Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Central Saanich

We went to Houlme for my wife’s birthday. We were late for a reservation, but they set us immediately and we were presented with some of the best pizza and the best hotdog I have ever had!

Great burger & fries, excellent service. My martini was fantastic too. I love Captain Whidbey for the ambiance and vibe as much as anything. Food varies from good to great, but the prices are steep. The veggies with my halibut all tasted the same - I could tell they were leeks and fennel by looking at them, not by taste. But the halibut and the sauce were delicious. Next time I'm getting the mussels.

Great dinner with some girlfriend's to celebrate a birthday. It was a very memorable experience and the service was fantastic.

LUNCH FOR FIVE? YES, PLEASE! We enjoyed a fantastic lunch at The Downrigger yesterday, perched shoreside above the Port of Friday Harbor. With drizzly weather outside, the inviting indoor dining and diverse menu made Downrigger the ideal spot after a chilly island tour. We were fortunate to snag the best table in the house, which offered sweeping views of the ferry and the misty fog over Brown Island. The signature PNW decor, combined with this scenery, provided the perfect refuge from a tardy ferry, a canceled seaplane, and a rainy afternoon. The menu truly had something for everyone. We savored the crispy cod and chips, the outstanding jam bacon/arugula Downrigger burger, golden onion rings, classic French fries, a zesty Jamaican chicken sandwich, and a mouthwatering snapper sandwich. To top it all off, the well-stocked bar served up a spicy margarita—just the right kick to brighten a gray day. Leslie, our server, was professional, warm, and attentive, while the cozy atmosphere made us feel like locals. I highly recommend The Downrigger for a memorable meal in Friday Harbor, rain or shine!

This was our first time here. The food we got was delish! We got the nachos/ wings/ bao tacos (all appetizers). The waitress was welcoming and service was great even when it got busier and still only one waitress. The Ube Bee drink was beautiful and yummy! Picture worthy! We would definitely eat there again.