We were really disappointed with our dining experience.
While the plating was beautiful, the overall quality of the food was very underwhelming and not worth the price. The restaurant emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients — and yes, the ingredients were fresh — but the execution lacked any real technique or creativity. It honestly felt like something I could have put together myself with a quick trip to the grocery store. We were expecting something more refined or distinctive, especially for French cuisine, but everything was just… ordinary.
What made things worse was the ordering mishap. We had clearly requested one guest to have a no-pork option, but somehow two dishes came back vegetarian. One of us actually does eat pork, but because no one informed us beforehand, we ended up both getting plant-based alternatives without any explanation. At the very least, someone should have told us what the replacement would be — not just swap it out without saying a word.
Then came dessert. We were asked if we’d like tea or coffee. The way it was offered made it sound like it was included, especially since there was no pricing listed on the menu. Only when we got the bill did we realize we were being charged for it. It’s not about the few extra dollars — it’s the principle. A fine dining establishment should be upfront about all costs, either verbally or clearly printed on the menu.
Overall, this meal was a letdown in terms of both value and experience.
Mackenzie Alsager
We had the most amazing dining experience at De L’ile this past weekend. How lucky is the community or Qualicum to have such a gem in their backyard. The attention to detail, the commitment to locally sourced ingredients and all the amazing flavours made for such a special meal. I cannot wait to come back again and will be telling everyone about it!!
R B
Fell far short of expectations after seeing other reviews. After reserving a table in advance for a dinner for two, my wife and I were seated at a very little table for two, between two end tables configured for four, despite there being no one there, at 5:30pm on a Saturday. A little later, two women without reservations (I heard the conversation with the hostess/waitress) were given a table only useable by four, next to the window and next to us - uhm, excuse me? The tables on the other side of us remained empty the entire two hours of our meal. Very poor front end management. The menus were very limited. Worst of all, not as advertised online. Expecting lamb and fish, there was pork and shrimp instead. Making the best of it, we thought the food was tasty and well presented. The wine selection was limited to BC vineyards and only small obscure names at that. Service was efficient but not warm or friendly.
Deborah O'Connor
Excellent customer service! The tasting menu was incredible and painstakingly prepared. A delicious work of art. They have a very fine wine selection as well.
Janice Lee
This is definitely a different and special experience I've had in Canada my entire life. I could feel every ingredient playing a part in my mouth. I felt very privileged and appreciated the owner and staff who work hard to provide an extraordinary culinary experience in Qualicum Beach. I hope their business lasts a long time to give others pleasure.
classified4me
I don’t support a greedy business. Your food is ok but that doesn’t mean you charge $90 per person and guests leave hungry, you can do better, you just don’t want to!
victor lepik
By far the only creative and flavourful dining venue in Qualicum!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Oliver
Phenomenal little restaurant, stellar food, remarkably well-priced, and worthy of being a Michelin-starred restaurant. A true culinary jewel of Vancouver Island.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Greg Lewis
A magnificent experience all round. Service was exceptional, no rush, friendly and efficient. We enjoyed the six course tasting menu and each dish was brilliantly displayed and equally delicious. Small but not crowded restaurant. A very, very enjoyable experience. Cheers.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dave McCann
What a great experience. Warm and welcoming staff willing and able to answer questions and offer wine pairings. The tasting menu is ever changing and offers an amazing experience of well thought out, creative and local in season items. A great way to try items you may not otherwise try. You will spend approximately 2+ hrs enjoying so keep this in mind!
Kid-friendliness: Not kid friendly. Too small and intimate.
Pretty much the only fine dining / tasting menu restaurant in Qualicum Beach. I really liked the main course and dessert. Appetizers were good, but not something I'm used to (peas, zucchini, carrot dish) so I had to get used to it.
It's a nice cozy restaurant with really nice autumn decors and feel. Really glad I came here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Mya Stewart
Our experience was perfect! Service, atmosphere (though minimal in the best sense of the word), FLAVOURS and plating were absolutely impeccable.
We were presented with flavours we had never tasted before and we come from cities with many fine dining restaurants.
Well done, D’elile!
Update: We returned this year, and the food, service and atmosphere were just as spectacular as 2 years ago. D’elile is a must when visiting this area of Vancouver Island.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
T R
Unbelievably delicious. Couldn't recommend this restaurant any more in terms of attention to detail, service and taste. Wow.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
sam
We had an amazing meal here - our best meal in the last year (our last favourite was in Mexico City). Such a fresh, interesting and well thought out menu with such a wonderful and relaxing ambiance. Must try!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ian Chisholm
One of the best dining experiences we’ve had in a long time. The tasting menu was local, creative and delicious - DO NOT MISS!
