Where to eat in Tofino
If you're anything like me, you plan your trips based on where you're going to eat. My trips often start months in advance, with my google maps. I create a map for the place I'm going to and then I start to save places to that map that I want to eat at.
The great thing about Tofino is that you basically cannot go wrong. Pretty much everywhere you go has really, really good food. And I've been many times, so now I have favourites that I have to visit every time I'm there.
I am, of course, still gutted by the loss of SOBO. My favourite memories in Tofino often revolve around sitting at the bar, Chef Lisa delivering to me plate after plate of tasty things and her famous hand-pressed margaritas. but I'm happy for her, she's on to bigger and better things, and I was so proud of how she performed at Top Chef.
The space where SOBO used to be is now Ombre, sister to The Wolf and the Fog. Ombre is less formal than The Wolf and the Fog, small plates, Mediterranean influenced, and yes, they do have a happy hour.
Speaking of Happy Hours, I quite enjoy the one at The Bear. In the summer, they have an outdoor courtyard/patio that is glorious with a radler and some of their soft pretzels.
I have never, and I mean NEVER been to Tofino when I have not visited The Rhino. This cute little cafe serves up coffee and donuts, and also breakfasty-brunchy fare. They are probably most famous for their breakfast sandwiches made with donuts. They have vegan donuts here as well.
Speaking of vegan fare, Bravacados was new to me, but is Tofino's plant-based restaurant, and wow! was the food here good.
No list of "where to eat in Tofino is complete without mentioning the OG Tacofino food truck. Tucked away in the back of a strip mall parking lot, here you'll find the tastiest tacos. Here's a hot tip: they've recently started taking online orders, so order before you go to avoid the lineups.
Also in the same location is Wildside Grill, home of some of the freshest and tastiest seafood you've had (if you're into that), and also Chocolate Tofino, where you can get amazing chocolate creations as well as gelato.
Just outside of the main part of town is an industrial park that houses a bunch of different food stops. There's Tofino Brewing (there's a tasting room on site), Tofino Distillery, Tofino Kombucha (my all time fave) and also Picnic, where you can grab charcuterie to go with your purchases.
Pizza? Yeah, they've got pizza. I love PizzaMoto, but have heard good things about Basic Goodness, and they are open year-round.
Finally, last but not least (and there are tons more than this, as well), don't sleep on Roar, located in the Hotel Zed just outside of the main town. We had dinner here one night and then went back the next night again, it was so good. The lounge menu rocks. I've never had better brussel sprouts, and the house focaccia is a must.
Where's your favorite place to eat in Tofino? Let me know in the comments below!