Woodfire Restaurant & Catering
Reviews
My boyfriend and I ate at Woodfire Restaurant two nights in a row this past weekend. The food was exceptionally good both nights. The portions of fish were very generous in all of our dishes and the flavour combinations were amazing. We also had some top notch mojitos. The first night we just shared one and the next night we had a jug - the perfect summer drink! The waitresses on both nights (Tess and Rayna) were lovely. They were both friendly, efficient, and knowledgable. The food, drinks, service, and overall atmosphere resulted in a superb experience. If you come to Gabriola put eating at this restaurant one of your top things to do and you won't regret it!
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Visited: June 12b 2023Kelsey Jackson February 9, 2025
Was on Gabriola today reliving some childhood memories of growing up the in the summers. Stopped at Woodfire for dinner and was not disappointed at all. It is probably the only finer dining place in the Island. Ava was my server and she was a delight. Very friendly and she rattled off the specials really well. I had two appies and 2 Mojitos, which were the best I've ever had. I had the prawns and pork belly. The menu is suited for the Island as it has lots of fresh items, pizza and burgers. My appies are what you would expect from a fine dinning restaurant. If I visit Gabriola again I will certainly stop in.
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Visited: July 5 2023Ted Usher February 9, 2025
The burgers were frickin' amazing! We did takeout and I drove about 10 minutes. They were still hot and the fries were still crispy. Love this place. If you're on Gabriola, do yourself a favour and stop in for a burger. You won't regret it!
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes: Woodfire BurgerParking space: Plenty of parkingParking options: Free parking lotVisited: July 15 2023Johnathon Kinney February 9, 2025
I’ve been a couple of times now, as it’s just a short walk from my place. Really nice setting, and good food. I passed it a couple of times when I was out walking at Descanso, and am happy that my curiosity was satisfied. I will definitely be returning.
Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Atmosphere: 4/5Recommended dishes:Woodfire BurgerVisited: July 2023Mangore623 February 9, 2025
First time visiting in a few years and I was not disappointed, the service was amazing and all the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The drinks were probably some of the best I've ever tried and the food was incredible!
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Visited: July 2023Aly P February 8, 2025
The food at Woodfire is beyond tasty and delicious, and the staff are warm, friendly and went above and beyond to ensure that we had the most enjoyable meal possible. As if that wasn't enough, the restaurant seems to have become a staple of the local community, amplified by my observation of the owners being showered by incredibly well-deserved love and appreciation from their customers. Could not recommend more!
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Visited: Aug 2023Loui Breckon February 8, 2025
We visit Gabriola Island once or twice everyear. The Woodfire restaurant is always a major reason for revisiting. We love the skilled, friendly staff and delightful food. We will continue returning to such a well run restaurant.
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Visited: Aug 2023Graham Fishlock February 8, 2025
Ah Gabriola Island... patio outside was dog friendly, waiters and waitresses were great and kind.
Loved it!Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Visited: Sept 2023Telie Mathiot February 8, 2025
Consistently great food. Friendly staff. Had another fantastic dinner. The pork belly and salad special starters were great, as was the rest of dinner. The hostess, servers, and other staff were great as usual.
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes: Sticky Toffee PuddingVisited: Sept 2023Dimitri Tzotzos February 8, 2025
I visited Woodfire Restaurant and Catering on Labor Day weekend with a group of 4. We made a reservation and when we arrived we were politely informed our table would be a few more minutes as they were short staffed. We were able to sit at the bar and enjoy a drink while waiting.
We ordered a variety of items to share - Jumbo shrimp, flatbread, pizza, salad, soup, Gertie fries, and more. The food was delicious, fresh and the portions were generous. I also appreciated the care to ensuring items were gluten free (I am celiac).
The service was a bit slow (but it was prefaced that they were short staffed) but we enjoyed a really lovely evening. I would definitely go back next time I visit Gabriola.
Food: 5/5 Service: 4/5 Atmosphere: 4/5Visited: Sept 2023Sydney Laurie February 8, 2025
Fantastic food and tremendous atmosphere
Been a regular for ten years.Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Visited: Sept 17 2023Johnathon Lewis February 8, 2025
We loved the food! The butternut, carrot & coco milk soup was exceptional. The burgers were great. Fresh, original and very tasty. Service was A+. We would return anytime!