We were really disappointed with our dining experience.
While the plating was beautiful, the overall quality of the food was very underwhelming and not worth the price. The restaurant emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients — and yes, the ingredients were fresh — but the execution lacked any real technique or creativity. It honestly felt like something I could have put together myself with a quick trip to the grocery store. We were expecting something more refined or distinctive, especially for French cuisine, but everything was just… ordinary.
What made things worse was the ordering mishap. We had clearly requested one guest to have a no-pork option, but somehow two dishes came back vegetarian. One of us actually does eat pork, but because no one informed us beforehand, we ended up both getting plant-based alternatives without any explanation. At the very least, someone should have told us what the replacement would be — not just swap it out without saying a word.
Then came dessert. We were asked if we’d like tea or coffee. The way it was offered made it sound like it was included, especially since there was no pricing listed on the menu. Only when we got the bill did we realize we were being charged for it. It’s not about the few extra dollars — it’s the principle. A fine dining establishment should be upfront about all costs, either verbally or clearly printed on the menu.
Overall, this meal was a letdown in terms of both value and experience.
We had the most amazing dining experience at De L’ile this past weekend. How lucky is the community or Qualicum to have such a gem in their backyard. The attention to detail, the commitment to locally sourced ingredients and all the amazing flavours made for such a special meal. I cannot wait to come back again and will be telling everyone about it!!
Fell far short of expectations after seeing other reviews. After reserving a table in advance for a dinner for two, my wife and I were seated at a very little table for two, between two end tables configured for four, despite there being no one there, at 5:30pm on a Saturday. A little later, two women without reservations (I heard the conversation with the hostess/waitress) were given a table only useable by four, next to the window and next to us - uhm, excuse me? The tables on the other side of us remained empty the entire two hours of our meal. Very poor front end management.
The menus were very limited. Worst of all, not as advertised online. Expecting lamb and fish, there was pork and shrimp instead. Making the best of it, we thought the food was tasty and well presented. The wine selection was limited to BC vineyards and only small obscure names at that. Service was efficient but not warm or friendly.
Excellent customer service!
The tasting menu was incredible and painstakingly prepared. A delicious work of art.
They have a very fine wine selection as well.
This is definitely a different and special experience I've had in Canada my entire life. I could feel every ingredient playing a part in my mouth. I felt very privileged and appreciated the owner and staff who work hard to provide an extraordinary culinary experience in Qualicum Beach. I hope their business lasts a long time to give others pleasure.
I don’t support a greedy business. Your food is ok but that doesn’t mean you charge $90 per person and guests leave hungry, you can do better, you just don’t want to!
By far the only creative and flavourful dining venue in Qualicum!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Phenomenal little restaurant, stellar food, remarkably well-priced, and worthy of being a Michelin-starred restaurant. A true culinary jewel of Vancouver Island.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
A magnificent experience all round. Service was exceptional, no rush, friendly and efficient. We enjoyed the six course tasting menu and each dish was brilliantly displayed and equally delicious. Small but not crowded restaurant. A very, very enjoyable experience. Cheers.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a great experience. Warm and welcoming staff willing and able to answer questions and offer wine pairings. The tasting menu is ever changing and offers an amazing experience of well thought out, creative and local in season items. A great way to try items you may not otherwise try. You will spend approximately 2+ hrs enjoying so keep this in mind!
Kid-friendliness: Not kid friendly. Too small and intimate.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Pretty much the only fine dining / tasting menu restaurant in Qualicum Beach. I really liked the main course and dessert. Appetizers were good, but not something I'm used to (peas, zucchini, carrot dish) so I had to get used to it.
It's a nice cozy restaurant with really nice autumn decors and feel. Really glad I came here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Our experience was perfect! Service, atmosphere (though minimal in the best sense of the word), FLAVOURS and plating were absolutely impeccable.
We were presented with flavours we had never tasted before and we come from cities with many fine dining restaurants.
Well done, D’elile!
Update: We returned this year, and the food, service and atmosphere were just as spectacular as 2 years ago. D’elile is a must when visiting this area of Vancouver Island.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Unbelievably delicious. Couldn't recommend this restaurant any more in terms of attention to detail, service and taste. Wow.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had an amazing meal here - our best meal in the last year (our last favourite was in Mexico City). Such a fresh, interesting and well thought out menu with such a wonderful and relaxing ambiance. Must try!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of the best dining experiences we’ve had in a long time. The tasting menu was local, creative and delicious - DO NOT MISS!
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