The 10 best spots for chowder in Tofino

Beautiful waterfront view and very fresh seafood. We ordered the calamari which was delicate and crispy. It could do with a bit of salt and pepper in the batter to make it even more awesome. Mussels were fairly flavourful and delicate. The seafood chowder needed a bit more salt and pepper and perhaps some herbs would enhance the flavour. It was slightly bland. Halibut was good but adding a bit lemon or lime on the side would have enhanced the flavour. Brussels sprouts was absolutely delicious with a bit of sweetness and tang. The server was attentive and friendly. If you don’t have a reservation try coming in early before 5 for a walk in. Overall an enjoyable experience.

This place is absolutely amazing. The calamari were the best I have ever had, super fresh, soft and light. We also tried the tacos, seafood fettuccine , beef burger and halibut and they all were excellent. They also have an in-house somalier, Paula, who is very knowledgeable and amazing all-around. Our server Nina was extremely friendly and informative. We will return!

After some research, we went to this waterfront restaurant and was seated at the bar so we could watch the World Series. The menu offered a good variety of seafood and meat dishes as shown The popular venue was quite busy. Service was very good. We had mussels, halibut, calamari and sockeye salmon all which were very savoury and flavourful. The Pilsner beer was served in proper frosted mugs. Lighting was quite dim so it was a challenge to see our food particularly the mussels in the bowl. Our server brought us a table light to accommodate. Great dinner experience in a beautiful setting

Great service. I highly recommend the oysters, one of the best I’ve had on the island as I visit. Got the kale salmon salad also which was a bit bland I almost thought they forgot to add the vinaigrette. I didn’t find the kale salad notable as I expected from the reviews. The tuna tataki was amazing though, I highly recommend that. Great heated patio looking over the waters. I’d return here again.

We got in right away without a reservation mid October, though it was busy and just two of us. Sat next to a fireplace and had a gorgeous view of the Harbour sunset. Food and service were both phenomenal. We had the calamari, halibut and mussels. Next time we would go sooner to enjoy the view before it got too dark to see anything.

Service was amazing, our waiter was interactive but not annoying. Food was top notch. The seared salmon and risotto was worth every penny. The brussel sprouts were out of this world.

We had to wait approximately 30 minutes to get a table as a walk-in. The weather was great so we didn't mind to wait. I wish there was a place nearby or at the restauran's bar to be able to order a drink while waiting. Reservation is highly recommended to avoid wait time. The food was amazing and service was professional. The food items and the drinks are priced moderately for being a premium Vacation spot restaurant. My Wife and one of our friends had a the Halibut and it was amazing. I had the Seafood chowder as an appetizer and we shared a couple of Calamari. Our Mom had the Thai Curry seafood dish and I had a Large bowl of Fresh Local mussels. We had a bottle of wine, a couple of cocktails and a Beer We will definitely return on our next visit.

100% worth going. Thankfully the two times I stopped by the wait and lines ups were never bad. Maybe 20 minutes from lining up to getting my food. The Krispy chicken and beef tacos are AMAZING !!! I think probably the best taco I ever ate in Canada

The food was amazing, especially the fish taco—it was perfectly seasoned and full of flavor. The tater tots were fresh, crispy, and paired with a delicious sauce and fresh vegetables. The atmosphere here is lively, trendy, and full of tourists. Be prepared for a long line and quite a bit of waiting time. but once you’re in, it’s absolutely worth it for the food and the vibes.

We had the fish taco, crispy chicken, and chicken gringa — all bursting with flavour and perfectly cooked. The atmosphere was relaxed and happy, with everyone enjoying the chill West Coast vibe under the sun. Keep in mind it’s a busy food truck, so expect to wait about 20–30 minutes — but it’s totally worth it. If you’re near Pacific Rim Provincial Park, don’t miss this spot!

Well known, must visit food truck in Tofino. Tacos 🌮, burritos 🌯 literally everything on menu is great. I personally loved fish tacos 🌮 Highly recommend to try any sea food as it is fresh and unquie. Picked ginger on taco is phenomenal. The lineup might be crazy, at times you might have wait in que for over an hour during peak days, but totally worth the wait!

