16 B.C. restaurants worth road-tripping for, according to our readers
With many people opting to stay local for their summer vacations (despite how hard the hospitality industry in the U.S. is trying to attract tourists), this is the perfect time to check out some lesser-known parts of B.C. More specifically, this is your opportunity to discover some foodie hotspots outside of Metro Vancouver.
We know that Vancouver is already one of the top cities in Canada, especially when it comes to food, but if you’re willing to drive a couple of hours (or catch a ferry), you can find some incredible dining opportunities.
That’s why we asked our Instagram followers for some of their favourite restaurants they would road-trip to, and we got plenty of answers. So many that we compiled some of the most recommended spots into a list for your reading pleasure. You’re welcome.
From restaurants located in beautiful wineries to one that’s literally a cabin in the woods, these are some B.C. restaurants that are worth travelling for, according to our readers.
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Whistler
Mekong – South East Asian Kitchen + Bar
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Led by Executive Chef Boonyawee (Bonnie) Khummuang, each dish served here draws from traditions that have stood the test of time. Expect bold Southeast Asian flavours from dishes like its Geng Gola Beef Tenderloin, Mapo Tofu of Mushrooms, and Crispy Pork Jowl with Yellow Zucchini. Plus, be sure to stop by for its Wednesday Night Market menu, where it serves up a variety of street food-inspired skewers cooked over a traditional charcoal BBQ.
Address:Â 2067 Lake Placid Rd. #204, Whistler
Lorette Brasserie
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Perhaps the newest restaurant on this list, Lorette Brasserie is a new 90-seat spot serving French-Canadian cuisine. The menu includes bites like Onion Tarte Tatin (foie gras torchon, Oka cheese, veal jus), Lobster Vol-au-Vent (sweetbreads, lobster cream), Beef Cheek Bourguignon (champignons, Pemberton carrots, cipollini onion), and Suckling Pig Tourtière (suckling pig, confit duck, grandma’s ketchup, and optional pan-seared foie gras), to name a few.
Address: Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel — 102B-4359 Main St., Whistler
Araxi
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Looking for oysters on your latest trip to Whistler? This is the place. But don’t worry, its selection of Pacific Northwest-inspired dishes and cocktails is excellent as well.
Address:Â 4222 Village Sq. #110, Whistler
Wild Blue Restaurant
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Since it opened in 2022, Wild Blue has won numerous accolades, including being listed as second in Canada’s Best New Restaurant in Air Canada Magazine and securing the 66th spot on Canada’s 100 Best List for 2023, then climbing to number 33 in 2025. So it’s safe to say you’re in for a good meal if you visit here.
Address:Â 4005 Whistler Way, Whistler
Galiano Island
Pilgrimme
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When it first opened, Pilgrimme was named one of Canada’s best new restaurants by Air Canada.
The restaurant focuses on hyper-local ingredients, using only things foraged, grown, or raised on either the island or nearby locations on the mainland. Plus, you get a two-for-one: Charmer Pizza operates out of the same space as Pilgrimme from Thursdays to Sundays, offering naturally leavened sourdough pizza.
Address:Â 2806 Montague Rd., Galiano Island
Lola
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While Lola is primarily reserved for retreats and special event programs at Bodega Ridge, it occasionally offers a can’t-miss dinner series a couple of times per year. Expect locally caught seafood and local produce from the island, most of which is from the Godega Ridge Farm.
Here, you’ll find a menu written in a blend of Tagalog and English, featuring a variety of Southeast Asian-inspired family-style share plates.
Address:Â 120 Manastee Rd., Galiano Island
Penticton
Kin and Folk
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When someone with the street cred of Vish Mayekar, chef and owner of one of Vancouver’s buzziest new restaurants, Elem (and Top Chef Canada season 10 contender), recommends a restaurant, we tend to pay attention.
Kin and Folk is a modern Asian fusion restaurant serving a menu inspired by global cuisines, contemporary techniques, fresh ingredients, and local producers. Plus, its cocktail program is nothing to sneeze at either. The team also recently opened a location in Kelowna.
Address:Â 557 Main St., Penticton
Address:Â 281 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna
Elma
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Experience a slice of Turkey along the water of Lake Okanagan at Elma. Expect a bright space with decor sourced from Turkey alongside modern Turkish-inspired food made with local ingredients. Plus, its upstairs patio is absolutely gorgeous.
Address:Â 994 Lakeshore Dr. W., Penticton
Kelowna
Home Block at CedarCreek Estate Winery
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With ingredients sourced from CedarCreek’s own gardens as well as local farmers, foragers, and ranchers, you’ll find delicious home-style dishes that are inspired by the many wines that CedarCreek produces.
Address:Â 5445 Lakeshore Rd., Kelowna
The Old Vines Restaurant at Quail’s Gate
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Another great restaurant located at a winery, expect a dynamic menu of wine-led contemporary cuisines inspired by seasonal local farms and suppliers from all over British Columbia.
Address:Â 3303 Boucherie Rd., Kelowna
Cawston
Row Fourteen at Klippers
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Located in the Similkameen Valley on the fourteenth row of Klippers Organic Acres’ apple orchard, you’ll find Row Fourteen. Using produce that is quite often harvested less than 500 meters away, you know you’re in for a very special farm-to-table experience.
Address:Â 725 MacKenzie Rd., Cawston
Crowsnest Vineyards
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One of our readers said that they would travel over four hours just to get the schnitzel from this restaurant, so we have a feeling it has to be good. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick snack, a full meal, or one of its wood-fired patio pizza nights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
Address:Â 2035 Surprise Rd., Cawston
Oliver
Terrafina at Hester Creek
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This Tuscan-style restaurant is nestled among the vines of Hester Creek Estate Winery, so you’ll definitely want to enjoy a glass or two with your meal. What’s better than sipping on some wine while you dig into a plate of charcuterie while enjoying the scenery?
Address: 887 Rd. 8, Oliver
Tofino
Wolf in the Fog
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Not only will you get a great view of the ocean, but Wolf In The Fog serves a stand-out menu of locally sourced plates and cocktails.
Address:Â 150 Fourth St., Tofino
Jeju Restaurant
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Jeju is a contemporary Korean restaurant that serves authentic dishes inspired by the owner’s childhood memories. Not only is the menu full of delicious options like Mandu, Galbi, Bibimbap, and Charcoal Bossam, but it’s truly a family restaurant, being owned by husband and wife team Dylan and Sung Kim, but also Dylan’s mother helps out as well with her 40 years of experience as a professional chef. Choose between a la carte options or dive in with its tasting menu.
Address:Â 120 Fourth St. #101, Tofino
Vernon
Gerni’s Farmhouse
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Gerni’s has perhaps one of the best views on this entire list. Expect Austrian favourites like bratwursts, pretzels, and more traditional fare. To make it even cooler, Gerni’s Farmhouse is an original 16th-century building from Weerberg, Austria, that was dismantled in 2019, shipped to Canada, and rebuilt on the resort by Holzbau Maier.
Address: 888 Sparkling Pl., Vernon
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