The Ultimate Guide to Eating in Tofino

The magic of a great meal is hard to identity. It’s not so much about what you paid or how fancy the linens are. It’s about the joy we experience through the slow, deliberate act of dining—sharing plates, lively conversation taking the time to truly let it shine.

In Tofino, the restaurant scene is reason alone to visit. From the more desirable dining rooms like 1909 Kitchen to the sole pub The Hatch Waterfront Pub, to casual destinations like The Shed and Tacofino, this town knows food. We highlight a few of our favourites below, and will continue to build this list as time goes on. Bon appetit, thirsty traveler.  

1909 Kitchen – $$

634 Campbell St, Tofino B.C.

Located on the water in Tofino, 1909 Kitchen is Tough City’s newest culinary giant and a must-visit. Warm conversation is encouraged by the stunning dining room, Mugliania wood-fired pizza oven, and mouth-watering share plates. The albacore tuna is a favourite, as is the black cod and delectable pizzas. An incredible craft beer and wine list demands respect from the most discerning of palettes. The desserts are epic.

The Hatch Waterfront Pub – $

634 Campbell St, Tofino B.C.

There’s only one pub in Tofino but it’s a good one. Located in town and on the Inlet at Tofino Resort + Marina, The Hatch was recently renovated and made into one helluva hangout. Chef Paul Moran has served in Michelin-starred restaurants and was the first to apprentice under famous Vancouver chef, David Hawksworth. His take on pub grub elevates: the beef dip is incredible, the crispy chicken sandwich is transcendent, the pizza is the best in Tofino.

Shelter Restaurant – $$

601 Campbell St., Tofino B.C.

The pioneer of Tofino’s food renaissance, Shelter knows comfort food intimately. The calamari and tuna stack appies will transform your life, and the burger is one of the best in town. The beer is crazy cold and the surf bowls keep surfers coming back. A heated outdoor patio invites relaxation. Always surf or hockey on the TV. Always friendly servers working.  

Wolf in the Fog – $$$

150 Fourth St., Tofino B.C.

Looking for food that puts flavour and creativity above all else? Wolf in the Fog delivers. The menu changes constantly but a few things can be guaranteed: impeccable service and seafood so fresh that you can taste the waves. Wolf’s cocktail program puts everyone else to shame, and the vibe is lively, for those of you looking for a party.

SoBo – $

311 Neill St.

Known for the freshest of west coast cuisine, SoBo (short for “Sophisticated Bohemian”) is a long-time favourite of Tofitians. Go for their infamous margaritas. Stay for the fish tacos and incredible oysters. Chef Lisa Ahier is a champion of “grassroots gourmet cuisine” and local sources for everything on the menu. Closed in winter. Crazy busy in summer. Make SoBo a priority.

The Schooner – $$

331 Campbell

Before Tofino became a famous culinary destination, The Schooner was the local’s favourite for great meals and a solid cocktail program. Not much has changed. This almost 70-year-old spot makes does seafood and steaks proper. The Titan(ic) Caesar is a sight to behold, stacked high with a burger, hot wings, spicy prawns, onion rings and too much more to list in this short description.

Ice House Oyster Bar – $$

81 West St, Tofino, B.C.

Located on a dock perched over the ocean, Ice House Oyster Bar goes beyond mere waterfront dining. Enjoy halibut, fish ‘n chips, ceviche and steaks on the patio, although the oysters are the obvious lure. The service is great and they serve cold craft beer, like any self-respecting oyster bar.

The Tofino Guide to Bars & Pubs

To lift a pint with a good friend. Sharing a bottle of wine over laughs. Admiring the craftsmanship of a meticulously-created cocktail. Alongside the recent influx of food-focused culture in Tofino, an intoxicating complement of great drinks has been paired. We highlight your options below. Drink up.

