Location: Lake Cowichan
Top Restaurants in Lake Cowichan
Top Things to do in Lake Cowichan
- 1. Cowichan River Tubing
- 2. ORKA - Outdoor Recreation and Kayak Adventures
- 3. Cowichan Valley trail
- 4. Kaatza station museum and archives
- 5. Kenzie's Fishing Adventures
- 6. Gordon Bay Provincial Park
- 7. Cowichan River Provincial Park
- 8. Island Houseboats
- 9. Scarletts Second Hand Boutique and Espresso Bar
- 10. Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit
Where to Eat in Lake Cowichan: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Lake Cowichan (Nitinaht: ʕaʔk̓ʷaq c̓uubaʕsaʔtx̣), (pop. 2,974), is a town located on the east end of Cowichan Lake and, by highway, is 27 kilometres (17 mi) west of Duncan, British Columbia. The town of Lake Cowichan was incorporated in 1944. The Cowichan River flows through the middle of the town. Cowichan Lake is British Columbia's second-most pristine lake and Cowichan River is designated as a Heritage River.
Things to do in Lake Cowichan
1. Cow Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 61 reviews
Our menu is packed with classic dishes we create from scratch. Daily specials incorporate seasonal, local ingredients. From delicious appetizers to tasty salads, inspired entrees to decadent desserts, your meal will be one of a kind.
Reviewed By mme-arcati - Courtenay, Canada
It has been a while since we ventured back to Cowichan Bay for a meal because over the years they have been very hit-and-miss. However, that has now all changed. The Cow Café was a delightful discovery with fabulous presentation and delicious food to suit several price ranges. Our party of 5 ranged in age from 53 to 87, a vegetarian, a fish fancier, a serious carnivore and a couple of omnivores looking for something nice to eat, and all our expectations were more than well met. The menu includes soups, sandwiches and fries, but well made and presented: there were also pasta and a la carte fish and steak dishes being serves around us and comments overheard were as satisfied as our own. The scene outside the windows is spectacular and on rainy days large-screen tvs could fill in. The serving staff were very casual and efficient and they were comfortable with us taking time over our coffees as we caught up on family news.
2. Shaker Mill Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By FoodLoverYumYummm
We just moved to Lake Cowichan recently, and were we very excited to see the Shaker Mill within walking distance from our new house. We walked there for dinner and were greeted promptly by the very friendly server. Whenever I try a new place, I usually order the burger and fries (in my opinion, if a restaurant can't make a decent burger & fries, nothing else is worth trying) and I was not disappointed! The fries were delicious, and the side of gravy was one of the most flavourful gravies I've ever had from a restaurant! I tried the Cowboy burger, which comes with BBQ sauce, sauteed onions and bacon, and it was so good. My husband ordered the Curry chicken poutine, and it was just as good.
We are SO excited to come back and try all the other offerings on the extensive menu. The breakfast options sound delicious, and there are many interesting sounding burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, etc. to try!
3. Lake Cowichan Country Grocer
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Country Grocer is a modern, extremely clean and well stocked grocery store, but what it also features is a cozy fireside restaurant and outdoor patio.The food is fresh. quick and wholesome, with well-priced daily specials. This is a counter service restaurant, but the atmosphere is relaxed with comfy furniture.
4. Jake's At The Lake
Overall Ratings
4 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By Beersnbites - Vancouver, Canada
Jake’s At The Lake was a pleasant and welcome surprise. The location right on Lake Cowichan provides fantastic views in a pub-like setting.
The food is fresh and well-priced. My grain and couscous salad with Mediterranean-style salad vegetables, feta, and chicken bits was tasty and well seasoned, and at $15 for a full order, it could easily be shared between two people. My only criticism would be that it was a little heavy on the couscous and light on the other ingredients. My partner’s cod entrée with it’s miso marinade was delicious, nicely presented, and again came with really fresh ingredients! Our friends’ sandwiches looked equally appealing.
