Restaurants in Port Alberni

“this is my 3rd time for the Saturday night buffet and I'm just so impressed 🙂 Huge compliments to the chef and the staff as well. Definitely one of the best restaurants in town.”

“When you want fabulous food and a great atmosphere this is the place for that special occasion as you’ll never be able to find anything close to this little gem. Good job”

“We discovered Witch’s Brew on our way back from Tofino and were so happy! The gluten-free baked goods and coffee were delicious, and the staff were all very friendly and patient with our questions. We look forward to visiting again soon!”

“My youngest (15) and I were first time customers today. We will be back!! Not only was the chicken and mushroom crepe delicious, the tropical dream was amazing!! There are so many other items I can’t wait to try. The ladies working the counter were great and I found the prices to be quite reasonable. Highly recommend!”

“The gluten free bun is perfect! The chef assured me the deep fried items on my plate were gluten free. It was the best burger I have had in years. Really nice staff too. Will be back whenever in Port for sure. Thank you!”

“If you’re in Port Alberni and haven’t tried Emilianos Authentic Mexican Food yet… you’re seriously missing out. We stopped by today and grabbed the beef tacos—and wow. Absolutely incredible. The tortillas were soft and fresh, the beef was packed with flavor, and everything was topped perfectly with crisp cabbage, fresh pico, and just the right kick of seasoning. You can tell right away this is real, authentic Mexican food made with care. What made it even better? My whole family loved it. My wife, my son, my daughter—every single one of us was blown away. That doesn’t happen often! This is the kind of spot that turns into a regular go-to real quick. Huge respect to the team at Emilianos for putting out food like this right here in Port Alberni. 🔥 10/10 recommend 🌮 Fresh, authentic, and seriously delicious 💯 We’ll definitely be back for more”

“Awesome food Fresh! Great service”

“The staff is very welcoming and friendly. The ladies there are so good with my 3 year old daughter when we dine in. My favorite dish of all time, is Butter chicken, and Spice 7 makes the BEST butter chicken!”

“Awesome place to stop and grab an excellent coffee, loved the little gift shop that was inside as well. The muffins were also amazing!😊”

“Delicious!!!! We are addicted to their breakfast wraps. And Jerry and Sharon are delightful. We love this place.”

“I tried takeout for lunch today from All Mex’d Up Taco Shop for the very first time, and all I can say is wow. The food was absolutely 🔥. Everything tasted incredibly fresh and packed with flavor. The tacos were loaded with toppings, perfectly seasoned, and the portions were seriously generous — you definitely get your money’s worth. On top of the amazing food, the service was quick and super friendly. It’s always great when a place not only serves great food but also treats customers well, and they nailed both. If you’re in Port Alberni and craving authentic, delicious tacos, I highly recommend checking this place out. This won’t be my last visit — I’ll definitely be back for more! 🌮👌”

“We’ve had a great time performing at the Fish & Duck Pub. The staff were very awesome and fun to work with. The patrons helped provide a fun environment. We’d definitely come back if they’d have us. Also DELICIOUS FOOD The Bad Decisions Comedy Tour”

“Huge rave for this place!!! This is our new spot to dine in and take out! I look forward to the beef pho Everytime! And the cheese tempura is amazing!!!! I could eat there everyday. Great job!”

“We had an amazing meal and wonderful service. I love that when I leave there I feel great as the food is so healthy and delicious, many layers of amazing flavors to each dish we ate.”

“So happy one opened in Port! Use to have to carry dipping sauces back in my suitcase from Ontario when I visited. Definitely going to be a regular stop when passing through Port Alberni. Great staff and food! ?”

“In early September 2024 we enjoyed a wonderful Clam dinner with exquisite unique cocktails - 5 STAR through and through! Love the people, place and food!”

“A fun and unique stop on our way to Tofino!
We didn't expect much but was presently surprised. Service was friendly and we got our food fast! They have a few picnic tables if you don't want to eat in your vehicle. Pricing was also reasonable. We all got burgers, fries and a milkshake. It really hit the spot.”

