Whether celebrating an anniversary or a special occasion like Valentine's Day, use this round-up of the most romantic restaurants on Vancouver Island.
While many are on the list for their romantic ambiance, a few offer something unique. No matter which option you choose, expect to have a fantastic date night with your loved one.
The list is based on personal experience and trends from external sources (OpenTable, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, etc.). With that in mind, few could argue that this list also represents the very best restaurants on Vancouver Island!
Due to their popularity, reservations are highly recommended.
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Romantic Restaurants Victoria
Victoria offers a variety of dining options perfect for a memorable evening. Here are my top recommendations.
10 Acres
Cuisine: Canadian – Vegetarian friendly
Four unique locations to choose from:
- Bistro – 611 Courtney Street – Open daily for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch – times vary.
- The Commons – 620 Humboldt Street – Open daily for lunch and dinner starting at 11:30 am.
- The Pier – 2538 Beacon Ave, Sidney – located in the Sidney Pier Hotel – open daily for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch – times vary
- The Cafe – 9805 Seaport Place in Sidney – open daily from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
10 Acres offers four restaurants, each with a unique flair, all sharing a common theme: dishes made primarily from its 10-acre farm. Each one is delicious. And what they don't grow or ethically raise in their fields, they source locally from other like-minded farmers and fishers.
Their commitment to a local, seasonally inspired menu ensures fresh ingredients for every meal, regardless of location.
Il Terrazzo
Cuisine: Northern Italian
Dining Style: Casual elegance
Location: Waddington Alley at 537 Johnson Street
A beloved eatery, Il Terrazzo offers rustic Northern Italian cuisine in an atmospheric setting complete with brick fireplaces and a charming outdoor patio. In 2020, it was crowned as the fourth-best restaurant in Canada (according to Yelp's ‘Top 100 places to eat in Canada').
This Italian restaurant offers candlelight dining, wood-oven roasted meals, fresh West Coast seafood, and an in-house certified sommelier.
Open daily from 4:00 pm, with the last seating at 9:15.
Vista 18 Restaurant + Lounge
Cuisine: Regional Farm-to-Table
Dining Experience: Victoria's only elevated restaurant
Location: On the 18th floor of Chateau Victoria
As Victoria's only elevated restaurant, Vista 18 offers incredible panoramic views of the city alongside your impressive meal.
They specialize in regionally inspired cuisine, emphasizing farm-to-table freshness. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors, whether for breakfast, happy hour, dinner or a late-night cocktail and bite.
Alpina
Cuisine: European-inspired West Coast dining
Dining Style: Elegant Dining with a business casual dress code
Location: Villa Eyrie Resort – 600 Ebadora Lane, Malahat
Alpina sits atop the Malahat Summit, offering stunning views of the Saanich Inlet and Finlayson Arm. This upscale restaurant blends West Coast ingredients with European culinary traditions, drawing inspiration from German, Swiss, French, Austrian and Italian cuisine.
In 2024, OpenTable recognized it as one of Canada's most romantic dining spots, making it a perfect choice for special occasions. Top tip: Ask for a table by the window when making your reservation.
Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch starting at 8:00 am. They close at 8 pm during the week but are open until 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
2026 Open Table Recommendations
OpenTable compiled a list based on reservation demand and over 900,000 diner reviews, including those tagged as ‘romantic.’ These Victoria restaurants made their list:
Finn’s Seafood Restaurant
Finn’s Seafood, Chops & Cocktails is a waterfront restaurant in downtown Victoria, set in a historic 1882 building with stunning Inner Harbour views. Known for its fresh seafood, AAA house-cut steaks, and handcrafted cocktails, Finn’s offers a cozy yet upscale dining experience. The menu features local oysters, Dungeness crab, and signature 3-ounce martinis, with a spacious patio perfect for al fresco dining.
