British Columbia is full of charming towns that would be perfect for a road trip, family vacation and even a girls getaway! One of those places is Cowichan. Not only have I gone on a girl’s getaway with my friend Raj, I recently went on long weekend trip with the whole family and we had quite an adventure in Cowichan. One of our favourite parts of the trip was the food! Who knew that there were so many amazing places to eat in Cowichan?

I can’t wait to share with you guys all the adventures we went on, but first, I need to share with you, 8 really awesome places to eat in Cowichan. (I apologize in advance if these photos make your tummy grumble and a little bit of drool drips out the side of your mouth.)

8 Places to Eat in Cowichan

1. Pizzeria Prima Strada
We were so excited to have dinner at this famous pizzeria. Prima Strada is well known for its Italian style fire-roasted thin crust pizzas. And let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint.

We started with a couple of appetizers, that were so delicious. I would highly recommend the oven roasted vegetables,  focaccia rustica and mixed greens, even the kids gobbled it up!

Then came the main course, pizza. It was actually hard to choose because everything sounded so delicious on the menu. We decided to try the Pollo alla panna e pancetta (minus the pancetta for us) which had a cream base and the Capricciosa verde (minus the ham) which had a pesto base. It was heavenly.

And even though we were stuffed afterwards, somehow, there seems to be a little pocket reserved for dessert, am I right? We shared the panna cotta and the flourless chocolate torte that comes with your choice of gelato. Since we were there at Easter, we picked the chocolate mini egg gelato and OMG, that’s all I need to say.

2. Old Town Bakery (& Wild Poppy Bistro)
I have to start off by saying I had the most delicious Cinnamon Bun I’ve ever had in my entire life at Old Town Bakery, and that should not be taken lightly.
Located in Ladysmith and having been around for 16 years, Old Town Bakery is a really popular spot for locals and visitors. From the minute we walked in the door to when we left, there was a constant line up of customers, excited to buy all their amazing baked good that are made in-house.

Along with the cream cheese cinnamon bun (they have lots of different flavours) we tried other treats, a latte and we also had the tortilla pie, which was savoury dish.

Old Town Bakery also has a restaurant across the street, Wild Poppy Bistro, that’s a sit down place. It was closed when we went because of Easter, but I will definitely be stopping by next time I’m in Ladysmith.

3. Merridale Cidery and Distillery
I can honestly say, Merridale Cidery is one of my favourite places in Cowichan. The owners and the people who work there are so great and it’s fun for the whole family. I promise to share more details when I write about all the family friendly things to do in Cowichan, but right now, it’s all about the food. And Merridale is right up there.

We went for brunch and tried a few things on the menu. The grown ups started with the Cider flight (Merridale makes its own cider, vodka and gin ) and the kids were not left out because they got a delicious, non-alcoholic flight to try as well.

Then for the main course we had the Apple & Brie Melt, the Farmhouse breakfast, the kids grilled cheese and the chocolate mini egg pancakes (that were a special for Easter,) it was all so delicious!

4. Rock Cod Cafe
Since we are all love fish and chips, Rock Cod Cafe was a must stop for dinner while in Cowichan. Located right near the water, Rock Cod had a great atmosphere as well as delicious food from clams & mussels to fish & chips and fish tacos. 

They also had some yummy desserts on menu that we tried!

Rock Rod Cafe were even featured on the Food Network Show, “You Gotta Eat Here!” And I love that Rock Cod Cafe has partnered with the Ocean Wise Program and are committed to sustainability.

5. The Old Fork
Having eaten at The Old For the first time I went to Cowichan, I wanted to take my family this time. The Old Fork’s menu is comfort food at it’s best with everything made right in the kitchen, down to their hot sauce!

Even though we wanted to  eat everything on the menu, we tried to control ourselves. This time around we had the breakfast poutine, pancakes, garden skillet and the breakfast banana split.

And of course we had to get their caesar. It’s one of the best I’ve ever had. 

6. Sawmill Tap House and Grill
We had a chance to stop for a meal at Sawmill TapHouse, which is located in Chemainus Village Square. They are know for their unique selection of Northwest Pacific Craft Beers, pizza and cooked smoked meat. 

So we tried a little bit of everything, including the pizza, house smoked beef brisket poutine, and the biggest salad of my life. We left, full and happy. It was a nice place and definitely family friendly. 

7. Westholme Tea Company
This was one of my favourite stops on our girls trip. As the first of its kind in Canada, Westholme Tea Company is situated on a fertile landscape which creates a unique micro climate that actually fosters the growth of their unique tea plants.

It was such a zen experience and we could have honestly spent hours there without even realizing. Westholme Tea Company has created something unique that is a must experience for tea lovers.

8. Villa Eyrie
If you love brunch,  then I would definitely recommend a stop at Villa Eyrie. Alongside their million dollar view, the restaurant at the Villa served one of the best breakfasts and brunch I’ve ever eaten!

On their breakfast menu were two things that I’d never tried before, chicken and waffles as well as ricotta pancakes. We decided to order both and all I can say is…wow. The chicken and waffles came with fermented cabbage, carrot whipped cream and chilli maple honey.  The ricotta pancakes were topped with charred apple butter, cinnamon crème fraîche, fresh apple, maple toasted pecans. I’m getting hungry just remembering.

One of the things that I really loved about all these places to eat in Cowichan, is how they support local and they support each other! One restaurant would carry local tea, the other cider, the other baked goods and it was just so wonderful to see.