Being the designated driver, I opted for pop, and my glass was refilled without having to ask our server. The house white from a local winery that my partner had was more than decent, and a number of local craft beers were also on tap.
Friendly service, and one of the chefs even managed to greet and seat us upon arrival when the servers were busy with other customers. Nice! Decent prices, too. Not to be missed if you’re in Lake Cowichan.
5. J & V's Burgers & Pizza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By fsdukejr - Federal Way, Washington
Order at the counter and sit at a booth. Home made ice cream milk shakes, no powdered mix, at least 25 flavors. We both had the chipotle burger and it was spicy big and delicious. Decorations range from a juke box to old time radios on a shelf above the front windows. Lots of flavors of poutine. We were driving through town and almost missed it but we turned around and went back. We were pleasantly surprised. Friendly service makes you feel at home. This is a gem. too bad we are from far away an may never get to try the rest of the menu.
6. Riverside Inn
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 30 reviews
The Riverside Inn is a full service Pub and Liquor Store. Licensed for family dining from 11-8pm. Regular hours of operation in the Pub 11am - 11pm Sunday through Thursday, 11am -1am Friday and Saturday. Liquor Store hours are 9am -11pm everyday. The pub has live music Friday nights and Club Nights on Saturdays. Happy Hours everyday 3 - 6pm and Daily specials including Wing nights on Wednesday's and Fridays and Fish N Chips on Thursdays. Friendly staff, new owner and management. Great food. Come check us out!
Reviewed By Steve W
The wife and I went for dinner Monday night. We sat at the table for 15 minutes watching 1 waitress waiting on a large crowd. When she finally came to the table was informed our meal would take some time due to the table of 12. Seeing it was 15 minutes just for the waitress to bring menus we opted to leave. If this is the future with poor service then I guess I'll not come back.
7. Lakeside Sushi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By BubbleGumGirl1093 - Edmonton
The quality and price of the sushi was great! Unfortunately the staff member just sat at a table texting on her phone the whole time. We had to ask for more water, and move out dirty dishes to another table as she did not clear them from our table. I won't bring my family back, but I may order take out the next time we are in town.
8. Farm Table Inn
Overall Ratings
5 based on 54 reviews
The Farm Table Inn is a charming Bed & Breakfast, Restaurant and Farm, only 15 minutes from Duncan in the Cowichan Valley. The Farm is on the Pacific Marine Circle Route and many hiking trails, including the Trans Canada Trail, exist near the Farm. They are also minutes from Cowichan River Provincial Park. The B & B is open 7 days a week and includes a gourmet breakfast. The restaurant is open Wednesday nights for either a Prime Rib Buffet or Paint Nite. Regular dinner hours are Thursday to Saturday nights and they are open Sundays for a Brunch Buffet at 11am. Reservations are recommended. As they want you to "savour the experience" of the local food, drink and cozy ambiance, please do allow a minimum of two hours for your dining experience.
9. Carmanah Pizza
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Carmanah Pizza is a quaint little pizza shop that specializes in pizza. We use fresh ingredients and make or dough fresh daily. We take pride in what we do and cherish community spirit and our food reflects that. We also offer a wide range of desserts, fresh seasonal salads and offer real fruit smoothies in the summer to energize and refresh people for a day of play in the sun. Come by and check us out
Reviewed By Sandie Y - Mill Bay, Canada
It's always good to know that another eatery is opening up in a small town, but this is a real disappointment.
Very dry, dense pizza crust, toppings minimum, and very little flavour, and expensive for what you get, i.e. $24 for mid size take out pizza.
It is fairly new, so hopefully, it will improve.
10. Scarlett's Second Hand Boutique & Espresso Bar
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Kelly E
Scarlett's is a must go while in Lake Cowichan. They are the only place in town with a true espresso machine and make a variety of hot and cold choices. Love that she brings in locally made fresh baked goods to accompany my americano! The best part is it's not just a coffee shop, there is vintage housewares, refurnished furniture and everything from greeting cards, jewellery, art, skin care products and more. Everything is locally crafted and made.
