Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure on Orcas Island! Nestled in the heart of the San Juan archipelago, this island is a haven for food enthusiasts looking to savor delectable and unique dishes amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
The Orcas Island dining scene is as vibrant and diverse as its stunning landscapes, featuring cozy waterfront spots with sea-to-table delights and charming farm-to-fork gems tucked away in lush greenery. We’re thrilled to introduce you to the best restaurants on Orcas Island, each a unique gem waiting to be discovered and promising not just a delicious meal but an unforgettable dining experience.
Join us on this delightful expedition as we delve into the flavors, ambiance, and stories behind these exceptional Orcas Island restaurants that make the area an impressive destination for culinary enthusiasts. After your meal, make yourself comfortable in one of our cozy rooms at The Village Inn!
Orcas Island Restaurants
Roots
Roots, founded by island-raised pals Cole Sisson and Shea Sasan, draws inspiration from Europe. Cole and Shea began working at local spots during high school, and after graduation, both promised to return home someday. Roots is the result of this promise and embodies their friendship and heartfelt return to their island roots.
At Roots, there’s something for everyone. Their menu boasts mouthwatering sandwiches, each served with chips and pressed into a panini if you prefer. From breakfast sandwiches with eggs, sausage, and garlic aioli to the Salmon Lox Sandwich featuring pickled red onions and whipped cream cheese, cravings are well-covered. To match the island’s natural diversity, diners can find a wide variety of options including a mushroom grilled cheese, a delectable signature Italian sandwich, and more.
In addition to their sandwich offerings, Roots has coffee and other locally crafted goods for sale and serves as a community hub for hosting specialty dinners featuring a rotating lineup of renowned chefs. Get ready to indulge your taste buds at Roots—a culinary journey crafted by two island friends.
Gertie’s
Step back in time and into a heartwarming piece of Orcas Island history at Gertie’s! This is a place where the past meets the present and where every bite is seasoned with a dash of nostalgia and a sprinkle of island charm.
It all started in the 1930s when a love story unfolded in this very building. A widower named Joseph Turner found his match in Gertrude, lovingly known as Gertie, who arrived to the island from overseas. Together, they turned their home into “Our House” cafe and boarding house and Gertie’s fame soon spread through her legendary chicken dinner fundraisers and her genuine warmth that made everyone feel at home.
Today, Gerties is a tribute to Gertie’s legacy and all the women of Orcas Island, offering a menu that not only captures the essence of those cherished meals but also showcases the best of island flavors.
Begin your day on a delightful note by indulging in a cranberry-orange white chocolate muffin or treat yourself to the lusciously rich gluten-free chocolate torte. For a healthier option, savor their avocado toast or the granola served with yogurt and a medley of berries.
Make sure not to pass up the comforting southern goodness of Mema’s shrimp and grits topped off with a perfectly fried egg or their savory creamy chickpea butter curry. In addition to their food offerings, diners can also enjoy specialty-crafted cocktails, mimosas, and bloody marys for a full brunch experience.
Gerties has crafted a menu that caters to every palate, ensuring a memorable dining experience you’ll be eager to return to time and again.
Matia Kitchen
Welcome to Matia Kitchen, the heart of Orcas Island’s culinary scene. Established in 2016 by Avery Adams and Drew Downing, Matia celebrates the island’s bountiful treasures.
What sets Matia apart is its dedication to a nationally recognized farm-to-table experience, offering daily-changing chef’s counter-tasting menus. The menu features delights like Matia Sourdough with cultured butter and winter preserves, along with inventive dishes like cider-braised carrots, salt-baked apples, and a warm seafood and house-made tofu salad.
At Matia Kitchen, each day promises a culinary adventure. Their creativity and dedication to serving up delicious dishes make Matia Kitchen one of the best restaurants Orcas Island has to offer.
Olga Rising
Olga Rising is a culinary gem on Orcas Island. Owned and operated by two locals, Olga Rising promises a comforting and delicious experience to all who walk through their doors. Located in the heart of Eastsound Village, guests will delight in sipping their drinks and enjoying breakfast all while taking in the peaceful surroundings.
Olga Rising offers a diverse menu that captures the essence of Orcas Island with options ranging from classic breakfast items to mouthwatering sandwiches, fresh salads, and a variety of other cafe favorites. The culinary influence of the area can be found in signature dishes like the wild salmon sandwich, and vegetarian diners will be pleased to find options such as falafel and tofu dishes as well. And if you’re just stopping in for a quick cup of coffee, you can choose from classic drinks as well as specialty concoctions like cardamom and s’mores lattes.
Whether you’re seeking a savory breakfast or an expertly crafted espresso, Olga Rising has a delightful array of dishes to explore the flavors of Orcas Island.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to try these incredible restaurants for yourself? Find your perfect Orcas Island hotel accommodations and let the culinary adventure begin!
Madrona Bar & Grill
Established in 2009, the fabulous Madrona Bar & Grill restaurant boasts an unbeatable location right over the sparkling waters of East Sound. Leaning into rustic charm, guests can expect a warm and inviting atmosphere to perfectly complement the breathtaking surroundings.
Madrona Bar & Grill is here to fuel your appetite from lunch to dinner. The menu is a Northwest-inspired masterpiece with fresh produce, succulent seafood, gourmet sandwiches, juicy Angus burgers, flavorful steaks, and pasta dishes.
For those looking for a truly unique Orcas Island dining experience, Madrona Bar & Grill offers the ultimate blend of delicious fare and impeccable atmosphere.
New Leaf Cafe
Nestled in the heart of Eastsound, New Leaf Cafe is a welcoming haven for both islanders and visitors alike. Their culinary maestro, Chef Andrew Martin, brings a wealth of experience from his culinary adventures across seaside and mountainside locales. From tide-to-table delights to classic brunch favorites and mouthwatering vegetarian dishes, everyone will find something on this menu.
As the sun sets, the evening menu takes center stage, with dishes drawing inspiration from the bountiful Pacific Northwest region and thoughtfully paired with handcrafted cocktails, an inviting wine list, and the finest PNW brews.
New Leaf Cafe doesn’t just serve great food, it also offers breathtaking views overlooking Fishing Bay and the Salish Sea, the perfect backdrop for sharing the best flavors of the region!
Stay At The Finest Of Orcas Island Hotels – Book With Us At The Village Inn!
Experience unparalleled coziness and attention to detail in when you choose to stay with us at The Village Inn.
Our hotel rooms are a testament to comfort and sustainability, offering custom furnishings and artwork and using high-quality recycled materials whenever possible. Each room was crafted with care and furnished sustainably. We offer radiant heat floors in the bathrooms, deluxe toiletries, and breathtaking views of East Sound and Indian Island from the 8′ window seats.
The Village Inn, we embody sustainability as more than a trend—it is the very essence of our identity because we treasure this unique corner of the world where we live. From the recycled materials used in construction to our eco-conscious vendors, we’ve thoughtfully integrated sustainability into every facet of our boutique hotel.
Book your Orcas Island escape with us and embrace sustainable comfort on your extraordinary Pacific Northwest adventure!
