Nestled on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking fresh, locally-sourced, and unforgettable culinary experiences. This was my first visit to Tofino and it definitely won’t be my last. Everything I ate was such a notable experience and there is still so much left to explore. Tofino’s food culture is bursting with fresh flavors and local ingredients. If you are wondering where to eat in Tofino, here are my top 5 recommendations for places to eat in Tofino!
1. Where to Eat in Tofino: Ombre Restaurant
Located at 311 Neill Street in the iconic former SoBo space, Ombre Restaurant is Tofino’s latest culinary hotspot, led by Executive Chef David Provencal (previously of Wolf in the Fog) and General Manager Eric Murdoch. Specializing in inventive seasonal small plates with locally-sourced ingredients, Ombre is perfect for a group dining experience, featuring an intimate chef’s table and communal seating. The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, making it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes at Ombre Restaurant
- Madeleine & Foie Parfait—a stunning combination of buttery madeleine with rich foie parfait and a hint of raspberry tang.
- Lentil Hummus with charred eggplant and za’atar is another standout, offering deep, smoky flavors served with fresh flatbread.
- Braised Duck Leg – fall of the bone tender duck meat, cippolini, butternut squash, rutabega, brown butter, agnolotti.
- Sugo di Carne stand out pasta dish with its rich, hearty ragu on pillowy spelt gnocchetti.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Tofino or a returning local, Ombre’s menu promises fresh flavors and imaginative pairings that are hard to find elsewhere. Add it to your Tofino dining list for an unforgettable culinary experience! Check out my full review here.
Ombre
Address: 311 Neill St, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Website: https://www.ombrerestaurant.com/
2. Where to Eat in Tofino: Jeju Restaurant
Ever since I tried Jeju Restaurant last Summer during their pop up in Vancouver, I made it a priority to make it to Tofino ASAP. And I can say without a doubt that the food was exactly as amazing as I remember it. Helmed by Chef Dylan, the menu at Jeju has a very innovative approach to traditional Korean dishes. Jeju Tofino offers a fresh, exciting menu that highlights both local ingredients and classic Korean techniques. This restaurant provides a cozy yet modern setting, perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings with friends.
Must-Try Dishes at Jeju Restaurant
- Galbi – Korean BBQ CAB short ribs aged for 35 days served with arugula salad, ssamjang, lettuce, pickled radish, jangajji, kimchi, rice. Their signature dish and an absolute must order – this dish will literally change your life.
- Eggplant – prawn, dill aioli, smoked gochugaru (made to look like the rocks of Jeju island, so innovative and whimsical)
- Scallop – yuzu vinaigrette, pickled radish, marinated kelp, kelp salt
- Spot Prawn – dill oil, orange vinaigrette, garlic aioli (so unique and an incredible combination of flavours)
- Smoked Tuna – soy-ginger dressing, pickled jalapeño, potato (the smokiness of the tuna goes so well with the potato salad underneath)
- Sung Style Ribs – baby back ribs, soy-soy bean paste, garlic, chili, chives, rice, arugula
Jeju is a refreshing addition to Tofino’s culinary scene, blending the bold, vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine with high-quality, local ingredients. Each dish reflects Chef’s dedication to showcasing traditional Korean elements while incorporating the best of Tofino’s local offerings. This spot is definitely a must visit on your next trip to Tofino.
Jeju Restaurant
Address: 120 Fourth St #101, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Website: https://www.jejutofino.com/
3. Chew On This Tasty Tours
I had the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural Chew On This Tasty Tours Tasting Trail Fall/Winter tour in Tofino. Chew On This Tasty tour is an immersive all-inclusive food tour that combines culinary delights with cultural insights. We were given a general outline of what to expect but there were a number of surprises along the way.
In classic Tofino style, the day started off with pouring rain but that didn’t stop us from having an incredible time. This was my tour experience at a glance:
- To start the day we had a cup of hot chocolate with a delicious chocolate cookie at The Beach Shack located at Pacific Sands Resort.
- Next we headed over to Long Beach Lodge for a meditation session with Laura Heininger of Tofino Breath and Meditation. Normally this experience happens on the beach but due to the weather we did it indoors.
- We headed up to The Great Room at Long Beach Lodge after for a delectable breakfast tasting. We got to enjoy a special curated sweet and savoury breakfast flight. The waffles were particularly delightful.
