Top eats on Orcas Island for foodies

Our Top "must-eat" locations on Orcas Island

If you love good, quality food made with passion, you'll enjoy sampling some of the many places you can eat on Orcas Island.

We're often asked, "What is your favorite place to eat on Orcas Island?". Trying to narrow down the amazing restaurants and eateries on Orcas to our top choice is just way too difficult. There are so many talented chefs and "food magicians" on this Island that bring their culinary creativity to their dishes. There are different types (breakfasts, dinners, coffee houses) as well as styles of food; you'll be hard pressed to find a clear winner.

To save ourselves from that impossible choice, we'll instead share two of our favorite spots on the island, and why we like them so much.  Let us start with a few characteristics we've found in common with both of our recommendations.

1. Quality: As you could imagine, quality ingredients in, quality meals out. The choice to use high quality, fresh ingredients helps transform ordinary dishes into memorable experiences. 
2. Creativity: Orcas Island is known for its eclectic mix of artisans, and you won't be disappointed with the creative dishes you'll find here. Flavor Explosion!
3. Consistency: Knowing you can come back and get a great experience, both in the food and the service, is crucial. These places deliver time and time again, without disappointment.

Without further delay, below are our top two (different and unique) selections for you to make sure you hit while on Orcas Island!

Brown Bear Baking

If you like fresh out of the oven, hand-baked pastries, then look no further than Brown Bear Baking. Located in the heart of Eastsound on the corner of Main Street and North Beach Road, you'll often find a line out the door with guests willing to wait for their fresh-baked treats. Don't let that discourage you... stand in line! (Hint: it's well worth the wait).

Open case has different items on a daily basis, with some staples you'll find on a regular basis.

With various items prepared throughout the day, you're sure to find these handcrafted pastries to be some of the freshest around, and the quality of the ingredients and care in preparation is apparent with your first bite. The bakery has an open and cozy vibe, with the owners having their input on the design and decor of the place. I love the design and style of their baking kitchen, with a lot of wood and steel - sort of an industrial meets woodsy theme that works well. 

Savory Scone in the foreground, hard at work in the background

Take some to go - you'll thank me later!

While there is limited seating inside, they have a few spaces on the patio and picnic tables outside. If you get a chance to hang around and grab a seat inside, our favorite place is at the bar with the glass-wall partition looking in on the team of artisans creating various treats for all to enjoy.

Orcas Island Getaway Tip:
Stop in Brown Bear Baking a couple times in the same day while you're in town shopping. You'll find their display case is constantly changing with amazing new treats baked fresh (and selling out) throughout the day.

Location: Main Street & North Beach Road, Eastsound, WA 98245
Some of our favorites: Ham & Leek Quiche, Croque Monsieur, Monkey Bread and Savory Scone

---

Hogstone's Wood Oven Pizza

It's quite an honor to be even be mentioned by a Seattle Times food critic when you're a pizza joint - there are SOOOO many around - but to be named the best pizza in the state is quite the accomplishment. Hogstone's Wood Oven Pizza here on Orcas Island has done just that.

One of the many award-winning pizzas with 'fresh from the field' ingredients.

Visiting their website will help you understand how truly unique this place really is. Farmers by day, rock-star-caliber chefs by night, you'll find a cozy environment serving the freshest of ingredients, many grown and raised by the owners. Inside only seats ~2 dozen, but there's a bit more outdoor seating during the summer months. With their ever-changing menu, you can rely on a friendly staff to help with your selections. Easy to access in the heart of Eastsound, and offers local Island Hoppin' Brewery on draft, as well as other selections.

Appetizers that are great for sharing and exploring

Unique dishes and desserts created on a regular basis with the ever changing menu

Orcas Island Getaway Tip: 
If you tend to stay with food items you know and recognize, we encourage you to explore the 'unfamiliar' ingredients that are sure to be on the menu. We've yet to have a meal that we have not absolutely loved at Hogstone's. 

Location: 460 Main Street, Eastsound, WA 98245
Some of our favorites: An Island Hoppin' beer + any pizza they're serving!

So there you have it. Two of our must-visit locations during your next visit to Orcas Island. Believe us, you won't be disappointed.

We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences as well as other locations you found worthy of top honors. Enjoy!

Helpful link: Yelp Reviews for Eastsound restaurants