Best Galiano Island restaurants you need to try
Galiano Island may be small but it’s got an incredible culinary scene. Would you have believed this small southern Gulf Island was home to one of Canada’s best restaurants? It doesn’t stop there, there are delicious cafes, Thai food, and places for pizza on Galiano Island too.
If you’re looking for the best Galiano Island restaurants, you’re in the right place.
This list has been tried and tested (it’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it) to pick out the best Galiano Island restaurants for your visit.
I strongly believe one of the best things to do in Galiano Island is to eat. So whether you’re staying in a cosy cabin, or are camping on Galiano Island, be sure to check out these delicious restaurants on Galiano Island during your trip.
Best Galiano Island restaurants
There are so many delicious restaurants on Galiano Island that it’s hard to know where to narrow it down.
After my trips to Galiano Island, I’ve eaten at most places and my friends have managed to nab tables where I haven’t been able to, so I’ve got some solid reviews from people I know about where to eat on Galiano Island.
1. Pilgrimme Galiano
Pilgrimme restaurant on Galiano Island has won so many awards it’s almost hard to keep track. Named on Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants List and even one of the World’s 50 best!
Quite a feat when you consider how many great restaurants there are across the country, and even just the restaurants in Gastown, Vancouver alone, and that’s before you consider their global accolade!
The chef at Pilgrimme spent a season at Noma in Copenhagen which is renowned for being one of the best restaurants in the world. While working in the kitchen there he perfected cooking techniques and learned about different flavor combinations that he’s brought to Pilgrimme on Galiano.
The whole experience of dining at Pilgrimme feels magical from the get-go. The restaurant is tucked away in the forest and looks just beautiful when lit up in the evening.
Pilgrimme only offers tasting menus and they’re not open all year round. The best way to book a table is to follow them on social media, Tock, or regularly check their website to see when bookings are open.
Their tasting menu for winter 2023 is $160 per guest with a drinks pairing available for an extra $65. For that, you get 10 courses. Dinners start at 6 pm and last 3-3.5 hours. It’s such a special experience on Galiano Island!
2. Oxeeye
We loved our lunch at Oxeye in Galiano Island.
Oxeye Cafe is in the heart of Sturdies Bay and we stopped by for lunch after exploring Galiano Island in the morning.
They put a Pacific Northwest stamp on modern café cuisine and believe in bringing together the community through their collaboration with island artisans, growers, and residents.
We were very impressed with the lunch we got and the space inside Oxeye Galiano was lovely too.
3. Lola Gailano Island at Bodega Ridge
Lola at Bodega Ridge is where southeast Asia meets the southern Gulf Islands.
The Lola restaurant on Galiano uses locally caught seafood in its dishes alongside produce from the island, including Bodega Ridge’s very own farm. You can’t get much more local than that.
You’ll be able to enjoy delicious fresh flavors and family-style sharing plates
Lola Bodega Ridge is open from Friday to Sunday, from 5 pm.
4. Sturdies Bay Bakery
If you’re looking for baked goods for breakfast or lunch on Galiano Island then you can’t go wrong with a visit to Sturdies Bay Bakery.
Located in Sturdies Bay, as the name suggests, Sturdies Bay Bakery is a go-to for bread, bagels, and sweet pies and they also do full-cooked breakfasts using local farm-fresh eggs.
For lunch, you can find sandwiches, soups, and other items.
Be sure to check this out if you’re looking for a great cafe on Galiano Island.
5. Pink Geranium
Another of the restaurants by Galiano Island Bodega Ridge is Pink Geranium.
Pink Geranium was a Galiano Island institution that unfortunately closed back in 1992.
As of 2023, it’s reopening as a breakfast and lunch spot in Bodega Cove.
Given the attention to detail and excellence with which the Bodega team does everything else, I’m sure it’s going to be delicious.
You’ll be able to get espressos, groceries, and other drinks which is ideal if you’re staying on Galiano Island nearby.
If you want to get a sneak peek of the menu at Pink Geranium, you can go for Pinky’s Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays at Bodega Ridge.
6. Charmer Pizza on Galiano
Charmer Pizza is some of the best and most unique pizzas I’ve ever had. If you’re hungry for Galiano pizza, check this place out!
When we visited Galiano Island in winter, they were serving up their wood-fired sourdough pizzas in the restaurant space of Pilgrimme and it was so unique.
In the summer months, and at other times throughout the year, you can find Charmer Pizza operating around the back of Pilgrimme as more of a food-truck-style restaurant.
Whatever you do, be sure to try some pizza as it’s so delicious!
7. Woodstone Restaurant
Part of Woodstone Manor, the Woodstone Restaurant on Galiano Island is a large space with an outdoor patio area overlooking beautiful fields.
