25+ best restaurants on Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island, one of the Gulf Islands off the coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich culture.
It’s also a haven for foodies and there are some delicious Salt Spring Island restaurants. From locally sourced seafood to farm-to-table cuisine, the diversity of dining options is sure to impress.
During a recent visit, I revisited the Tree House Cafe and had one of the best burgers I’ve ever tasted before catching the ferry back to Vancouver.
If you’re planning a trip to Salt Spring Island and looking to indulge in the local food scene, this blog post is for you.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the island’s best restaurants and highlight their unique features, specialties, and must-try dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner or a quick bite, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready to whet your appetite and discover the mouthwatering delights that Salt Spring Island has to offer.
Best restaurants on Salt Spring Island
To see all these places to eat on Salt Spring Island on an interactive map, simply click the image below and it’ll open in your Google Maps app. This list includes restaurants in Ganges Salt Spring Island as well as throughout the island so you can discover the best restaurants Salt Spring Island has to offer.
I’m a firm believer that one of the best things to do on Salt Spring Island is to eat. So make sure you don’t skimp on your meals!
Please note: Many Salt Spring restaurants close during the winter season. Please check their opening hours with each business ahead of your visit if you are set on going to one of the restaurants on this list.
1. Treehouse Cafe Salt Spring Island
Located in a wooden heritage cottage with a large plum tree as its centerpiece, Tree House Cafe is a fun place to grab some lunch.
It gets busy in summer, but the wait is worth it to dine in the treehouse and enjoy the best restaurant Salt Spring Island has for lunchtime meals.
The Grilled halloumi gyro wrapped in fresh warm naan bread is a must-try dish that will leave your taste buds singing and they do great salad bowls and other burgers too.
They often have live music and yes, there is a tree in the middle of the cafe!
2. Seaside Restaurant Salt Spring
One of the best spots to see the sunset, Seaside Restaurant on Salt Spring Island offers stunning views of the ocean and Vancouver Island across the way from their outdoor patio.
The restaurant is known for its tasty fish & chips, which come with a choice of fresh-battered halibut, cod or haddock.
3. Salt Spring Vineyards & Tasting Room
Have a wine tasting at Salt Spring Vineyards and pick out your favourite bottle to enjoy at one of the picnic tables overlooking the vineyard.
The winery also sells picnic charcuterie items like cheese and meats, so you can have yourself a delicious picnic.
For a truly unforgettable experience, grab some Salt Spring Island Goat Cheese and pair it with their champagne-style Karma wine as the sun sets in front of you.
If it’s just wine you’re after, check out Kutatás Wines.
4. Salt Spring Wild Cider House
Not only is Salt Spring Wild Cider House my favourite place to drink cider, but it’s also a fantastic spot to have lunch.
The huge outdoor space with picnic tables overlooking the farm, makes it a great spot for a sunny day.
I recommend trying a flight of ciders (there are 10 to choose from). The elderflower cider is one of my favourites but there are so many great options.
There is also an indoor dining area at this Salt Spring Island restaurant. The menu changes frequently and the mezze platter with roast aubergine, whipped feta, pan-fried scallops, and the pan-seared wild coho with chimichurri and jerk chicken is delicious!
5. Manor Dining at Hastings House
If you’re looking for a luxurious Salt Spring Island restaurant then you have to go to Hastings House.
Manor Dining at Hastings House is a fine dining Salt Spring Island restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine situated in a beautiful 1940s Sussex-style manor hotel. The restaurant is part of the Relais & Châteaux brand, which features a collection of gourmet restaurants and luxury boutique hotels from all over the world.
Whether you choose to order à la carte or indulge in the three-course Chef’s Menu, your taste buds are sure to be delighted by the restaurant’s culinary offerings.
For a truly unforgettable experience, consider combining a dinner at Hastings House with a romantic stay at the hotel. Immerse yourself in the charm of the historic manor and enjoy a blissful getaway that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
6. Mateada Lounge
If you’re looking for a vibrant and lively spot to unwind, Mateada should be at the top of your list.