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 4/5Visited: Oct 2023Carole Raby February 8, 2025
We loved the food! The butternut, carrot & coco milk soup was exceptional. The burgers were great. Fresh, original and very tasty. Service was A+. We would return anytime!
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 4/5Visited: Oct 2023Carole Raby February 8, 2025
Great place to eat, the pizza was amazing!!
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5Visited: Oct 2023Hannah Craig February 8, 2025
Great ambience, staff and every dish was magical. Mushroom ravioli, Tuna Burger, House burger...all perfectly prepared and incredibly flavourful. Followed up with an Irish cream Creme Brulee.
Cant wait to go back!Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes: Creme Brulee, Woodfire BurgerVisited: Nov 2023Erik Reid February 8, 2025
Consistently great food. Friendly staff. Had another fantastic dinner. The pork belly and salad special starters were great, as was the rest of dinner. The hostess, servers, and other staff were great as usual.
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes: Sticky Toffee PuddingVisited: Sept 2023Dimitri Tzotzos February 6, 2025
I visited Woodfire Restaurant and Catering on Labor Day weekend with a group of 4. We made a reservation and when we arrived we were politely informed our table would be a few more minutes as they were short staffed. We were able to sit at the bar and enjoy a drink while waiting.
We ordered a variety of items to share - Jumbo shrimp, flatbread, pizza, salad, soup, Gertie fries, and more. The food was delicious, fresh and the portions were generous. I also appreciated the care to ensuring items were gluten free (I am celiac).
The service was a bit slow (but it was prefaced that they were short staffed) but we enjoyed a really lovely evening. I would definitely go back next time I visit Gabriola.
Food: 5/5 Service: 4/5 Atmosphere: 4/5Visited: Sept 2023Sydney Laurie Sept 2023 February 6, 2025
Fantastic food and tremendous atmosphere!
Been a regular for ten years.Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5Visited: Sept 2023
jonathon lewis February 6, 2025
We loved the food! The butternut, carrot & coco milk soup was exceptional. The burgers were great. Fresh, original and very tasty. Service was A+. We would return anytime!
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 4/5Visited: Oct 2023Carole Raby February 6, 2025
Great place to eat, the pizza was amazing!!
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Visited: Nov 2023Hannah Craig February 6, 2025
Great ambience, staff and every dish was magical. Mushroom ravioli, Tuna Burger, House burger...all perfectly prepared and incredibly flavourful. Followed up with an Irish cream Creme Brulee.
Can't wait to go back!Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes: Creme Brulee, Woodfire BurgerVisited: Nov 2023Erik Reid February 6, 2025
Such a cozy environment, with the best food and friendly, personable service
Visited: Dec 2023Misty Wade February 6, 2025
Exceptional... highly recommend...
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes:Creme Brulee, AffogatoParking spacePlenty of parkingParking optionsFree parking lotVisited: Jan 2024Paul Beaulieu February 6, 2025
It was probably the best meal I have ever had, they never fail to impress and the quality of everything is top notch!!
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes: Special Pizza, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Woodfire BurgerVisited: Jan 2024Austin Van Amerongen February 6, 2025
Literally best burger Taya’s ever had
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Visited: Jan 2024josiah corbett February 6, 2025
The most delicious vegan option on the island. We tried the pizza as well as the butternut squash mushroom ravioli, mushroom soup and sticky toffee pudding. The mushroom soup was 10/10 as was the dessert. The service was kind and friendly also. Amazing to have vegan options so thank you 🙂
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Visited: April 2024Anju February 6, 2025
Great food and great cocktails!
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes: Special PizzaVisited: May 2024Dani Borrer February 6, 2025
Great food options for a nice dinner while out there camping. Great service, delicious ribs. They are building a patio dinning area so that will be a wonderful addition to an already nice restaurant! So much cheaper than Victoria, for the quality you’re getting. Totally recommend!
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Visited: June 2024Arianne Rheault February 6, 2025
We went on Sunday. Big fan of the Fire Truck grill. Sadly I am on a strict diet. OMG the scallops, the best tasting vegetables, the sauce. Sharon was fabulous, and dinner was a absolute treat. Eating healthier, was a delight. Thanks again.
