There is never a wrong time to enjoy a special meal with someone you love, and Friday Harbor offers some of the most memorable dining experiences in the San Juan Islands. One of the top Friday Harbor restaurants is Coho Restaurant, an upscale farm-to-fork dining destination located in downtown Friday Harbor. Tucked just off the main street, Coho occupies the ground floor of a beautifully updated craftsman home. Inside, you’ll find intimate tables, soft candlelight, handcrafted serving ware, and crisp white linens. The setting is refined without being formal, creating the perfect balance for both casual nights out and romantic dinners.
While the inviting atmosphere sets the stage, the real highlight at Coho Restaurant in Friday Harbor is the food. The menu is built around locally grown produce, humanely sourced meats, and sustainably caught seafood from trusted regional purveyors. Guests can choose from thoughtfully designed four-course tasting menus or order à la carte. Each dish celebrates the natural bounty of the islands, making Coho one of the most respected Friday Harbor restaurants for flavor and quality.
Coho Restaurant is owned and operated by the same incredible team behind one of the best Friday Harbor hotels, The Tucker House Inn & Harrison House Suites, which is conveniently located just a short walk from the dining room. If you are searching for places to stay in Friday Harbor, our boutique lodging in Friday Harbor affords our guests the same attention to detail and warm service found in the restaurant. You’ll even be treated to a breakfast that’s crafted with the same care and locally sourced ingredients as the restaurant.
Whether you are looking for romantic Friday Harbor restaurants for a special evening, upscale restaurants for a sophisticated meal, or simply want to experience the best of Friday Harbor, Coho belongs at the top of your list. Make a reservation for dinner at Coho Restaurant, then extend your stay with accommodations nearby to fully enjoy everything downtown Friday Harbor has to offer. Book your stay today!
Upscale Friday Harbor Restaurants
When it comes to Friday Harbor restaurants on San Juan Island, there is an impressive variety for such a small (and relatively isolated) island. Even so, Coho Restaurant consistently ranks among the best. Known for its intimate atmosphere and thoughtful service, Coho is a favorite among couples who are looking for elevated and romantic dining experiences in Friday Harbor. The attentive staff ensures every detail is handled, creating a dining experience that feels personal and memorable. Guests staying at our Friday Harbor Hotel are just a short block from this standout spot, making it easy to enjoy world-class dining without venturing far.
Dining at Coho is more than just another night out, though. The restaurant offers an inspired four-course tasting menu, designed to balance flavors and textures in every course. Starters may feature scratch-made soups, vibrant salads, or freshly baked bread with garlic-herb butter. Small plates are light yet creative, with options like a Twice-Baked Goat Cheese Soufflé served with chutney, poached pear, toasted nut crumble, and crostini, or delicious seafood croquettes served with fennel salad and remoulade.
When it’s time for the main course at Coho Restaurant in Friday Harbor, expect your taste buds to be wowed by seasonally-inspired choices. This fall, for example, enjoy Ricotta Gnocchi with an
island lamb ragu, Swiss chard, and whipped ricotta, or fresh Halibut with a seafood velouté, grilled broccolini, and herb salad. Dessert provides a sweet finish, with indulgent offerings like Dark Chocolate Burnt Basque Cheesecake with blackberry couli and chantilly cream. This thoughtful progression of dishes makes Coho one of the most talked-about upscale restaurants in downtown Friday Harbor.
The dining experience at Coho Restaurant is complemented by a carefully curated wine list that has earned the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Guests will find a selection of wines from Washington, Oregon, and California, along with handpicked international labels from boutique producers who emphasize authenticity and natural winemaking techniques. For those who prefer cocktails, the bar features creative beverages crafted with spirits, including those from San Juan Island Distillery, to highlight the region’s local flavors.
Coho Restaurant has established a reputation as one of the top dining destinations in Friday Harbor, boasting over 250 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, as well as numerous five-star reviews on Google and Yelp. Guests praise not only the quality of the food and drink but also the thoughtful service and inviting ambiance. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply searching for the best Friday Harbor restaurants, Coho delivers a complete and unforgettable experience.
If you happen to be staying at our Friday Harbor Hotel on an evening when Coho Restaurant is closed, there’s a lovely selection of Friday Harbor restaurants to choose from nearby. Most of these selections are within walking distance of our Inn (or just a quick scenic drive), and you’ll see that our favorite Friday Harbor restaurants also subscribe to supporting local farms and producers when possible.
More Great Restaurants Near Friday Harbor
- Duck Soup is another excellent choice among Friday Harbor restaurants. It has a reputation for fresh, artful fare and creative flavor combinations. The setting is more rustic than Coho, often praised for its charm and inviting atmosphere.
- Friday Harbor House Restaurant combines thoughtfully sourced ingredients, creative preparations, and sweeping views of the San Juan Channel that enhance the dining experience. It’s considered one of the more elevated choices in Friday Harbor proper.
- McMillan’s Dining Room at Roche Harbor Resort is frequently cited in lists of fine dining on the island. It offers gourmet dishes, prime meats, fresh seafood, scenic marina views, and an ambiance that leans upscale without being rigid.
- Walden in Friday Harbor is an intimate chef ’s-counter restaurant that offers a tasting menu with several courses, each crafted from extraordinary ingredients grown around the Pacific Northwest. It’s reservation-only for dinner on certain evenings, so it feels special, refined, and high-end.
One of the Best Friday Harbor Hotels For Getaways
The Tucker House Inn and Harrison House Suites stand out as some of the best Friday Harbor Hotels, offering a unique blend of comfort and island character. Just steps from downtown Friday Harbor (and walkable to the San Juan Island Ferry Terminal!), guests enjoy easy access to shops, galleries, and the best Friday Harbor restaurants, including Coho. Beyond access to great food, the property features a range of accommodations, from cozy guest rooms to spacious suites and standalone cottages, making it an ideal choice for couples, families, and groups traveling together.
Each morning begins with a gourmet breakfast delivered directly to your door, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients prepared with care. Throughout the day, guests are treated to homemade cookies, specialty coffee, and other thoughtful touches that elevate the experience. Pet-friendly accommodations mean you don’t have to leave your four-legged family members behind, and the welcoming staff ensures everyone feels right at home. This attention to detail is part of what makes the inn one of the most sought-after Friday Harbor hotels for the entire family.
Friendly hospitality is at the heart of every stay at the Tucker House Inn and Harrison House Suites. The innkeepers and staff are dedicated to helping guests make the most of their time on San Juan Island, whether that means offering dining recommendations, arranging excursions, or simply ensuring every need is met. With its ideal location, charming accommodations, and genuine service, our Friday Harbor Hotel has everything you need for a memorable Friday Harbor getaway this fall and winter. Book your stay today!
