My experience at Auntie Pestos was amazing. We had emailed to get a reservation and as soon as we arrived staff were so friendly. We went on a Sunday night off season and it was busy so reservations probably a good idea. The food though is the highlight. This is the best meal that comes to memory and I’ll certainly be back every single time I’m on the island. We started with the Chili Prawns. Best prawn marinade I’ve had. I got the Alberta Beef tenderloin with blue cheese it was incredible and my wife got the halibut which she also loved!
Overview Auntie Pesto's
If you're looking for a cozy and inviting spot on Salt Spring Island, Auntie Pesto's is a must-visit. Located at 115 Fulford-Ganges Rd #2104, Salt Spring Island, BC, this charming restaurant offers a delightful blend of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it stand out from other dining options on the island.
Auntie Pesto's has become a local favorite over the years, and for good reason. Whether you're stopping by for a casual lunch with friends or enjoying a more intimate dinner with loved ones, the ambiance at Auntie Pesto's always feels just right. With its relaxed vibe and rustic decor, it feels like the kind of place where everyone knows your name, even if it’s your first visit.
The menu at Auntie Pesto's is full of delicious, flavorful dishes, each prepared with care and attention to detail. From their popular seafood pasta to a range of hearty salads, there’s something for everyone. One standout is the signature pesto pasta - a creamy, rich dish that perfectly captures the essence of fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, their seasonal salads always feature the freshest local produce, making them a great option for a lighter lunch or dinner.
The restaurant also takes great pride in offering a variety of gluten-free options, ensuring that all dietary preferences are well catered for. For those with a sweet tooth, Auntie Pesto's dessert menu is sure to satisfy. Whether you’re in the mood for a rich chocolate cake or a lighter fruit tart, their desserts are the perfect way to wrap up a delicious meal.
If you’re visiting for the first time, it’s hard to miss the welcoming staff who always greet you with a smile. Their attention to detail and passion for great food shines through, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. The team at Auntie Pesto’s goes above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels at home.
The restaurant is also known for its excellent wine selection, with local wines from the island and beyond that perfectly complement the menu. Whether you prefer a crisp white or a rich red, the knowledgeable staff are happy to recommend the perfect pairing for your meal.
Aside from its tasty food and drink options, Auntie Pesto's offers a great location. Situated on the stunning Salt Spring Island, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy a meal while soaking in the island’s natural beauty. Whether you’re visiting for a special occasion or simply exploring the area, Auntie Pesto’s provides a welcoming and memorable dining experience.
What truly sets Auntie Pesto's apart is its consistency. Regular visitors rave about the quality of the food and the attentive service that never fails to impress. The restaurant’s commitment to using local, fresh ingredients ensures that every dish is packed with flavor, while the seasonal menu keeps things exciting for returning customers.
Whether you're a local or a tourist, Auntie Pesto's is an essential stop when in Salt Spring Island. The combination of great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and stunning location makes it a standout dining option. So, the next time you're in the area, make sure to check out Auntie Pesto's-you won’t regret it.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in âś“ DeliveryHighlights
âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great wine listPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Healthy options âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ UpmarketCrowd
âś“ Groups âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ High chairsParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos Auntie Pesto's
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Location
Reviews
- 471 reviews
We had the most wonderful evening at this restaurant — everything from the food to the service to the setting was exceptional. Reservations recommended!! Our servers, Jana and Elliotte, were incredible — so friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. They made us feel completely welcome and taken care of throughout the night. We started with a few shared dishes — the Beef Carpaccio, Saganaki Cheese, Foie Gras and Pickled Beets — each one perfectly prepared and bursting with flavor. The Seared Scallop Entrée was a standout as well: fresh, beautifully cooked, and elegantly plated. We paired everything with a crisp glass of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, which complemented the dishes perfectly. We sat outside on the lovely deck overlooking the marina and the ocean — such a peaceful and beautiful setting. Great food, and amazing service made for a truly memorable night. Life is good—100% recommend — can’t wait to come back.
Some of the best Italian food I have ever had! The outdoor seating area was beautiful, there were a couple propane fireplaces for warmth. On special were Mussels and they were cooked perfectly. Don't normally have 2 appies but the other special was wrapped Brie which was also delicious! Can't wait to go back!
Hands down one of the best, if not the best restaurant in BC. The flavours are so unique and everything was cooked to perfection. Star dishes: Ravioli and Rack of Lamb Never had had a ravioli taste so unique and delicious anywhere. Rack of lamb was cooked to medium rare as requested, every single bite was consistently delicious. Alberta Beef Tenderloin was also consistently tender with every bite, no stringy tendons. Paired with a red, and it’s Devine. Definitely coming back to Salt Spring again just for Auntie Pesto’s!!
The lamb rack was unbelievably good. Generous portions and good quality all around. Friendly service and a pleasant homey atmosphere. We are told that Auntie Pesto’s has been on Saltspring for 21 years, and they have clearly figured out how to provide an excellent dining experience.
The food was exceptional, the atmosphere was delightful, and the service was top-notch. We had a reservation on the patio, where I enjoyed the incredible flat puff pastry leek and mushroom Tartine—absolutely out of this world. The three of us shared a bottle of wine, savoring every moment of our last night on the island. Auntie Pesto’s truly made the evening unforgettable in the best way. Thank you to all the staff, Rose H
Stopped by for my parents 50th anniversary this evening. Surprisingly being a regular on the island for 30 plus years this was our first time here. Meals were delicious the drinks were amazing but most of all the staff was on top of every thing and made our experience a perfect evening. We will be back