As one of the top rated places for dinner in magical Tofino, i was surprised at how mediocre the…read moreservice was. Right from the beginning with the lack of host skills. Cocktails were the main attraction, but for people who don't drink you might as well stick to the apps.

Wow! We had a reservation for Wolf in the Fog our last night in Tofino and it couldn't have been…read morebetter! The entire place felt elevated but cozy - our table was upstairs under beautiful wooden beams and big windows overlooking the town. The vibe was lively but not too loud on a Tuesday evening. Service started out wonderfully and we regularly received fresh table settings between courses, however we had a switch in waitstaff later in the meal and it was incredibly slow at the end. No big deal since we weren't in a rush but something to note that it could be hit or miss. The food, on the other hand, was 100% on point. We ordered the potato crusted oyster appetizer and I was blown away - innovative and delicious. For my main, I got the halibut in a curry sauce that was just perfection. My friends tried the sea board, seaweed salad, and scallop gratin, and loved all of it. This meal was a highlight of our vacation.

I had little context when arriving with a group of 7 to a restaurant that planned to seat 8 of us…read moreat 2 tables. They had expressly stated that they did not "do" large tables of 8. We were confused. Our organizer's assistant had set this up. I was just along for the ride. What a ride it turned out to be. The reason they don't do tables of 8 became obvious when we realized that this was a 2 star Michelin star restaurant that didn't have the stars yet. Pretty hard to get the folks at Michelin to wander into Uculet BC. Trust me when I say - it doesn't matter if they've been anointed by the rubber tire makers, they qualify in any event. They graciously accommodated our slightly diminished group of 7 at one cobbled together table. This is a world class dining room entirely contained within the floor plate of a 20th century home. It likely holds about 20 people per seating. The kitchen pumps out tasty pieces of art. The artists studio is naturally designed for intimacy, not rambunctious conference attendees. They bent the rules and pushed the limits of the kitchen to ensure we all got to experience the service as designed. They pulled it off. The photos below give you a glimpse into the menu. It clearly ebbs and flows with the seasons, and they were also able to accommodate needed dietary restrictions. Claire, our lovely server, took the time to ask each of our names, and then used them correctly throughout the evening. We were no longer strangers, we were guests in this former home. It happened to be Claire's last night before she left on a personal hiatus. I hope they can find someone as lovely to replace her. The food was tasty and beautiful. The wine pairings were sublime (with one slight miss) and the chef's amuse bouche and little delights were woven into the experience in a way that surprised and delighted us throughout. If you enjoy world class, and you find yourself in Tofino or Uculet - make the effort and head over to Pluvio. 4.9/5

Best to make a reservation and arrive on time, not earlier cause the restaurant is quite small…read more There's no place to wait. We had the set menu. The food!! Or shall we say the ART! Everything is surprising. Delicious, super creatively crafted and fresh. It definitely an experience, that satisfies all your senses. I love that they also give you some little treats between your five courses and everything adds up together you're perfectly full.

Knowing the western side of Vancouver Island is known for great seafood options, we selected the…read moreGreat Room to try some! The hostess was was very nice and gave us a table with a view (which I'm sure would have been striking if it hadn't been dark unfortunately). Still, we ordered prawns and a 1/2 dozen oysters to start off with a bottle of Blue Mountain Sauvignon Blanc. (i wasn't nervous about the oysters as the north pacific is clean for raising them). For dinner my partner opted for the chicken platter that she really enjoyed; lots of fresh components and interesting small side portions. I had the scallops and pork belly that I have never had before, but would absolutely have again here. Add this restaurant to your list whether staying in the lodge or not. I agree reservations are a good idea unless you plan to go in an off time.

We had an amazing meal. The food and service were wonderful. The view excellent. Would highly…read morerecommended! Thank you

Could not be happier that the Arbutus Lounge exists (and the distillery) in our town. This place…read morerivals the best quality cocktails I've had in major cities, and when you factor in the INCREDIBLY low price, it truly can't be beat. From the classic martini to the weird and wonderful Where the Wild Things Are, and everything in between, the drink list is unique and exciting with something for everyone. The mixologists are amazing, and they even have board games and snacks available. They also do a happy hour, but I can never get there in time so can't speak to it. By far the best kept secret in Nanaimo!