It was exactly what we were hoping for! Despite the long line up, the staff kept things moving along. The fish tacos were fabulous and we each had a burrito - beef and crispy chicken. So nice to have a burrito where it wasn’t mostly rice. The flavours were incredible and we left satisfied. Highly recommend if you are in the area.

Fresh, flavourful tacos that are worth the wait! We were lucky to come during off season because this place gets insane wait times. When we first came mid June the line was nearly 3 hours long. This time wasn’t the case and we got our tacos quickly! The tuna taco was the highlight for us. Seared tuna along the bottom with a sweeter sauce on the greens and ginger on top, it was a delight! The fish taco had a phenomenal salsa on top. The west coast vibes are off the charts, and I will come back whenever I am in the area!

DEF Worth the wait. Fish was crispy and tasty. Sthe sauce and onions werent overpowering. Nice fresh tortillas. If your going to Tofino you gotta go here. Arm yourself with patience and DONT CUT THE LINE!!

Overall impression of this place is good. We tried 6 of their dishes during lunch and my favourite item was the salmon chowder. Served hot and smokey. The crispy polenta fries are such a treat. I was expecting more leafy greens in the soba noodle salad, but it is a bit heavier on the carb side. Other dishes were ok.

The restaurant looks really good and when you enter you see the pastries and their own cooking book. Can’t go wrong you think. But the food is a disappointment. The octopus was overcooked and the sauce made it unbalanced. The salmon was to raw and tasted somewhat fishy. Service was okay but not adequate when I told them about the salmon dish. The local beer was good. I found the place overpriced. Unfortunately not a great experience after all.

The only place that opens during the afternoon. There was a bit of a wait but wow, the food is amazingly delicious. Ordered a dozen Pacific oysters, which were delicious. The seafood chowder was absolutely delicious. Nice friendly staff and service was excellent.

We had an awesome time and great food. The mushroom pizza is to die for! The oysters were good but need to be eaten while hot. Very nice decor and interesting artwork. Great for bringing the kids. And the cutlery is magnetized so the kids can play with those At the table.

A great place for lunch or dinner! We had the Manila clams x 2 and the margherita pizza with a starter of polenta fries. All was delicious. Know that the polenta fries are quite filling so one per person is lots (if also eating mains) tho it seems like it wouldn’t be. Our clams had a bit of sand in them but that happens. The bread with them was excellent with salt flakes on top. Perfect for dipping in the clam broth. We finished up with a slice of key lime pie which is not to be missed!

We came to visit Tofino/Ucluelet from Vancouver. After doing a bit research, we decided to come to SoBo for lunch. This place is simply amazing. The staffs are ultra friendly and knowledgeable. Their food is fresh and delicious. Price is also very reasonable. We had tofu pocket with smoked salmon, fish chowder, broiled oyster, fried oysters, and their daily special - wild mushroom linguini. Every dish is so good that I so want to just come back for dinner again. These guys really know their food. 👍👍👍

We enjoyed all the food we got here, especially the fresh oysters, mushroom pizza, and mussels. Service was quick and friendly and drinks were delicious. I would only recommend putting less cheese on the dishes but they were otherwise delicious

Thank you Mackenzie and the staff at The Schooner Restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious with amazing presentation, flavours and textures. Please plan ahead and make a reservation to take some stress out of your dinner. For drinks we had the margarita and longer island. We had the tenderloin and the hot pot for our meals. Finished with the creme brule and crumble. It was all mouthwatering. Hopefully we can come back again someday.

Our experience at Schooner was lovely. First time in Tofino and we decided on visiting here for convenience. What a great restaurant with a wonderful cozy vibe (the October fog/rain aided this). Our dishes were equally as warm and cozy, wonderfully flavourful and exceptional quantity of food served for the price. We both left with full bellies. 110% recommend dining here if you’re staying in Tofino!

My goodness what a blast we had! Amazingly delicious food, served by the most kind, hospitable, funny and passionate team I have ever met! Immediately felt at home… We ate there twice in our 4 days stay… When in Tofino, go eat at the Schooner Restaurant!

