The Cook and Butcher

Lovely atmosphere. Delicious food. So good.
Only complaint is the country music. I absolutely cannot stand country music. It is like torture. I forgot that they played country the last time we were there. It makes zero sense and is hard to overlook. This restaurant is higher end on the ocean. Absolutely gorgeous setting. Country music is expected at a red neck dive bar. Unfortunately, we not return just because of that reason.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

We always have a fantastic time when we dine at this place. Great food, awesome service and amazing views!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The atmosphere was awesome with beautiful views of the water. I had the miso salmon with mashed potatoes & a side cesar salad. My husband had the rib eye, mashed potatoes & side cesar salad. The food was excellent, the service was excellent 10/10 we will definitely be back

Delicious meal! We had the coast to coast board, it was perfectly cooked, great flavour, big portions and we felt a great value. Our drinks were so good to and the service was lovely.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A fantastic place to go for a classy dinner date, the ocean views are great, food is great, atmosphere is great. Just went for a Valentine's Day dinner. and the special menu was excellent too!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Stopped in at The Cook and Butcher after a hike and it ended up being one of those meals where the setting almost steals the show. Watching the sunset with a clear view toward Mt. Tzuhalem made it feel like a mini getaway.

The seafood linguine was the standout — loaded with seafood and a generous portion that felt like good value. We also ordered the house burger, which was tasty and filling, even if the pasta was the star of the table.

We shared their Caesar topped with a butter-dipped lobster tail — rich, indulgent, and big enough for two. It’s not cheap, but it feels like a fun splurge.

Between the scenery, solid portions, and fair pricing, it was a great post-hike dinner spot. Definitely a place we’d come back to.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Went here after a hike and it turned into a perfect dinner evening. The sunset views looking over the valley toward Mt. Tzuhalem were honestly beautiful — a great atmosphere to sit back and relax.

We ordered the seafood linguine and it was packed with seafood — generous portion, really flavorful, and absolutely worth it. 5/5

We also tried the house burger, which was solid and satisfying. Not mind-blowing, but definitely good. 4/5

The drink was the Caesar with a lobster tail dipped in butter — delicious and fun. It’s on the pricier side, but it’s big enough to share and felt like a treat.

Overall, prices felt fair for the quality, portions, and setting. Great food, great views, and a nice way to wind down after a hike. Would recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

I've been here twice.
First time... PERFECTION in my meal.
Second time it was inedible and I had to send it back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Food was good, steak did not come medium rare, but medium. Quite a disappointment for $42.

Won’t be returning.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

Great spot for a sunny drive from victoria. Beautiful drive up the scenic Malahat to Quaint Oceanview town of Cowichan bay. Cook and Butcher has a beautiful scenic view, complimentary parking and great food and service! Gluten free options too! Liquor license . Hotel too if you want to stay.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fish and Chips, Chicken and Prawn Fajita Bowl

Yum in my tum. Best view ever!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

First time in Cowichan Bay and some local folks suggested this place as being gluten friendly. It's a good set up, nice dining area with attentive servers. While they do have items that are gluten free - I had the pork ribs and they were delicious - the reason I didn't give 4 stars is because the GF notations are a bit misleading. They have GF notations on all their fries, but they do NOT have a dedicated GF fryer, therefore, for celiacs, please be aware! A reminder that it is good practice to ask about shared fryers even if an item is tagged as GF.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

Super cute place. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good food
Katsu bowl was very good.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

We are regular customers of Cook and Butcher. Have always been happy with food and service. We had dinner with friends there last week and ordered the dry aged NY strip. Very disappointing. A lot of fat and tough meat. The restaurant was busy and we didn’t say anything that evening. I phoned the next day. No consideration of compensation. We will be trying other restaurants at Cow Bay. We paid a lot of money for a bad meal.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 3