Diners' Choice: Great for creative cocktails restaurants in Vancouver Island

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for the best handcrafted cocktails in Vancouver Island? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Nori Japanese Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (97)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Japanese

Qualicum Beach

About the restaurant

Nori Japanese Restaurant is a contemporary Japanese dining destination inspired by the vibrant culinary culture of Vancouver Island. Built on quality, creativity, and genuine hospitality, Nori offers a dynamic and memorable dining experience in the heart of North Nanaimo.

Our menu features premium sushi and sashimi, aburi-style nigiri, signature specialty rolls, and comforting Japanese favourites including tempura, ramen, udon, gyu-don, and teriyaki. We focus on using fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients, and thoughtful preparation in every dish.

From omakase-inspired experiences and share plates to premium sake and creative cocktails, every detail at Nori is designed to create a unique and welcoming atmosphere.

Whether joining us for a casual dinner, lunch with friends, celebration, date night, business meeting, or special occasion, guests can expect warm service, lively energy, and an unforgettable dining experience.

Top review

Marjie

Dined 4 days ago

The service and food always excellent. The ambiance is lively and fun. Will keep going back!

Atelier by Matt Jackson

4.8

4.8 (549)

CAN$51 and over

French

Sidney

About the restaurant

Atelier by Matt Jackson | Elevated Dining In Sidney.

Marrying approachable elegance with hand-crafted cocktails, a global wine list, and an evocative dining experience, Atelier features French-inspired cuisine informed by the fresh and hyper-local ingredients of the Saanich Peninsula and surrounding areas.

We are fortunate on Vancouver Island to have some of the most incredible organic and local producers in the country and access to some of the world’s best fish and seafood. At Atelier, we draw inspiration from our local producers, fisherman, and farmers to serve you the freshest ingredients.

Top review

JudyGold

Dined on Oct 20, 2026

We really enjoyed our evening. The food and service were excellent and we look forward to coming back.

Horang

4.8

4.8 (108)

CAN$30 and under

Korean

Nanaimo

About the restaurant

Whether you’re joining us for a high-energy dinner in our stylish dining room or grabbing a quick gourmet bite from our on-site market, we promise an experience that is "Tastier than Yesterday."

We’ve set the table, chilled the Soju, and turned up the music. All that’s missing is you.

Top review

Matty

Dined 2 days ago

This place always has excellent food. The lunch box is exceptional value, and the regular menu is nothing but bangers. What really stands out is the service and staff. Everyone is always super friendly and attentive. I had an experience the other day that blew me away. Our server made a small mistake with our order which caused a minor delay. They went above and beyond to make amends. Truly outstanding stuff. It gave me hope that the classic service industry isn’t dead. They really know how to operate a business and I will forever be a patron. Well done Horang. Well done.

The Arbutus Room at Brentwood Bay Resort and Spa

4.7

4.7 (457)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Canadian

Central Saanich

About the restaurant

*Guests 16+* Victoria's premier oceanfront dining destination, exclusively for guests aged 16 and older, situated at the stunning Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa, just 20 minutes from downtown Victoria. Immerse yourself in the warmth of our crackling fireplace or unwind on our heated seaside patios. Experience a fresh take on Pacific Rim cuisine, crafted from seasonally inspired ingredients sourced from the ocean and cultivated locally on Vancouver Island. Delight in a tempting array of flavors, colors, and textures, perfectly complemented by the finest wines from British Columbia and around the world.

Open daily for breakfast 7 days per week. Open for happy hour & dinner Wednesday through Sunday.

Director of Food & Beverage: Adam Ames
Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, Sommelier: Adriano Cartuliares

Top review

Martina

Dined on Oct 12, 2026

Food, service and view were incredible! A gem in our community!

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Experience

Wine Wednesday

Experience

Adegas Valmiñor Winemaker Dinner with Yago Gómez

Experience

Wine Wednesday

Montana's BBQ & Bar - Nanaimo

4.7

4.7 (308)

CAN$30 and under

Barbecue

Nanaimo

About the restaurant

Montana's BBQ & BAR is a Canadian comfort food BBQ restaurant and sports bar. Enjoy in-house smoked pork ribs, beef brisket, grilled steaks and juicy burgers which are paired perfectly with catching the game. Montana's Nanaimo celebrates fun-to-eat, finger-licking smoked and barbecued comfort food that breaks the 'proper' rules. Located near Lakeview Park & Regional General Hospital in the Northern end of Nanaimo, we are a short turn off of Island Highway North. Experience the fun, casual and unpretentious vibe, where you can laugh heartily, enjoy classic BBQ cooking, cheer on the game and enjoy your friends and family. We can't wait to serve you at our restaurant.