We stopped in on the last day of our wedding week in Tofino. We ordered a titan(ic) Caesar and even though it wasn’t being offered at the moment the kitchen said yes to making us one ! What an epic creation, grilled cheese with bacon, chicken tenders, salmon skewer, spicy shrimp , onion rings all hovering above an awesome Caesar ! Sooooooooo good! The staff here are legends- thank you SO much for the great memories 🤍

We went to The Schooner in August for my daughter’s birthday and it was such a memorable night. The food was outstanding, top quality seafood that felt like fine dining yet still welcoming for kids. Even the kids’ meal was impressive and beautifully presented, which made the evening feel extra special for my family. Our server, Tyese, went above and beyond with kindness and truly made the night unforgettable. She even surprised us with a handmade gift at the end, which touched me deeply and is something I am still reminiscing on. Her thoughtfulness turned a wonderful dinner into an experience we will never forget.

The Schooner Restaurant in Tofino has a long & varied history since it was established in 1949. This family eatery is now in the capable hands of Mare, who took over the helm in 1987, & is now supported by her son & a team of friendly staff members. The team includes Kenzie, who graciously served me on a recent visit. My late lunchtime visit’s bill came to 74.85 $ with tip, after a Tofino Ethereal IPA @ 9:50 $ & a Tofino plate crafted to serve one @ 50$. It is centrally located on Campbell Street, which is the main street in Tofino, which links directly with the Highway by which one enters this stunning west coast ocean village. It is closed on Monday & Tuesday, open other days for lunch & dinner. Posted by S Fuller

Amazing food amd great service. We started with the Oysters nami nori. Perfectly blackened and delicious. I had the catface seafood pasta, huge portion with lots of fresh seafood and a delectable lemon dill cream sauce. My gf had the halibut bawden bay. So good. The fish were perfectly cooked, light with a fantastic peppercorn sauce. Great server, funny and very helpful.

Good selection of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. The views are absolutely spectacular from any table — definitely a highlight of the experience. The food was decent; the soup was tasty and comforting, while the fish and chips were just okay. Service, however, didn’t quite meet expectations, especially considering the upscale setting and hotel security presence at the entrance. Overall, a nice spot for the scenery and a casual meal, but room for improvement in hospitality.

Superb restaurant. Tasting menu is phenomenal from start to finish. Great selection of local ingredients for each step. Combination of flavours and textures is delicious. Wine pairing is carefully selected and blends nicely with every dish. Beautiful setting for a lovely celebration. Astonishing views and the service was over the top. We’ve never treated so well, with attention to every detail. Special attention to food intolerances without compromising the quality of the tasting experience.

The view is absolutely insane, and the atmosphere is amazing too! The staff are very friendly, and the prices are reasonable. The chicken sandwich with kimchi was so delicious — I still remember that meal! 😋 However, the burger wasn’t great — the patty was quite burnt. Overall, you have to visit this place for the view alone — it’s totally worth it! 🌅

Absolutely thrilled to award this establishment a well-deserved 5-star rating! From the chef's exquisite amuse-bouche to the decadent dessert, every dish was an absolute delight. Our server, Emma, was truly exceptional. Her comprehensive knowledge of the menu, combined with perfectly timed table visits and engaging conversation, elevated our dining experience. I was particularly impressed by her impeccable service etiquette, including the prompt removal of dishes upon our completion and the precise serving of food from the correct sides. The atmosphere was enchanting, complemented by a breathtaking and serene ocean view. I eagerly anticipate my return to this exceptional restaurant. Thank you, Emma, and the chef, for providing a truly first-class hospitality experience! Ms. Fancy World Class Level 8 Google Reviewer 11 million + picture views

We enjoyed the 5 course tasting menu. Each course was plated beautifully and our server Shelby was extremely informative with her descriptions of each dish. Such an amazing atmosphere with a on point kitchen and wait staff. Extremely blown away with all the details that made our evening perfect.

My partner and I celebrated our engagement in Tofino with dinner at The Pointe Restaurant, and we were blown away by the experience. We were warmly welcomed and seated at a perfect table overlooking the water. To our surprise, we were presented with customized menus and congratulatory wishes, which made the evening feel even more special. The food was exquisite, and the service struck the perfect balance — professional, attentive, and never intrusive. We would highly recommend The Pointe Restaurant to anyone visiting Tofino. It is easily one of the top dining experiences in Canada.