The menu features European-inspired dishes with fresh fish and meats, while the patio has a more relaxed vibe and serves your standard Canadian fare of burgers and fish and chips.
Woodstone also offers complimentary transportation to and from BC Ferries or Montague Harbour for those wishing to dine with them.
8. Crane & Robin
You can’t beat the views or location of this Galiano restaurant.
Crane & Robin restaurant on Galiano Island is known for its sunset views from the terrace overlooking the ocean. Be sure to try their delicious fish tacos, chowders, and other tasty dishes with a drink while soaking in the view.
9. Atrevida
Atrevida at Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa is another of the best restaurants on the island. They’re known for their take on contemporary West Coast cuisine.
The menu focuses on seasonal and local produce from the Pacific North West and so has many fish dishes and locally reared meat. It changes seasonally so you can be sure you’re getting the freshest ingredients.
If you’re a meat eater, you’re sure to love the Prime Rib Sundays and they do a great happy hour between 3-5.30 pm on Friday and Saturday afternoons.
10. Wild1 Cookhouse
Wild1 Cookhouse is a Thai food restaurant on Galiano Island. It’s a bit like a food truck but it also has a cool outdoor seating area, including a covered area, where you can enjoy your food. On some nights you can also enjoy some live music too!
TWild1 Cookhouse serves Pad Thai, duck, satay chicken, and other dishes and it’s all delicious.
The Wild One opening hours can be a bit sporadic so it’s best to check their Facebook for updates!
11. La Lena Pizza Patio
A second option for great pizza on Galiano Island is Le Lana Pizza. Also found at Galiano Inn and Spa, this pizza restaurant does unique toppings such as curry chicken pizza!
You’ll find vegan options too using a roasted sweet potato base and vegan cheese.
The best part is you get to enjoy this while overlooking the ocean!
How to get to Galiano Island from Vancouver
There are two different ferries to Galiano Island. One is much longer than the other.
If the ferries are running fully, it’s less than an hour between mainland Vancouver to Galiano Island. You can take the Galiano Island ferry from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal straight to Sturdies Bay (view the Galiano Island ferry schedule), Galiano Island. This ferry is popular and gets booked up fast on weekends. I would strongly recommend you book in advance as the alternative is a much, much longer trip!
When we visited Galiano, the Vancouver – Galiano ferry was canceled so we took the longer route. This route involves going from Vancouver to Victoria and then from Victoria to Galiano.
This ferry to Galiano Island is much longer with about 3 hours on ferries, about 1-1.5 hours from Swartz Bay to Galiano plus the 1.5 hours from Vancouver to Swartz Bay AND waiting time in between them.
Alternatively, you can also get a floatplane from Richmond (YVR) to Galiano Island with Seair Seaplanes. The flying time is 10 minutes.
FAQs about the best restaurants on Galiano Island
What is Galiano Island known for?
Galiano Island is known for its wild west-coast scenery. You’ll find a rugged coastline, beautiful forests and stunning beaches.
How do you get around Galiano Island?
The easiest way to get around Galiano Island is by car. However, there are some taxi services and you can bike around the island too.
How big is Galiano Island?
Galiano Island is 27.5 km long it’s a pretty thing and a long island that is only 6 km wide at the widest point!
Is Galiano Island worth visiting?
Definitely! Galiano Island provides a peaceful getaway from the bigger cities of Vancouver and Victoria. If you’re looking to enjoy nature, beautiful scenery, and great food, check out Galiano Island!
Best time to visit Galiano Island?
The best time to visit Galiano Island is from May onwards. Not only is the weather nicer, but this is when most of the restaurants reopen after closing over winter.
Final thoughts on the best restaurants Galiano Island BC has to offer
Above you’ll find all the places to get the best Galiano Island food. From year-round restaurants Galiano Island has to those that are seasonal like Charmer Pizza, you’ll find some delicious places to eat while staying on the island.
My favorite restaurant in Galiano is definitely Pilgrimme. It’s no surprise that Pigrimme reviews are always glowing, but there are so many places to try that if you’re not able to get reservations you won’t be disappointed with where you end up!
If you’re looking for more Gulf Island travel guides, be sure to check out these guides to where to eat on Salt Spring Island, what to do on Hornby Island, the best things to do on Pender Island, and these Pender Island restaurants, where to go camping on Hornby Island, Pender Island camping, as well as the best things to do on Salt Spring Island and where to stay on Salt Spring Island. I’ve also got a guide to what to do on Gabriola Island and, of course, all my British Columbia and Vancouver travel guides.
Last Updated on September 5, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
