Qualicum Beach neighourhood is a coastal stretch of 4kms of panoramic white sands, embraced by bright sunlight, is like the perfect getaway waiting for you!
There are a plethora of fun things to do in Qualicum Beach–walking while holding hands along sandy shores, canoeing with friends on crystal clear waters, swimming, hiking, and more.
But we know of an even better activity to do while enjoying the town’s natural attractions: eating delicious food offered by Qualicum Beach restaurants!
We have compiled 10 best Qualicum Beach restaurants in the area and what to order, to make your trip unforgettable.
1. Qualicum Beach Cafe
Qualicum Beach Cafe showcases West Coast cuisine with a knack for Italian feels. What awaits you inside is a warm ambiance, fantastic food, and excellent service.
If you’ve heard about the reputable Water St Cafe in Vancouver’s Gastown neighbourhood, Qualicum Beach Cafe is actually their sister resto! So, expect a similar vibe: classic, elegant, and a stacked wine menu.
The cafe’s circular interior design makes dine-ins more comfy and enjoyable. Outside is a patio offering the most stunning views of the ocean blue–romantic and intimate.
If you’re planning for a visit, be sure to check out their website, as the place is jam-packed with monthy events and live entertainment.
Surrender yourself to the cafe’s mushroom gnocchi, spaghetti vongole, oysters, and rib-eye steak. Delight in the outburst of flavors with the gnocchi and vongole, two Italian dishes enhanced to satiate the local palate.
Their rib-eye steak is another item not to miss. We’re lost for words about how unique this slab of meat is. How did they create something so…perfect?
Looking for fresh seafood? Have a serving of their fresh oysters flawlessly paired with a lime leaf mignonette.
What to order: Mushroom Gnocchi, Spaghetti Vongole, Daily Oysters, Rib Eye Steak
Address: 2690 Island Highway W Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1G8
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VANCOUVER ISLAND
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2. Bistro 694
Next on the list is a small hidden gem that gained widespread popularity, thanks to a heavenly trio of great food, impeccable service, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Bistro 694 is a family-owned fine dining restaurant that offers international dishes infused with a local, urban flair. Many locals feel thankful that they relocated from Kitsilano to Qualicum Beach.
Global recipes inspired the Chef during his travels abroad; his vision was to recreate them using locally sourced ingredients. The finished product? A world-class chef-d’oeuvre of a menu that has attracted everyone in sight.
We can’t wait for you to try their famous crab and shrimp cakes! This oven-baked bliss highlights the tangy taste of seafood and the sour hint of lemon caper aioli.
Oh, you’ll surely fall deeper in love with seafood the moment you taste Bistro 694’s seafood crepes–scallops, prawns, and salmon in perfect harmony with vegetables and special sauce. The explosion of flavors converted a lot of visitors into loyal customers.
Finish off your intimate time at their outside patio with a serving of creme brulee–your trip will definitely become one for the books! A visit to Qualicum Beach wouldn’t be complete without dining at Bistro 694.
What to order: Crab Cakes, Seafood Crepes, Creme Brulee
Address: 694 Memorial Ave, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1T7, Canada
3. Black Bird Schnitzel Haus
In the mood for some German food? Black Bird Schnitzel Hause is your go-to place!
Established in November 2017, The owners built the German-Bavarian style restaurant to pay homage to their heritage. They serve authentic Deutsche küche featuring local produce for freshness. Plus, most items from their creative menu are made from special in-house recipes.
Everything from their list is noteworthy, but the stars are definitely pretzels, jaeger schnitzel, coast spaetzle, and apple strudel. The pretzels are made from scratch–soft and tasty, garnished with garlic butter.
Listen, all Black Bird’s spaetzles never disappoint, but there’s something special about their coast spaetzle that makes the dish simply irresistible! You can order them for lunch or dinner since it’s a superb dish for any occasion.
Go meaty with their Jaeger schnitzel, breaded pork dancing with bacon, onions, and mushrooms boosted to the next level delish with a savory red wine sauce. Seal your Black Bird deal by having their apple strudel–a must-try!
If you’re visiting for the first time, it won’t be your last!
What to order: Soft Pretzel Sticks, Jaeger Art Schnitzel, Coast Spaetzle, Apple Strudel
Address: 3298 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2C6, Canada
Looking for a place to stay in Qualicum Beach?
4. Giovanni’s Ristorante & Lounge
Giovanni’s Ristorante & Lounge boasts a creative menu showcasing modern and classic Italian cuisine with a hint of Canadian taste. An ideal venue for most events, be it birthdays, anniversary celebrations, business dinners, and more, Giovanni is always bustling with visitors and patrons.
The restaurant offers comfortable dining, formal fine dining, and a casual lounge experience, where you can indulge to your heart’s content. The outdoor front patio is accessible from May to October, so you know where to be seated if you’re visiting during those months!
We agree with most customers; pizzas from Giovanni’s are mind-blowing! Try either vegetarian delight or Giovanni’s combo. You’re in for a trifecta of chewy crust, masterfully made sauce and overloaded toppings!
Another secret to their pizza is the cheese. Oh, the cheese is melted to perfection. One bite, and we’re sold!
Pasta lovers should order linguine Pescatore in Rosso sauce. The marinara is splendid!
What to order: Linguine Pescatore Rosso, Vegetarian Delight Pizza, Giovanni’s Combo Pizza
Address: 180 W 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2T5, Canada
5. Shore Restaurant
Shore is one of the most popular Qualicum Beach restaurants, thanks to its breathtaking location, exciting food, and friendly staff.