Visited: June 2024
Deanna Tupper February 6, 2025
We were visiting friends on Gabriola. As we passed Woodfire the decision was made to rather eat there than Nanaimo that’s on our way home. Figured hamburgers quickest way to get fed and head for the ferry. What a surprise, the hamburgers were delicious and the Aperol just right. I usually will never order a hamburger, what a surprise. The young man serving us was a delightful server. Thank you keep up the great service and food.
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes: Sticky Toffee Pudding, Woodfire BurgerVisited: July 2024Doon Law BC February 6, 2025
Great food with friendly service and clean facilities I have never had a bad experience there.
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes: Woodfire BurgerVisited: July 2024Warren Campbell BC February 6, 2025
Tight spot, but the patio is nice. They have great local beers, fantastic food, and great service.
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 3/5Recommended dishes: Special Pizza, Woodfire BurgerVisited: July 2024DragonMaster Roy February 6, 2025
I really liked the grilled chicken pizza! One of the best ones I've ever had I feel. The seafood fettuccine was also very good. I didn't expect such good food at Gabri0la Island and it really surprised me 😋
Food: 5/5 Service: 4/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Visted: Aug 2024Oscar Kwok February 6, 2025
We visited Gabriola Island for our 50th wedding anniversary. We discovered Woodfire and were so happy that we did. We ordered the Sandwell pizza, crab and prawn cakes and tomato basil soup. The pizza was the tastiest pizza we've ever had. Delicious. The crab cakes and soup were so flavourful as well. The staff were super friendly and attentive. If you're looking for a delicious restaurant to dine in, we highly recommend Woodfire. You won't be disappointed!
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Dine in · Dinner · $20–30Recommended dishes: Special PizzaVisited: Aug 2024Kim Walters February 6, 2025
We are here 2/3 nights on the island. Great outdoor patio, great service and great food. Would recommend!
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free pizza is really good!Visited: Sept 2024Angela Stathakos Ottawa February 6, 2025
Friendly service, comfortable seating, clean restaurant, tasty food. The portions are perfect. Not too small that you have to order multiple items. Not too big that they are flavourless.
The servers were all very friendly, helpful, & highly competent.
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5Visited: Nov 2024Dibs Ottawa February 6, 2025
What a fantastic place. Service and food were on point.
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes: Special PizzaDietary restrictions: No issues with GFParking space: Somewhat difficult to find parkingVisited: Nov 2024Adam Turner February 6, 2025
Had a fantastic dinner at Woodfire. Lamb sirloin was cooked perfectly and the garlic flatbread was delicious.
Service is understandably slow on a busy Saturday evening, but the overall atmosphere is great.Food: 5/5 Service: 3/5 Atmosphere: 4/5
Plenty of parkingFree parking lotVisited: January 2025Aaron Yap BC February 6, 2025
On a recent visit to Gabriola Island I had the pleasure of visiting the Woodfire Restaurant. This is a hidden gem run by a husband and wife team who present first-class food in a laid-back setting. As a party of three we were able to sample the menu offerings and judged all items to be excellent in quality and presentation. The eponymous pizzas are well crafted and the entrees and pastas were uniformly satisfying in all respects. Portions were ample and the dessert offerings are a serious temptation to overindulge. A well thought out beverage selection complements the menu and prices are reasonable relative to value. . A pleasure to visit and strongly recommended.
Isherpa October 2016 Ottawa February 27, 2017
We spend a lot of time on Gabriola and go to Woodfire several times a year. My wife has had many of the featured dishes and always enjoyed them, but since I had my first Woodfire burger, I never have anything else! I'm not sure what exactly makes it so good, but it is simply as tasty a burger as you'll find anywhere, served with excellent fries and a salad.
John H Vancouver February 27, 2017
Consistently satisfying dinner experience , I dine here about twice a month in the winter when I visit Gabriola for the weekend. The quality and presentation of the meals , the service and the atmosphere always make for an enjoyable time. The soups are especially good. Although I mostly eat alone here , I have been with 2 to six people and we have all had the same level of satisfaction.
- Visited February 2017
Ron Gabriola, BC August 29, 2016
Unassuming restaurant in the main village area with contemporary decor, varied but not over-extensive menu. Food was phenomenal. Wife had a burger and I had a canzone. Burger was obviously freshly hand made on excellent foccacia bun. My calone was incredible with a slightly sweet dough and lots of filling. Service was very good. Will definitely return.
