The Sweet, the Savoury, and the Downright Scrumptious

Sooke is renowned for its rugged natural beauty and breathtaking scenic views, as well as its fishing, boating, wildlife tours, and other outdoor activities. It has become a popular destination for both snowbirds and summer getaways. With the growing number of people flocking to Sooke each year seeking a range of different activities and experiences, one question is asked by every single visitor to Sooke. Where should we eat?

Start the day off right at Little Vienna Café, Bakery, and Marketplace. Alongside traditional breakfast dishes like omelettes and french toast, this quaint little bakery offers up housemade crepes to suite every palate, sweet or savoury. Late risers can even take advantage of the café’s extended “light breakfast”, which is served until 3pm. The café also offers lunch, desserts, and takeaway breads for those who want to try a little of everything, as well as gluten free for patrons who require or prefer it.

With all of the sights to see in Sooke, it’s not unusual for explorers to have worked up quite an appetite by midday. For those looking for a fantastic spot to sate that lunchtime hunger, Shirley Delicious is a favourite of locals and tourists alike. Shirley’s takes a creative twist on traditional soups and salads and the result is downright delicious. For those who saved space for dessert, this lovely little lunchtime bistro offers a plethora of baked goods, made in house with love.

With lunch in the rearview and dinner closing in, it is time to begin exploring options. For those looking for a true west coast experience will love Wild Mountain, a farm-to-table type eatery that calls their ever-changing menu an “echo of our abundant community of farmers, fishers, foragers, winemakers, brewers, distillers, and bakers”. Their menu changes with the seasons, the kitchen utilizing what is fresh is locally available to create visually delightful, mouthwatering dishes.

For a more traditional west coast dinner, head out to the Stickleback West Coast Eatery. The Stickleback serves a wide range of lunch and dinner dishes waterfront, guaranteed to satisfy all appetites. From fish and seafood to ribs, burgers, wraps, and beyond, their diverse menu is infused with bright, delightful flavours and twists on beloved traditional dishes, like their blueberry balsamic ribs and their spice crusted tuna tacos. Save room for dessert and try their waffle bread pudding. It’s been known to inspire haunting dreams of longing for months after ingestion.

Drink up! The Sooke Brewing Company was conceptualized and brought into existence by down-to-the-root Sooke locals brewing beer for beer lovers and brewing connoisseurs alike, offering a wide selection of beer on tap for thirsty patrons. With an open mic night and crowlers available to take home, the Sooke Brewing Company is the perfect place to spend a night out or stock up for a night in.

Looking for something with a bit more kick? Sheringham Distillery is calling. Distilling gin, vodka, and one Scandinavian-inspired aperatif, Sheringham is dedicated to creating high-quality spirits locally while striving to operate with as small a carbon footprint as possible, true to the spirit of Vancouver Island.

Now, full to the brim and with the warm glow of an after-dinner drink or three, head out to enjoy all of the beauty that Sooke has to offer. Reserve your getaway today!