the local environment and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Don’t miss our signature crab platter, a true highlight of the menu.

Pair your meal with a curated selection of BC and international wines, craft beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Designed to make every guest feel at home, The Great Room is the perfect spot to watch vibrant sunsets over Cox Bay or, in winter, relax by the fireplace while the Pacific Ocean’s waves crash outside.

Whether it’s a special night out or a memorable meal with friends and family, this is Tofino dining at its finest.

Top review

JoGold

Dined 4 days ago

We booked this last minute after a Google search and was delighted to have found a venue with such great views, a lovely atmosphere and friendly staff. That was our impression before the food arrived but we were then blown away by the quality of the food, which was amazing! One of the best meals during our trip to Canada. Would 100% recommend this restaurant. If you visit Tofino and don’t eat here, you’ve missed out!

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Experience

Crab Platter for Two

Bayside Restaurant and Lounge

4.5

4.5 (1234)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

Parksville

About the restaurant

Experience West Coast Luxury at the Bayside Restaurant & Lounge. Led by Chef Justin Feng, our kitchen highlights seasonal, sustainable ingredients throughout our menus. Pair your meal with something from our crafted cocktail menu, thoughtfully created by our experienced bar team, or explore a curated list of BC wines. Recognized as a 2024 OpenTable Diners’ Choice winner, we invite you to relax, take in the view, and savour one of Parksville’s top dining experiences.

Top review

JulieM

Dined on May 18, 2026

The views at the Bayside are amazing and the food was absolutely delicious! Service was excellent too!

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