The Hatch Waterfront Pub – $

634 Campbell St , Tofino B.C.

There’s one pub in Tofino and it’s called The Hatch. It has the best selection of beer in town, from Van Isle local craft beers to Lucky Lager, the Alberta-brewed beer synonymous with Northern Vancouver Island. And that’s what makes The Hatch so great—it’s accessible and comfortable for anyone. Food cooked in the same kitchen as next door’s top-shelf 1909 Kitchen can be ordered, but the vibe is down to earth. Live music every Thursday. NFL Gameday.  Updated décor. Shuttle to town available.

Shelter Restaurant – $$

601 Campbell Street, Tofino, B.C.

While this is more of a restaurant than a pub, it’s an inviting space and they do feature a small bar with surfing on the television. A small selection of craft beers is available and the wine list is solid. Almost always busy, Shelter is a go-to for locals and a recurring hotspot for out-of-towners. The food lies somewhere between high-end pub grub and proper resto. Try the Tofino Brewing Co. beer on draught. The Cortes Island mussels and fries are excellent.

The Lounge at Jamie’s Rainforest Inn -$

1258 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, B.C.

While located far from town (you’ll need a cab or designated driver), the Lounge at Jamie’s is a locals favourite. Can be a great party if the night is right. The food is excellent but the menu is a bit small. The lemon chicken parmesan is so damn good, as is the Chupacabra burger. Friendly service. Live music occasionally. Call Jamie’s to find out if they have a shuttle running.

Tofino Brewing Company – $

691 Industrial Way, Tofino, B.C.

Every town deserves a good craft brewer. Tofino is lucky to have a simply stunning one in Tofino Brewing Co. Situated a new space in the industrial section of town (aren’t all good breweries?) Tofino Brew Co. knows beer drinkers want both challenging and laid-back brews. They also offer Vancouver Island-made cider, and fun seasonal additions like micheladas and beergaritas. Run next door and get some charcuterie from Picnic to make a meal of it.     

Wolf in the Fog -$$$

150 Fourth St, Tofino, B.C.

While Wolf is more of an upscale dinner spot, there are two bars in this lively spot, one upstairs that is stunningly beautiful, and a more casual downstairs bar featuring vinyl music and charismatic bartenders. Hands down, Wolf in the Fog has the best cocktails in town. It’s definitely expensive, but fans of a well-crafted drink would be foolish to not put it on the must-visit list. Bartender Ken Gifford is a master of the craft, and always up for a challenge.  

Schooner -$$

331 Campbell St, Tofino, BC

A great cocktail list ensures the Schooner a spot on this list but otherwise it’s not really a place to go drinking. The upstairs bar is small and the service is excellent. A beauty view of Tofino reminds you why this spot continues to be a classic Tofino destination.

The Great Room at Long Beach Lodge – $$$

1441 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, B.C.

Located on beautiful Cox Bay, where you can watch the surfers or the sunsets from the comfort of a glass and timber framed Great Room, this spot is far from town but close to the beach. Featuring an almost 100% British Columbian wine list, The Great Room is a good spot for vino. Not a party spot whatsoever, it is a nice space to share drinks and conversation with a close friend. Keep a designated driver sober, or plan around Tofino’s notoriously-slow taxi service. Shuttles may be available through Long Beach Lodge.    

The Maquinna Hotel – $

1441 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, B.C.

Once dubbed “The Dirty Mac” for its notorious reputation, The Maq Hotel is back due to popular demand. A super-fun late-night spot, this dark dance club features live tunes, DJs and karaoke, and loves its rock, blues, punk, indie, house, dub, electro, and alternative music. Legendary for good times and bad decisions, it’s a Tofino institution.

The Legion – $

331 Main St. Tofino B.C.

Tofino’s long-running down-and-dirty party spot is home to the best shows in town and a karaoke night to die for. You haven’t experience Tofino’s party scene ‘til you’ve been here. It’s all about music, billiards, dancing and good times. Bring cash. They don’t take debit or credit.