Whidbey Island — the fourth largest island in the contiguous United States — offers a rich blend of experiences, with unique character stretching from its northernmost to southernmost points. In the north, Oak Harbor’s city life and naval base bring an energetic vibe. While central and southern Whidbey, with its small towns and agricultural landscapes, highlight the island’s rural charm. The entire island boasts stunning natural beauty comparable to the San Juan Islands but is more accessible from Seattle and offers a slightly more affordable getaway.
Here’s a guide to some of the best places to eat across Whidbey Island brought to you by the long-time Whidbey Island locals at Boren Construction:
1. Top Picks for Fine Dining
Prima Bistro (Langley) – French-inspired menu with fresh seafood, and a rooftop deck offering scenic views over Saratoga Passage.
The Oystercatcher (Coupeville) – Features seasonal, local dishes with a rustic vibe, perfect for those seeking a fine dining experience.
Orchard Kitchen (Langley) – Farm-to-table restaurant with seasonal tasting menus, creating an intimate dining experience with fresh, local ingredients.
2. Brunch Favorites
The Braeburn (Langley) – A cozy spot for breakfast and brunch, known for hearty dishes like breakfast burritos and lemon ricotta pancakes.
Cafe in the Woods at Mukiteo Coffee Roasters is among the more striking spots on Whidbey Island. / Credit: Cafe in the Woods
3. Best Coffee Spots
Ulysses Coffee (Langley) – The spectacular cinnamon and pecan rolls are baked onsite and always sell out, so best to get there early.
Whidbey Coffee (Various Locations) – Known for consistent quality coffee and friendly service, with multiple convenient locations on the island.
Mukilteo Coffee Roasters (Langley) – Hidden in a forested area, offering freshly roasted coffee and a serene ambiance for a unique coffee experience.
4. Casual Eateries with Island Charm
Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar (Langley) – Laid-back ambiance with a seafood-centric menu, featuring oysters, chowder, and fish and chips.
Front Street Grill (Coupeville) – Known for Penn Cove mussels and fantastic waterfront views from the outdoor seating.
The Pickle’s Deli (Clinton) – The famous “Pickle Place” for gourmet sandwiches, soups, and artisan pickles—a quirky and must-visit stop for pickle fans!
Pickles Deli offers flights of pickles. Credit: Pickles Deli/Facebook
5. Best Taprooms
Taproom at Bayview Corner (Langley) – Known for its local craft beers, hearty fare, and lively outdoor seating area with views of the surrounding area.
Double Bluff Brewing Company (Langley) – Family-owned brewery with a variety of local brews and a dog-friendly outdoor seating area, perfect for sunny days.
6. Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Options
Orchard Kitchen (Langley) – Vegan and vegetarian tasting menu options featuring fresh, seasonal produce.
Flower House Cafe at Bayview Farm & Garden (Langley) – Serves salads, smoothie bowls, and sandwiches, all with organic ingredients.
Extraordinary Pinot Noir at Spoiled Dog Winery. / Credit: Trip Advisor
7. Outdoor Dining Spots with a View
Captain Whidbey Inn (Coupeville) – Features a beautiful deck with views over Penn Cove, perfect for a seafood-focused meal outdoors.
Greenbank Farm (Greenbank) – Known for its cheeses, local produce, and picnic-perfect dishes, with beautiful outdoor seating.
Spoiled Dog Winery (Langley) – A vineyard setting ideal for picnics and local wine tasting, with scenic views of the vineyard.
8. Seafood Spots Not to Miss
Seabolt’s Smokehouse (Oak Harbor) – A casual seafood spot with smoked salmon, clam chowder, and seafood dishes available to eat in or take out.
Toby’s Tavern (Coupeville) – Known for its Penn Cove mussels and historic tavern atmosphere, a favorite with locals for fresh seafood.
9. Family-Friendly Dining Options
Island Nosh (Clinton) – Offers a relaxed environment with globally inspired flavors, a kid-friendly menu, and fast service.
Rustica Cafe (Oak Harbor) – Perfect for family outings, serving pizzas, sandwiches, and gelato, with a casual outdoor seating option.
We know you’ll have a great time exploring Whidbey Island’s culinary landscape. The diverse options, from gourmet pickles to fresh seafood, make it a spectacular dining destination.
Boren Construction is Whidbey Island’s premier custom home builder, well known for our skilled execution of high end residential projects.
Founded in 2001 by LeRoy Boren, we put our client’s needs first, creating a team environment based on continuous improvement and the daily practice of excellence. With projects throughout Whidbey Island including Clinton, Langley, Freeland, Greenbank and Coupeville, the Boren Construction team has the experience necessary to build dwellings that are both timeless and bespoke.
