Locals Restaurant at the Old House
+1 250-338-6493+ Add websiteWrite a ReviewImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Mon
11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tue
11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wed
11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thu
11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fri
11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sat
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Ratings and reviews
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Seafood, Healthy, Canadian, Grill, Vegetarian friendly
Does this restaurant offer free wifi?
Details
About
Locals Restaurant in now located at the historic Old House along the river in the center of town. This 1937 Arts and Crafts era inspired homestead is the perfect location for the fine cuisine prepared by European trained chef, Ronald St. Pierre.
PRICE RANGE
$1.00 – $1.00
CUISINES
Seafood, Grill, Healthy, Canadian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
4.5
1,251 reviews
Excellent
940
Very good
178
Average
77
Poor
35
Terrible
21
Francine M
15 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We were only in the Courtenay area for one night, so it was lucky for us that Locals happened to be serving brunch on the day we were there. It was world-class, and yet not stuffy. With its opening gambit of the banana chocolate chip muffins, to their delicious potatoes, we enjoyed everything that we ordered. I was especially happily surprised by the local Ortega wine. We're now home, thousands of miles away, but will most certainly eat here again when we're back in on Vancouver Island.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoPlaces42132723798
Thank you so much for the kind words TravellingFrancine. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your brunch experience with us. We look forward to serving you next time you are on the Island,
Happy New Year!
Written January 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
VanIsle Local
54 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
The good /excellent reviews seem about right to me. We had a very enjoyable local meal. I would recommend this place to friends and family. Wine by the bottle seemed a little pricey but not too out of line with what other establishments do. Only room for improvement is that Moscow Mules are not served in highball glasses.
Written March 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maggnum
Crofton3 contributions
Sep 2020 • none
We stayed at the adjacent hotel, so we had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful dinner at Locals, the staff there were very friendly and welcoming. For dinner, we had the charcuterie board, it was wonderful, portion size for an appetizer was perfect. Our had a difficult time choosing our entree’s because everything sounded so appetizing. I chose the Halibut Risotto and my partner had the Bouillabaisse, we both thoroughly enjoyed our meals. The portion sizes were just right, they gave you that comfortably full feeling. I actually finished my entire plate not because I was still hungry, but because it was so good, I kept picking at it until it was gone. While the pricing is on the higher end, this is fine dining and the prices were not unexpected. I look forward to going back to Courtenay so that we are able to eat at Locals again!
Written October 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LocalsRestaurant
Hello there,
Thank you for your lovely review. Happy to hear that the portion sizes were a good fit. This is hard to determine as people's appetites are variable.
To be honest, we have had to increase our prices slightly. This is necessary due to the price increases we have had from our suppliers, as well as increased operating costs during these challenging times. We have tried to develop a formula that will enable this enterprise to survive when we have limitations and conditions we must honor during the pandemic. We are please you felt you had good value for your money.
Thank you!
Tricia St. Pierre
Written October 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
vanislecanuck
222 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
With all the COVID-19 hooplah my wife and I decided to finally get out and enjoy a nice meal and a couple of drinks at good local restaurant. Locals was open so we called for reservations as we had been told it was a nice restaurant and nearby. However, we found the restaurants location along the riverwalk to be good but the restaurant building itself is nothing special. Both our dinners were $40 per plate but you don't get much for that price. Portions are quite small and they could have given us a couple of slices of bread and butter or a bun to help fill us up. Mixed drinks were expensive and the local beer was ok. The total with tip was a little over $140 for both of us. For the same price at Kingfishers you would have had a seat in a much nicer restaurant, portions would have been better plus the ambience would have been excellent for the same price.
Written July 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Voyage292246
3 contributions
Feb 2019 • couples
We have been to Locals since we moved to courtenay 4-5 times but stopped going several years ago. The owner herself was always offended when we were asked how the food was and we told her. The tuna was overcooked the first time there as were the scallops the next time out. One time we suggested that they put their raw oysters on a bed of ice when serving and what condiments would go well. Although offended we noticed later they started doing that.
This is considered a high end restaurant and considering the prices we expected wonderful food. Why did we go back several times you ask? Because we kept getting gift certificates...