We went to The Pointe Restaurant to celebrate a special occasion and didn’t have a reservation — but we’re so glad they made it work for us! We had a party of six, including a little one, and they welcomed us warmly. The view is absolutely spectacular, and the West Coast-inspired decor ties the whole space together beautifully. Everything from the wood accents to the ocean backdrop just feels perfectly in harmony — cozy, elegant, and uniquely Tofino. As for the food — the handmade pasta was incredible. Smooth, flavorful, and the pesto sauce was one of the best I’ve ever had — they even customized it with pine nuts for us, which was a nice touch. Even the kid’s pasta was tasty and well-prepared, which is always appreciated when dining with family. This place is everything you’d hope for in a special-occasion spot: stunning views, thoughtful service, and food that leaves a lasting impression.

Had the fish (cod) and chips. Do yourself a favor and go cod instead of salmon. Fish was fresh and had great texture. Generous amount of tartar sauce and a creamy coleslaw. Fries could be thicker, but the thin style was still good. I had a large amount of end bit fries, which was not my favorite. All that being said, solid meal for the price! Now everything else besides the fish and chips is not great. Jambalaya has a weird taste. Korean crispy tofu and rice, don't do it. Fish tacos were good but don't travel well. Baja chicken burger was good.

We ordered a beef and a salmon burger with shoestring fries. Both were juicy and delicious. We also tried the Korean spicy tofu and rice dish. Has a delicious kick and rice is nice and fluffy. Recommend trying this place for casual fare. Comfortable outdoor eating area.

The fish and chips were absolutely outstanding — honestly the best I’ve ever had! 🐟🍟 Perfectly crispy, fresh, and full of flavor. Service was on point, the crew is super friendly and motivated, and you can really feel they care about what they do. Huge compliments to the team — highly recommended! Take out is top! Take away and Than Drive to Long Beach Spot some Surfers and enjoy the Sunset!

Wildside Grill offers outstanding food with a fantastic variety for both meat and veggie enthusiasts. Their Baja chicken burger was a highlight—juicy, packed with flavor, and complemented by zesty sauces and a generous serving of crispy fries. The veggie burger, with its savory black bean patty, and the fresh veggie ciabatta were equally impressive. The menu shines with diverse options, from burgers and fish and chips to salads and tacos. The outdoor seating creates a vibrant atmosphere, perfectly enhancing the enjoyment of their freshly cooked dishes. Even with the bustling vibe, the service is swift and friendly. Prices are reasonable, offering great value for such high-quality food at a tourist destination. I’m eager to try more of the menu on my next visit!

Amazing food, worth to pull over to grab a bite to eat on the way into Tofino. Accommodating to gluten allergies which their food is actually amazing and freshly made. This spot will be a must each time going to Tofino. Highly recommend the cod club sandwich, best fries I have ever had plus the amount of food portion you get is worth every penny.

Would highly recommend getting the fish tacos here, tried both the salmon and cod fish tacos and both were great. Fish and chips were also great (the fries were awesome) but if you’re between the two, go for the tacos. Great outdoor spot to eat and great service!

Huge portions, none of us could finish ! Tasty and juicy burgers, poutine was right proper as well. Watch out for the crows , they will rob your plate if you leave it unattended. Otherwise they make good entertainment while enjoying your meal under the trees in the shade.

The Halibut Cakes were so tasty! I enjoyed this place so much that I went back a second time! Fish Tacos for Round 2. Not as tasty as the Halibut Cakes but were good none the less. I don't care for Cilantro so I probably should've tried something else. Next time!

They tried to kill me with this cod! I don't give 5 star reviews, because most of the time something's missing, but this place should get 6 star one. Very generous pieces of cod, not too salty, fries and sauce, perfection. The service is very polite and friendly, people who love making food for us hungry masses, the atmosphere of a georgeus beach to top it off. This is THE BEST fish and chips anywhere near Tofino. Hands down.