This lounge is one of Salt Spring Island’s hottest new spots and is known for its live music, creative cocktails, and funky ambience.
When you step inside, you’ll be surrounded by rich textures, coloured lighting, and ornate woodwork that sets the mood for a fun evening. The lounge features an impressive cocktail menu that includes creative and refreshing drinks.
However, what sets Mateada apart is its unique selection of non-alcoholic drinks, like kombucha and yerba mate, served in a traditional gourd. Their food menu is designed for sharing and includes plant-based and gluten-free options.
Mateada hosts different styles of music from Thursdays-Saturdays, so be sure to check out their list of events.
To avoid disappointment, arrive 30 minutes before the show starts to order food before the kitchen closes and to get a good seat.
You can purchase your ticket online in advance, but tables are not assigned.
7. Salt Spring Island Cheese
For cheese lovers, a visit to Salt Spring Island Cheese is a must.
The farm opens up its café and outdoor terrace during the summertime, providing the perfect setting to enjoy the scenery and delicious food.
The menu includes an impressive selection of speciality pizzas, like their truffle chevre pesto pizza.
Sitting at a picnic table in the back overlooking the farm and cute goats adds to the overall charm of this place.
If you’re a fan of goat cheese, you must try one of their goat cheese-topped pizzas. And, don’t leave without trying their chevre cheesecake!
The kitchen is open from 11 AM to 4 PM, however, their pizzas and cheesecake can run out beforehand on busy days.
We visited on a sunny day, and the outdoor terrace was packed, but it was still a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
8. Salt Spring Island Food Trucks
Salt Spring Island is a food lover’s paradise, and one of the best ways to experience the island’s culinary scene is by indulging in the delicious food trucks.
The Salt Spring Island food trucks have a variety of cuisines including some of the only Chinese food Salt Spring offers.
A food crawl through the Ganges Salt Spring Island restaurants is the perfect way to try out different comfort foods, including tacos, poutine, falafels, and more.
The best Salt Spring food trucks are:
But there are so many to choose from!
The food trucks are parked along Lower Ganges Road and Rainbow Road, close to the Ganges Harbour, making it a convenient location to grab a bite while taking in the views.
If you’re looking for Ganges restaurants Salt Spring Island, then these food trucks are the place to be.
9. Buzzy’s Luncheonette
If you’re in the mood for a classic Jewish deli sandwich, Buzzy’s Luncheonette is the perfect spot.
The deli serves up mouthwatering Montreal smoked meat sandwiches on fresh marble rye, making it one of the best places to eat on Salt Spring Island. You can either take it away or grab one of the few tables inside or outside.
It’s a convenient place to stop for lunch after browsing the Saturday Market (one of Salt Spring Islands’ best things to do), but make sure to get there before they run out of meat!
I recommend trying the Rabinowitz one of their most popular sandwiches.
10. Cassette Cafe & Dive Bar
Cassette Salt Spring Island is one of the newest and liveliest bars and restaurants on Salt Spring Island. It has an indoor and outdoor space and they play lively up-to-date music which creates a sort of party vibe, especially if you’re visiting Salt Spring Island with friends. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for a fun and upbeat atmosphere.
This Salt Spring Island restaurant is located in a refurbished 1950s gas station and there are picnic tables that can accommodate larger groups.
While the menu is small, the food at Cassette is delicious, especially the fried-chicken sandwiches, which are one of their specialities.
Don’t miss out on their slushy margarita-style cocktails that are perfect for a warm summer’s evening.
However, expect long wait times for food as it comes out of a food truck. My friends and I had a great time at Cassette, and the lively ambience and delicious food made it a memorable experience.
11. True Love Pizza
True Love Pizza is the go-to place for the best pizza on Salt Spring Island. The wood-fired, bubbly sour-dough crust with creative toppings makes for the perfect pizza.
