Campbell River has an unassuming and vibrant culinary scene that continues to expand each year. The city is home to chefs specializing in international cuisines, talented bakers, experimental enthusiastic foodie entrepreneurs, and culinary talents who’ve moved from popular spots in Vancouver and the Rockies. From classic meals and longstanding local haunts to new hotspots with stunning views, these are the places you’ll want to add to your “to eat at” list for your next visit.
Campbell River’s dining scene offers a mix of upscale eateries, oceanfront restaurants, and casual downtown favourites, making it a great destination for special occasions and laid-back meals alike.
Eateries for Special Occasions in Campbell River
A handful of fine dining-style establishments exist in Campbell River. At Naturally Pacific Resort, Carve Kitchen & Meatery is known for exceptional steaks, from sirloin to tomahawk, plenty of seafood (oysters, octopus, halibut and steamed mussels), and experimental vegetarian options. Their upscale dining room invites the chance to dress up for dinner. Harbour Grill is a longstanding Campbell River staple with a view of the marina, serving an extensive amount of BC seafood dishes, including lobster and Dungeness crab, alongside steaks with all the sauces and sides, and various other grilled meat dishes.
At Dolphin’s Resort, the Angler’s Dining Room provides an elevated dinner spot celebrating seasonal, hyperlocal ingredients and an intimate venue for special occasions. They also have a more affordable brunch option for visitors to enjoy the eatery’s cozy locale nestled among the trees with ocean views.
Oceanfront Restaurants in Campbell River
For oceanfront views with a more relaxed atmosphere, there’s plenty to choose from. Worth the drive south of town for the gelato alone is Mattone Italian Kitchen in its new location at the end of Salmon Point Road. The restaurant is right on the water with floor-to-ceiling windows and a menu featuring tasty Italian pasta, pizza, and sharing plates.
In Campbell River, Fifty Parallel Tap and Grill’s Greek dishes are a frequent hint, but there’s something for everyone with pasta, steak, bowls, and burgers too. The patio with its view of Discovery Passage buzzes in the summer months and for special occasions there’s the Acropolis Dining Room tucked on-site.
The Riptide Marine Pub provides casual fare and lively music nights with views of the ocean, Quadra Island, and coastal mountains. This is a hotspot for appetizers and classic pub plates. They’ll even cook up any fish you’ve caught while out on a Campbell River fishing charter with their Hook ‘n’ Cook option!
The Anchor Waterfront Restaurant is known for providing every table with an unobstructed ocean view. West Coast cuisine alongside local and oceanwise-certified seafood is central to their menu and it’s always worth checking out their daily specials and happy hour.
Restaurants in Downtown Campbell River
After a visit to downtown destinations including Discovery Pier and Discovery Passage Aquarium, you won’t have to go far to get a tasty bite to eat. Along the waterfront near Robert Ostler Park is Quay West Kitchen & Catering for fusion dishes that transform West Coast flavours—expect unique twists on seafood options and super fresh ingredients.
Session Taproom + Kitchen is popular for its pizzas, rotating share plates, and nourishing bowls. Beach Fire Brewing is Campbell River’s only brewery and does great food—handhelds, share plates, colourful salads, and Mexican-inspired meals—to accompany each craft beer.
The appropriately named Pho 54 offers hearty bowls of warming pho, wonton soup, and noodle dishes in a casual dining establishment beside Spirit Square. Nhau Vietnamese Kitchen & Bar offers a modern take on authentic Vietnamese flavours with seafood specials, spring rolls, salads and more that sing with fresh herbs. Nearby, Fratelli Pizza provides exceptional pizzas made with the highest quality ingredients and their dough takes three days to form in-house.
Dining Out in Campbellton
Right before, or on your way back from, adventures in Elk River Provincial Park, you’ll want to dine out in Campbellton. White Tower Restaurant has been a hotspot for locals for over 30 years, with its Greek-centric menu, seafood, steaks, and even a handful of “Taste of India” curry dishes. Recent additions to the area are MORE Eatery for brunch and lunch dishes in a warm and friendly atmosphere, and Kung Fu Cafe for colourful Korean lunches and dinners like Bibimbap and Bulgogi (along with bagel sandwiches and their infamous cheesecake).
Great Meal Options in Willow Point
Willow Point in Campbell River offers a variety of dining options. SoCal Restaurant & Lounge is an ideal spot for date night or dining with the family. The patio is bustling in the summer with live music. Another popular place to eat in the neighbourhood is Miki’s Sushi, with an excellent selection of Japanese food and some Korean favourities.
