Best Orcas Island Restaurants: A Food Lover’s Guide
Just 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Seattle, Orcas Island is a serene haven waiting to be explored. Thanks to Kenmore Air Express’ direct flights from Boeing Field to Eastsound Airport, getting to this culinary paradise has never been easier. Once you land, rent a car and embark on a gourmet adventure through the island’s most notable dining spots. From cozy cafes to upscale dining rooms, the restaurants on Orcas Island will tantalize your taste buds while offering breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty.
Here’s a curated list of the best restaurants on Orcas Island (in no ranking order) perfect for a weekend getaway or a leisurely stay.
Top Restaurants to Check Out on Orcas Island
1. Matia Kitchen & Bar
Located in Eastsound, Matia Kitchen & Bar is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. The restaurant focuses on hyper-local ingredients, many of which are sourced from the island itself, ensuring a truly fresh dining experience. Matia’s ever-evolving menu is based on seasonal ingredients, offering dishes that incorporate everything from local oysters with spiced butter to glazed beets with preserved berries and smoked vegetables. The intimate setting (snag the Chef’s counter if you can for the tasting menu) is complemented by a meticulously curated selection of delicious wines, making this spot ideal for a special occasion. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
2. The New Leaf Cafe
Housed inside the historic Outlook Inn, New Leaf Cafe offers Pacific Northwest cuisine with a twist. With panoramic views of the water, this restaurant is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a sunset dinner. The dishes are thoughtfully crafted, ranging from grilled salmon to a classic ribeye steak. Located in Eastsound, just a short drive from the airport, New Leaf is celebrated for its relaxing atmosphere and attention to detail, both in food presentation and service. If you’re staying at the Outlook Inn, it’s worth indulging in their weekend brunch.
3. Houlme
Houlme is a highly-touted James Beard Award nominee in Eastsound, offering a modern seasonal menu showcasing fresh island ingredients prepared with an inventive flair. From delicious seafood and crafted vegetable small plates to their famous sourdough pizza, Houlme’s intimate atmosphere and attention to detail create a sophisticated yet welcoming dining experience.
4. Mijitas Mexican Kitchen
For those craving a flavorful and vibrant dining experience, Mijitas Mexican Kitchen brings the heat with authentic Mexican cuisine made from fresh island produce. Located in the heart of Eastsound, the popular spot offers a lively ambiance with bold flavors like their signature carnitas tacos, chiles rellenos, and margaritas crafted from freshly squeezed lime juice. Their outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon while sipping on a margarita.
5. Olga Rising
Located in the heart of Eastsound, Olga Rising is an artisanal bakery and café that offers delightful breakfast and lunch options. Focusing on locally sourced ingredients and fresh baked goods, Olga Rising’s menu includes everything from hearty breakfast bowls to sweet pastries and mouthwatering sandwiches. The intimate café setting offers a cozy ambiance, and their outdoor seating provides scenic views of the surrounding greenery.
6. Brown Bear Baking
No culinary tour of Orcas Island would be complete without a visit to Brown Bear Baking. This bakery-café in Eastsound is famous for its artisanal bread, delectable pastries, and expertly crafted espresso drinks. Locals and visitors alike flock to Brown Bear for their morning coffee fix or a sweet afternoon treat. Their almond croissants, rustic sourdough loaves, and specialty quiches are not to be missed. The cozy interior is perfect for a leisurely breakfast, while the outdoor seating offers views of the bay, making it a prime spot for people-watching.
7. Inn at Ship Bay
Perched above the water just east of Eastsound, Inn at Ship Bay offers a refined dining experience that’s deeply rooted in the island’s seasonal bounty. The restaurant overlooks a working organic orchard and offers panoramic views of the bay, perfect for golden-hour dining. Here they craft elegant, ingredient-driven dishes that celebrate Orcas Island’s farms, fields, and waters, all served in a warm, welcoming dining room that reflects the natural beauty just outside.
8. The Barnacle
For craft cocktails and an intimate lounge vibe, The Barnacle in Eastsound is the place to be. This cozy spot serves up a variety of creative cocktails inspired by the island’s natural surroundings, along with an impressive selection of wines and craft beers. The drinks are paired with small bites like local oysters, artisanal cheeses, and house-cured meats. The relaxed yet refined ambiance makes it a perfect stop for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap after a long day of exploring the island.
9. Doe Bay Cafe
Tucked away on the eastern side of the island in Doe Bay, Doe Bay Cafe is a hidden gem that offers farm-to-table dining with a focus on organic, plant-based cuisine. The cafe is part of Doe Bay Resort, and its waterfront location provides stunning views of the bay, especially at sunset. The cafe’s menu changes seasonally, with dishes that reflect the bounty of the island’s farms and waters. Vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful, and even meat-eaters will appreciate the creativity behind each dish. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy a nourishing meal after hiking Mt. Constitution or kayaking the calm waters near Doe Bay.