My wife found this place on some lady's blog so we had to check it out and it did not disappoint! We had an assortment of fish and chips and I had the salmon tacos which were delicious. We took our food to go and walked down onto the beach at Cox Bay and watched the surfers catch wave after wave during an amazing sunset session.

the salmon taco was a newbie for me and really really nice. my friends had the phat hammer burger and the tuna burger and they were both a 6/10. the salmon burger was a 7/10. in my opinion the tuna burger was an 7,5/10, but the tacos were definable the highlight. chowder soup was also good, they offer half sizes for less so that’s really convenient. tacos are ~8 CAD and half the chowder was also 8 CAD. follow me on insta for more honest food recommendations @where.is.shady

Great place to drop by for a quick bite. The view is amazing and the food selection are ok. Parking: minimal if you are not a guest. Food recommendation: fish and chips and their burgers are awesome Seating/Eating area: awesome. Some have propane bonfires which adds to the ambience Views: eating areas open up to the surfing area which is awesome

A nice spot at the beach @Pacific Sands Resort. The food was ok and the location is great (weather permitting - there is "just" a patio and no inside seating). Plus, the staff is very freibdöy and they have local craft beer.... Good lunch/snack spot when you're around Tofino!

The fish and chips were SO good!!!! We tried the Cod and Salmon (fish and chips)! The breading was so crispy! The fries were hot and unbelievably good for two people who do not care much for fries. We had them on a couple of occasions while staying at Pacific Sands Beach Resort! We also got a breakfast sandwich one morning that we shared and really enjoyed! My Husband loved the London Fog tea and it was nice that they offered bottled wine to take back to our hotel suite to enjoy while watching the sun set! Everyone was so friendly and kind! The gas fire pits were cozy when the sun went down to stay warm! Such a wonderful addition to our stay! Thank you for the friendly service and comforting food and drinks! Cheers!

Good basic sushi, amazing location and water views . Eclectic aesthetics were also really fun (there’s even fun decor on the ceiling !) and service was pretty attentive

The view on the patio is truly spectacular. Everything else, not so much. Service is friendly, but it took us an hour to get our 3 rolls. If the kitchen was overwhelmed, would have been nice to comp some apps for the wait. I would like to say the food was worth the wait, but no. All three rolls were bland. I could barely find the fish or even tell the rolls apart. Even the rice in the rolls didn’t seem fresh. One roll was topped with tempura shrimp, and this was cold. Cold tempura is just greasy and the crunch was gone. Overall, the only saving grace to the whole experience was the view.

The food here was good but the service needs work. The server made it very clear that they did not like that I was there and placed in their section. My presumption is that I was eating by myself and therefore reducing the bill average. That's just my guess as they didn't seem to be happy with my $38 order either. Whatever the reason, the limited interactions I had with the server were not much more than feelings of annoyance and passive aggression as well as waiting for 35 minutes to receive the appetizer (which was just soup btw). As a result, I would suggest anyone eating by themselves to choose a friendlier place

Good sushi but I think its the only sushi place in town. So the sushi was pretty good. It was a super busy night so the poor servers were run off their feet. They did an excellent job. Even though it was super busy we were seated almost right away. Its a large place attached to a hotel. We had a nice table with gorgeous views of the water. Nice friendly ambiance and lots of locals were there as well.

Don’t understand the ambivalent reviews. We had an amazing dinner here, with great service and awesome quality of food. You don’t get the usual standard sushi with cultivated salmon (that is also very tasty), but with regional and fresh fish. It was a nice experience to eat the local fish on the sashimi platter and the oysters Japanese style were great! If you are looking for some good sushi, that has a slightly special, Vancouver Island twist, this is the right place for you.

Our annual trip always includes one very special night at Tough City Sushi. Well worth every penny and the fun experience and incredible view!! We sit outside so our well mannered dog can sleep under the table. A courtesy we really appreciate. Note that during COVID they often can not accommodate take out as they are trying to serve those dining in quickly. I appreciate that thoughtfulness as this helps the servers also make a living with tips on tables.

Great food. Great service. Eclectic decor. Amazing views of the inlet.

Bought 3 live crabs to take home. They were fresh and delicious. The crab lady knows her stuff, how long the crabs will live out of water, they need to be killed and cleaned and on ice to last a bit longer. Super friendly and accommodating to let us pick up earlier because we had to get to the construction area before 10 to make the top of the hour flush. Located across from the gas station. You can't see the sign as it's fallen onto the ground, but you can see all the crab traps stacked up. Note that it's cash only.