Glo Restaurant + Lounge
Glo Restaurant + Lounge is a stylish waterfront eatery offering 180-degree views of the Selkirk Waterway. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and globally inspired menu, Glo features fresh, seasonal dishes alongside handcrafted cocktails. The spacious wrap-around patio, complete with heaters and blankets, provides a cozy outdoor dining experience. Open daily with happy-hour specials, it's ideal for casual meetups, date nights, or group gatherings.
The Butchart Gardens – The Dining Room
The Dining Room at The Butchart Gardens feels like one of those places where romance is baked into the experience before you even sit down. Set inside the original Butchart family residence, this elegant dining room overlooks the Private Garden, Italian Garden, and the calm waters of Tod Inlet.
The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal, sustainably sourced local ingredients, with dinner available only at select times of year. In the warmer months, Afternoon Tea is a lovely, unhurried way to soak it all in, while fall and winter bring High Tea with heartier savouries that feel perfectly suited to cooler days.
One thing to note: garden admission is required to dine here, but honestly, wandering through the gardens before or after your meal is part of what makes this such a memorable and romantic Vancouver Island dining experience.
Romantic Restaurants Nanaimo
Each of these establishments offers a unique, intimate dining experience, ensuring a memorable evening in Nanaimo.
The Mahle House
Cuisine: West Coast
Dining Style: Fine dining
Location: 2104 Hemer Road, Nanaimo
Set in a historic home with an English-style ornamental garden, The Mahle House is an upscale eatery offering farm-fresh, creative West Coast cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients. It's a second-generation, family-owned-and-operated restaurant fixture in the Cedar community since 1983.
The menu changes seasonally and features a mix of elegant and flavourful dishes, often paired with a well-curated selection of wines and cocktails.
One of the restaurant's most distinctive experiences is Adventurous Wednesdays, where guests enjoy a five-course chef's-choice menu. This interactive dining experience encourages sharing and trying new flavours, making it a favourite among food enthusiasts. Reservations are highly recommended for this event.
They are open from Wednesday to Sunday, with seating available from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.
Melange
Cuisine: Contemporary mix
Dining Style: Upscale casual
Location: 101-223 Commercial St, Nanaimo
For a trendy and unique date night, head to Melange. Known for its inventive and diverse menu, the establishment offers a fusion of global cuisines, providing guests with a unique dining experience. They also offer a wide range of vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring there's something for everyone.
The ambiance is modern yet cozy, making it suitable for casual lunches and intimate dinners.
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm. Please note that during the winter, they don't open until 4:00 pm.
Asteras Greek Taverna
Cuisine: Greek
Dining Style: Upscale casual
Location: 347 Wesley Street, Nanaimo
Located in the heart of downtown Nanaimo's Old City Quarter, Asteras is an authentic Greek restaurant known for its traditional, delicious cuisine. Guests enjoy generous portions of favourites like souvlaki, moussaka, spanakopita, and a variety of fresh seafood options.
Everything is made in-house daily, from whole foods and high-quality ingredients. The beautiful ambience is set in a heritage home over 100 years old, and the service is second to none.
The restaurant also offers a great selection of wines and live music into the night, enhancing the dining experience. It has received many accolades over the years, including ‘Best Overall Restaurant.'
Operating hours are Tuesday to Friday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 4:00 to 10:00 pm.
La Stella Trattoria
Cuisine: Italian
Dining Style: Casual
Location: 321 Wesley Street, Nanaimo
La Stella Trattoria is an Italian restaurant located in Nanaimo's Old City Quarter. Known for its handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas, the restaurant emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared using traditional methods.
The menu features a variety of Italian dishes, including arancini, meatballs, and Napoli-style pizzas cooked at 900ºF, resulting in a crisp yet chewy crust with a slight wood-fire char. The intimate ambiance makes it a popular choice for date nights and special occasions.
La Stella Trattoria is open for dine-in and takeaway from Wednesday to Sunday, with hours starting at 5 PM on weekdays and 4 PM on weekends.
