Ucluelet — or Ukee as the locals call it — is like Tofino’s scrappy little sister. Ukee is decidedly less famous than its surfer sibling, but no less beautiful. She’s also a little more laid back. In particular, there is still an undiscovered air to Ucluelet that makes it feel special. The beaches are rugged, the vibe is relaxed, the food is excellent, and the accommodations are more affordable than Tofino. Here’s what to eat and where to stay on your next trip to Ucluelet.
Where to Eat Breakfast in Ucluelet
For breakfast in Ucluelet, there are two equally excellent options. It just depends what style you’re craving. For a sit down feast, choose Heartwood Kitchen. This house turned restaurant has a sunny upstairs patio that overlooks both the back garden and Peninsula Road, which is Ucluelet’s main drag. Heartwood is rightfully famous for the Ukee Fried Chicken & French Toast. This dish is perfect, down to the house-made hot sauce, which is available to buy. Besides other brunch items like Eggs Benny (which you can also get with fried chicken), Heartwood also has some more lunch-leaning options like Rockfish Ceviche or a Nicoise Salad.
For grab and go breakfast items, The Break Cafe & Bistro offers a variety of tasty options. Their pastry case is packed with tempting treats like cruffins, cinnamon buns, and massive cookies. They also have savoury baked goods like the Reuben Croissant as well as Sausage Rolls that routinely sell out. The Break also makes a scrumptious little breakfast sandwich with a choice between Maple Bacon or Fennel Sausage. They’ve also got you covered when it comes to coffee or matcha drinks.
Pizza Pies and Tacos
Now the consensus is that Abbondanza Pizza is the best in Ucluelet. The only issue is that the hours of this pizza spot vary, apparently according to the whims of the owners. While on my recent trip, I didn’t have the chance to try their pizza, you must if they happen to be open when you’re next in Ucluelet.
I can happily report that Shipwreck Pizza is a wonderful option if Abbondanza doesn’t happen to be open. Located right on Ucluelet’s Main St, Shipwreck’s Pizza is a thicker pie, reminiscent of Greek pizza with generous toppings. They do classics like a 5 cheese and loaded pepperoni as well as some creative pizzas like the Davey Jones, which comes with a béchamel base and potato, bacon, caramelized onions, and is topped with sour cream.
For a Mexican meal on a patio with a view, try Papi’s Cantina. Papi’s patio is also a great spot for a couple cocktails. The menu mostly consists of tacos, including birria, 12-hour marinated pork shoulder Al Pastor, and cerveza-battered cauliflower, but Papi’s also has a couple crudos as well as some shareable starters.
Fine Dining in Ucluelet
I have told many people that eating at Pluvio is worth a trip to Ucluelet in and of itself. Pluvio is owned and operated by Warren Barr and Lily Verney-Downey, a couple who cumulatively have impressive experience in fine dining and hospitality. Barr cooked at Le Crocodile in Vancouver and then later at the Pointe at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino. If the Michelin Guide was in Ucluelet, Pluvio would surely have at least one star. Enjoying a prix fixe tasting menu here is a magical experience that delights the senses and changes seasonally.
Where to Stay in Ucluelet
While on the subject of Pluvio, it should be noted that they also have a boutique hotel, right in the heart of Ucluelet, behind the restaurant. Pluvio offers the most central accommodations in Ucluelet, with all of the shops and restaurants on Main Street and Peninsula Road easily accessible on foot. All guests get exclusive access to the rooftop garden patio.
It’s all in this retreat’s name: Calmwater in Ucluelet provides privacy, relaxation, and calm with their individual two bedroom cabins. Calmwater is an excellent choice for a group or family as each cabin includes a full kitchen as well as laundry, and private hot tub. Walking distance from the Wild Pacific Trail as well as Terrace Beach, Calmwater feels immersed in wilderness.
For stunning waterfront views in Ucluelet, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort can’t be beat. The rugged beauty of this resort’s surroundings are breathtaking. Their spacious suites include kitchens and have luxuriously large bathrooms complete with soaker tubs. To see the Pacific Ocean crashing on the black rocks from the balcony is unforgettable.