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarianneDufresne_47
Comox Valley13 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Locals, has received many awards and I appreciate the "farm to table" concept, honourig all the local farmers, wineries etc. But the food preparatiion and degree of cooking is also very important. The menu was complex, a lot of added fluff on the plates. I ordered the sunflower crusted Tuna... I love tuna but this was so overcooked it was like eating tuna out of a tin. My guests ordered the New York steak, which was very tasty and the braised beef, which was not special. My first disappoinment was that they did not have a Prosecco, but I did enjoy the White Seas wine from the local 40 Knots winery. I enjoyed the tomato bisque and the trio of creme caramel and the service was pleasant. So overall, considering the excessive price, the not so pleasant food, i was very dissappointed. And I am a local who has not been there for awhile and I and my party will not be rushing back anytime soon. So disappointed!
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Unhappy
Nanaimo1 contribution
Oct 2020 • family
Unfortunately, this was our choice for my daughters 15th birthday dinner, and it was not impressive!
After searching and reading reviews since we are from out of town we were excited to come here for a delicious and upscale dinner.
We waited more than an hour for a few pasta dishes and the appies before hand that took 45 mins were awful. We are currently still waiting for the food and the restaurant is technically now closed. Our reservation was for 745. It is now 9:01.
The staff was inattentive, unemotional, and not understanding.
I will be sure to let others know about the unfortunate experience we had as visitors to this city.
Written October 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LocalsRestaurant
Hello,
As the owner, I am very sorry to hear of your unfortunate experience. If you wish, please contact me so I may gather more information and address concerns accordingly. 250-338-6493.
Thank you,
Tricia St. Pierre
Written October 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LonyM1
Squamish51 contributions
Nov 2021 • friends
Was looking forward to this restaurant on our visit to Courtenay but it was quite a big disappointment. The atmosphere was nice, and felt safe due to Covid protocols in place. Some of our food was quite good - the scallops in the Thai curry were really good. The dessert (trio of creme brûlée) had one good creme brûlée, one okay creme brûlée and one really bad one). In general the food let the restaurant down and in an expensive restaurant you expect atmosphere, food and service all to be good. Service was mostly not terrible. The food was brought as expected but our waitress wasn’t pleasant and at times quite rude. We left not feeling very happy and I wouldn’t recommend.
Written November 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Restaurant Manager
Hello LonyM1,
I am sincerely sorry that your experience fell short and have shared you food concerns with the Chef. I am very concerned about the "rude" service you received, as I would like to know whom to address.
Please feel free to call and ask for Tricia St. Pierre, owner or the evening Manager Matt at 250-338-6493
Written November 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda M
Whitehorse113 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
We celebrated a friend's birthday here and we were very pleased with the excellent service and exceptional food. We had seafood trio, seafood pasta and a chicken dish. There are vegan and gluten free options on the menu. The appetizers were taste delights and the main were all very good portions. Our dessert was Chocolate Truffle vegan cake. It was melt in your mouth delicious! I can't believe they made this dessert out of tofu??! The waiters were exceptional as we had a large party of 17 and they handled us all with patience and attentiveness. My only complaint is one of our group asked for a "splash" of coffee and was charged for it? When you are paying 75.00 per person, one would think you could give a patron a swallow of coffee? Other than that, the decor is light and airy with lots of windows. Enough seating and space in between. Clean washrooms and an all round wonderful dinning experience! I look forward to my next visit!
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoPlaces42132723798
Hello Linda,
I am so pleased you had a nice experience. Serving large groups can prove challenging, so I an happy we did not disappoint.
I am sorry about the coffee charge. My staff know that no food or beverage can be served without it being entered into the system.... however, they could have let that one slip. My apologies.
Written April 19, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GayWhistler
Vancouver107 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Just love this gem in Courtenay and as the name suggest it is very local. Not only do the locals frequent the establishment but their entire menu is locally sourced and the menu acknowledges all of the local producers that help create the fantastic culinary creations found on the menu.
During our visit they had a special menu celebrating BC Blueberries. We enjoyed a spiced tuna taco with blueberry salsa, wild sablefish (black cod) with BC Blueberry sage chutney and to finish off the evening sharing a blueberry and basil pavlova.
Everything was amazing. The service team very attentive and wearing masks as part of their enhanced health and safety protocols.
Written August 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nksv2014
Minesing108 contributions
Nov 2020 • family
Had lunch the other day at this quaint little restaurant with my mom while visiting from a Ontario.
The menu was extremely extensive and certainly had something for everyone. We started with rice paper rolls to share, I had the seafood stack and my mom chose the seafood pasta for mains. Portions were good. All of our food was not only beautifully presented, but also incredibly delicious and creative.
