Don’t mistake Malcolm Island’s remote location for the island lacking a variety of services. The town of Sointula has a variety of shops, art galleries, hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants for tourists—and locals—to enjoy.
Many of these businesses are open seasonally. They open when the first of the island’s visitors arrive for the year in late Spring, and spend all summer long serving visitors coming to enjoy Malcolm Island’s stunning, pristine wilderness, fishing, hiking, and more.
If you’re getting ready to plan a 2023 adventure to Malcolm Island, keep reading to learn a Sointula restaurant or two to try during your visit.
Coho Joe Cafe
One of the best things about exploring the town of Sointula is that much of it is easily walkable. Depending on where in town you stay, you can easily enjoy a morning stroll from your hotel or vacation rental into town. Walk along the waterfront to watch for dolphins. Check out some of the Finnish-inspired architecture you’ll find throughout Sointula. And, get your morning coffee fix at Coho Joe Cafe.
Coho Joe Cafe is located in the heart of downtown Sointula, just one block away from the BC Ferries terminal. This coffee shop and cafe is another popular Sointula restaurant. It’s a great spot to grab a cup of coffee, a quick, hot breakfast, or a filling lunch.
They offer a variety of espresso and coffee-based drinks, as well as teas and smoothies. On the breakfast menu, you can choose from favorites like English muffins and bagel sandwiches or wraps. For lunch, they offer a variety of rotating options, including Philly cheesesteaks, wraps, sandwiches, and tacos.
Burger Barn
If you get hungry for lunch and don’t find something that sounds good on the menu at Coho Joe, don’t fret. There are a few other options in town.
Another popular Sointula restaurant is Burger Barn. This spot, popular with locals and tourists alike, is located about two kilometers from the BC Ferries port, or around half an hour’s walk away. You can’t miss the bright red barn, located on the waterfront just past the famous Sointula Co-op.
There’s no dining room available. Instead, you’ll walk up to the barn’s window to order your food. You can then take it with you to go, or enjoy it at one of the restaurant’s picnic tables. Dig into your hot, delicious food while enjoying views of the marina and the open water beyond.
On the menu, you’ll find a variety of burger options. The Greek Burger is a staple and features either a beef, chicken, halibut, or veggie patty or filet, topped with grilled onions, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, black olives, mayo, and feta cheese. It’s also topped with the Burger Barn’s special secret recipe sauce. Also on the menu are fish and chips, chicken, fresh locally caught fish, and more.
Upper Crust Bakery
Coho Joe’s isn’t the only place in town to grab a cup of coffee. Also located right at the BC Ferries dock, Upper Crust Bakery is a family-owned bakery and coffee shop. They are known for their Finnish-inspired pastries, which are perfect for getting a taste of Sointula’s culture. Make sure to order a fresh Pulla, a variety of traditional Finnish bread that’s sweet, and seasoned with cardamom.
You can also order a variety of coffee drinks, ice cream, and fresh, simple lunch items, like salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Upper Crust Bakery sometimes has pizzas, freezer meals, and other grocery items that are great for taking back to your Sointula hotel or vacation rental.
Whale’s Rub Pub
The Oceanfront Hotel is located in Sointula, just one block from the BC Ferries port. The historic hotel is a staple on the Sointula waterfront and is a popular spot for visiting fishermen, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone looking to enjoy Malcolm Island’s rich culture.
There’s also another Sointula restaurant located on the property. The Whale’s Rub Pub is a cozy bar popular with locals and tourists alike. Here, you can grab a draft and a meal or snack, and watch for whales on the waterfront while you dine.
The pub is occasionally closed to inside diners, but often operates a to-go window where you can grab a tasty, hot meal to enjoy in your hotel room or take with you on your next adventure.
Choosing the Best Sointula Restaurant
While there may not be an abundance of Sointula restaurants to choose from, each of these options offers a variety of delicious, hot meal options perfect for grabbing breakfast before heading out on the water, fueling up with a healthy lunch, or enjoying a tasty dinner while sharing stories about your day.
Ready to start planning your 2023 adventure on Malcolm Island? Check out our planning resources to get started!