“We stopped here on our way to Victoria and it did not disappoint!
I can 100% say that, The Station Taphouse, has the most delicious chicken burger and smokehouse burger!

The ingredients were fresh, the sauce tasted amazing, the fries OMG!

Our server was so sweet! And the service was fast!

Thanks to all the team there!

I was so so hungry that forgot to take a photo at the beginning but this photo was taken to keep the delicousness in my mind and gallery!”

“Friendly staff, great merch and wonderful food! Highly recommended.”

“There are days that feel planned… and then there are days that feel summoned. Today was the latter.

We pointed the nose of the chariot down from Mt. Washington—Vanessa riding shotgun, that quiet smile that always tells me she’s already somewhere beautiful in her mind—and let the road do its thing. No rush, no agenda… just that hum of wanderlust that feels like a soft rebellion against structure.

Port Alberni greeted us like an old soul with a good memory. The Oceanside Quay waterfront had that lived-in charm—weathered wood, salt in the air, stories hanging just beneath the surface. The kind of place where time doesn’t stop… it just loosens its grip.

And then, as these days tend to unfold, the locals leaned in—“You’ve gotta hit Dog Mountain.” No hesitation. When the locals insist, you listen.

Dog Mountain Brewery didn’t disappoint. CJ—equal parts server, storyteller, and low-key ambassador of good taste—curated a flight that felt more like a guided tour than a tasting. The Belgian Quad? Deep, complex, a little dangerous in the best way. And then came the tostadas… I mean—come on. Crunch, spice, freshness—paired with dips that felt like they’d been smuggled straight out of a proper Mexicana kitchen. The kind of food that makes you pause mid-bite and just nod… like, yep, this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

But the day wasn’t done with us yet.

On the way back, somewhere in that in-between stretch near Whiskey Creek—where the road narrows and the world gets quieter—we stumbled onto one of those blink-and-you-miss-it pizza 🍕 legends: McBaked.

Rustic. Unassuming. A driveway that looked more like a gathering than a business. And there was Matt—owner, craftsman, quiet orchestrator of something special. Legit scouting reports from Tofino surfers, boards still dripping from their rigs, waiting patiently like they knew they were in on a secret.

And then… the pizza.

Deep dish, but not just heavy—intentional. Perfect crust, rich layers, the kind of balance that only comes from someone who genuinely gives a damn. It wasn’t just food—it was a statement. A reminder that passion doesn’t need polish… it just needs honesty.

Driving home, full in every sense of the word, I couldn’t help but think—this is it. This is the magic. Not the big-ticket plans or the curated experiences… but the unexpected turns, the local wisdom, the people who care deeply about what they do.

A day that started with nowhere to be… and ended up exactly where we needed to be.

Ray-view: Wander often. Trust the locals. And never underestimate what’s waiting down a road you didn’t plan to take.”

“It’s always great, been coming to Twin for over 3 years and it’s always getting better. The pizzas are probably the best brewery pizzas you can get on the island (half and half is the best feature!). A large list of tap brews all the time and they’re always experimenting with new flavours/pours so when you come in 9/10 times there’s something new to try. The atmosphere is very nice too, the staff is always wonderful and sweet to interact and chat with.”

“Fantastic food and service Highly Recommended”

“We went for a ride this evening to Orestes Kousina and had the best Greek food since being in Greece. Riccardo and family were gracious and attentive and the food was worth the 2 hour travel! See you soon.”

“Excellent food. Large portions and very good value.”

“My wife picked up a couple subs on way home after work today...Very good as usual...Do you make your own sub buns or do you bring them in?”

“My wife and I enjoyed our dinner at The Clam Bucket. My wife enjoyed cod fish & chips while I had a bowl of tasty clam chowder and half a bucket of mussels. We also had a calamari appetizer. Food was really good.”