Just discovered this place! Awesome craft cocktails from a serious mixologist. Never even knew this…read moreplace was here, as it's kinda hiding out of sight on a bit of an industrial park road. Nice cozy eclectic atmosphere with herbs and flowers drying all around. The cocktail menu is lengthy and def has something for everyone. Each drink has a chart letting you know sweet, herbal, boozy, etc. Not very busy on a Friday night, I imagine people haven't discovered it just like we didn't! Check it out!

The ambiance was amazing, beautiful views of the ocean…read more The food was very good as well. The service was to be expected for a surfing town, everything is on island time.

A complete flop of an experience. Nice looking place inside…read morethe black rock resort. The nice ended there. Drinks were overly sweet. Food was meh. Fish and chips - cod was so greasy. Watermelon salad dressing was thin and tasted weak. Worst of all was the service. Totally forgot to enter our orders. Had to ask for appetizer plates twice. They took silverware and didn't replace. Had to ask for more. By the time we left we were eager to just have leave and never look back. And all this with a cavalier "you're lucky we even let you enter here" kind of attitude. Needless to say, not recommended. Always like to spend my money at places that feel like they have to earn it.

Excellent eats and great service. Interesting specials, and a cozy vibe. No notes. Friendly and…read moreattentive staff.

Duncan's best-kept secret just set the gold standard. From the moment we walked into the Old…read moreFirehouse, it felt like we were stepping into a vibe that hits that rare, perfect note: elevated but unpretentious, energetic but intimate. Huge shoutout to Owner-turned-Mixology-Mastermind Jeff, who absolutely crushed it behind the bar -- every cocktail and mocktail was a handcrafted work of art that could hold court in any top-tier city. We're talking serious flavour fireworks here. And April -- what can we say? Her service made us feel like VIPs who owned the joint. She read the room, anticipated every move, and wrapped the whole evening in the kind of hospitality you can't teach: pure instinct, heart, and grace. The food? Next level. Every bite was a flex of flavor and presentation. The kitchen is clearly playing in its own league, balancing creativity with pure culinary muscle. Combine that with an ambience that feels like cozy meets cool, and you've got an absolute home run. If you haven't experienced Firehouse Grill yet, fix that immediately.

Omg!! First time ever being there. Service was great and our…read morewaiter answered all our questions about the menu, Food was phenomenal!! No wonder there is always a wait time to get on. I highly recommend this restaurant.

We have had many great Sunday Brunches. Staff are wonderful and so are the drinks and foodread more

Wow what a gem in Forks!…read more Nicely curated beer selection- I love that once they finish a keg they swap it out randomly with what they have - meaning each time you come in, the beer menu will be different! A lot of local Washington pours, great boron from Portland, and other great picks. I enjoyed the cider I ordered and would definitely stop here again!

I'm so glad I came here. It was a great experience because we met Amy the owner, who is so nice…read more The beer selection is amazing and we had a great bratwurst sandwich for 7.25. Can't beat that. Definitely come here if you love beer and company. People are very friendly here.

Love the place very friendly and good serves the owner is a a hoot a great person I recommend it…read morehighly give it a try and tell her Leo says Hi

Had SO much fun!! Delicious cocktails, clean comfortable space, and the staff are the best. Thanks…read moreto Jason for taking care of us on our night out in Nanaimo! We had the best time! Love forever! ^_^

Was traveling and stopped in Ladysmith for a bite to eat and happened onto this gem! Meat pies were…read morecoming out of the oven and the lady showed me one so I could see how beautiful it was! In addition to many types of meat pies, they serve a daily soup (was Leek), daily sweet pies (that day, rhubarb), sweet white rolls, and cookies/sweets. It is small (only two tables) but does take out and frozen foods as well. The chicken pie I got was delicious and such a rare comfort food for a quick lunch on the road, that I felt compelled to share! My pie came with a delicious sweet white roll... and I took home a slice of rhubarb! Everything was very very good. Will stop by for a frozen meat pie next time !

Driving through Ladysmith, I noticed this little shop and stopped for a bite. Cozy little place…read morewith only a couple of tables. Food was excellent, made instore, by the friendly owner. Real home style meals. The best thing was I discovered they do frozen take away dinners, and meat pies. Im a single guy and dont like to work too hard on cooking proper meals, but now I buy a few every week for the freezer, and I can have a nice home style dinner, like mom used to make. I like their deserts as well. For those that care, they also have gluten free meals.