With glass window panes surrounding the dine-in area, you can enjoy your hearty food while appreciating the scenery. But the best awe-inspiring seaside views–and one you should never miss–are from the outside tables.
Not all fish and chips are the same; some are built differently. You’ll know what we mean with Shore Restaurant’s fish & chips. The pair exceeds expectations!
Their tacos are simply superb–pico de gallo, mixed cabbage, and a special taco sauce stuffed together in a soft tortilla. The halibut burger is just as amazing! You’ll never look at seafood patties the same way again.
What to order: Fish & Chips, Fish Tacos, Halibut Burger
Address: 2831 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2C4, Canada
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6. Q Burger
Q Burger is home to a wide variety of burgers specially created with unique sauce and in-house seasoning from best-kept secret recipes. Their burgers are HUGE!
And the best part of it all? Any burger can be turned into a vegetarian option, thanks to their veggie pattie that rivals the regular one.
The restaurant is family-friendly and has a special menu for the kids. They’re always packed with visitors, so better place a reservation ahead of time to avoid the waiting lines.
You’ll never go wrong with their Q-Boom, a fan-favorite dish made with hand-smashed beef, roasted garlic, two different types of cheese, and bacon crumble. Many customers visit the place for this particular burger.
Want to try something new? Order their burgerrito! Delicious burger wrapped in a crispy, oven-baked tortilla made more remarkable with house seasoned fries. We also recommend their poutine of the day.
Complete your meal with craft beverages, particularly their Q crafted caesar or hard lemonade.
What to order: Q-Boom!!!, Royal Q – Burgeritto, Poutine of the Day, House Seasoned Fries, Q Crafted Caesar or Hard Lemonade
Address: 109 W 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1S7, Canada
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7. De L’île Restaurant
At the heart of De L’île is innovation and creativity, the epitome of an exceptional dining experience. This small restaurant features a limited vegetarian menu that changes with the season as they only source and forage the freshest ingredients from around the island.
Let the Chef decide and experience their Carte Blanche, a multi-course menu with skillfully crafted dishes. Prepare to be stupefied! In a good way, of course.
If you don’t like surprises, a la carte is the way to go! Opt for a carrot tartare or an eggplant kiev, delectable and beautifully served. Don’t forget to pair your order with their local wine!
What to order: Carte Blanche, Carrot Tartare, Eggplant Kiev
Address: 129 W 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada
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8. Lefty’s Fresh Food
Next is Lefty’s, a Qualicum Beach staple since 1996, consistently serving locals and tourists great food and impressive service. They’re an ideal restaurant for those with dietary restrictions.
Sit comfortably inside or be mesmerized by the views outside on their patio. Regardless of where you are seated, you’ll feel the homey and warm ambiance Lefty’s has in store.
Lefty’s Enjoyabowls are made with fresh ingredients to highlight global flavours. You’d best go for their poke bowl–ahi, edamame, nori, and more fresh ingredients perfectly combined for an ultimate, delicious fusion.
Give their quesadilla and tacos a try, and you’ll surely come back for more. For something heavier, their chicken burger is a terrific choice!
What to order: Poke Bowl, Lefty’s Quesadilla, Blackened Salmon Tacos, Panko Chicken Burger
Address: 710 Memorial Ave, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1S8, Canada
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9. Final Approach Restaurant
Located at the Qualicum Beach airport terminal, a pleasant brunch and dinner are waiting for you at Final Approach restaurant. A go-to pub for a consistent streak of good food and amazing beer, lovely ambiance, and friendly servers.
Final Approach lets you sit cozily as you watch passenger planes come and go–what a sight to behold!
You’re in for a treat with their calamari salad, eggs benedict, and captain’s burger. The salad is expertly prepared so you’ll have the best of Humboldt squid, leafy greens, and balsamic vinaigrette.
Don’t miss their version of the classic eggs benny, one of the best choices for a satisfying brunch. Final Approach’s captain’s burger is another showstopper. Pairing it up with a beer from their extensive list of beverages makes a divine combo!
What to order: Calamari Salad, Eggs Benny, Captain’s Burger, Beer
Address: 3-1000 Ravensbourne Ln, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1P9, Canada
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10. Sushi Hama
Craving for Japanese food? With Sushi Hama’s extensive menu of delicacies ranging from rolls and bento boxes to sashimi and sushi to donburi and nigiri, you’re in for a delicious ride!
Sushi Hama is arguably the best sushi in town. All dishes are not only made from fresh ingredients but they’re also served in eye candy presentations.
The prices are reasonable, and the serving is in large proportions. Whether you dine in or take out, the quality doesn’t change–still stellar and remarkable!
Sushi Hama’s deep-fried yam and prawn tempura are irresistible! For the best sushi fix, grab a bite of their oshi sushi or salmon sashimi. These two items highlight well-balanced flavors of salmon and a special house sauce.
If you want more, order a Hama sushi box and enjoy an indulgent selection of nigiri sushi, California roll, salad, and tempura.
What to order: Oshi Sushi, Salmon Sashimi, Yam & Prawn Tempura, Hama Sushi Box
Address: 221 W 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2S5, Canada
That ends our recommendations for the best Qualicum Beach restaurants that will absolutely make your trip more memorable. We hope you’ll visit them!
Going to Nanaimo? We got your restaurant cheat sheet covered here!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.