Fresh-caught salmon pan-fried over an open flame is a favorite meal in the Alberni Valley.
However, this is certainly not the only option. For those who want smiles, service, and a full menu there is a good range of restaurants in Port Alberni.
Seafood receives top billing in Port Alberni, and the cozy red-velvet booths at the Clam Bucket (directly across from the Victoria Quay downtown) are a great spot to enjoy fish platters, as well as burgers and wraps after a riverside stroll.
Best oceanview seating honours go to the Harbour Quay's Waters Edge Restaurant, known for its fresh mussels, clams, and dungeness crab. Across the road is Turtle Island Fish and Chips, a casual eat-in/take-out spot.
Cafés
Breakfast with local maritimers at the Blue Door Café, which serves its first cup of joe shortly after 5am. Two blocks up the hill on Argyle Street is the Swale Rock Café, fabled for its addictive deep-fried fisherman's bread (a variation on First Nations' bannock).
Chances RimRock
The Chances RimRock gaming centre (4890 Cherry Point Road) is the unlikely location of two elegant sister establishments: the RimRock Brewpub and the Cypress Restaurant and Lounge. Work the one-armed bandits, then enjoy steaks, seafood, appetizer platters and/or a pint of superb, made-on-the-premises honey lager.
Ethnic Options
Ethnic choices cover the global map. Options include Mexican (at Harbour Quay's All Mexed Up Taco Shop), Greek (Dolce Vita Bar & Grill), Chinese Canadian (Golden Dragon Restaurant), European (the Little Bavaria) and Japanese (Sehmi upstairs above the Timberlodge Motel at the east entrance to town).
More Local Dining
Other good local dining spots include Pescadores Bistro (an easy stop for hungry drivers heading west to Tofino) and the J&L Drive In, a classic '50s-style hamburger joint renowned for its quick curbside service and thick milkshakes.
Specialty Shops
If the fish haven't been biting, check in with the pros at the Cod-father Fish Market (Harbour Quay) or Twin City Seafood (4746 Johnston Road) for crab, salmon, halibut, prawns, and more. Supermarkets carry the specialty sausages and naturally smoked bacon produced locally by Hertel Meats Ltd.
Those with a sweet tooth are well-served at side-by-side shops in Harbour Quay. The Sugar Shack makes its own small-batch chocolates, fudge, caramel apples, and other sticky treats. And for a break from Tim Hortons-style takeaway, try the fresh-made goodies baked on site at The Donut Shop. More decadence by the pound is found at the Port Alberni outlet of Coombs Country Candy at the eastern edge of town.
Naesgaard's Farm & Market
Naesgaard's Farm & Market is a must-stop on the Pacific Rim Highway five minutes west of town. Fresh seasonal produce from the nearby fields, plus flowers, garden ornaments, local honey, funky giftware and the farm's popular "pot sale" t-shirts are available here.
Stop by the Port Alberni Visitor Centre for more information about dining options in the area.
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