- Following breakfast, we headed to the Naa’waya’sum Gardens/Clayoquat Campus. Eli Enns, an internationally recognized expert in Indigenous-led conservation gave us an introduction into the Gardens and the campus and the holistic solutions that are being implemented to rebuild the community and ecosystem of the gardens.
- We had a wonderful surprise visit from Lisa Ahier. Chef is an icon in Tofino’s culinary landscape and a competitor on this years Top Chef Canada. We warmed up with cups of her Salmon Chowder as we listened to her exciting stories.
- We then made our way to the Tofino Ucluelet Culinary Guild to hear about this culinary resource for the chefs and residents of Tofino. We got to try a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables!
- Kim and Cam make fresh gelato and chocolates daily at Chocolate Tofino and the craftsmanship and quality is top notch. The gelato was so flavourful and creamy.
This is such a unique and fun way to discover Tofino. Check out how to book here.
4. Where to Eat in Tofino: Wolf in the Fog
Situated in the heart of Tofino, Wolf in the Fog is a beloved culinary destination in Tofino. Led by Executive Chef Nicholas Nutting, this restaurant is known for its innovative dishes that celebrate the area’s freshest ingredients and wild flavors. With a menu that reflects the rugged beauty of the Pacific coast, Wolf in the Fog combines local seafood, seasonal produce, and foraged ingredients into unforgettable meals with international flair and flavours.
Must Try Dishes at Wolf in the Fog
Honestly every dish was a stand out, but if I had to choose, these would be my top recommendations:
- Potato Crusted Oysters – their signature item and for good reason. It’s like eating a hickory stick wrapped oyster and it’s just as delightful as it sounds.
- Seaweed Salad – mushroom, puffed rice, daikon, sesame mayo, miso chili oil. This seaweed salad will be unlike anything you ever had. It’s got a slight crunch and the spiciness packs a punch.
- Pacific Scallop Gratin – red miso dashi, sesame, scallion, shiitake mushroom, rice. It’s the most comforting dish of baked seafood rice, but fancy.
- Seared Lingcod – malaysian laksa curry, gai lan, bean sprouts, peanuts, coconut The Thai influences from Chef’s recent trip really shines through in this menu. The punchy laksa flavours work so well with the delicate and moist ling cod.
- 21oz Ribeye Steak – gorgonzola bread & butter pudding, poached plums, braised leeks, red wine jus. Dare I say the star of this dish is the bread pudding? It’s so ingenious and delightful.
- Wild Berry Pavlova – local berries and a crisp, airy meringue that’s the perfect sweet finish
With its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to showcasing the best of Tofino’s ingredients, Wolf in the Fog is a must-visit in Tofino. The restaurant itself has an impressive wall of liquor as well as a bronze statue of their signature wolf. It’s a favourite in Tofino for good reason.
Wolf in the Fog
Address: 150 Fourth St, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Website: http://www.wolfinthefog.com/
5. Where to Eat in Tofino: Shelter Restaurant
For some of the best views of Tofino Harbour you need to check out Shelter Restaurant. Known for its relaxed ambiance and commitment to sustainability, Shelter sources locally whenever possible, bringing fresh, seasonal ingredients to the forefront of its menu.
The restaurant’s setting is as memorable as its food: with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious outdoor patio, Shelter offers incredible views of Tofino’s lush scenery and rugged coastline, making it an ideal spot for a sunset meal or a cozy, rainy-day dining experience.
Must Try Dishes at Shelter Restaurant
- Lingcod Fish & Chips – tempura lingcod, house cut fries, tartare sauce and cabbage & kale slaw. Super crisp batter with moist fish – the perfect combo.
- Salt Spring Island Mussels – chimichurri & butter, house cut fries & dijon aioli
- Salmon and Kale Bowl – grilled salmon, kale, quinoa, red apple, raisins, puffed rice, white cheddar, almonds. After a full weekend of eating this was the perfect light lunch to cleanse the system.
Shelter Restaurant is a great little spot for grabbing one last delicious bite before leaving Tofino. It is conveniently located right across the check in for Harbour Air. It was a lovely end to a whirlwind food tour in Tofino.
We also got a sneak peek of thier hot chocolate offering for the Tofino Hot Cocoa Trail. The Tofino Hot Cocoa Trail is happening this December in Tofino with over 15 specialty hot chocolate drinks to try.
Shelter Restaurant
Address: 634 Campbell St, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Website: http://www.shelterrestaurant.com/