The wine list was full of many delicious wines from BC.
The service matched the incredible food. I wish I had paid more attention to our server’s name, but she was incredibly kind and patient with my mom (who has Alzheimer’s and can be incredibly indecisive at times) and attentive and I have only wonderful things to say about how she added to our lovely lunch experience.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is incredibly cosy and warm and I would return again in a heartbeat. It’s a beautiful location to celebrate a special occasion.
Written November 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John P
Chicago124 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
Our disappointment with Locals is mostly related to value. Before I talk about that, if you haven't been to Locals, let me first give you a brief idea of the place. Locals is housed in a Heritage building adjacent to the Old House Hotel & Spa. The building was originally a residence constructed in the 1930's in the Arts and Crafts style. In addition to indoor seating, the restaurant has a large tented area adjacent to the building as well as a pleasant patio. While many seem to regard this as a special occasion restaurant, we saw a number of patrons dressed quite casually. We began our meal with the Cakebread Artisan Bread & Butter. (I find charging for bread & butter in a fine dining restaurant to be excessive and the $6 charge brought unremarkable bread and a very small amount of butter.) We then moved on to the Fish Market Chowder (remarkably bland) and the Albacore Tuna Tataki (fresh, flavorful and the best dish of the evening). For our mains, we both had the Fresh BC Pacific Halibut Fillet (fresh but again, the preparation lacked flavor). Our evening featured a dour server who, when we ordered the bread & butter appetizer along with the seafood chowder, neglected to mention the chowder came with the exact same bread & butter as the seperate appetizer. We had also ordered a glass of wine with our entrees, which was not served until, more than halfway through our entrees, I managed to catch the attention of our server who then brought the wine. At no time during the meal did the server return to inquire if everything was satisfactory or if we needed anything. So, bottom line, in my mind, poor service, unremarkable, bland food and high prices do not add up to good value or a restaurant to which we would return.
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason T
3 contributions
Oct 2020 • couples
Came for dinner too celebrate our anniversary. The service was attentive and quick! Atmosphere was warm and inviting.
The food was incredibly underwhelming. We ordered the Pacific rim bouillabaisse (the most expensive dish in the menu) and got a tiny plate of mediocre seafood.
A couple of prawns and muscles with a piece of well cooked but bland salmon and whitefish. It came with a small spoonful size pile of shredded, grey and completely tasteless crab, a huge letdown. As an avid seafood lover, when a menu item says Dungeness crab, I expect fresh, delicious (not shreded) crab... Spent $150 for dinner with a tip and was still hungry after the very small portion I had for dinner. I've spent as much and less for much better more filling seafood.
The sauce was nice and the roasted veg was lovely.
They did surprise us with a pistachio macaroon at the end though. Which was very good.
Written October 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
T0niaYVR
Vancouver146 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
I wanted to treat myself as I was staying at the hotel next door and was here before. BTW this restaurant is not affiliated with the Old House hotel so you are not able to sign to your room.
It started well with my server welcoming me and told her I would order my appy first to have with a cocktail and she can come back to get my main course order as I was not ready to order but wanted to eat something first. It went downhill fast! My cocktail took so long to arrive.. even received my Oysters first! Then the server disappeared. I saw her busy taking care of the tables around me and when she finally came back to me I just wanted to get out of there. Thats too bad really as I was looking forward to the food.
It is not good that with this kind of establishment to received such poor customer service. Maybe you should hire more staff to take care of your customers the right way.
Written October 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vanislecanuck
222 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
We decided to try Locals again to see if their was improvements from our last visit. Sadly our experience was disappointing. The bill for four of us was over $250 which we paid for a watered down seafood curry where Tofu was added to up the amount of protein in the meal. The curry was so bland it is difficult to explain. When deciding about and ordering our meals we were surprised that the menu was changed any simpler fare like a Cheeseburger is long gone. The beer on tap was so poor I sent mine back for a canned beer. The sitting area is very spartan with almost no décor. This restaurant does not deserve the high price it demands for their poor menu. For the price we paid there are much better places in the valley for a good meal. Serving staff was nice and attentive.
Written April 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Restaurant Manager
Hello Vanislecanuck
As the owner, I am very sorry for your disappointment. I would like to know more when you were in so I can address the concerns appropriately.
Please fell free to email me at info@localscomoxvalley.com
Tricia St. Pierre
Written April 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
…
Showing results 1-15 of 1,232
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all Best nearby restaurants
See all Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing