Skip the overpriced tourist restaurants & chains. I share where locals eat in Campbell River, not where travel websites tell you to go.
These are the restaurants we actually recommend to friends, the places that have earned our loyalty, and the hidden gems you won’t find in glossy brochures.
Recommendations for…
This list is by no means exhaustive, and it really is just one persons opinion …and some rumors! So, don’t get too mad if I don’t mention your favorite restaurant (feel free to leave a comment, tho!).
Best Breakfast
The Ideal Cafe is the local favorite for breakfast. Trying to get a table on a weekend morning might mean waiting outside for a bit, but it’s worth it.
The Ideal’s Smoked Salmon Eggs Benny is my favorite breakfast in Campbell River.
Another homestyle breakfast is recommendation is Popsey’s Restaurant – they have generous portions and a large menu.
Also, the Fork & Arrow is great for breakfast & lunch!
For donuts, try Perk’s Donuts – they are amazing, you’ll dream about them! For something lighter & fancier, try Feyja Croissants downtown.
Best For a Quick Lunch & Snacks
Java Shack has fantastic sandwiches with modern flair in addition to yummy drinks. Local favorite that most tourists probably miss out on.
Steiner’s Bakery – homestyle soups and simple & generous sandwiches on fresh bread.
Best Views
Anchor Inn’s restaurant has a great view, and I’ve enjoyed the new chef’s upgrades to the menu.
For ocean view patios: Quay West, Big Rock Garage, and Fifty Parallel.
And, I recommend FoggDukkers for a coffee & a beautiful unique experience. It’s a coffee shack right ton the the beach.
Best for Drinks
SoCal makes my favorite cocktails in town. (the food is good too, but portions stingy imo). Great burgers.
I’ve heard good things about More Eatery for cocktails, as well…though not a huge menu.
The Riptide is a solid choice if you’re looking for a pub with good happy hour specials and decent food.
Sessions and Beach Fire are two local spots with great beer and great food. I couldn’t recommend one over the other, so maybe have a beer and snack at each? (Only an 8-minute walk between the two!)
Best Seafood
For fish and chips, I’d go with the Seabreeze or Jiggers (both on the Tyee Spit), or Dick’s Fish & Chips across from the Maritime Heritage Centre.
Crabby Bob’s on the dock for casual (yet expensive) outdoor dining on fresh crab and shellfish.
For grilled salmon & halibut dishes try Anchor Inn, Harbour Grill, Fifty Parallel or our fantastic sushi restaurants…
Best Sushi Options
All sushi restaurants in Campbell River are amazing. No exaggeration! Sushi Mong and Wasabiyas are my personal favorites. Miki’s (also amazing) has two locations.
Sushi Jo has a huge menu and cute seating that is really fun for kids & families.
Katies Rice Box is a local gem, and one of my favorite places in all of Campbell River. Super affordable for a tasty homestyle lunch (get the bento box when available if you are adventurous!).
Gluten-Friendly Options
More Eatery has a lot of GF options and a great reputation. Fifty Parallel and Dockside have GF options with dedicated fryers.
Baan Thai is a good option, too! Whistlin’ Waffle has a GF waffle they turn into both sweet and savory dishes.
Best Values
Here’s a quick list of the spots that give you the biggest bang for your buck:
Katie’s Rice Box, – the curry rice boxes are very filling!
Steiners Bakery – soup, sandwich & cookies to go!
QF’s Chinese Take-out – hearty portions
Homestyle & Comfort Food
For when you need something familiar & satisfying here are the spots I recommend:
Popsey’s Restaurant, Perk’s Donuts, Eagles Lounge, Ideal Cafe, Fork & Arrow
Best of Willow Point
SoCal Restaurant is popular, with a great patio for summer months, really good cocktails, and live music on Thursday nights – making it a great date spot.
Another date spot would be Fifty Parallel – known for steaks, but overall has a yummy menu with lots of seating (including a patio).
For something unique, check out Big Rock Garage – the owner/chef blends western and Asian ingredients to make some really creative dishes!
A little hidden gem is Sea Wok for Chinese take-out , which has one of my favorite dishes in all of Campbell River: Spicy Fried Squid! It’s so good (not good for you, I’m pretty sure).
Food Trucks
Old-school TKO & newbie Sol Food are my two current favs! Stay tuned for the food truck festival coming in September.
Final Thoughts
Campbell River might be a small city, but our food scene punches above its weight.
The key is knowing where to look. Skip the flashy marketing and follow the locals. Eat well, and welcome to Campbell River!
Did I miss your favorite spot or menu item? Need a specific kind of recommendation? Leave a comment!