The Bay Cafe

The Bay Cafe is the exactly what I think of when I imagine the perfect Washington restaurant - I'd just never found it before! We dined in July, 2006 and it was by far some of the best food we'd ever had, but add to that the unbelievable natural setting of West-facing Lopez Island, and top it off with friendly, helpful, knowledgeable staff and neighborly but professional service, and you have all the things you could want in an island retreat, a special occasion, or just a restful evening of divine, delectable Northwest cusine. more

We sat on the outside deck and the view was great. The menu is small but good choices. We had their shrimp, crab cakes, mussels and some salad. I have to say that their shrimp was excellent and their mussels were really good. Their crab cakes were ok. But this good. We also had some dessert. Overall this place is the best restaurant at Lopez. it is a little pricey for Lopez but all worth it. Make reservations unless you want to sit outside. I prefer the outside the view is amazing and the service is great. more

Looks like my dad already weighed in with his own review (he splits time between Lopez and Seattle, so he's the real authority on the subject), but I have to agree that the Bay Cafe is the one restaurant Lopez visitors shouldn't miss. A writeup in the New York Times travel section made it a little harder to get a table, but that's never a problem in wintertime. The people are nice, the food is consistently good (with occasional flashes of greatness), and the waterfront setting offers a great view, whether of summer sunsets or winter storms. Don't miss it. more

This is the island's top-of-the-line restaurant. The cuisine has always been excellent, but had sagged a bit until the new chef, the redoubtable Kim Bast, took over. The setting (inside and out) overlooks Fishermans Bay --- and on late summer and fall evenings, a sunset to rival the South Pacific You can eat "light" -- e.g., gorgeous mussels in a garlic and saffron broth, or go big with such goodies as Lopez rack of lamb, local salmon and halibut. Each comes with a great bowl of soup and a local-greens salad, with bread from Holly B's locally famous bakery. Bruce Botts is the unofficial sommelier, and he has picked some toothsome wines, particularly from the Pacific Northwest. You won't have room, but don't skip dessert -- good local fruit and berries, plus Lopez Island Creamery ice cream' It's butterfat may stop your heart, but it's wonderful way to risk it. more