I personally recommend the Wise Guy, an olive-oil base pizza with house-made lemon and fennel sausage, roasted onions, and aged mozzarella. The flavours are absolutely delicious, and the crust is crispy and flavorful.
The restaurant’s focus on using locally sourced ingredients and making their pizzas from scratch makes it a great choice for anyone looking for quality food.
12. Beachside Cafe
If you’re looking for a casual, waterfront dining experience with a relaxed vibe, look no further than Beachside Cafe.
Situated near the waterfront, this is one of the Ganges restaurants that has a café with an outdoor seating area that features picnic tables that overlook the harbour, making for a scenic view.
The café has a great selection of fresh smoothie bowls topped with seasonal fruits, which are perfect for a hot summer’s day.
On Saturdays, live music adds to the laid-back atmosphere of the café.
The food is fresh, and the service is friendly, making Beachside Cafe a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.
If you’re in the mood for a light lunch or a refreshing snack, the smoothie bowls are a must-try.
13. Moby’s Pub
Moby’s Pub is a popular local bar that’s perfect for listening to live music, having a few cold beverages, and ordering pub favourites.
When it comes to Salt Spring Island pubs this one is a must visit.
The kitchen is open from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner.
The pub has a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, and the live music adds to the experience. The 18-hour BBQ Brisket is a favourite dish for many.
14. Barb’s Bakery & Bistro
Barb’s Bakery & Bistro is the best spot if you’re looking for a quick bite.
They have delicious fresh baked goods and sizeable breakfast sandwiches. Try one of their melt-on-the-tongue croissants, the perfect breakfast treat.
15. Dagwoods Diner
Dagwoods Diner is a classic greasy spoon diner that offers great value and is a favourite with locals.
Their breakfast special and eggs benedict are always a hit with my husband.
The atmosphere is laid-back and comfortable, and the friendly staff make us feel at home.
16. Salt Spring Inn
If you’re looking for a country-style breakfast, Salt Spring Inn is the perfect spot. Their buttermilk pancakes and waffles are out of this world, and on Sundays, they serve breakfast and brunch on Salt Spring Island until 2 pm with extra options like a traditional eggs benedict or a crab cake bennie.
They’re also one of the best Salt Spring Island restaurants for dinner. Their menu is full of comfort food favourites like poutine, burgers, nachos and fried chicken!
The dining room at Salt Spring Inn is located inside a cosy hotel built in the 1930s and is perfect for people-watching on Ganges’ main road.
The Inn is also a great choice for accommodation with its great value and location right in the heart of Ganges town.
17. The Woodshed Provisions by – Haidee Hart
The Woodshed is located at 319 Upper Ganges Road and serves up delicious, seasonally inspired dishes using locally harvested produce.
Stock up on your favourite homemade soups, fresh baking, and wonderful ready meals for an easy dinner at home.
18. Dos Amores Tortilleria
Dos Amores Tortilleria is a newer takeout restaurant on Salt Spring Island that produces fresh corn tortillas and serves mouthwatering Mexican food.
The head chef at Dos Amores is from Mexico, so you just know that you’re getting authentic Mexican dishes. Dishes on the menu include Chilaquiles as well as true Mexican flavours throughout their tacos.
The Mushroom Pibil Taco is one of my favourites – mushrooms with the sweetness of pineapple!
19. Oystercatcher Seafood Bar & Grill
For stunning waterfront views and a large outdoor patio, Oystercatcher is the place to be on a nice day.
In the summer you have the chance to hear live music every day during the week. The live music starts at 6 pm and it’s such a fun atmosphere.
Their Salt Spring mussels are a must-try but you should be prepared for slower service during peak hours as it’s a popular spot.
20. Auntie Pestos
Auntie Pestos is a cosy and inviting Italian restaurant that offers delicious homemade pasta and supports local producers.