“Theresa and Tracy are the reason I come in for the best service in town. Meanwhile Bev’s chef skills are bar none ❤️❤️❤️ I really like Janice and Pauline too, just don’t know them as well. I really thank Pastimes and their employees for going above and beyond for their clients. Very high quality especially homemade food I can eat as diabetic Type 1, They are prompt, charismatic and take great pride in their work. Employees are the front line staff who make their business successful and you’ve rounded up the best, Pastimes. Thank you ladies 😊”

“We go every time we are in Port Alberni. Love their wonderful service and always have to get one of their oversized giant glazed donuts.”

“Cold beer and good food. Friendly staff”

“Ive only ever had take out pizza but its always good. They load the pizza with toppings and cheese and the crust is great too. Lots of options for toppings and they are all great. Never a miss for the pizza.”

“Visited this place during our stay at Sprout Lake Resort, and it’s conveniently located just across the road, only a few steps away.

It’s a cozy little spot that offers refreshments, basic groceries, and some camping essentials. We stopped here for breakfast on a Monday, and it turned out to be a great choice. If you’re staying nearby, this is pretty much the only convenient option unless you want to drive about 15 minutes.

The food was fresh, tasty, and reasonably priced. The staff member at the front desk was very friendly and welcoming, always with a smile, which made the experience even better.

This is a perfect stop if you’re traveling between Nanaimo and Tofino. Highly recommended for a quick break or a simple, satisfying meal.”

“I ordered the Thai wrap with fries and gravy. The gravy was homemade delicious. I wanted the recipe it was so good. Tons of food. Couldn’t finish everything.”

“Spent nearly 20 years in Australia. I despised sausage rolls because they were dry & just bloody awful. Yesterday, I had my mind changed. THIS was the BEST sausage roll ever tasted. I am going to make it a weekly treat.... Not to mention that most delicious chocolate croissant.”

“First time. I ordered Pad Thai and it was delicious and fresh. When I arrived to pick it up the lady at the till pointed to a table on which my supper sat, with a thick cloth on top keeping it warm. The small things matter. I'll most certainly be back!”

“The staff are absolutely wonderful and knowledgeable about their products. The assistance I am given is top notch! Highly recommend!”

“Excellent food‼️😋 great service”

“Lovely location! Outside concrete, so wheelchair friendly. Fellow working today was very nice and had a good sense of humor, and was a pro at stacking copious icecream scoops atop each other! Prices were incredibly reasonable too!
My friend had bubblegum, and I had pistachio/almond and maple/walnut, and it was all delicious!!

Would definitely recommend :)”

“A nicely decorated little gem with good desserts. I recommend the Oreo truffles and the pumpkin cake. I've jus tried a great falafel wrap w/spinach and a lovely tzatziki dip. The owner is such a kind lady!”

“Bucksnort's Bar & Grill is a true local favourite in Port Alberni and easily one of the best spots in town for hearty pub food and a fun atmosphere!

Vibe:
This place has a fantastic rustic hunting-lodge charm with wood everywhere, a big central fireplace lounge, sports memorabilia, and a welcoming country-bar feel. It’s lively but comfortable — perfect for families, groups of friends, or a casual date night.

The Food:
The portions here are massive — you definitely won’t leave hungry! I went with the famous Bucksnort Burger and it was one of the best I’ve had on Vancouver Island: juicy, perfectly seasoned, and loaded with toppings. The pulled pork poutine was another winner — crispy fries smothered in rich gravy and tender meat. They also do great wings, platters, and have solid keto-friendly options. Everything tasted fresh and came out hot. Excellent value for the price. Service:

Our server was an absolute rockstar — super friendly, attentive, and full of personality even when the place was hopping. She made great recommendations and kept the drinks flowing (love the solid selection of local craft beers on tap).

