The Cook and Butcher

Excellent food with exceptional service. We were a table for two who showed up for dinner on a Saturday evening in the summer without a reservation. We put our name on the waiting list and they gave us an accurate time for how long the wait would be. We went for a lovely walk on the dock while we waited. As we neared the top of the waiting list, they were able to seat us in the lounge where we could order drinks. Once at our table, the service was attentive and friendly. Our food arrived quickly and was fantastic! The seafood was plentiful and perfectly cooked. The ocean view from this restaurant is gorgeous. An overall wonderful experience. We look forward to going here again and will make a reservation the next time!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I took some friends there yesterday. We had two chefs from Europe with us. We got a nice table by the window a nice view. We ordered a bottle of local Pinot Grigio, which they did not have. One guest ordered a 14oz. German beer. The waitress came back and said they had no 14oz glasses left???? She could fill a bigger one halfway? I never heard such BS. Our Chefs ordered the sirloin steak, which was extremely tough. The rest was very good. I mentioned it to the waitress which did not care one way or another! All the birds...on the windows did not help either. We go there quite a bit and this time was not a pleasant evening. With a name like cook and Butcher, you expect much better meat, and some manager who can rectify problems when they happen?
Especially as we wanted to impress our friends, how good the food is here. Not impressed.

Amazing seafood, steaks and ceasars!
Highly reccomend eating here. One of the best dinners of all time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wine options very disappointing. Only 1 Canadian offered and they were sold out.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Very much enjoyed this spot. Gorgeous views over Cowichan bay and friendly service. Highly recommend

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The atmosphere and view are unreal! I thought the food was mediocre at best.
The salmon was way overcooked and tasted bland.very disappointing not to have fresh caught seafood from the ocean that we sat beside. Pesto pasta was dry and scallops were chewy.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

The waitress was wonderful, the venue was appealing, BUT my burger though, not so much, the bun was squished and the patty was very dry and cold, after waiting 35 min for a seat I couldn't be bothered to send it back. Sadly I wont be back, the wait is too long, and expensive to get a flat cold burger.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 5

So, the atmosphere was a 10/10 we got a seat right by the window and that was amazing. The wait was not bad however, the service was sub par at best. All the servers were extremely polite and wanted to do a good job but there was either a staffing issue last night or the absence of a bar tender made the servers much busier and thus less attentive. A bar tender or an extra member or two of staff would go a long way. The hostess was sweet but also seemed to be doing multiple jobs and not able to focus on people arriving. This to me is a management issue not the amazing ladies working.
The food was alright too, however, the muscles were very small a lot of the time with barely any muscle all shell, and I have to admit I was a bit disappointed in the size of the lobster I’d rather pay a bit more for more then a two bite lobster.

Overall the dining experience wasn’t horrible but a few key modifications could easily make this a 5 star dining experience.

The view made the whole thing worth it

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 2

Great food. Excellent view.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is excellent. Staff were knowledgeable, attentive when needed, and the food was delicious. We jad the seafood linguini and rice bowl. We'll be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Superb service food and drinks, highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Prices are laughable for the quality and service received. Tried twice with the same result. Will not return.

Been there a few times as it is a great view and delicious steak & seafood place. Must try the seafood linguini and Rib eye steak, absolutely delicious! I’m a regular now! Most definitely one of the best restaurant in the Cowichan valley. Try their Bailey’s cheesecake, too!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Homemade lemonade was amazing, the waitress was very attentive and super friendly. We were here for a wedding and this was a perfect spot for lunch the next day

A Hidden Gem in Cowichan Bay – The Cook and The Butcher

During a recent overnight stay in the charming seaside village of Cowichan Bay, my fiancé and I had the pleasure of dining at The Cook and The Butcher — and it was truly an unforgettable culinary experience.

From the moment we walked in, we were impressed by the cozy yet elevated ambiance. The staff were warm and welcoming, making us feel at home while still offering the polished service you’d expect from a high-end dining spot.

We started our meal by sharing one of their signature Caesars, and it was easily the most luxurious version we’ve ever had. Topped with a lobster tail, shrimp, scallops, and smoked salmon, it was practically a meal in itself — fresh, briny, and beautifully presented. Every bite of seafood was melt-in-your-mouth perfection, and the drink itself was perfectly spiced and balanced.

For our mains, we shared two incredible dishes. The first was a rich, flavourful seafood linguine — brimming with fresh local catches and perfectly cooked pasta, tossed in a delicate sauce that enhanced rather than overwhelmed the dish. Every forkful was a reminder of just how fresh and abundant the West Coast seafood scene truly is.

The second dish was a standout: braised pork belly topped with a silky crab-infused hollandaise. The pork was tender and savory with a perfect crispy edge, while the hollandaise added a decadent, buttery seafood twist that brought the whole dish together in the most unexpected and delightful way.

Overall, The Cook and The Butcher delivered not just a meal, but a memory. Whether you’re a local or just visiting the Island like we were, this spot is well worth the stop. The passion for food, the attention to detail, and the incredible use of fresh coastal ingredients make it a true gem in Cowichan Bay.

We’ll absolutely be back next time we’re on the Island.

— Jordyn

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5