A Wild and Romantic Escape in Tofino
Tofino is where the Pacific meets the edge of the “New” world. When perched on the tip of a cliff in Cox Bay Beach in Tofino, BC, the nearest proper land mass is Japan. It’s a wild and mysterious place where moss clings to ancient cedars, Pacific waters crash down against epic rocky shores, and salty ocean air mingles with woodsmoke lingers in the air.
The summer sees its liveliest months, where sun-soaked surfers ride waves from sunup to sundown. In November, the town slows, the tourists leave, and Tofino transforms into a more intimate and moody beauty. This was the perfect setting for our honeymoon—a time to return to our more primal roots, to revel in nature, have adventure, and, of course, lots and lots of unforgettable food.
An Award-Winning Culinary Experience
Named one of the best in the country and earning countless accolades, Wolf in the Fog is a restaurant that embodies the spirit of Tofino—wild, unpretentious, and deeply connected to its surroundings. It celebrates the rugged bounty of Vancouver Island, from foraged mushrooms to fresh seafood pulled straight from the Pacific. Everything they serve is incredibly fresh, the most fascinating array of ingredients is utilised, and the attention to detail is impeccable.
Our Romantic November Evening
After an exhilarating day with Ahous Adventures, soaking in hot springs and spotting gigantic grey whales, we arrived at Wolf in the Fog eager to warm up, have a delicious drink or three, and indulge.
The night was crisp, the scent of British Columbian rain hanging in the air as we stepped inside. We were both a bit cold after the taxi ride from Pacific Sands (did you know, there is only ONE taxi driver and taxi firm for all of Tofino? The whole place is so delightfully wild!) and I was absolutely craving a drink.
As we made our way upstairs, unsure of what to expect, the space was exactly what we had hoped for—warm and inviting, dimly lit with lovely wood-panelled walls, gorgeous wooden chandeliers and a laid-back yet refined atmosphere. Both casual yet chic, this is the classic West Coast vibe I enjoy the most. The place was filled with rich, intoxicating aromas, a pleasant buzz of happy people, and the hum of conversation made the place feel alive.
Wolf in the Fog was pumping – and not a single seat or table was left empty when we arrived (off-season, mind you). Our server, Jeff, was the right kind of chatty, sharing his recommendations, asking about our story, and sharing highlights of his own (he finished 18th place in the World Series of Poker!). Everything was perfect and we hadn’t tasted a thing yet!
Curated Craft Cocktails
Settling into our cosy table, we started the evening with two of their signature cocktails. I chose the Cedar Sour—a bold yet balanced mix of cedar-infused rye, thyme, lemon, and egg white, its frothy top dusted with aromatic herbs. My husband opted for the highly recommended Cashmere Cowboy, a luxurious blend of bourbon, amaro Luciano, palo cortado sherry, house-made amaretto, and sweet grass. Both drinks were perfectly crafted, complex, and utterly delicious.
A Feast fit for Kings and Queens!
For starters, we chose three dishes, each one as impressive as the last. The seaweed salad arrived first—a vibrant bowl of earthy mushrooms, crispy puffed rice, and fresh daikon, all coated in a creamy sesame mayo and laced with a touch of miso chilli oil. It was a masterful combination of textures and flavours, both umami-rich and bright.
Next came the seared scallops, bathed in a fragrant Thai green curry with fluffy jasmine rice and fresh Thai basil. The scallops were perfectly caramelized, their sweetness amplified by the gentle heat of the curry and the burst of fresh cilantro and shallots.
But the real showstopper was the potato-crusted oysters—three golden-crisp bites of perfection, resting on a silky apple purée, topped with shavings of fresh apple and a drizzle of truffle oil. The contrast between the crunchy potato shell and the delicate oyster inside was pure magic. They were, quite simply, to die for. We nearly ordered another batch of these…before remembering we had mains on the way.
Deliciously Decadent Mains
We shared two dishes, both utterly delightful and indulgent. The Potato Gnocchi arrived first—pillowy-soft dumplings swimming in a luscious fontina cheese sauce, accented by roasted cauliflower, sweet golden raisins, crunchy almonds, and a gentle kick of Calabrian chilli. It was rich, comforting, and beautifully balanced. My husband has reminded me that the words “This is the best thing I’ve ever had” left my mouth. Incredible.
Then there was the Seared Sablefish—a dish that showcased why this restaurant is so revered. The fish, a local to British Columbia and not one I’d had in the UK before, was buttery and tender, each bite melting in our mouths. Its richness was lifted by bright Meyer lemon and the delicate smokiness of the chicken broth. Paired with kale, fennel, lentils, and za’atar, it was an exquisite harmony of flavours—earthy, citrusy, and deeply, deeply satisfying.
To accompany our meal, I sipped on a Chardonnay from Averill Creek (2022, Cowichan Valley, BC), its crisp minerality and subtle oak notes perfectly complementing the seafood. My husband, more into cocktails, chose the Linen & Loafers, a fascinating mix of blended white rum, overproof rum, white pine, mint, lime, orange bitters, and sparkling wine. Light, herbal, and effervescent, it was the ideal counterpoint to our rich dishes.
A Decadent Dessert Finale
Despite being utterly full, we couldn’t resist indulging in dessert. The Dark Chocolate Mousse, adorned with cynamoka berries and cocoa nibs, was a rich, velvety dream, each spoonful melting into luxurious bliss. Meanwhile, the Earl Grey Crème Brûlée, paired with a delicate shortbread biscuit and a tangy clementine marmalade, was sheer perfection—its floral bergamot notes mingling beautifully with the crisp caramelized top.
To finish, we lingered at the restaurant over two more cocktails, savouring the warmth of the space and the joy of the evening. We truly didn’t want to leave. My husband may or may not have tried the Peanut Butter Cheese Cake (“It’s like my PB&J childhood on overdrive”) while we waited for our taxi. By the time we finally made our way back to Pacific Sands (with that same one solo taxi driver for the whole island – it was a miracle we made it, frankly), we were full, blissfully content, and already dreaming of our next visit.
Wolf in the Fog had delivered a meal that was nothing short of extraordinary—bold, unforgettable, and entirely worthy of its legendary reputation. There’s a reason Wolf in the Fog is one of the most celebrated restaurants in Canada. It’s at times like this I feel incredibly proud of living back in this beautiful part of the world!
Wolf in the Fog
150 Fourth Street
Tofino
BC V0R 2Z0
Canada