Embers Wine & Charcuterie Cellar
Cuisine: Charcuterie Boards
Dining Style: Upscale Casual
Location: 91 Front Street
If you’re looking for something a little different for date night, this downtown Nanaimo gem is worth discovering. Housed in a heritage space along Front Street, Embers is celebrated as the city’s only dedicated wine and charcuterie cellar, where low lighting, rich wood tones, and cozy corners create a naturally romantic atmosphere.
Their build-your-own boards let you curate a feast of local and international cheeses, meats, seafood and vegetarian options, paired beautifully with an extensive wine list, creative cocktails and thoughtful service.
It’s a place that invites lingering over conversation, sharing bites and toasting to a night out together, perfect for anniversaries or special dinners. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends when the cellar fills up quickly.
Best Date Night Restaurants in Oceanside
Parksville Qualicum Beach (Oceanside) offers a variety of wonderfully romantic restaurants to try.
Beach Club Resort Restaurant
Cuisine: West Coast
Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Location: Beach Club Resort – 181 Beachside Dr, Parksville
The Beach Club Resort's on-site restaurant offers a casual yet elegant dining experience featuring West Coast-style cuisine. The menu features fresh, local ingredients, including Ocean Wise seafood, AAA prime rib, and other Canadian specialties.
The restaurant boasts a beachfront patio with spectacular ocean and mountain views, providing a perfect setting for both special occasions and casual dining. During the cooler seasons, this patio is expanded to include heated and illuminated dome dining, providing an even more intimate experience. The best part is these domes don't have a rental fee!
Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Kalvas
Cuisine: Pacific Northwest with a German influence
Dining Style: Upscale casual
Location: 180 Moilliet St, Parksville
This Parksville restaurant is housed in a classy, upscale log cabin with dark-wood tables and a warm atmosphere. The semi-circular building offers almost every table a view from the large windows.
Specializing in seafood and premium meats, Kalvas offers a high-quality dining experience at reasonable prices. Chef Adel mixes classic dishes with fusion. He likes to change old recipes into something new by adding unique ingredients.
Kalvas is open daily from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Fridays, and Mondays offer their ever-popular Prime Rib special.
Treetop Tapas & Grill
Cuisine: Pacific Northwest with International influence
Dining Style: Casual (the only restaurant I know where you dine in a robe and slippers!)
Location: Tigh-Na-Mara Resort – 1155 Resort Drive, Parksville
What's more romantic than a couple's massage followed by delightful eats? And when you dine in slippers and robes, it doesn't get much better.
For a unique and incredibly tasty culinary experience, book a Dip & Dine. Receive two hours of access to the Grotto, then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while savouring the wide variety of tapas.
Giovanni's Ristorante
Cuisine: Italian
Dining Style: Upscale casual/casual
Location: 4-180 Second Avenue West, Qualicum Beach
Nestled in the heart of downtown Qualicum Beach, Giovanni's offers a fine dining experience that exudes warmth and sophistication.
The menu showcases authentic Italian cuisine crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Guests can indulge in house-made pasta, expertly prepared seafood, and premium cuts of meat, all paired with an extensive selection of fine wines. The carefully curated dishes, from rich risottos to delicate seafood creations, provide an authentic taste of Italy in a refined setting.
While the cozy restaurant side is perfect for date night, the lounge is a great spot for a pint and their excellent pizza if you want something more casual.
The Sapphire Room
Cuisine: West Coast
Dining Style: Fine dining with a dress code
Location: Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel – 292 Crescent Rd E, Qualicum Beach
The Sapphire Room is an elegant fine-dining restaurant within the historic Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel in Qualicum Beach. Overlooking lush gardens and offering a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere, it provides an intimate dining experience perfect for a romantic evening or special celebration.
The interior features classic decor, warm lighting, and refined furnishings, creating an inviting space that complements the restaurant's high-end culinary offerings.
The menu highlights seasonally inspired, locally sourced cuisine, expertly prepared to showcase the flavours of Vancouver Island. Guests can pair their meals with a curated selection of BC wines to enhance the fine-dining experience. The Sapphire Room also offers special event menus throughout the year, including exclusive holiday dinners.
The restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday from 5:00 PM, but it closes each winter for a break. Please note that this restaurant does have a dress code.
Nanoose Bay Cafe
Cuisine: West Coast – Asian fusion
Dining Style: Casual
Location: 3521 Dolphin Drive
Tucked right on the sparkling Fairwinds Marina in Nanoose Bay, this waterfront restaurant feels like the perfect stop for a laid-back, date-night meal with a view. From the moment you arrive, the floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor patio let you watch boats bobbing on the water and the mountains on the horizon, which is especially incredible at sunset.
The menu is a delightful West Coast-meets-Asian fusion, with everything from freshly shucked oysters and spicy tuna tartare to sockeye salmon and house-made dumplings, plus an award-winning BC-focused wine list to toast with.
What makes Nanoose Bay Cafe extra special for couples is its atmosphere: thoughtful service, local ingredients, and a relaxed yet refined setting that works whether you’re lingering over lunch or enjoying a cozy dinner. They even host special events, such as live music nights, and offer seasonal menus tailored to celebrations.
Best Romantic Restaurants: Comox Valley
Here are my top choices for romantic restaurants in the Comox Valley.
Locals Restaurant
Cuisine: West Coast
Dining Style: Casual elegance
Location: 1760 Riverside Lane, Courtenay
Locals offers an upscale dining experience that celebrates the flavours of the Comox Valley and Vancouver Island. Housed in a beautifully restored 1921 heritage building along the Courtenay River, the restaurant features a cozy, elegant atmosphere with scenic river views and a seasonal open-air patio, making it a perfect setting for a romantic evening or special occasion.
The menu focuses on West Coast cuisine, with a strong commitment to locally sourced, sustainable ingredients from nearby farms, fisheries, and producers. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the region’s fresh seafood, farm-to-table meats, and vibrant seasonal produce.
Locals is open daily, offering lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, along with an Après menu on Friday and Saturday nights featuring small plates, share boards, and handcrafted cocktails.
On Wednesdays, they feature a three-course menu at a special price, reserved for date nights. From fresh, seasonal flavours to house-made desserts worth sharing, every week is a new experience to savour together.
Martine's Bistro
Cuisine: Gourmet bistro (Canadian)
Dining Style: Upscale casual
Location: 1754 Beaufort Avenue, Comox
Rated among the best in the Comox Valley, Martine's Bistro features a constantly rotating menu featuring fresh, local, in-season ingredients.
This bistro specializes in fresh seafood and Canadian classics, expertly crafted by professional chefs. The menu celebrates local ingredients, paired with curated wines and handcrafted cocktails.
During the warmer months, guests can enjoy al fresco dining on the elegant garden patio, enhanced by a gentle sea breeze.
Whether for a romantic evening or a gathering with friends, the attentive staff ensures an exceptional experience. Martine's Bistro is open for dinner from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Avenue Bistro
Cuisine: Canadian
Dining Style: Upscale casual
Location: 2064 Comox Avenue
Avenue Bistro is known for its fresh, delicious food and warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular neighbourhood spot.
Featuring a menu that blends modern Canadian cuisine with European influences, the bistro emphasizes house-made creations and uses fresh, local ingredients to craft a variety of dishes.
The menu includes French onion soup, grilled Caesar salad, gourmet pizzas, AAA-grilled New York strip loin, and seafood tagliatelle. They also offer a weekly feature sheet to highlight seasonal specialties.
For those with dietary restrictions, Avenue Bistro offers gluten-free options and uses a dedicated gluten-free fryer. It's important to note that while they take precautions, the restaurant is not a gluten-free establishment.
Avenue Bistro is open five nights a week (closed on Wednesday and Thursday), starting at 4:00 PM.
Best Romantic Restaurants in Port Alberni
Port Alberni offers several romantic dining options perfect for a memorable evening. Here are some notable establishments.
