Ucluelet, BC is where you will find ruggedly beautiful coastlines, old growth rainforests and West Coast culture on the edge of Vancouver Island. After taking in the beauty of the area, you must taste what the region has to offer from the Best Restaurants in Ucluelet.
There are no chain restaurants, just dedicated Ucluelet eateries offering fresh cuisine that pays showcases the beauty and abundance of BC. Uculelet foragers, bakers, producers and makers are expanding awareness, and pride, in their local culinary scene.
The area is home to many must-try family restaurants, food trucks, breakfast spots, delis, bakeries and groceries as well as locally roasted artisan coffee, a microbrewery as well as great craft cocktail and wine lists.
Check out this list of Best Restaurants in Ucluelet for your next foodie adventure.
The restaurants are listed in no particular order.
Pluvio
Pluvio restaurant is an award winning restaurant located inside a boutique hotel in Ucluelet.
Their menu reflects modern Canadian cuisine prepared with the best local products and natural elements of Ucluelet, Tofino and Vancouver Island.
Chef Warren Barr and the Pluvio kitchen team draw their inspiration from the abundant seasonal and wild ingredients foraged from the local forests and coastline.
The dishes are complimented by creative cocktails and infusions made in-house.
The wine list is carefully curated by their Sommelier Chloe Gravel to compliment Pluvio’s menu and regularly changes to showcase wines from BC and the rest of the world.
They are one of the best restaurants in Ucluelete for dinner. They offer the following two options: the Pluvio Three Course Dinner Menu or the Chef’s Tasting Menu.
On the menu, you can expect dishes like Crispy “Constellation” Sablefish; Confit “West Pacific Seafood” Halibut; and Gently Cured “Lois Lake” Steelhead Mosaic.
1714 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet, BC
Heartwood Kitchen
Heartwood Kitchen is an absolutely lovely little bistro in a renovated cottage, and is a great place to spot by and fuel up after a long day of exploring the area.
The menu at Heartwood Kitchen boasts some classic West Coast seafood dishes such as Halibut Ceviche, West Coast oysters, and Seafood Spaghetti.
You can also get their Bucket of Chilled Seafood which comes with oysters, togarashi tuna, peel and eat prawns, halibut ceviche, chilled mussels, and smoked salmon.
Their food is often sourced locally, so the food is always fresh, and of premium quality.
If you want to fuel up before your day out in Ucluelet, Heartwood Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in Ucluelet for breakfast and brunch.
In the morning, you’ll find classic breakfast options like French Toast and Eggs Benedict, alongside some more unique brunch options like short rib poutine.
The Ukee fried chicken, house hot sauce, two eggs, bacon and waffle stack sandwich is very popular.
No matter what time of day you go, the food at Heartwood Kitchen is worth a try.
1682 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet, BC
Frankie’s Resto-Bar Restaurant
Frankie’s Resto-Bar Restaurant is a labour of love, created by Francois (Frankie) Pilon himself.
Frankie has had a lifelong love of cooking, and grew up in the province of Quebec, where he spent summers cooking with fresh produce from his grandma’s garden.
Frankie has maintained his flair for simple, fresh and high-quality ingredients in his professional endeavours.
At Frankie’s Resto-Bar Restaurant, ingredients are sourced locally and ethically, ensuring that everyone from the farmers, to the customers, benefits.
The resto-bar concept (a.k.a., a restaurant-bar hybrid) is also reminiscent of Frankie’s Quebecois childhood, as resto-bars are numerous in the region.
They are one of the best restaurants in Ucluelet for comfort food.
On the menu at Frankie’s, you’ll find elevated comfort food options, such as three different types of poutine (like Brisket, Pulled Pork or Vegan), BBQ plates (like Pork Belly BBQ), pasta (like seasonal Seafood Linguine) and burgers (like Cajun Tuna Burger).
While enjoying your food, Frankie’s Resto-Bar Restaurant will also provide the most cozy and comforting atmosphere possible, with relaxed yet comfortable seating, and above-and-beyond customer service.
Grab a seat on their outdoor seasonal patio which offers harbour views.
1576B Imperial Ln, Ucluelet, BC
Floathouse Restaurant
One of the best restaurants in Ucluelet with a view is Floathouse Restaurant.
Located right on the edge of the Gorge Harbour Marina, Floathouse Restaurant has stunning water and island views.
If you can, try to time your visit around sunset for an even more spectacular experience.
You can also choose to sit indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather and/or your preferences.
The Floathouse Restaurant embraces its location, and centres the menu around West Coast Cuisine and fresh seafood.
Head chef Mark Ferguson is dedicated to curating delicious year-round menus that are of the highest standard, and often includes locally sourced ingredients from both the land and the sea.
In tune with the locally sourced ingredients, the menu at the Floathouse Restaurant changes often, and is small and focused so you know that if a dish is good enough to make the menu, it’s worth trying.
