Although we just celebrated Valentine’s Day, if anything, it only reminded us that we don’t need a holiday to celebrate with the person we love. One of the best ways to do that is with a romantic meal at Coho Restaurant, our elegant farm-to-fork Friday Harbor restaurant. Set back on a quiet street; Coho Restaurant is located on the bottom floor of a thoughtfully remodeled craftsman home; it’s airy and open with intimate tables. The mood is set by candlelight, handcrafted serving ware, and white tablecloths—while we strive for fine dining, your service will be warm and without an ounce of pretension.
All of these elements combine to create a wonderful atmosphere at Coho Restaurant, but the true stars and focus are the local farm-fresh ingredients. Our spectacular four-course tasting menus (available a la carte as well) are designed to showcase the bounty of the islands—from locally grown fruits and vegetables to humanly sourced meats and sustainably caught fish. As a small island community, we strive to source the best of the season from our trusted local purveyors.
Coho Restaurant is part of a larger collection of San Juan Island lodging accommodations just a block away on the same street. Our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast is one of the best San Juan lodging options for a peaceful and relaxing getaway. Coho Restaurant is open to the public offering seasonal hours Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 9 pm (we open on Tuesday and Wednesday during the spring and summer).
We encourage all of our overnight guests to dine with us at least once during their stay—your breakfast each morning with entice you, as we use the same care, attention to detail, and include scratch-made and local products just as we do at Coho Restaurant. Make dining reservations or book your room at our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast today!
Wine and Dine at coho Restaurant in Friday Harbor
There’s a lovely selection of Friday Harbor restaurants to choose from during your time in the San Juan Islands. Coho Restaurant is often regarded as one of the best restaurants in Friday Harbor for a romantic meal. You’ll see many couples dining together, celebrating anniversaries or birthdays. Our professional staff offers personalized and careful service to create a complete experience—it’s more than just a meal at Coho Restaurant! And as a guest at our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast, you’ll be a mere block from your next epic meal.
Below are some examples of a seasonal four-course tasting menu that includes one starter, one small plate, one large plate, and a delectable dessert:
- Starters may include a scratch-made soup du jour, a radicchio and roots salad, or a homemade bread course with garlic-herb butter.
- Small plates are creative and light with dishes like mussels sauteed in leeks, kale, and hazelnut oil or crispy chickpea fritters with goat cheese, pesto, and house preserves. Our house charcuterie and cheese spread with delicious accouterments are popular for this course.
- Rich and hearty entrees often include house-made pasta dishes with local seafood or vegetarian preparations. The beef tenderloin comes dressed in a red wine reduction with fondant potatoes and garlicky greens. Or juicy chicken breast is perched atop a sweet potato and celeriac puree with a creamy leek sauce.
- Our dessert menu changes with the seasons as well. But expect standouts like a dark chocolate hazelnut gateau, sundaes with house-made ice cream and fresh fruit, and rich and creamy affogato.
- The wine list showcases the great producers of Washington, Oregon, and California, along with a fine selection of international selections. We love to discover small producers creating authentic handcrafted wine using natural techniques. Coho Restaurant has been awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence—an incredible honor! For those who prefer to start their meal with a craft beverage, our curated cocktail list offers creations with San Juan Island Distillery spirits made on the island.
One of the most wonderful feelings as a hospitality and culinary professional is receiving positive feedback. And Coho Restaurant has more than 260 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor. We can’t wait to host you; make a reservation today.
More Great Friday Harbor Restaurants for 2023
If you happen to be staying at our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast or visiting on an evening when Coho Restaurant happens to be 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.
Here are five Friday Harbor restaurants to check out during your stay:
- Downriggers: Located right on the port of Friday Harbor, you can gaze at the ferry from the windows (or seasonal patio) at this longtime San Juan island restaurant. The menu focuses on Pacific Northwest cuisine with fresh seafood dishes, oysters, and creative scratch-made cocktails.
- San Juan Island Brewing: Only a few minutes walk from our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast, you’ll want to order beer flights, pub pretzels, and wood-stone pizzas at this local brewery. The airy industrial space is casual and family-friendly, be sure to grab a seat on the expansive outdoor patio when the weather permits.
- Madrone Cellars: This is a great first stop on an evening exploring Friday Harbor. Try a wine flight and one of their boards with local meats and cheeses for the perfect pre-dinner snack or light meal. The cozy garden patio is one of our favorite places for a glass of wine.
- Friday Harbor House: Grab dinner from on high at this local eatery. This is one of the best Friday Harbor restaurants for a spectacular view of our charming downtown area and the surrounding islands.
- Westcott Bay Shellfish: Just about 20 minutes drive from our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast, Westcott Bay offers a few different experiences for visitors. Take a tour of the working shellfish farm, book a table for lunch at the Net Shed for freshly shucked oysters with racy mignonettes and steamed mussels or clams, and stop by the Farm Store and ship oysters home!
One thing’s for sure: there’s no shortage of fantastic Friday Harbor restaurants to enjoy during your stay. San Juan Island is a culinary destination, whether it’s a romantic dinner at Coho Restaurant or a casual experience at the nearby brewery.
Dinner out is best paired with an overnight or multiple-night stay at our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast. We offer an expansive array of lodging options either for families, folks traveling with pets, those working remotely, or couples looking for a romantic getaway destination. Check out our upcoming availability at our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast and book your room today!
