Vancouver Magazine - Tofino Travel Guide: Where to eat, stay & spa in Tofino, B.C.
The idyllic island town offers plenty of ways to get away from it all.
By Amanda Ross.
EAT
Transplanted Nova Scotian Ronnie Lee got his Tofino start cooking at weekend BBQ pop-ups in his friend’s backyard. But word of—and smells from—the east coaster’s smoker prowess soon spread and, before long, a restaurant was in the works. Lil’ Ronnie’s Beachside BBQ now delivers revelatory beef brisket daily thanks in part to 18 hours of smoking, but also its provenance from Beretta Farms, an ethical ranch raising animals without the use of antibiotics or hormones. 1101 Pacific Rim Hwy., Tofino.
Family-run Jeju’smenu isn’t vast, which means that each of its Korean dishes is thoughtful and perfected. The tiny restaurant recently added charcoal bossam, a char-grilled pork belly served with arugula, ssamjang and pickled radish. Take note: the K.F.C. lettuce wraps with sweet spicy gochujang and pistachio often sell out. 101–120 Fourth St., Tofino.
Stop by the new location of Adriana’s Sandwich Shop for classic sandwiches with a twist (Broccoli Bob with broccolini, pickled carrots, arugula and sriracha; prosciutto parmigiana with arugula and lemon pesto) and pizza (salami and honey; kale with mozzarella and lemon). 4–131 First St., Tofino.
Shelter Restaurant, a Tofino mainstay for over 20 years, recently moved to new digs in the former 1909 Kitchen but brought their local faves with them. The classic Meares Island chowder features local catch (as does the Surf bowl with locally caught wild salmon); the salted sourdough with salted butter is baked in-house. This summer they’ve got the Seaside Smash cocktail (gin, Chambord, lemon and rosemary) on tap. 634 Campbell St., Tofino.
