Restaurants on Whidbey Island All Food Lovers Must Try

Considering it’s the largest of the Washington islands, there are a ton of restaurants on Whidbey Island. But how do you separate the good from the best?

I’ve been to Whidbey Island quite a few times, but I can only count on two hands the number of places I remember eating. The ones I do remember, though, are some of the best eats I’ve had in the Seattle area. You just have to know where to look!

Here are my favorite restaurants on Whidbey Island, most off the beaten path. Happy eating!

My Favorite Restaurants on Whidbey Island

These restaurants make Whidbey Island one of my favorite islands near Seattle!

Oystercatcher

website | directions | best for: seafood

Ask anybody about the best restaurants on Whidbey Island and they will undoubtedly say Oystercatcher. This hip-yet-casual spot in Coupeville used to be under different ownership, but long-time customers decided to buy the restaurant when it went up for sale. They’re honoring the previous owners’ legacy of taking fresh local ingredients and transforming them into exceptional seasonal dishes.

Pro tip: The dining room and outdoor space is rather small, so reservation are a must. Grab a seat inside if you want to watch the chefs work in the open kitchen.

Little Red Hen Bakery

website | directions | best for: baked goods

Curious where the previous owners of Oystercatcher went? They decided to double down on their bakery, so they’re still part of the Whidbey restaurant scene. Their quaint bakery accepts pre-orders because they can sell out quickly. What’s available changes regularly, but don’t miss their homemade breads and savory pastries.

Jumbo Burrito

website | directions | best for: carnitas burrito

Guaranteed you would never find this place on your own when visiting Whidbey Island. It’s not that it’s hidden, it’s just in an unassuming strip mall. But this hole-in-the-wall is making some of the best California-style Mexican food outside of San Diego (and I should know, as I typically go to San Diego every year). When we went it was full of locals from the naval base nearby.

Prioritize getting carnitas in your jumbo burrito. This was the best meat out of the ones we ordered.

Front Street Grill

website | directions | best for: Penn Cove mussels

This spot in Coupeville is written up in all the tourist magazines, and for good reason. Their Penn Cove mussels are super high quality and they prepare them with interesting broths. I recommend getting some to go and eating them on the benches right in front of the main dock in town.

There are a few different broth styles to try, but my favorites are the Rockefeller and green curry options. Enjoy it with one of the brews from their surprisingly vast local beer selection. Better yet, time your visit when they’re hosting live music.

Ultra House

website | directions | best for: ramen & gyozas

This is a tiny ramen spot tucked in the back of a the Langley Village shopping area. They’re serving ramen and yummy Japanese appetizers. While we were frustrated it took a long time for a traditionally speedy dish, there’s no denying they’re serving pretty dang good ramen. Don’t miss the tonkotsu with extra pork belly and gyozas to start.

Whidbey Island Bagel Factory

website | directions | best for: New York-style bagels

Considering I’m always on the hunt for the best bagels in Seattle, I had to try when I read that Whidbey had good New York-style bagels. These didn’t disappoint. They’re super thick and yeasty, with a ton of interesting flavors like “banh mi”. If you’re staying for a couple days, get a bag to take home so you can wake up and enjoy this quintessential American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.

Pro tip: They have a location across the street from the popular Frasers Gourmet Hideaway, but it’s temporarily closed so stick to their Langley location.

KAPAWS ISKREME

website | directions | best for: waffle cones

This tiny ice cream shop in Coupeville doesn’t make its own ice cream, but rather serves some made in the Portland area. It’s quite good, but the real draw is their fresh waffle cones. I love grabbing some of their huckleberry ice cream when in season and walking around with the cone while exploring the area.

Whidbey Island restaurants I still need to try

These places are on the top of my list of restaurants on Whidbey Island to try next time I’m there.

• Orchard Kitchen – Fine dining spot focused on farm-to-table cuisine
• Gordon’s Fusion Cuisine – From a chef who used to host dining experiences on his farm
• Pickle’s Deli – Sandwich joint in Langley with top-notch reviews
• Moka Xete – Mexican restaurant that went from food truck to brick & mortar
• The Faremarket – Asian restaurant that used to be a roaming popup
• Overboard – Cocktail bar with yummy-looking small bites and snacks
• Captain Whidbey – Gorgeous hotel with an onsite restaurant overlooking the water
• Mad Batter Bakehouse – Oak Harbor bakery I heard has excellent cookies
• Prima Bistro – French-Pacific Northwest spot known for having a good happy hour

Map of restaurants on Whidbey Island

Here’s my map of things to do on Whidbey, including even more restaurants than I’ve yet to try. Read the notes for my thoughts on ones I’ve been to that didn’t make this list.

Other places to visit on Whidbey Island

You’re going to have to do things on Whidbey between eats! Most people spend 15-30 hours planning a vacation, but you can delegate your trip planning to me. I’ll build you a custom itinerary filled with all your favorite activities!

Check out my other guides for what to do in the area if you’re not ready to hire a trip planner.

• Things to Do on Whidbey Island
• Whidbey Island wineries
• Things to Do in Skagit County That Prove It’s Worth a Visit
• Best Restaurants in Skagit County