The Barnacle

The best part of this meal was the wait staff. The young lady serving us and talking us through…read morethe menu was friendly and helpful. The food was fantastic. On the expensive side but worth it. My favorite was the scallop crudo and the steamed clams. Oh and they make a mean cocktail.

Having just arrived in Orcas Island, we heard many rave reviews about Matia. I would say I wasn't…read moretoo impressed, but I liked the food. We ordered the Birria Foccacia and Scallop Crudo. We came here thinking they would have actual meals, but the stuff we ordered, especially the Scallop Crudo, left us still hungry. The Birria Foccacia looked and tasted good, but not so reminiscent of actual Birria, as the consommé served with it tasted just like taco seasoning broth, no tanginess, such as lime or cilantro, added to it. With the Scallop Crudo, I would say they called it Vietnamese Nuoc Cham sauce, but I think they were actually thinking of the Lao Jeow Som. Sauce for the Scallop Crudo was delicious, though. I loved how fresh the ingredients were. For drinks, I got a mocktail of their Amaretto, I think. I liked the drink, it tasted very cozy for the weather. Overall, dishes are all farm to table here. That's why it is priced the way it is, but perhaps I wish there were just more to eat.

Monti, the adjacent bar

Amaretto

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Interior

Madrona Bar & Grill

3.4(387 reviews)

Right on the water with a great atmosphere in downtown Orcas Island. It's an easy spot for the…read morewhole family, with menu options that work for everyone. My friends loved their burgers (chicken and hamburger), and while I went with the shrimp salad, it was fine -- not bad, just more on the simple side and heavy dressing. Overall, a solid stop for the location, views, and laid-back vibe.

It was our first visit to the island. We went all over. Loved it. We wanted to try next door (they…read moreweren't open the whole time we were there), but found this place. Awesome views, awesome service. They weren't unfortunately out of oysters. The clam chowder was really good and crab bisque was the best I've ever had, and I've had a lot. Overall great place. So, we indeed came again the next day to try more. It was great. Can't wait to come back to the island and do more. Thanks.

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Grilled Salmon

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French 74 and a Bloody Mary

Monti

4.7(35 reviews)

Had high expectations that didn't deliver…read more My girlfriend and I came to stay the night on Orcas Island, and this was the first restaurant we tried. Having made reservations beforehand, we were really excited to try this place out. The servers who greeted us were really nice. The restaurant had a beautiful dark interior that gave off a cozy steakhouse vibe. They even offered to take my coat, how nice of them! Despite the hospitality, the food did not really live up to expectations. I got the birria, and while it was okay, it definitely wasn't worth the price I paid. My girlfriend's scallop crudel was almost as pricey and it did not even fill her up. I believe the bill for our whole meal (including a mocktail) was over $80. This was definitely not worth the price point paid for, considering that we were not fully satisfied with that meal. Regardless, many thanks to the Monti staff for having us.

First visit and I'm smitten. Great decor and service, but the meal really distinguished itself…read more First course was a fennel shaved salad with exceptional flavor - don't be dissuaded by the reference to anchovy dressing - it works magnificently and nothing overpowers. The chicken liver with summer tomatoes was magnificent, even if they needed an extra slice of sourdough to finish the plate. The star was the roasted pork belly. I've had many in my day but this was the crown jewel of belly's - succulent, tender inside and crispy edges, and the flavor was off the chart delicious. Rigatoni with lamb did not disappoint and pasta was cooked to perfection. Saved room for chocolate mousse and it was excellent and not too sweet. Wine pairings supported the wonderful meal. I look forward to returning and trying all the dishes we didn't select. This place has it over Rosario and Madrona. Your wallet will be lighter but not unreasonably so.

Tiramisu

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Salmon tartare

The White Horse Pub

3.5(211 reviews)

Saw this place last year and didn't get a chance to go in. Restaurant Bar is definitely someplace…read moreI'd hang out. Locations a great view overlooking the water. Service was fantastic and both dishes were had were very good. I just loved the corned beef and cabbage. My wife really like the chicken pot pie.

I eat here a few times a year. Best item on the menu is the crab and cheese sandwich. Great taste…read moreand I take half home for later. Good selection of beverages and a nice view Spring/Summer.

Double D crab melt!

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Guinness and Jameson for St Pattys Day.

The Lower Tavern

4.0(272 reviews)

No hard alcohol here - sad but true. However, the appetizers make up for it! The fried MAC & cheese…read morebites hit just right paired with the fried pickles Dog friendly patio is legit, but if you bring your pup you'll miss playing pool inside. I also don't drink beer but the waitress picked a banger for me and I stayed for 2! Ambiance is that of your typical local bar - little space, big spirit! Hope your experience is as solid as mine!

