Much of Whidbey and Camano Islands have happily held onto their agricultural roots.
The slower, more relaxed feel, has attracted chefs who left the big cities to bring high quality cuisine to our islands. The chefs take advantage of the amazing seafood that is in the Sound, giving diners their spin on delicious seafood. As a result, our islands have become a culinary destination in the Pacific Northwest. Let’s go on a tour!
Day 1 – Spoil yourself!
Sweet Mona’s – Langley – Morning Arrival Snack
“Life’s short, eat dessert first.” Follow that advice and make Sweet Mona’s the first stop on your culinary tour. Sample some of her delicious and decadent chocolates and take some with you to snack on as you drive.
221 Second Street #16, Langley
Phone 360.221.2728
Hours: Daily 10 am – 5 pm
Visit Sweet Mona’s Website…
Langley Culinary Stroll
Mid-morning is a great time to walk around the small town of Langley, Whidbey Island’s, “Village by the Sea.” There are multiple wine shops and tasting rooms along with galleries and shopping. Double Bluff Brewing brews its beer on site. The Braeburn offers a comfy dining experience and Ultra House offers an eclectic mix of transcontinental offerings. Pace yourself, because there are lots of things to do today.
Prima Bistro – Lunch
The French-inspired Prima Bistro is a culinary adventure for lunch or dinner. For starters, try their Wild Pacific Octopus or their Croque Monsieur – a French inspired ham and cheese sandwich. Pair it with the Onion Soup for a filling, yet light meal. If the weather is nice, their outdoor rooftop patio may be open.
201 1/2 1st Street, Langley
Phone: 360.221.4060
Options –The Braeburn or Village Pizzeria
Visit Prima Bistro’s Website…
What Next – Wineries
If you’re here on Friday or the weekend, it’s time to name a designated driver and explore the vineyards and distilleries of South Whidbey. You’ll want a map for this vineyard loop, as cell phone reception can be spotty. Head first to Comforts of Whidbey. This winery overlooks Puget Sound and is sometimes used for weddings and other celebrations. Next up is Spoiled Dog Winery, with a beautiful tasting room and gorgeous vineyard. Whidbey Island Distillery is nearby, with handcrafted liqueurs distilled on the premises. Then, it’s to Holmes Harbor Cellars and their 20-acre estate overlooking Holmes Harbor. Pick something from Pickles Deli or the Star Store and let the afternoon drift by.
The Inn at Langley, The Orchard Kitchen, or Savory – Dinner
These dining experiences are, by themselves, reasons to visit Whidbey Island. Choosing between the two is like choosing just one ride at Disneyland. Both Chef Matt Costello of the Inn at Langley and Chef Vincent Natress of the Orchard Kitchen have just one seating and one dining experience for everyone. They each take their guests on a seasonal, specially prepared, locally-sourced taste adventure. Make your choice, and your reservations, well before visiting. These restaurants are open on weekends and some week days, so plan ahead. This is an all evening experience, no matter which restaurant you choose.
Inn at Langley
400 1st St, Langley
Phone: 360.221.3033
Hours: 7 pm seating Fri & Sat.
Visit the Inn at Langley’s Website…
Orchard Kitchen
5574 Bayview Rd, Langley
Phone: 360.321-1517
Hours: 7 pm seating Fri. – Sat. In the off-season also on Thur.
Visit The Orchard Kitchen’s Website…
Savory
220 1st St., Langley
Phone: 360.221.7106
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 4 pm – 9 pm
Located along 1st Street, Savory offers Italian-inspired comfort foods and American classics. There is some waterfront seating. There are no reservations, but you can call ahead and be put in line for a table.Visit Savory’s Website…
How to Do This Tour
You can do this tour in order, day 1, 2, 3, 4, or backwards, 4, 3, 2, 1. It doesn’t matter. Just take it slow and “Embrace the Pace!” You can stay in one place while on Whidbey Island or a new location every night. Whidbey Island is more than 58 miles (93 kilometers) in length, so you’ll want to plan according to how much driving you want to do. When exploring Camano Island, you’ll want to stay somewhere on the island or nearby on the mainland.
Day 2 – Food from the source!