10. Madrona Bar & Grill
Perched on the waterfront in Eastsound, Madrona Bar & Grill is known for its relaxed vibe, panoramic views, and delicious American-style comfort food. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual lunch or a laid-back dinner, this is the place to be. From fresh seafood to hearty burgers, their menu is approachable but packed with flavor. Sit on the deck to enjoy one of the best sunset views on the island while sipping a local craft beer or a refreshing cocktail.
11. Kingfish at West Sound
Situated in the charming hamlet of West Sound, Kingfish offers a fine-dining experience in a relaxed, intimate setting. The restaurant is located in a historic inn, and the dishes served here celebrate the best of Pacific Northwest cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re dining in the cozy interior or on the outdoor patio overlooking the water, Kingfish offers a memorable culinary experience away from the island’s more crowded spots.
12. Lascaux Cafe
Lascaux Cafe is a cozy bistro offering thoughtfully composed dishes ranging from delicious soups and sandwiches to pizzas. The interior is intimate and the small team provides a level of care that makes every visit feel personal. Ideal for a quiet, tasty lunch.
13. The West Side Kitchen
Bright, bold, and flavor-forward, The West Side Kitchen in Eastsound brings a refreshing Asian-inspired twist to Orcas Island’s food scene. With roots in Vietnamese and Thai cuisine, the menu features crave-worthy staples like a Banh Mi and Fried Chicken sandwiches as well as a spicy Thai salad plus rotating specials that highlight local ingredients with global flair. Whether you’re grabbing a casual lunch or picking up dinner to-go, the dishes here are thoughtfully crafted, deeply satisfying, and perfect for fueling a day of island adventure.
14. Lone Pine Larder
Just a short stroll from Eastsound’s shops and waterfront, Lone Pine Larder is an easygoing neighborhood spot serving lunches and dinners made for island appetites. The atmosphere is warm and unfussy, equally suited to a leisurely meal or a quick bite between adventures.
15. Matthew’s Smokehouse
Tucked away in Deer Harbor, just a half-mile from the marina, Matthew’s Smokehouse serves slow-smoked barbecue in a relaxed, come-as-you-are setting. Expect house-smoked brisket, pulled pork, baby back ribs and buttermilk fried chicken, alongside hearty sides like mac and cheese, collard greens and cowboy beans. Settle in by the fire pit or claim a spot on the lawn and enjoy the quiet beauty of Orcas Island’s west side.
16. White Horse Pub
Overlooking the water in Eastsound, White Horse Pub has the comfortable feel of a classic neighborhood pub and a lively, family-friendly spirit. The menu leans toward hearty Irish favorites like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and Guinness stew, with fresh local oysters, Dungeness crab and crowd-pleasing burgers alongside. With a dog-friendly patio, seasonal cocktails and regular karaoke nights, it’s a fun stop for a relaxed lunch, dinner or evening out in the village.
17. Orcas Hotel Cafe
Just steps from the ferry landing, the Orcas Hotel Café sits inside one of the island’s oldest inns, with the water close at hand and a porch made for lingering. The menu is a Pacific Northwest café spread with all-day breakfast, house-made sourdough avocado toast, and lunch favorites including a smash burger and fish & chips. Come evening, enjoy rotating specials alongside locally roasted espresso, regional beer and wine, and cocktails. It’s open daily from 8am to 8pm, so it works just as well for a slow morning coffee as a relaxed dinner on the west side of the island.
18. Doe Bay Wine Co.
Set in Eastsound Village, Doe Bay Wine Co. is a neighborhood bottle shop for anyone who likes to linger over a good pour. Shelves of fine wine, beer and cider make browsing a pleasure, and daily tastings of wine and local beer make it easy to find something new to bring home. Founded by Orcas Island native Cole Sisson, the shop also hosts events and classes, so it’s worth checking the calendar before you visit. It’s a natural stop between the shops and waterfront, and a good place to pick up a bottle for the evening ahead.
19. Orcas Island Winery
While Orcas Island Winery focuses on wine rather than food, it’s worth mentioning for those who want to pair their culinary tour with local vino. Located a short drive from Eastsound, the winery offers tastings of small-batch, handcrafted wines made from grapes sourced from Washington State’s premier vineyards.Visitors can enjoy a flight of wines paired with locally sourced cheeses, charcuterie, and small bites. The winery’s laid-back atmosphere, with picnic tables scattered across the property, invites guests to sip and savor at their own pace while soaking in the scenic surroundings.
Flying to Orcas Island on Kenmore Air Express
The culinary delights of Orcas Island are just a short, scenic flight away with Kenmore Air Express. With direct service from Boeing Field to Eastsound Airport, you can leave the traffic and ferry lines behind, arriving at the heart of the island in just 40 minutes. Once you touch down, renting a car allows you the freedom to explore the island.
Where to Stay on Orcas Island
With so many incredible meals ahead of you, you’ll want a cozy place to rest and recharge between bites. From waterfront inns and boutique lodges to secluded cabins tucked into the forest, Orcas Island offers a wide range of charming accommodations to suit every traveler’s style. Whether you’re looking for romantic seclusion, walkable convenience in Eastsound, or a place with killer views and room to roam, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay across the island in our complete Orcas Island hotel guide.
