Ford's Cove Restaurant

Great menu and Happy Hour.

We had to order and pay upfront for our food, they forced a 20% gratuity on us saying we were a group of ten when we were a family of 5. The only thing they did was bring the food to the table… I ordered a Caesar and they brought me a canned Caesar for $10! The food portions were extremely small for the price we paid and the food wasn’t that great. The calamari was also burnt. With food and service like this it’s no wonder they charge you upfront for your food!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Wow! What a fantastic spot. Beautiful views, lovely service, and absolutely delicious food. I had crab cakes, which were phenomenal and crisp with a side salad. My kids had fish and chips and I got to eat some of that too - it was the best fish and chips I have ever had. Huge fresh thick piece of halibut with very light crispy batter. Had gluten free buns for my kid’s sandwich. Totally reasonable prices. We came for an early dinner and they were able to accommodate our party of 10. We’ll definitely be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This restaurant has a stunning location and is a beautiful space but is let down by the ridiculous ordering policy. We arrived and the place was half empty but we waited to be seated for about 10 minutes while the parties ahead of us discussed where to sit and what to order with the waitress. When we got to the front of the line we were abruptly told we had to order and pay immediately before being seated- if we wanted more time to look at the menu we had to go to the back of the line! We were told this is the « Australian » way of ordering but they should at least have a sign at the door and a rack of menus so you can decide what you want as you wait. The policy only suits the servers and does not encourage you to feel welcome or to order dessert or more drinks since you’ve already paid and the servers just plunk the food down in front of you. It does not suit the otherwise classy look. Also the payment method suggested a 15%, 20% or 25% tip but for what? I get the same service at McDonald’s. The washrooms also have no signs and no mirrors! The food was greasy and mediocre. A shame given there are so few places to eat on Hornby.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

Very inconvenient and weird ordering procedure. You have to line up first, choose your food, prepay and tip at the cashier. But you haven’t had any service yet. If you are still hungry and want something more you must line up again!

I had lunch at the restaurant and everything was delicious, the kids burger is very good😋

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We went on a sunny afternoon, the outside of the restaurant is super pleasant with an incredibly beautiful view, the food is very good and the service is fast.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great location, friendly staff, reasonable food and drink (Caesar salad $12?and a glass of wine $7)
Can't beat the view!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Worst customer service ever! Ordered 2p fish and chips, subbed in yam fries, 1st of 4 people. A large group came in after us. Our food started arriving, and my 3 friends got theirs first. I waited. Then the large group got served, I asked and the waitress snapped and said it’s coming. My friends finished their meal and I was still waiting. I walked back up to the counter and asked the same lady. She then blamed the kitchen when she found my order. I waited again. The large group left. In the end I ended up with 1 piece fish and chips lol, she even rang the order in wrong. And a 20% discount. After that fiasco it should have been comped with a sincere apology, but no. And that was with manamgenent involvement! We have been there before because it’s a beautiful spot, so I brought my friends there. Never again, sadly!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 1

We visited Ford's cove on an early July evening with a group of 9 people.
We were seated with an unobstructed view of the amazing evening pre sunset and incredible views of the water.
The staff were very pleasant, courteous, and hospitable. They had our group plated up and served in a very timely manner and kindly answered any requests.
The food was very tasty, nice portions, and i noted how neatly the food was plated up. Everyone in our group was completely satisfied, and all commented on the food and establishment.
We had a variety of beverages with our dinner, I enjoyed a couple of glasses of the house red. It was nice, especially with the view!
I think some low music would be a very nice addition, it's good for the atmosphere and also nice for the employees work environment.
Pre pay... I'm not a huge fan of this. I spoke to the owner, and he explained the reasoning, and I understand, but it seriously takes from the patrons' experience and leaves a cafeteria taste and probably reduces staff tips.
The prices were absolutely fair, and the quality of everything was great!
There is a pretty well stocked store blow this location as well if you need groceries/supplies if you are on the water.
**note if you come by water, you have to make reservations with the harbor or anchor nearby and dingy up.

I give 5 stars as the overall experience was memorable and i look forward to revisiting Ford's cove and sharing it's beautiful views with friends in the future!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fish \u0026 Chips, Calamari, Burgers, Chicken Wings

Beautiful view. Nice staff. It could have been a great experience…but the food is mediocre at best. Frozen then fried, pub fare. If you have a restaurant in paradise…why not hire a chef and make it awesome? People will happily pay for quality. And maybe seat them instead of having them line up at the till as they walk in the door. I don’t often leave reviews, but this place could be AMAZING!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

We stayed on the island for 2 nights and ate at this restaurant twice. Both times were great. Loved the fish and chips and drink selection. The view is amazing. We would recommend.

Friendly spot with a beautiful ocean view, perfect place to visit after a walk on Heron Rocks.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was decent, fish was great! Had a lemon pistachio tart and it was ok.

My main complaint is that they gave us forks and spoons to eat our lunch that literally exploded when we tried to use it. Little bits of the biodegradable plastic went into our meal and we ate around it.... We didn't even have our first bite yet before they all cracked and disintegrated. We ended up eating everything with our hands.
We went back to let the waitress (who was very sweet) know and she said that the restaurant knew as they have had other complaints but the restaurant would continue to give the unusable cutlery out until they used them up before ordering a different brand. So strange!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Very nice view and patio. You order and pay for the food first and then they bring it out to you. Had to pay $1.10 for a to go box which was a bit cringe but small island life so somewhat understandable for expenses. The food was decent but nothing to write home about.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Fish \u0026 Chips, Burgers