In Ladysmith
Maya Norte has the best Mexican I've had in the Pacific NW. It's a small restaurant, about 15 minute walk from the Maritime History Marina that is unbelievably good. The Fox and Hounds Pub, and the Old Time Bakery are also excellent in town.
In Cowichan Bay I love the
Rock Cod Cafe.
In Genoa Bay the
Genoa Bay Cafe is reason enough to spend a night or two at that marina. Breakfast on the dock level, lunch and dinner in the restaurant overlooking the bay.
On Thetis Island, the pie lady who sells on the weekend farmers market is awesome.
We loved visiting the
Hummingbird Pub near Montague Harbour.
If you are in Nanaimo and rent a car or have friends/taxi to drive you out, The
Crow and Gate Pub is well worth visiting. The shortest drive would be from the Paige Point Marina across the bay from Ladysmith. Visiting this pub is really like entering a time machine back to old England. It's my favourite pub on the Island.
In Sidney,
Bistro Suisse makes the best schnitzel I've had on the Island. Nice staff, great food.
Sidney, Nanaimo, and Victoria all have so many options there isn't enough space here. The above are our favourites.