BiliBob August 29, 2016
Sophisticated ambiance and menu - ranging from gourmet pizzas to lovely fish, burgers, and pasta dishes. Great looking interior - contemporary with buffed concrete floors and attractive booths and tables. A real gem on Gabriola Island. You'll think you're dining in NY. Popular, so call ahead. Honestly, think this place is why the real estate market here is booming with Vancouver transplants. - and Americans from the East Coast! Great place!
Maureen K August 29, 2016
Excellent food! Amazing Service! Cold beer!! Bacon! You must go here. This is better food, colder beverages and better service than I have had in elite restaurants in many big centres throughout North America. Do yourself and EXTREME FAVOUR and go here. Get off your boat. Get off the ferry. Take your car. Whatever. Gabriola is an island. The road goes around it. You can't help but find this restaurant. IT WILL BE WORTH IT!! There were five of us. We each ordered something different and cross-sampled. All meals delicious. Our server was attentive, effective and very pleasant. What more needs to be said.
Don V August 29, 2016
Special trip to the Gabe JUST FOR THE BEST PIZZA. I'd recommend trying them all! ☆☆☆☆☆
When we lived on the island we would pop in often for a Burger on the go but the first time we had a pizza they're was no turning back.
I've live abroad and tasted many a pizza an these are top drawer for sure.Visited September 2015Zoe Jean G March 2, 2016
This is one of the best meals I have ever had. It was a Valentines Day special menu. 3 courses and 3 or 4 choices per course. My appetizer was a salad and beef carpaccio that was decadent. Main was pork belly with fresh beans on a vegetable puree with an unbelievable demi-glace. Desert was a trio of different chocolate deserts that I was "almost" too full to finish. Friendly service, awesome food, and good value for how good the dinner was.
Danno Nanaimo March 2, 2016
Woodfire Restaurant and Catering were recommended to us for a large group that we were hosting on Gabriola Island this past week. Chris and Sharon were great to work with, very accommodating and helpful, and the food was fantastic!
They kept a large crew, some with dietary restrictions, fed and happy for three days (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with a delicious and varied menu.
Would absolutely recommend them for any catering needs you may have.
BC Sport Fishing Group Harrison Hot Springs March 2, 2016
I find the service, friendly, informative and efficient. They are not subservient; they are professional. I value this. They take pride in their work and they care for each other from the owners to the management to the wait staff (I imagine to the kitchen staff as well, but haven't been back there!)
Gabriola Island March 2, 2016
The restaurant is beautiful & cozy with great staff & service. I can't say enough about the wood fired pizza and how delicious and unique it is. My husband ordered a 10" 'Decourcy' and I had the 10" 'Dragon's Keep'. Both were amazing and more than enough food… we were full. All the rest of the food that we saw being brought out of the kitchen also looked wonderful too. The owner and staff were all really friendly and helpful. If we lived on Gabriola island we would surely come for dinner here often!
Cranstonator Saskatoon February 25, 2016
Having never been to Gabriola Island, but realizing it is a rather smallish community, I was not expecting much in the way of fine dining when I recently visited there. Well, the Woodfire proved me very wrong. Our waitress (Sharon) was charming, helpful and accommodating. My wife and I started with an amazing seafood chowder soup (for her) and the Charcuterie plate for me (this could be a meal in itself!). DW ordered the Pizza special of the day (spinach, chicken breast, grape tomatoes, pesto and roasted garlic, mozzeralla and brie). In a word...scrumptious. I had the panko and pine crusted halibut with roasted red pepper butter and sautéed vegetables. We couldn't do dessert and they packed up half the pizza to go (it was wonderful for lunch the next day). 2 pints of amazing beer and an outstanding Caesar cocktail for a $90.00 bill. Would love to return!
Alberta Bob Strathmore, Calgary February 25, 2016
Took visiting friends here for dinner - were they ever impressed! We can not say enough about the excellent quality of the food and service. Well worth a trip to Gabriola just for a meal here.
