Dining

Award-Winning Grocery Store and Markets

Gather the makings of a beach-blanket picnic at Qualicum Foods (705 Memorial). This award-winning grocery store (yes, award-winning - QF has earned many national, regional and local merits) also doubles as a cozy hang-out for locals. Cafeteria-style meals are served in the second-floor A Step Above food court, where patrons relax in comfortable wicker chairs while surveying the shoppers below.

Raw takeaway produce is available at the Qualicum Farmer's Market (Saturday mornings, May to Canadian Thanksgiving/mid-October) at the corner of First Avenue West and Fir Street. Seafood buffs take their coolers to Island Scallops (5552 West Island Highway) and pay wholesale prices for the same bi-valves routinely purchased by five-star Vancouver restaurants. The Silly-Yak Bakery (172 Second Ave West) specializes in tasty gluten-free breads, muffins and cookies.

Popular area restaurants include:

• Qualicum Sushi (133 Second Ave West). A favourite among locals looking for a sushi fix.
• Giovanni's Ristorante (180 Second Ave West). The town's one white-tablecloth, fine dining establishment. Ask about the chef's three, four and five-course specials before ordering a la carte.
• Lefty's Fresh Food (710 Memorial). Weekend brunch line-ups are the norm at a popular breakfast, lunch and dinner spot so named because its three original owners were left-handed.
• Shady Rest Restaurant & Pub (3109 West Island Hwy). One of the area's first beachfront haunts, the "Shady" opened in 1924 and its oceanside patio remains a favourite with locals.
• Cockney Pride (142 West Second). An English-style "caff" known for its fish-and-chips;
• Takrai Restaurant (221 Second Ave West).  Located in the Chilham Village district and home to superior curries and Pad Thai.

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