Head North (maybe)
Get up early and head north. State Route 525 is the main highway north and there are several ways to get there from Langley. A few miles south of Coupeville SR 525 joins up with State Route 20 through the rest of the island.
Breakfast Options Clinton to Coupeville
If you’re looking for an authentic American-style breakfast local hangout, stop at the Freeland Cafe. Eggs, bacon, biscuits, giant blueberry pancakes, French toast, and more are served just like it was 1962. Further north is Coupeville’s Sunshine Drip Coffee with locally roasted coffee, pastries, and breakfast yummies. Near the Coupeville Ferry is Callen’s Restaurant open all day with American classics made from scratch.
Options – Pickles Deli at Ken’s Corner in Clinton, or the Whidbey Island Bagel Factory in Clinton (weekends only) and Oak Harbor.
What Next – A Foodie Tour of Coupeville
Coupeville is the second-oldest town in the state of Washington and it looks much the same as it did a hundred years ago. So, it’s time to explore the shops of Coupeville and, of course, the Coupeville Wharf, which has stood proudly since 1905. Two must-see locations are the specialty store “bayleaf” and Kawpaws Iskreme. bayleaf is a food lovers delight and the line for ice cream from Kawpaws is often out the door. Check the historic plaque on the building for the real story of how the Seattle coffee movement began.
The Front Street Grill or Toby’s Tavern– Lunch
The Front Street Grill offers a waterfront experience and features Penn Cove Mussels done in a variety of ways. The menu also offers plenty of other seafood along with steaks, salads, hamburgers and more. It’s open daily for lunch and dinner.
Toby’s Tavern is an old-school 21 and over tavern that has been a tavern/restaurant since the early 60’s. The menu features sandwiches, mussels with garlic bread, hamburgers, beer and wine.
What Next – Ebey’s Landing
When you’re in Coupeville, you’re inside Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve! It was put in place to preserve not only the hundred-year-old buildings of Coupeville but also the surrounding agricultural community and amazing natural landscape. Many of the farms have been in the same family for several generations. Check with the Coupeville visitor’s center for suggested destinations or just drive through the countryside.
Captain Whidbey – Dinner
2.6 miles (4 km) from Coupeville and overlooking the western end of Penn Cove, the restaurant at the Captain Whidbey has been serving guests for more than 100 years. What better place to try Penn Cove Mussels than overlooking Penn Cove? Open for dinner only.
Options – Callen’s, Front Street Grill, or Toby’s Tavern (21 and over)
Farmers Markets / Farm Stands
From late spring to late fall there’s a farmers market somewhere on Whidbey and Camano Islands almost every day. These markets are the fastest and best way to sample the local food and meet the people who grow it.
Farmers Market Directory…
Day 3 – Test yourself & treat yourself
Head North to Oak Harbor
From Coupeville head north on State Route 20 into Oak Harbor, Island County’s biggest town and a place rich with great culinary experiences and also quick family-friendly and budget-friendly options.
Chris’ Bakery or Riverside Cafe – Breakfast
Chris’ Bakery is ready to bring on the sweets with an assortment of pastries and pies along with breakfast sandwiches. This bakery has been an Oak Harbor favorite for years and it’s time you find out why.
Options – The Mill at the Kasteel and Whidbey Coffee
Located in historic downtown Oak Harbor, Riverside Cafe is an unpretentious, if slightly decadent way to start the day. Try their strawberry smothered stuffed french toast or spicy huevos rancheros or chicken fajita omelette and see if you don’t agree! It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
What Next – Fishing – Clamming – Play Outside!
If you fish, then today is your day. You’re on an island in the middle of Puget Sound and there are plenty of great spots. You’ll need a fishing license, of course, but after that you can head to any of the state parks for a day of salt-water fishing along the shore. When the salmon are running there are plenty of great spots all along the north and west side of Whidbey Island. Deception Pass has two fresh water lakes for trout, bass, and perch. You should plan ahead to find the best fishing.
At low tide, you can also go clamming at any of several beaches on the island. You’ll need a license and need to plan ahead for the tides and places open for clamming.
If you don’t fish, or don’t have a way to get it home, then just play outside!
