There’s something special about Friday Harbor in the summertime. This charming waterfront town on San Juan Island is one of Washington’s best getaway destinations, especially for those who travel with their taste buds leading the way. From casual harbor-side bites to elevated fine dining, Friday Harbor restaurants serve up fresh, local ingredients with creative flair. Whether you’re craving a quick seafood lunch or a romantic multi-course meal, you’ll find the best food in Friday Harbor is always just a short stroll from our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast.
Lunch is a laid-back affair here, with several restaurants in Friday Harbor offering incredible views, island charm, and great menus. Favorites like Downriggers Friday Harbor pair local seafood with breezy waterfront vibes, while cozy cafes serve housemade sandwiches and fresh salads. If you’re staying for dinner, you’ll want to reserve a table at Coho Restaurant, one of the best Friday Harbor restaurants on San Juan Island. Owned by the same team behind our Friday Harbor Lodging, Coho offers a refined farm-to-table dining experience highlighting the season’s best offerings from the islands and Pacific Northwest.
Of course, no foodie getaway is complete without a great place to stay. Located just a block from the San Juan Island Ferry Terminal, our charming Inn is the leading place to stay in Friday Harbor. Guests enjoy comfortable rooms, thoughtful amenities, and gourmet breakfasts that rival the best local restaurants. It’s the perfect home base for exploring all the many things to do on San Juan Island, all while soaking up the charm of Friday Harbor in every delicious bite. Book your stay at our Friday Harbor lodging today!
The Best Friday Harbor Restaurants for Lunch
For such a small island town, the variety and quality of Friday Harbor restaurants is impressive. The focus at local restaurants in Friday Harbor is on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, often from the surrounding waters and nearby farms. You’ll find everything from dockside crab rolls to globally inspired dishes, and it’s all delivered with the laid-back island charm that makes San Juan Island restaurants so memorable.
One of the best parts about dining here is how accessible it is. Many of the best Friday Harbor restaurants are located within easy walking distance of our Bed and Breakfast, not to mention local shops, art galleries, museums, and the San Juan Island ferry. Whether you’re spending the morning kayaking, exploring the Whale Museum, or browsing local boutiques, great food is never far away. Lunch is a perfect time to slow down and soak in the vibe of the island, maybe with a waterfront table and a glass of Washington wine.
Lunch Spots: Where to Eat in Friday Harbor
- A great spot for lunch is Friday’s Crabhouse, which serves up good seafood and amazing views of the water.
- If you’re looking for something quirky but beloved by locals, don’t miss The Bait Shop. It’s one of the best Friday Harbor restaurants and serves delicious fried chicken, fish and chips, and loaded fries that will leave you full and satisfied.
- If you’re craving Asian food while out and about exploring Friday Harbor, we love recommending two great Friday Harbor restaurants: Golden Triangle and Jima Sushi. Golden Triangle serves up some really fantastic Thai cuisine, while Jima Sushi has some of the best sushi we’ve had.
- One of our favorite San Juan Island restaurants just so happens to be our favorite local brewery, too. San Juan Island Brewing is just steps from our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast, and offers a relaxed atmosphere with artisan pizzas, burgers, and spectacular craft beer.
- It’s not *in* Friday Harbor, but Westcott Bay Shellfish is so good it’s worth a mention. It’s also a fantastic lunch spot when you’re out enjoying other things to do on San Juan Island. But, if you’re in Friday Harbor and find yourself craving oysters later in the day (it’s only open for dinner), one of the best Friday Harbor restaurants to head to is Oystertale. Fresh local oysters are the star of the show, but their menu is plenty diverse for everyone in your party.
- Don’t let the name fool you. The Sweet Treat Retreat & Espresso is a great spot for lunch, too! It offers plenty of delicious sandwiches that are perfect for casual lunch in Friday Harbor.
- For a fantastic lunch in town, don’t miss The Market Chef. They have a great menu selection of sandwiches and salads, with bread that’s baked daily and positively delicious.
- For some of the best sourdough pizza in the area, head to Bakery San Juan. They also offer a wonderful selection of sandwiches and salads, making it one of the best places to eat in Friday Harbor for lunch.
From relaxed cafes to scenic patio dining, there are plenty of great places to eat in Friday Harbor during the day, with even more options if you head over to these Roche Harbor restaurants! Regardless of where you are for the day, these San Juan Island restaurants offer something for everyone, whether you’re fueling up for an afternoon adventure or simply enjoying the island one delicious bite at a time.
Dinner at Coho Restaurant in Friday Harbor
Whether you’re looking for a great spot to eat for lunch or dinner, there are some wonderful Friday Harbor restaurants worth trying. However, no one matches what you’ll find at Coho Restaurant when it comes to exquisite farm-to-table dining. Our goal is to exceed every expectation, which means we pay attention to every detail of your meal from start to finish. Our team sources high-quality and sustainable ingredients from local farmers and distributors.
We believe this freshness is at the very foundation of making us one of the best Friday Harbor restaurants. The result of using fresh, seasonal ingredients is simple but exquisite meals, each presented artfully. The food really does speak for itself, but we also have one of the best wine cellars of all restaurants in Friday Harbor. In fact, our wine cellar has been recognized by Wine Spectator with an Award of Excellence. Our list includes local artisan spirits and wines from boutique growers in Washington and Oregon, along with a fine selection of international wines.
In addition to offering a regular menu for dinner, Coho Restaurant also hosts regular special events, including wine dinners, farm dinners, and even cooking classes. These special dinners are just one more reason Coho Restaurant stands out amongst Friday Harbor restaurants.
Sensational food, world-class wines, stunning views, and unbeatable hospitality are just a few of the things you’ll find when you visit us in Friday Harbor this summer. There’s more to this place than can be put into words, though. Truly, the best way to experience just how special the San Juan Islands can be is to get here yourself. Let us welcome you across the threshold and treat you to some of the pampering you deserve. Book your room at our San Juan Island Bed and Breakfast today!