Brie & Barrel
Cuisine: French-Moroccan fusion
Dining Style: Upscale Casual
Location: 5059 Argyle St
An intimate bistro perfect for any date night, Brie & Barrel serves flavourful and unique dishes.
The restaurant specializes in Moroccan and French fusion cuisine, offering dishes such as handmade fresh pasta, risottos, and braised short ribs. They emphasize using local ingredients and products whenever possible.
The cozy and romantic ambiance makes it an ideal choice for a special evening. The bistro also boasts a wide selection of wines, Vancouver Island spirits, and craft beers to complement their flavorful dishes.
Brie & Barrel is open Monday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM or later.
Cypress Restaurant
Cuisine: Globally inspired
Dining Style: Casual – Upscale Casual
Location: Inside the RimRock Casino – 4890 Cherry Creek Road
With a sophisticated rainforest decor, the Cypress Restaurant offers an intimate atmosphere ideal for any special occasion.
Enjoy food and drinks in their lounge area, equipped with a large fireplace and a self-playing piano, or head into the dining room, where large, cozy booths welcome you. The ambiance is designed to reflect the beauty of the West Coast rainforest, incorporating various wood species found in the coastal region.
The restaurant offers a globally inspired menu featuring fresh, regional ingredients, with dishes such as AAA steak and Ocean Wise seafood.
Open Tuesday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Little Bavaria Restaurant
Cuisine: German
Dining Style: Casual
Location: 3035 – 4th Avenue
For over 55 years, Little Bavaria has consistently served delicious German food to locals and tourists alike. The experience here is built on attention to detail and consistency from their top-notch kitchen team. They also believe in exceptional service, and the servers go above and beyond every night to ensure guests leave feeling valued.
Menu Highlights:
- Schnitzels: A variety of schnitzel dishes, including Wiener Schnitzel and Paprika Schnitzel, prepared using in-house cut and breaded meats.
- Bavarian Platter for Two: A generous assortment of traditional German specialties, ideal for sharing.
- Seafood Options: Dishes like Seafood Schnitzel with white wine sauce and Prawn Dinner, showcasing fresh ingredients.
The restaurant also offers a selection of German beers and wines to complement the meals.
Open daily from 4:00 – 8:00 pm.
Top-Rated West Coast Restaurants
Even though Tofino and Ucluelet are small towns, they house some incredible world-renowned restaurants. Here are my top West Coast picks.
Wolf in the Fog
Cuisine: Pacific Northwest
Dining Style: Upscale casual
Location: 150 Fourth Street, Tofino
Wolf in the Fog serves freshly caught seafood, plus much more. Nestled near Tofino's coastline, the restaurant's interior is rustic, with beautiful wood throughout.
Inspired by the natural beauty of Tofino's oceans, forests, and shorelines, the establishment offers a dining experience that reflects the rich local environment. The menu emphasizes ingredient-driven “Tofitian” cuisine, utilizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Dishes often feature freshly caught seafood, foraged produce, and regional specialties, all crafted to highlight the area's flavours.
The restaurant also offers a selection of innovative cocktails, craft beers, and carefully curated wines to complement the meals.
Currently, it is open daily from 5:00 p.m. to late.
The Pointe Restaurant
Cuisine: Canadian
Dining Style: Upscale / Fine Dining
Location: Wickaninnish Inn – 500 Osprey Lane, Tofino
The Pointe Restaurant is a top-notch Tofino restaurant with sweeping ocean views, refined service and innovative cuisine.
The restaurant showcases innovative Canadian cuisine, emphasizing fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients to create contemporary dishes that reflect the West Coast's bounty. It also boasts an extensive wine selection and a variety of classic and inventive cocktails, ensuring a perfect pairing for every meal.
Their unique approach to food is only complemented by your incredible surroundings, especially if you get a window seat. Although a splurge, it's worth taking if you want a memorable evening out. I still talk about the food and wine we enjoyed there several years ago!