This is straight up pub food, so if you go in knowing what you're going to get, it's a great option…read morefor lunch or dinner. Service was very good, with a wonderful waitress that didn't need a note pad to take our order, and was attentive throughout. Asked for the Fried Clam Strips, and she was kind enough to warn that they weren't fresh but frozen. But they were fried, and exactly what I expected them to be. Burgers were quite large and tasty. I couldn't finish the Southwest Burger with bacon, but it was very good, and my wife devoured her Grilled Sourdough Burger. We both thought the Fries were excellent. Great selection of beers on tap. Don't expect much glamor, but you can expect a hearty, solid burger & fries!

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New Leaf Cafe

4.3(498 reviews)

0.2 mi

Let's start out with service. The young man Alex was very pleasant, helpful and friendly…read more The food was over the top good especially the French Onion Soup. One of the best I've had. I got the risotto my wife the steak. Both very good. Would definitely come here again.

I'm extremely bummed to leave such a low score. My wife and I had high hopes this would be the…read morehighlight of our time on the island (food wise). The high points: The views! The location is wonderful. Water views, downtown, so it's easy to get around. Parking was easy and even though we were early for our reservation they sat us right away. The mids- when I made the reservation online I made a note about it being a very special birthday for my wife. I did not expect anything for free, but I anticipated they might at the minimum say something. Not one person ever mentioned it. The lows. The service, well intended, but under trained. I won't list everything but the prime example is once the food was dropped the server did not show up again until we were almost done. The food was sub par. We had Miso glazed cod and French onion soup. We weren't happy with either. By the looks of reviews, our experience was not normal. We hope it is just due to going before the tourist season starts. No matter the reason, it was a big let down.

Sharing a meal

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New Leaf Cafe Patio

Inn At Ship Bay Restaurant

4.4(56 reviews)

1.0 mi

•$$$

The food was delicious and the service staff was nice & Friendly! The ambiance was relaxing. I…read morewould have given this Inn restaurant a 5-rating. But one mushroom dish that we ordered was very salty. Their prime rib special was so delicious and priced right. I highly recommend this place. Nice and cozy!

I go here all the time, and I always have an exquisite experience. The ingredients are all of the…read morehighest quality--fresh, local, and organic. Many come directly from the garden on site! The service is fantastic and the ambiance is quaint and warm. If you can, plan a meal around sunset for an epic view!

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Our wine for the evening

Moran Lounge

4.1(10 reviews)

3.8 mi

Got a little thirsty so decided to drop by at the lounge. I ordered the Fruit Shrub which consists…read moreof seasonal fruit, sugar, vinegar and soda. Very refreshing. Very courteous service and a lovely place to rest my feet after the museum.

We love coming here every time we come to the island. Which has been a few times a month these last…read moreseveral months! We love sitting on the couch by the fire or in the lounge by the windows overlooking the bay. I love the appetizers...especially the oysters and the lettuce wraps. They also have a couple of lively barrel aged beverages. They normally have a barrel aged Manhattan (The Manhattan project) and a barrel aged Sazerac. So good! The burger is great too. Juicy and delicious. Also the steak salad. Really good! Have a great time and tell them Tim sent ya! ;)

My favorite cider!

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Harbor Bar & Grill

4.2(9 reviews)

3.8 mi

Fabulous!! I would give the food and service 6 stars if I could. We loved sitting at the bar. Cozy…read more The bartender, Pat knows her wines and her reputation as the best bartender on the island is well earned. Owner Tim was very friendly as was all staff. Make reservations if possible. We had Steelhead steak, seafood stew and Basque cheesecake. All were beautifully plated and delish!

Some of the best seafood you can get. Peruvian influence with ceviche and seafood stew, New Orleans…read morestyle po boy and fried oyster, and all of your PNW staples. Oh and great cocktails and wine. Fun patio and excellent service.

Fish & Chips

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From the marina

Tee-Jays

5.0(4 reviews)

0.3 mi

•$

Drive all the way to the end of the road, until you almost get to the roundabout. Look for the…read moresmall Tee Jays sign on the right and go in the small open door under it. Follow the strung up lights for the best Mexican food you've ever had. If I had a dollar for every time I drove by Tee Jays in case it was open... I'd have enough to buy lunch for everyone. I have no idea when they're open, but I know that when they are, they'll close early because they ran out of food. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The food is fresh and even though it might take a while (because the only guys working are Tee and Jay), it's worth the wait! I can't forget to mention the freshly fried tortilla chips and their house pico de gallo. There are a few tables out around back to enjoy the view of the water on a nice day.

Quirky little cantina in the basement of the Oddfellows Hall, with seriously delicious good eats…read more Friendly guys in the kitchen whipped up some excellent tacos carne asada, pork adobo burritos, and even smoky duck tacos. Pico de gallo and other salsas were fresh and made from scratch. They made their own chips as well. Everything was excellent, and prices were very good - the most expensive combos were $12, and everything was very filling. We'll definitely be back!