The restaurant boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere, complete with jazz music playing in the background.
It is the perfect spot for a romantic date or a night out with friends. Be sure to try the seafood dill alfredo it can’t be missed!
21. House Piccolo
House Piccolo is an upscale restaurant located in a heritage building in Ganges that serves West Coast-Finnish cuisine.
The combination of fresh and local ingredients makes House Piccolo a great choice for a memorable dining experience. Together with its cosy atmosphere, this restaurant on Salt Spring Island is the perfect spot for a romantic night out.
Their must-try items are the schnitzel and the chowder Finlandia. However, we highly recommend trying the risotto or the venison.
22. Switch Board Cafe
Switch Board Cafe is one of the best-kept secrets tucked away on a side street in Ganges. This quirky spot serves coffee from 49th Parallel and offers tasty baked goods, making it the perfect place to start your day.
Their outdoor patio is the perfect place for some people-watching and enjoying a morning cup of coffee with a view. If you are looking for a more substantial meal, we highly recommend Rock Salt (below).
23. Rock Salt Restaurant
Rock Salt is a quaint restaurant in Fulford Harbour that focuses on serving delicious food made from scratch with local ingredients.
The dining room boasts 180-degree ocean views, while the café is perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat on the go.
Their cheese bun stuffed with daily ingredients like pulled pork and mushrooms is a perfect treat for when you’re in a rush.
If you have a bit more time, we recommend trying their cider-braised pulled pork burger, which is served on a potato bun and bursting with flavour.
24. Express Sushi 2 Go
Express Sushi 2 Go is a takeout restaurant that serves some of the best sushi on Salt Spring Island.
We recommend grabbing some sushi to go and enjoying it with some island views at your Salt Spring Island accommodation or on one of the beaches on Salt Spring Island.
Arigato Sushi on Salt Spring Island is also worth trying!
25. Salt Spring Saturday Market
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the market on Salt Spring Island but it was great!
The market was huge and had everything from art to food and some beehives too. There is such a huge array of fresh and local produce.
I highly recommend visiting and picking up some goodies for a picnic or mid-hike lunch!
The market runs every Saturday in Ganges and is a must-do on the island.
How to get to Salt Spring Island
There are a couple of options if you’re coming from Vancouver to Salt Spring Island.
Salt Spring Island ferry
The most common way to get to Salt Spring Island is to take the ferry from Vancouver. BC Ferries leave from Tsawwassen to Long Harbour regularly throughout the day. Some ferries stop off at the other Gulf Islands such as Galiano Island which adds quite a bit of time to the journey, whereas others go direct.
It’s a good idea to reserve the ferry if you’re heading to Salt Spring Island for the weekend as it can get very busy!
You can also get the ferry from Crofton to Vesuvius Bay on the Island, or from Victoria to the Fulford harbour.
Seaplane to Salt Spring Island
If you’re celebrating something special then you could also get a seaplane to Salt Spring Island. Harbour Air flies daily from the island to Vancouver International Airport and downtown.
FAQs about the best restaurants on Salt Spring Island
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Final thoughts on the best restaurants in Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island is a food lover’s paradise, with a variety of restaurants serving up delicious cuisine using local, seasonal ingredients.
Auntie Pestos and House Piccolo offer mouthwatering Italian cuisine and West Coast-Finnish fare, respectively, in cozy, intimate settings, and are all great places to eat Salt Spring Island food.
No matter what your taste, there’s something for everyone on Salt Spring Island, so be sure to add these Salt Spring Island restaurants to your must-visit list!
If these best places to eat salt spring island has to offer have you excited about Gulf Island food, be sure to check out these other places to eat nearby.
The Gulf Islands are full of delicious food and drink. If you’re interested in visiting some other Gulf Islands, check out the best places to eat Pender Island, and these awesome restaurants on Galiano Island, where to eat in Powell River on the Sunshine Coast.
Last Updated on August 9, 2024 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.