Dishes such as burgers and fish and chips often make up the more casual end of the menu, though you can also find elevated offerings such as mussels, sirloin steak, and local fish.
200 Hemlock St, Ucluelet, BC
Ravenlady Oysters Food Truck
Ravenlady is actually an outdoor food truck that parks in its own special garden right in the heart of Ucluelet, so you can enjoy a delicious outdoor dining experience.
Located by the truck is a public sculpture garden that acts as a community hub and an artistic retreat.
Ravenlady often hosts arts and cultural events such as live entertainment, so see if you can schedule your trip accordingly.
When it comes to the food itself at Ravenlady, it’s all about tasty seafood.
Their current menu features cod burgers, fish and chips, and fish tacos.
Their straight-from-the-sea offerings are always fresh, delicious, and often fried to perfection.
However, if there’s one item at Ravenlady you absolutely must try, it’s the oysters.
Available both fresh and fried, pacific oysters are Ravenlady’s signature menu item – you don’t want to miss out on them.
1801 Bay St, Ucluelet, BC
Cedar Grill
The Cedar Grill is another best restaurant in Ucluelet to check out.
They’re a family-owned and operated restaurant that provides patrons with a cozy, relaxed and inviting spot to enjoy delicious food.
The ambience at the Cedar Grill is decidedly warm, and welcoming, from the rustic wooden decor to the ultra-friendly and well-trained staff.
The Cedar Grill is, naturally, a very family-friendly restaurant, so it’s an especially great place to go if you have kids and/or will be dining with someone who does.
At the Cedar Grill, the cuisine is a mouthwatering Italian-Canadian hybrid combination, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Some highlights of the menu are Cedar Plank wild sockeye salmon baked with a maple soya glaze; Hungarian style Beef short rib; and Seared Seasame crusted Ahi Tuna.
You can also build your own pizza at Cedar Grill with toppings such as pepperoni, bacon, ham, chorizo sausage, chicken, bbq chicken, tomato, roasted red pepper, black olive, artichoke and more.
1636 Peninsula Rd #7, Ucluelet, BC
Howler’s Family and Amusements
If your family is missing game night while on vacation, Howler’s Family and Amusements is here to save the day.
Howler’s Family and Amusements provides a fun and upbeat restaurant experience and an arcade all in one.
They’re the most kid-friendly restaurants in Ucluelet.
In keeping with the theme, the food at Howler’s Family and Amusements is casual yet delicious, with a unique homemade feel (in the best possible way).
Crispy Fried Pickles, Tempura Prawns, a steak sandwich, and a Hand-Pressed Elk Burger are standout items from the adult menu.
Younger guests get their very own kids menu, where they can choose from a variety of options like grilled cheese, chicken strips, and cheeseburgers, all of which comes with a side of fries or salad, dessert, and a drink.
The food is fresh, the craft beer and local wine flow generously (for the adults!), and the service is impeccable.
You absolutely must try your hand at five-pin bowling and the vintage arcade after your meal for some extra fun.
A family vacation to Ucluelet isn’t complete without a trip to Howler’s Family and Amusements.
1992 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet, BC
Ucluelet Brewing Company
If you’re into craft beer, the Ucluelet Brewing Company is a non-negotiable stop while you’re in the area.
This Ucluelet brewery is dedicated to serving up great beer in a warm, welcoming environment, and is proud to be part of Vancouver Island’s craft beer community.
The team at Ucluelet Brewing Company is lead by Head Brewer Allan, who has been an active part of the Pacific Northwest craft beer culture for quite some time.
Working at Ucluelet Brewing Company, he’s led the team to success by cultivating both great beer and a great working environment, which also translates directly to the stellar guest experience.
As can be expected in a surf town, the service at the Ucluelet Brewing Company is laid-back and casual, though the staff retain an impressively high level of customer service and knowledge about the products.
The Tasting Room does not accept reservations. Walk in only, first come first serve.
Popular beers at the Ucluelet Brewing Company include locally-inspired options like Pale Ale and West Coast IPA, and more internationally-inspired beers like Belgian witbier.
They also offer small snacks like housemade pretzels; chips & salsa; grilled cheese; charcuterie and more to pair with your beer(s).
No matter which beer you choose, the Ucluelet Brewing Company is the best spot to go for a refreshing drink after a hard day’s work (or play).
1601 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet, BC
Jiggers Fish & Chips
Jiggers Fish & Chips is one of the best restaurants in Ucluelet for classic beach fare.
With a menu consisting mainly of fish and chips (hence the restaurant’s name), chicken strips, poutine, and burgers, this is not the place to go for a green salad.
It is, however, the place to go for a simple-yet-decadent meal that will satisfy any salty craving.
The restaurant itself is rather small, with a limited number of seats in and outdoors.
For melt-in-your-mouth fish and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside chips that perfectly soak up any extra tartar sauce, Jiggers Fish & Chips is the perfect post-beach day meal.