Top review

JanetGold

Dined on Oct 23, 2026

The sirloin steak ordered medium rare to accompany my salad was cooked to perfection; very tender and flavourful. Great value.

Discover more

Experience

Montana’s Daily Deals

The Great Room- Long Beach Lodge Resort

4.6

4.6 (229)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Northwest

Tofino

About the restaurant

Experience The Great Room at Long Beach Lodge Resort in Tofino, where world-class cuisine meets breathtaking coastal views. Every dish by Executive Chef Shaun Snelling blends East and West Coast influences, crafted with inspiration from the local environment and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Don’t miss our signature crab platter, a true highlight of the menu.

Pair your meal with a curated selection of BC and international wines, craft beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Designed to make every guest feel at home, The Great Room is the perfect spot to watch vibrant sunsets over Cox Bay or, in winter, relax by the fireplace while the Pacific Ocean’s waves crash outside.

Whether it’s a special night out or a memorable meal with friends and family, this is Tofino dining at its finest.

Top review

FrankGold

Dined 5 days ago

Incredible as always. Never falls short of excellence

Discover more

Experience

Crab Platter for Two

Experience

Winemaker's Dinner with Alderlea Vineyards

French Creek Pub

4.6

4.6 (165)

CAN$30 and under

Canadian

Parksville

About the restaurant

Welcome to French Creek Pub! We are located right at the French Creek Harbour/Marina perfectly situated on the oceanfront between Parksville and Qualicum!

Here you will enjoy the island's best Fish and Chips (cod and halibut), classic cheeseburgers, mini lobster rolls, mexi-tots, perogies and sausage and much much more!

Enjoy our PARTY BOAT CHALLENGE or come down and get a FREE Appetizer when you take a picture with our Big Bass Hat on when it's your BIRTHDAY!

Top review

CharlesGold

Dined 7 days ago

Well I keep going back every Friday with my friends who travel from Nanaimo so that should tell you how much we injoy the food there especially the fish and chips.

Bayside Restaurant and Lounge

4.5

4.5 (1302)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

Parksville

About the restaurant

Experience West Coast Luxury at the Bayside Restaurant & Lounge. Led by Chef Justin Feng, our kitchen highlights seasonal, sustainable ingredients throughout our menus. Pair your meal with something from our crafted cocktail menu, thoughtfully created by our experienced bar team, or explore a curated list of BC wines. Recognized as a 2024 OpenTable Diners’ Choice winner, we invite you to relax, take in the view, and savour one of Parksville’s top dining experiences.

Top review

Diana

Dined on Oct 29, 2026

We had a lovely lunch. We were particularly pleased when Michael, our server, arrived with delicious cakes for two members of our party who were celebrating birthdays. We would have ordered desserts and were prepared to pay, so it was a very nice touch to have the birthdays acknowledged by the Bayside. A great customer experience!

Roar

4.5

4.5 (843)

CAN$30 and under

Canadian

Tofino

About the restaurant

ROAR is a restaurant rooted in rebellion. We honour the rebellious history of Tofino and we proudly rebel against the status quo. It’s the waves crashing and raging flames. It’s the roar of a rebellious nature.

This isn’t like any other restaurant. We cook with live fire, and all of our food and beverage is inspired by the local people, makers and ingredients of Tofino.

Just as you would gather with friends around the campfire, we invite you to get comfy here while we share the stories behind every one of our menu items as the fire roars in the background.

VIEW MENUS

Top review

John

Dined on Oct 29, 2026

Very tasty. Good selection. It was a quiet day but still would recommend it for breakfast at least.

Carve Kitchen & Meatery

4.3

4.3 (362)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Canadian

Campbell River

About the restaurant

Welcome to Carve Kitchen + Meatery, a premium casual dining experience in a bright and inviting space. Specializing in exceptional steaks, our menu goes beyond with everything from succulent chicken dishes to enticing vegan offerings. We’re committed to sourcing ingredients locally wherever possible and cultivate some of our produce in an onsite garden.

At Carve, we create a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere where culinary innovation meets impeccable service. Our modern take on the classic North American steakhouse was designed to be enjoyed by locals and guests alike.

Top review

Sheila

Dined 1 day ago

The 20 oz ribeye was amazing. The BC salmon was delicious.

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