5 Best Restaurants in The San Juan Islands, Washington

Isabel's Espresso

$

A favorite of Lopez locals, Isabel's sources its coffee from fair trade suppliers and its creamy dairy from the mainland's small Fresh Breeze Organic Dairy Farm. Housed in a charming rustic building in Lopez's tiny "downtown," the café also serves light fare like pastries and sandwiches.

Olga Rising

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A charming small café with bountiful planters of flowers and artsy touches like a gorgeous forest-scene stained glass window, the relatively new Olga Rising has become a neighborhood fixture quickly. (Note: Despite the name, it's in Eastbound, not the tiny hamlet of Olga.)

172 N. Beach Rd., Orcas Island, Washington, 98245, USA
360-376–3035
Known For
  • house-made baked goods
  • friendly service
  • tasty coffee

The Bean Cafe

$
This friendly coffee shop has a ferry cam so you can keep track of your ride back to the mainland while enjoying espresso drinks, baked goods, and a selection of breakfast and lunch items.
150 B 1st Street, Washington, 98250, USA
360-370–5858
Known For
  • voted best latte on the island
  • handmade caramels
  • wine and beer options
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sat. and Sun.

Recommended Fodor's Video

The Market Chef

$

Only 50 yards from the ferry holding area (though that includes a lot of stairs), this pleasant little café and specialty grocery store makes fantastic sandwiches (try the roast-beef-and-rocket, which is served on a house-baked roll with spicy chili aioli). The soups and deli items—including a decadent macaroni and cheese—are also top-notch. Beer, wine, juices, and espresso are served as well. It's a great place to wait for your ferry to depart.

225 A St., Washington, 98250, USA
360-378–4546
Known For
  • strong coffee
  • picnic and to-go lunches
  • gourmet locally made goods
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sat.–Mon. No dinner

Vita's Wildly Delicious

$

At this gourmet market and wine shop (open primarily during the daytime but until 8 pm on Friday), the proprietors create a daily-changing assortment of prepared foods and some made-to-order items, such as Reuben panini sandwiches. Other favorites include Dungeness crab cakes, hearty meat loaf, lobster mac-and-cheese, and an assortment of tempting desserts. You order at the counter and can then enjoy your meal either to go or on the colorful garden patio.

77 Village Rd., Washington, 98261, USA
360-468–4268
Known For
  • Dungeness crab cakes
  • pretty garden-dining area
  • gourmet picnic supplies
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Mon., and late fall–late spring. No dinner