After you’re done soaking up the sun, head to Jiggers Fish & Chips to replenish your energy and soothe your soul- yes, the food is that good.
1685 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet, BC
The Blue Room, A West Coast Bistro
The Blue Room is a cozy bistro in the heart of Ucluelet, and is the perfect place to spend a morning and/or afternoon.
Much like the name suggests, it is a true West Coast bistro with a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere.
Only open from 8AM – 2PM everyday, The Blue Room is a great spot for brunch!
Make sure to get there a little earlier than you need to, and be prepared to wait, as it can fill up fast.
However, the food more than makes up for any wait.
The Blue Room caters to a variety of different diets, and has menu options for both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
Their breakfast menu contains classic dishes such as omelettes, pancakes, and eggs benedict, all of which will give you the pep in your step you need for the rest of the day.
If you head to The Blue Room a little later, however, the lunch menu does not disappoint either.
Bistro options such as chicken tenders, sandwiches, and burgers will all leave you satisfied in both your stomach and your heart.
1627 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet, BC
Ukee Scoops
On a hot summers day, nothing beats a good ice cream cone- that’s where Ukee Scoops comes in.
Ukee Scoops is the go-to for ice cream in Ucluelete.
They have some of the best sweet treats you can find in Ucluelet, and is the perfect spot to go for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Serving local Island Farms ice cream and Mario’s Gelato, Ukee Scoops is big on supporting other local businesses.
To enjoy an extra decadent dessert, order your ice cream in one of their homemade waffle cones or ice cream sandwiches – you won’t be disappointed.
Beyond just sweets of the frozen variety, Ukee Scoops also offers delicious European crepes, with both sweet and savory flavor options, from ham and cheese to banana Nutella.
Ukee Scoops is also committed to offering inclusive products for almost every dietary restriction.
They have several non-dairy ice cream options and gluten-free buckwheat crepes available, so that everyone can enjoy Ukee Scoops.
Their commitment to creating a true community extends not only to other businesses, but to their customers as well.
At Ukee Scoops, you’ll always be welcomed in with a smile.
1705 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet, BC
Ukee Dogs Taqueria
Sometimes, you just need some good comfort food.
That’s exactly what Ukee Dogs Taqueria is here for.
Proudly serving the best hot dogs and tacos in Ucluelet (or, according to them, the entire west coast!), Ukee Dogs Taqueria is a great little restaurant to meet all your carb cravings.
Their menu mainly features hot dogs, tacos, and burritos, but don’t be fooled by the simplicity- each of those items comes in at least five different flavors, alongside other one-off items such as poutine and chicken strips.
If you get there early enough, they even have great breakfast options!
Some of the most intriguing dishes on the menu are the Korean hot dog with pulled pork and kimchi, the seared yellowfin tuna tacos, and the surf and turf burrito.
The portions at Ukee Dogs Taqueria are all quite generous, so you definitely get your money’s worth.
1576 Imperial Ln, Ucluelet, BC
Abbondanza
Abbondanza is one of the best restaurants in Ucluelet for pizza.
Abbondanza utilizes a wood-fire oven for all their pizzas, so the crust is always perfectly crunchy and smoky, much like classic Neapolitan pizza.
Abbondanza has a wonderful and warm atmosphere that will make it easy to eat and drink the night away.
The outstanding, knowledgeable staff won’t exactly hurt either.
The menu at Abbondanza is quite extensive, and includes a wide variety of pizza flavors.
From simple flavors like margherita, marinara and pepperoni to pizzas such as their pollo arrabiatto that’s stacked with chicken, red chilis, olives, and red onions, Abbondanza has a little bit of everything.
No matter who you dine with, everyone will be able to find something that they love.
If you can’t decide what to order, sharing is always a good idea.
Abbondanza also has a well-curated wine list, so you can also find the perfect pairing to your pizza!
1972 Peninsula Rd A, Ucluelet, BC
Barkley Cafe
The Barkley Cafe is a local gem and one of the best restaurants in Ucluelet for baked goods, bagels, egg sandwiches & coffee drinks.
The team behind the Barkley Cafe has a huge one- as a family-run, local business, they are fully committing to using sustainable and ethical practices.
Not only do they use sustainable packaging and zero-emissions shipping, but they compost all their used coffee grounds in their own backyard garden, that’s also used to grow fresh herbs!
The Barkley also works closely with Caffe Fantastico and Thay Tea to source their coffee and tea, respectively.
All three local businesses are similarly committed to sustainability and ethics, making their partnership even more special.
The menu at the Barkley Cafe is just as great as their morals- food is made fresh in-house and includes dishes such as their breakfast burritos, classic BLT sandwiches, and cinnamon buns.
For a delicious meal from a restaurant that you can feel good about spending your money on, head to the Barkley Cafe.
1-1620 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet, BC
You might also like my list of Best Restaurants in Tofino here.