There’s lots to love about February on Vancouver Island. The month usually marks a change from the rains and plummeting temperatures to mild weather and sunnier skies. It’s during this month that the new buds begin to form on bare trees and early spring flowers pop out of the soil to welcome the burgeoning spring season. This is also the month of love and romance with Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s time to start planning where you’re going to take your special someone out for dinner. All over the Island, there are incredible restaurants where you can find gorgeous dishes and fabulous cocktails, perfect for a memorable evening. With so many to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect restaurant so we’ve done the heavy lifting for you! Here are our top ten restaurants near EMR rentals to ensure that your Valentine’s Day on Vancouver Island is magical.
Victoria
Il Terrazzo
555 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 1M2
Tucked away in Waddington Alley right in the heart of old town you’ll find one of the most romantic restaurants in Victoria. For nearly 30 years, Il Terrazzo has been known for its incredible ambience, service and menus, and is the perfect place for an intimate dinner with your Valentine.
Tapa Bar
620 Trounce Alley, Victoria, BC V8W 1K3
Another long-standing local favourite in downtown Victoria is Tapa Bar. Known for its extensive food menu filled with small, shareable dishes, warm, intimate dining room and incredible cocktail and wine list, Tapa Bar is a fun and unique place to take your special someone on Valentine’s Day.
Sidney
Sea Glass Waterfront Grill
2320 Harbour Rd, Sidney, BC V8L 2P6
Sea Glass Waterfront Grill is a restaurant perched on the edge of the water at the upscale Van Isle Marina just north of Sidney town centre. With a menu that reflects the abundance of Vancouver Island, a carefully curated wine list and incredible ocean views, this is a restaurant made for special occasions.
Deep Cove Chalet
11190 Chalet Rd, North Saanich, BC V8L 5M1
For elegant, upscale dining you’ll want to book a table at Deep Cove Chalet. Offering impeccable French inspired cuisine and a wine list created by a Sommelier, this restaurant caters to those looking for memorable fine dining in an intimate, beautiful oceanfront setting.
Cowichan Valley
Alpina at the Eyrie
600 Ebedora Ln, Malahat, BC V0R 2L0
If you’re staying in the Cowichan Valley and want to take your special someone somewhere upscale and unique for Valentine’s Day, you’ll want to book a table at Alpina at the Eyrie. With food inspired by the cuisine of the Italian, Swiss, German and French alpine regions and informed by the incredible ingredients found on Vancouver Island, Alpina creates unique and inspired dishes that will thrill and surprise you. Plus, with unparalleled views of the Saanich Inlet, Southern Vancouver Island, the Olympic Mountain Range and majestic Mount Baker from almost every table in the dining room, an evening here is simply unforgettable.
Nanaimo
The Nest Bistro
77 Skinner St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5G9
If you’re looking for something really special while you’re staying in Nanaimo you’ll want to be sure to get a reservation at The Nest Bistro. Husband and wife team, Jen and Nic both have illustrious hospitality industry experience and have channelled all of their passion and expertise into opening one of the best restaurants north of Victoria. For superb service, romantic ambience and incredible food and wine, Nest is the place to go in Nanaimo.
Simonholt
6582 Applecross Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9V 0A4
Looking for a more casual and lively way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Nanaimo? Simonholt has you covered! With a great menu filled with local favourites and casual dishes, this popular live music venue is a fun way to spend a date night!
Parksville and Qualicum Beach
Kalvas The Log House
180 Moilliet St, Parksville, BC V9P 2J9
This gorgeous log cabin restaurant is the ideal way to experience true West Coast Canadian dining. With a gorgeous interior, friendly staff and extensive menus featuring fresh seafood and expertly prepared meat dishes, Kalvas is sure to impress.
Comox Valley
Avenue Bistro
2064 Comox Ave, Comox, BC V9M 1P8
This upscale, casual bistro in the heart of the Comox Valley is the perfect place to take your Valentine! With perfectly prepared bistro classics made with locally sourced ingredients, fresh seafood and globally inspired flavours in a beautifully appointed dining room, Avenue Bistro is sure to make your night a special one.