Pros: Huge portions, tasty comfort food, great prices, friendly staff, and a fun, laid-back vibe that feels authentically Port Alberni.
Cons: It gets loud and busy on weekends, so it’s not the spot for a quiet romantic dinner.

stars — Bucksnort’s is a must-visit when you’re in the Alberni Valley. Whether you’re craving a killer burger, cold beer, or just good times, this place delivers every time. Highly recommend!

(Pro tip: Go hungry and bring friends — you’ll want to share those giant plates.)”

“just good quality an good service”

“After a long day and not wanting to do a thing , Liam and Clara took care of it. Kids and I had a great meal. These two really don’t miss a beat and their service is second to none! Huge turnaround from our last experience here.”

“Really enjoyed the food. Mashed potatoes had a lot of flavour, and all the pasta dishes looked really appetizing as well. I think the cordon bleu could have used more savory flavour. It was good, but maybe stronger cheese or saltier ham would make it amazing.”

“I am a regular customer. Yes, prices have gone up as all food products have this past year. The food has always been freshly made, delicious….and notably they serve very generous portions. Highly recommended.”

“We’ve had a great time performing at the Fish & Duck Pub. The staff were very awesome and fun to work with. The patrons helped provide a fun environment. We’d definitely come back if they’d have us. Also DELICIOUS FOOD The Bad Decisions Comedy Tour”

“Very friendly, with awsome customer service.”

“excellent food and experience food always delicious”

“Great service Feel at home in there”

“We just had the best burgers that we’ve had in a very long time probably top five burger ever food was homemade and super fresh and hot. We will definitely come back next time. We’re in town.”

“Excellent hotel and service! Would recommend”

“Great food and big serving, kind staff and i enjoyed their wanton soup and the sweet and sour pork.”

“Stopped for lunch and a flight. Not busy on a Monday. Nice atmosphere, really clean, lots of light. Service really nice and attentive.
Menu has some great options. Good kids menu also with standard options, but many. Son got sliders which he loved. We ordered frickles which were delicious. Nashville chicken burger which was amazing but hot - I added some ranch dressing on there too even it out. Husband got salmon burger which he enjoyed. Great food.

Beer was not our personal favorites. Tried flight of 4 popular beers - orange bridge was best one. Wouldn't let this get in the way of going though! Plenty others to try”

“I can't rate the atmosphere, because we didn't dine in, although it did seem nice inside, but the portions were decent, and the food was delicious.

We'll do it again 🙏😊”

“I'd heard this was the best pizza in PA and it didn't disappoint! Had the BBQ chicken and it was delish. Flavour was spot on, chicken was very good, enough cheese, and the crust was very good. Recommended!”

“Absolutely fantastic! Great food and service I highly recommend the spicy crab tempura roll and salmon or tuna sashimi. My favourite place for sushi.”

“We go to Smitty’s for Breakfast now and then when in Port. Always awesome food and Friendly Service. Was there today and my Breakfast for lunch, plus the service were both perfect!! My Denver Omelette was perfect, the cubed potatoes best ever...it was all great. The food was served in a very reasonable time. Coffee refill was prompt. The Waitress was fun, efficient & friendly even though they were busy.”

“Yesterday I had to say good bye to not one but both my fur babies. I couldn’t keep it together goin through your drive through getting them all their burgers to enjoy before they’re no longer with me. This morning I had to do some banking and noticed your restaurant refunded my order and payed for my babies last meal. And I have no words. Your kindness is beyond any food company you even threw in a bunch of lollipops. My human babies thank you so much for them. Thank you port Alberni A&W means a lot in such a broken world.”

“Sunday, dec5th at approx 230pm we went through the drive thru to get lunch for our kids, the women on the com was extremely rude and condescending. she had NO patients and had a very rude tone. half way through our order I said you know what, nevermind we will go somewhere else. when we got to the window, my husband asked her name and she refused to give it to us. I asked to speak to the Manager and she said no. I told her she had terrible customer service and we will be contacting her employer to complain. WOREST EXPERIENCE EVER.”