Awesome place to get fresh daily caught crabs. From $15 - $25. Place is not big but enough for quick in and out. Must come if you love crab meat

We came here after reading all the positive reviews and tips to watch the lady pick the correct sized crab. When we got there, she said her tanks broke so all sized crabs were mixed in a tub. We asked for a large one and she just picked one on the top. There was no way to tell whether it was part of the large group or not. It looked quite small - maybe 2.5 lb to me. We steamed it and it was not that sweet compared to the live ones we buy at the grocery store in Vancouver.

From $15-25 You can get fresh daily caught crabs We just boiled the crab for 15mins and it's so good 😎

Paid for the larger $35 crabs and I think she did the old switch and bait trick and packed the $30 ones. Oh well, they were delicious still.

Best crabs and the lady who sells them. My family went there at about 5 pm and I was told she would wait for me to withdraw cash since her closing time is at 5 pm. Once I got the cash and requested to buy 3 she offered to give us free one crab. My wife and I were so delighted that she was giving the crab away. Great price, accommodating and truly generous owner. There’s nothing to ask for more.

The crabs are good quality. The price was 18$/20$/25$ - depends on a crab size. We got two x 25 but like it was mentioned below we did not pay much attention and got a medium size crab for the highest price. The lady was pleasant and helph for sure but it would be great to be a bit honester.

Had them process a catch on Sunday and was told that it would stay frozen for 24 hours for transportation. We had a 5 hour drive and 11 hours of flight time. When we picked up the fish from the baggage drop you could smell it. It was put in a styrofoam box way to big for the small amount of fish in it and their was nothing else other than the frozen fish to keep it from spoiling. Then when I tried to call them to Explain what happened they never answered the phone during normal business hours or have a way of leaving a message. These guys are terrible.

My grandson caught a fish in Tofino and we brought it to Trilogy for processing and shipping back to Calgary. They did an awesome job! When the box came off the plane after many hours in transit, the fish was still frozen solid and ready to pop into the freezer. Trilogy did a really professional job of getting that shipping box airplane ready...we wer really impressed!

14 guys (many of whom have been patrons of Trilogy for years) dropped off over 300 pounds of fish (over 2 days) to be cut into 1 pound portions, vacuum-sealed, and flash frozen in order to prepare the meat for our 12-hour drive home. Trilogy returned packaged, unfrozen meat, and charged us full price for their “service.” Failing to freeze fish we dropped-off the previous evening is understandable, time is tight, but not having frozen the fish we turned-in 36 hours earlier? We would even be displeased but understanding if the the lack of flash-freezing had been reflected on our bill, but we were required to pay the full price for processing in order to reclaim our fish. The only processing assistance we actually needed was the freezing! We would have cut and packed the fish ourselves if we didn’t need frozen meat. To be fair: we were fishing on a busy long-weekend and Trilogy may have been understaffed. Nonetheless, if your business fails to provide a contracted service, the customer should not be charged for the service you missed! We paid almost $900 for some kids to cut the meat we had already cleaned. No apologies, just scornful dismissal. We were told that pro-rating Trilogy’s service to account for the lack of freezing (eg. 30% of processing was missed, knock 30% off the price) was an unreasonable expectation, and when we took issue with this, we were told to “quit our bitching” and “deal with it.” We were asked how we could expect Trilogy staff to provide the service we paid for when they had too few people working! Our requests to speak with the owner were met with “call him yourself.” The guys I went fishing with used to put a few thousand dollars of fish through Trilogy processing every year. We will see about the future. There is apparently another Tofino processor (I haven’t found it yet) and there is also a processor called Fishful Thinking in Ucluelet. Make a careful decision where you go. I don’t know whether the issue is a staff problem or a staffing (ie. owner) problem but, by their own words, they cannot reliably provide the full service you will be charged for and it’s your fault for fishing when they are busy.

my wife and i arrived here at 12noon to see if there was some fresh fish we could purchase during their open hours today. at least 2 individuals were inside, but the door was locked. they were sitting and chatting and didn't bother to acknowledge us, locked outside. 5 others came, tried to open the door and gave up and turned around. left after 10 minutes.

$500 bucks to process 12 salmon. The staff guy with the disgusting beard was the least friendliest guy in town. I asked him his name told me it was none of his business. Proceed with caution folks.

This company has changed hands, they are learning heaps and doing a great job. Great service, great product.

I wish I could put Zero stars for zero service. A huge disappointment and not the company that they used to be! Don't rely on them for anything!