Let’s head south for the morning. Fort Casey and Admiralty Head Lighthouse offer spectacular views of Admiralty Inlet. There are trails to suit every hiker, experienced or not. The fort was one of three built in the 1890’s to defend Puget Sound from invasion. The Admiralty Head Lighthouse, first operated in 1861, was the first built on Puget Sound. Nearby is Fort Ebey, built as a result of World War II. The park features numerous hiking and biking trails. They run through a region known as the “kettles” dug-out patches in the earth left by retreating glaciers.
Also, stop at 3 Sisters Market for quality locally-made goods. Even if you don’t have a way to buy and take home many of their products, it’s always fun to look!
Seabolt’s Smokehouse – Lunch
It is time for some serious fish, or not so serious fish. Either way, Seabolt’s Smokehouse has you covered. You can go heavy with home-made salmon and chips or light with a salad topped by grilled fish. If not everyone is into fish, there’s a filet mignon wrapped with their smoked bacon that will keep you happy! It’s open daily for lunch and dinner.
Oak Harbor has most of the national fast-food chains, so if the kids (or the kid in you) need that fast-food fix, this is the time to do it.
Options – China City, El Cazador Mexican Grill & Cantina, Jumbo Burrito, Teriyaki Time
What Next – Deception Pass Jet Boat Tour
Although this is a culinary tour, you owe it to yourself to get out on the water. Deception Pass Boat Tours offers several one-hour boat tours daily. The open jet boat gives riders a thrilling tour through Deception Pass, an amazing work of nature bridged by an unbelievable work of engineering! You’ll see lots of wildlife and see the region in a whole new way! Return downtown and stroll the shops and perhaps have a glass of wine at The Tipsy Jellyfish.
Frasers Gourmet Hideaway & Orlando’s – Dinner
Since 2006, chef and owner Scott Fraser has presented his French-trained culinary skills to diners in Oak Harbor. Following years of work at the French restaurants in Vancouver B.C., and training at the Pierre Dubrulle Culinary School, chef Fraser has enchanted and pampered diners with seasonal cuisine that promotes the bounty of the Northwest. Guests can dine in the luxury dining area, or view all of the cooking action from the illuminated onyx chef’s counter. Frasers is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Orlando’s started as a food truck at local festivals. Yes, it was the one with the long lines. The Southern BBQ was just too good and they opened a restaurant in downtown Oak Harbor. Tummies are happy, feet are no longer tired. It’s all good!
Options – If the weather is nice, do take-out from one of the lunch suggestions and head to either Windjammer Park or Joseph Whidbey State Park (Discover Pass or $10 parking required) and make it a picnic.
Who Serves Penn Cove Mussels?
The answer is, it’s on practically every menu. Some restaurants have several different dishes featuring Penn Cove Mussels. These mussels have become famous and are served in fine restaurants as far away as New York City. You can have them fresh from the source on Whidbey and Camano Islands. If you arrive the first weekend in March, you’re in time for MusselFest, a multi-day celebration of the region’s illustrious bivalve.
Day 4 – Tasty treats on Camano Island
Road Trip to Camano Island
Camano Island and the north end of Whidbey Island are about an hour’s drive from one another. It’s a beautiful drive from one island to the other, taking you through the farming region of the Skagit Valley.
Camano Commons Marketplace – Brunch/Lunch/Coffee Break/Happy Hour
Located at Terry’s Corner, the Camano Commons is several stores rolled into one location. There’s The Baked Cafe for breakfast and lunch, and Tapped Camano for lunch and dinner. There’s also Camano Island Coffee Roasters with fresh roasted coffee on site. There’s the Camano Commons Marketplace with great gift-shopping and an art gallery! It’s like a small town packed neatly in one location!
What Next – Go Zip Lining!
Kristoferson Farm is a real working farm with one heck of a side hustle; Zip-Lining through the forest! Canopy Tours Northwest features six zip lines, a log bridge, and a 47-foot final descent.
Rockaway Bar and Grill & Blue Heron Kitchen and Bar – Dinner
Rockaway Bar & Grill, voted best place to eat on Camano Island, features, tacos, salads, hamburgers, sandwiches and wraps along with a gluten-free menu.
The recently-opened Blue Heron Kitchen and Bar is a fine dining experience in a comfortable setting. There are a variety of Italian dishes along with seafood entrees and appetizers.