The holidays are here, and in Cowichan, that means one thing: food. Lots and lots of glorious food. Whether you’re craving a turkey dinner that tastes like a hug from your grandmother or something a little more offbeat, our local chefs have been busy whipping up menus that bring the magic of the season to life.
Think cozy spaces, meals made with love (and local ingredients), and just the right amount of quirky charm. Because here in Cowichan, we believe the best memories are made around a table. So grab your stretchy pants, bring your appetite, and get ready to feast like a local this holiday season. Let’s dig in!
The Lakehouse at Shawnigan
The Lakehouse at Shawnigan is now accepting group bookings for the holiday season. Their private room can accommodate up to 40 people, making it an ideal space for festive gatherings. Guests can choose between a set three-course menu or an à la carte option for groups of up to 20 people. Pricing varies based on group size, and inquiries can be sent to bookings.lakehouse@gmail.com.
Holiday cocktails are now available, offering seasonal flavors to complement the celebrations. Guests can view the cocktail menu online at atthelakehouse.ca or explore it in person during their visit.
Ring in the New Year with a delectable 3-course menu. The Lakehouse will be ringing in the New Year “New York style” and cheersing with guests at 9pm!
To kick off 2025, The Lakehouse is hosting its beloved Pajama Brunch on New Year’s Day, complete with live music. The brunch will run from 10 am to 3 pm, and guests are encouraged to wear their best pajama sets to join in the fun!
Make your reservation through their website, by phoning (250) 929-2555, or by emailing booking.lakehouse@gmail.com (for parties of 12 or more).
Bridgemans Bistro
Bridgemans is hosting brunch with Santa on December 14th & 15th! From 10am to 2pm, kids can enjoy free pancakes (with purchase of a regular menu item) and visits with Santa. Book now at reservations@bridegemans.ca
Celebrate New Years at Bridgemans Bistro with a special 3-course menu priced at $99/person. See the menu here which features a variety of delicious options for each course! Secure your spot by reserving online.
Alpina Restaurant
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at Alpina Restaurant with an unforgettable dining experience. Their special New Year’s Eve menu is crafted to delight the senses, featuring an exquisite selection of gourmet dishes that showcase the finest seasonal ingredients. Enjoy a night of fine dining, stunning mountain views, and a festive atmosphere as we welcome the new year with impeccable service and flavours to remember. 3-course ($169/person) and 5-course ($219/person) menus are available on December 31, 2024 from 4pm. Make your reservation online.
Playbill Dining Room at Chemainus Theatre Festival
The Playbill Dining Room invites guests to enjoy exceptional food, warm hospitality, and the soothing sounds of live piano entertainment.
The Executive Chef has curated an impressive menu featuring fresh seasonal salads, tempting starters, a selection of three-course plated dinner options, and indulgent desserts. Guests can also look forward to the return of the popular buffet, offered in dinner, lunch, and brunch formats on select days.
Complement these culinary offerings with a drink from the specialty menu, which includes a variety of wines, beers, and estate ciders.
Dining options for Miss Bennet – Christmas at Pemberley (November 22 – December 22):
Brunch Buffet: Saturdays & Sundays
Classic Buffet: Wednesdays & Thursdays
Plated Dinner: Fridays
Prime Dinner Buffet: Saturdays
Merridale Cidery & Distillery
Merridale invites guests to celebrate the season with a holiday feast filled with laughter, craft beverages, delicious food, and enough festive spirit to brighten the season.
Guests will be welcomed by a stunning Christmas display featuring thousands of twinkling lights. After exploring the dazzling courtyard, diners can step into the cozy Farmhouse Eatery, beautifully decorated in festive red, white, and green.
The chefs have created two seasonally inspired menus with a variety of optional add-ons. To elevate the occasion, consider guided tours and tastings, specialty drink pairings, or curated gifts for attendees. Learn more at merridale.ca/long-table-meals.
Celebrate the end of 2024 with a festive evening at Merridale. Guests can enjoy a selection of specialty appetizers and drinks in the cozy Farmhouse Eatery, creating special moments with friends and family. This event is the perfect prelude to midnight plans, offering a memorable meal before the ball drops. The evening concludes at 8 pm, providing plenty of time to head to the next celebration or retreat home, fully satisfied and ready for the New Year.
New Year’s Day Brunch offers the perfect cure for New Year’s celebrations. Guests are invited to kick off 2025 with a hearty New Year’s Day brunch. The Farmhouse Eatery will feature a special brunch menu, paired with refreshing drink options or the classic “hair of the dog.”
Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended to secure a spot for this delicious start to the year. https://merridale.ca/christmas/
Satellite Bar & Grill at Arbutus Ridge Golf Course
Kick off the holiday season in style at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club’s Christmas Party on Saturday, December 14th and 21st. Enjoy an evening of festive fun featuring a delicious buffet dinner, live music, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Tickets are $75 per person, including dinner and entertainment. A cash bar will also be available. Gather your friends, family, or colleagues and celebrate the season in the beautiful setting of Arbutus Ridge Golf Club.
For tickets or more information, contact events@arbutusridge.com.
Osborne Bay Pub
Osborne Bay Pub is the place to be for New Years Eve! Enjoy a 3 course dinner and a show for $69 per person. Reservations and menu selection required.
CVI Restaurant & Lounge
CVI Restaurant and Lounge has something happening on all upcoming holidays! Enjoy Christmas Day & New Years Day Brunch Specials from 11-3pm. Ring in the New Year with live music by the Daniel’s Band. Prime Rib available from 4-8pm. Make it a surf and turf with Herb & Garlic Prawn Skewers. Reservations are strongly recommended by phone (250) 597-4080.
Ironworks Cafe
Ironworks Café is serving up festive cheer this December with their special Coffee & Tea flights, featuring seasonal favorites like Candy Cane Lattes, Eggnog Lattes, and other delightful treats for $13.50.
For something heartier, guests can enjoy the Candy Cane Crepe for $12.50 or the Ham Dinner Crepe for $16.50. The latter is packed with all the flavors of a classic Brown Sugar Ham dinner, including butternut squash, bacon Brussels sprouts, and homemade cranberry apple sauce.
No reservations are needed, as these holiday specials are available all December!
Genoa Bay Cafe
Ring in the New Year at the Genoa Bay Café! They will be offering a special New Years Eve menu with seatings at 5:00pm, 5:45pm, 7:30pm and 8:15pm. Make your reservation by calling 1 (250) 746-7621.
Genoa Bay Cafe is also taking bookings for small Christmas dinner groups in December. The menus can be found on their website here: www.genoabaycafe.com/menu.
Be sure to check back as we update this list!
