If you’ve never dined at the Genoa Bay Café, you really should. We first discovered it a couple of years ago when we brought friends from Texas, and they absolutely loved the experience. It was definitely time for another visit, so we included it as the lunch stop on our Cowichan Valley winery tour last week. We’re certainly glad we did.

Genoa Bay is a picturesque little marina tucked around the corner from Cowichan Bay by water. By road, it’s just a 12-minute drive from Maple Bay along a charming, winding country road. At the end of the drive you’ll find a small collection of homes, the marina, and the café.

Knowing it would be a beautiful sunny day, we reserved a table on the waterfront deck. The cafe  provides warm, welcoming service, and their staff are friendly, attentive, and a lot of fun.

Sheila and I came with one thing in mind—the Salt Spring Island mussels. Served in a fragrant Thai green curry broth, they’re simply outstanding, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Our friends chose the Fish & Chips and the Seafood Chowder, and both were equally impressed with their meals.

You can view the full menu here:
https://www.genoabaycafe.com/menu

The outdoor deck extends over the water, making it the perfect place to relax while watching pleasure boats glide into the marina. After lunch, we always enjoy a leisurely stroll along the docks, admiring the visiting yachts. There’s also a small marina shop offering snacks, nautical gifts, and souvenirs.

Genoa Bay Café may be a little off the beaten path, but it’s well worth the drive. Great food, beautiful surroundings, and genuinely friendly service make it a destination we’ll happily return to. If it were a little closer to home, we’d be regulars.

Just saying…