Linda F February 25, 2016
This restaurant has set the bar very high for eateries on Gabriola Island or anywhere else for that matter. We have frequented Woodfire on several occasions and always found a stimulating variety of dishes to choose from and the food excellent. Whether we chose one of their gourmet pizzas, pastas or other entrees we have never been disappointed. They also have a great selection of wines to choose from. The service is professional and very friendly; the atmosphere cosy. We always look forward to our next visit and highly recommend this restaurant.
Evepet Sichuan, China February 25, 2016
Great selection of all kinds of DELICIOUS dishes and desserts. Exceptional service. A must anytime you visit the island.
Clints Squint Gabriola February 25, 2016
The "Woodfire" restaurant on small and quiet Gabriola Island was pleasant surprise in a rural, laid back, out of the way location. We had enjoyed eating there 3 months prior on our last visit so off we went. As it turned out along with many other hungry folks as the power was out on the whole Island (they have a back up). The small reception area was overloaded but the staff were up to the challenge in a very professional manner. We did not have a reservation so were given one for later which was perfectly fine with us. Our server was great, the food was excellent and the ambience very nice. We will go again and highly recommend it.
Melski Victoria February 25, 2016
We have eaten here many times over the years and have never been disappointed. The staff is always welcoming and attentive and the meals are predictably superb. They offer gluten free options and the staff is very knowledgeable on the menu adaptations to meet dietary needs. Side note. ...best TRUFFLE FRIES ON THE WEST COAST! Family friendly and take out orders too! Our fave place for special occasions!
Nina D GABRIOLA February 25, 2016
For many years, in another city, we went to a Valentine's special menu dinner. When we moved here there were no great choices for a nice meal out. Along came Woodfire. Yesterday for our Valentine's treat we had lobster ravioli for an app. 6 whole ravioli per serving. I truly wanted to lick the plate it was soooooo very delicious. We both had the baked cod with rice and veg.. Again, cooked to perfection. For dessert I had the trio of samplers. Poached pear, vanilla creme brûlée, frozen chocolate mousse. My husband had passionfruit cheesecake. ALL were fantastic. They make you feel special and NOT just on special occasions. Can't wait till our next visit!
Annie H Gabriola Island February 25, 2016
This restaurant is one of our many highlights when we are on Gabriola - we simply love the food & it would rate highly against any top restaurants! The Cioppino is the very best we have tasted! Along with many other dishes! The service is always great even when they are busy & they certainly can be but we never feel overlooked! Even though this is reviewed in September we have been dining at Woodfire for a few years & the standards have been excellent.
Ingrid Potter Vancouver, BC February 25, 2015
The restaurant is very aesthetically pleasing, the food was amazing and our server was attentive, knowledgeable, but not overbearing. We arrived early so there was no wait and our choice for which table we sat at. The server gave us the specials from memory and answered a couple of questions we had regarding ingredients without missing a beat. Our server provided extra assistance to us to choose a couple of dishes and we were not disappointed. We loved the appetizers having the squid and a salad to share. Our main course were amazing, my classic burger was one of the best I have had and I was happy when they had the GF bun option.
We had a great dinner and would definitely return to the Woodfire and recommend it to our friends!
- Visited October 2016
rossoccernick Victoria, Canada February 25, 2015
We debated about where to go for a special birthday celebration dinner and we're so glad we chose this restaurant. My sister has celiac disease and was thrilled to discover they make gluten free pizza. She raved about this pizza for days afterward. My husband and a friend ordered burgers and both thought they were exceptional. I had a pasta special that was also delicious. We'll take company here again.
Francis Calgary, AB June 4, 2014
The service was impeccable. Your staff was outstanding. I wasn't worried about a thing. My guests are STILL talking about how amazing the food was… and that's saying something, considering many of them work or have worked in the industry. My sister-in-law Cate said she loved the prawn skewers so much she went straight up to Chris at the BBQ to beg for some more! He happily obliged, of course. Beyond the glorious appetizers and dinner, the pizzas were a huge hit both with the kids AND the adults, later in the evening. I was worried no one would be hungry late at night after having eaten so much already, but the 6 pizzas disappeared in under 1/2 an hour. I missed the pizza because I was busy hosting, but I'm told it was the best pizza they've ever had by several guests. Sharon, I can't believe you came back and continued to do clean up. I'm so grateful!
I will absolutely be recommending your services, and have already done so with Dragon's Lodge.
May 6, 2014