Operating hours are as follows:
- Brunch: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Dinner: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Bar Service: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pluvio
Cuisine: Canadian
Dining Style: Casual elegance
Location: 1714 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet
Pluvio offers a unique experience celebrating the best local products and natural elements of Ucluelet, Tofino, and Vancouver Island.
This highly acclaimed chef-driven restaurant focuses on using the finest local ingredients to create innovative, seasonal dishes.
With an open kitchen and a small, carefully curated dining space, Pluvio provides a warm, personalized atmosphere where guests can enjoy a three-course dinner menu or the Chef’s tasting menu, each thoughtfully paired with handcrafted cocktails or an exceptional wine selection.
Beyond the restaurant, Pluvio also features boutique accommodations, allowing guests to extend their experience with a luxurious stay in Ucluelet.
The restaurant is open daily from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Please note that they closed down for a short winter break from the beginning of January to mid-February each year.
Romantic Dining on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island offers an abundance of romantic dining experiences, making it easy to find the perfect setting for a special occasion, anniversary, or an intimate evening for two.
From elegant fine-dining establishments to cozy bistros and scenic waterfront restaurants, the island offers numerous opportunities to enjoy exceptional cuisine, thoughtfully crafted drinks, and inviting atmospheres.
Whether you’re drawn to ocean views, candlelit tables, or farm-to-table flavours, each restaurant brings its own unique charm to the table. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, creative menus, and warm hospitality, dining around Vancouver Island is more than just a meal; it’s an experience to be savoured and shared.
No matter where you are on the island, you’re never far from a memorable dining destination that can turn any evening into something truly special.
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I can’t believe you left out Sapphire Room in the Crown Mansion in Qualicum Beach. Very romantic and fine dining.
Well, now I am going to have to try out the Sapphire Room. Thank you for the suggestion!
Chameleons in Parksville. Wonderful food with great service!
Great suggestion, Marg. Thank you!
Atlas Restaurant in Courtaney, lovely atmosphere, casual good food
Great suggestion. Thank you, Suzette!
Kim—-Really appreciate your restaurant list. Hope to see more in the future. We still mourn the closing of Le Cafe Francais in Nanaimo. We think a local gem is the Rocking Horse Pub in Nanoose Bay—wonderful cozy atmosphere inside, beautiful, quiet patio in good weather, good food and great service.
Thank you, John. You know, I am ashamed to say I have yet to try the Rocking Horse (even though I live in Nanoose Bay). I will do so soon. Thanks so much for the suggestion.
Great list Kim. Being new to Nanaimo, we are going to try the recommendation of the Mahle House on Valentine’s weekend. We have tried The Modern in downtown Nanaimo. Great food and lovely atmosphere 🙂
Wonderful! I have no doubt you’ll enjoy the Mahle House.
Zougla’s in Nanaimo has really improved
And not sure if you only want top end restaurants but for the seniors on a budget the downtown Pantry restaurant in Nanaimo has half price dinners on Mondays that are very generous portions and delicious. Thanks
Thank you for the recommendations, Susan!
Kim, great list – thank you. I have tried quite a few of the ones on your list and fully agree with them being there. Now more opportunity to go further afield. Ian.
Thank you, Ian!
We find the Driftwood Restaurant good for Chinese.
I had to look that up…you mean the one in Campbell River?
I agree with the Chinese Restaurants. I feel that we have no good consistent Chinese Food restaurants here in Oceanside. Sushi? Oh yes, so much sushi!! Thanks for doing this!
Yes, we have several great sushi places…but definitely not great Chinese. Here’s hoping someone will recommend a good one!
Nothing north of Qualicum Beach? Would have liked some restaurants to have been named for the rest of the Island.
I know, I’m sorry, Marica. I am based out of Nanoose Bay, and find I typically go south or west when travelling the Island. I honestly haven’t been to many restaurants north of Qualicum Beach. I don’t like to recommend something if I haven’t tried it myself. Do you have any recommendations? I’d love to hear about them.