Restaurants in North Cowichan

The life of a table is often sedentary and thankless, but the tables at L.A. Grill and Bistro find meaning in their existence by propping up bountiful plates of diverse bistro fare. Sizzling morsels of steak, chicken souvlaki, and salmon don international flavours via cool tzatziki and zesty Cajun spices, and toasted slices of whole-wheat bread swaddle seafood sandwiches and 6-ounce burgers. On the patio, outdoorsy tables bask in the elements beneath ample umbrellas, miming escape routes to their brethren indoors.

The aromas of curry, lemongrass, and rich beef broth waft from XO Beef Noodle across the bustling food court of the Yaohan Centre. Photos of the dishes hang above and around the counter, flaunting tangles of rice noodles and satay beef. Wontons and fish sizzle in the deep fryer with the sound of a guitar being thrown onto a campfire, and all of the selections on the menu are made without MSG.

As Quizno's toasted subs emerge slowly from the oven, guests first smell the toasty aroma, followed by a glimpse of artisan bread crisped to a golden brown and cheese bubbling over meats such as all-natural chicken, tender prime rib, and italian meatballs. Next, sandwich-smiths layer on fresh veggies and top culinary creations with pesto, sauces, and premium spreads.

The menu's first-rate ingredients form a fleet of classic and signature subs, including the honey-bacon club. Savoury grilled snack flatbreads and flatbread pizzas extend options beyond the standard sub, and vegetable and meat combinations form fresh salads. Customers can stop in for lunch, dash in and out to enjoy a park-bench dinner, or bring their unicycle to juggle their meal home.

Chefs at Diwan Restaurant source quality ingredients for their menu of traditional Mediterranean fare. They skewer halal meats for kabobs, and gather fresh produce for vegetarian-friendly dishes such as tabbouleh and fattoush. They also swirl all their sautés with vegetable and olive oil, which spread across their cooking pans with a gentle push from the ghost of Sir Isaac Newton.

Since serving up one of their signature wraps to their first customer 20 years ago, Fit For Life’s staff has continued to uphold their dedication to the speedy yet thoughtful preparation of healthy, nutritious food. At each outpost across Canada, kitchen teams whip up healthful alternatives to fast food, forging a menu of low-fat and vegetarian options made using fresh ingredients selected for their high nutritional value and ability to inflate Popeye’s muscles. Morning options include omelettes and breakfast sandwiches, and a roster of burritos, pitas, and paninis fills out the lunch and dinner menus.

Cannibal Café's aged, hand-ground Black Angus beef patties pack a flavour that the Vancouver's Best Burger blog described as "[hitting] your mouth like a mosh-pit." And mosh pit is an accurate image—the restaurant exudes a punk-rock vibe with vintage '90s rock 'n' roll posters that paper the walls, honouring bands such as Violent Femmes, Queen, and Devo. Two beef patties serve as the foundation for the classic burger, which patrons can customize with anything from a fried egg and an avocado slice to basil pesto, Canadian cheddar, and old-style bacon. Specialties include the Montreal smoked-brisket burger, with sauerkraut, swiss cheese, russian dressing, gherkins, and garlic on a brioche bun. Vegetarian patties are available for people who love punk rock but hate its endorsement of cow tipping. For drinks, Cannibal Café offers signature milkshakes and Jones Soda Co. pop along with 12 beers and 4 wines on tap.