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This Idyllic Canadian Island Is the Pacific Northwest’s Best-Kept Secret | Vogue
"Tucked in a dense, children’s‑storybook forest near Montague Harbour, this cozy, unpretentious 16‑seat fine‑dining cabin is decked with hanging lanterns, antler accents, shearling throws, and a reproduction of Vladimir Tretchikoff’s Chinese Girl, while seasonal plates arrive on sculptural ceramics by local makers like Ilana Fonariov. The 12‑course tasting menu is a love letter to Galiano’s bounty—think foraged kelp, sea buckthorn, aronia berries, and Sichuan pepper leaves—with wild‑ferment vinegars of salal berries and grand fir needles standing in when yuzu, kaffir lime, or other Japanese citrus is not readily available from a grower on neighboring Salt Spring Island. Opened in 2014 by Winnipeg‑born chef Jesse McCleery, who cooked at Copenhagen’s Noma, and his partner, chef Melanie Witt, it is considered Galiano’s most sought‑after table, rooted in ingredients that often come not from professional farms but from neighbors and residents." - Siobhan Reid
Peter R.
Google
Travelling to a destination restaurant sounds like a plot line in the latest Netflix satire. "We trekked to Antarctic for the perfect ice!"
Then there is Pilgrimme hiding away in the forest of Galiano.
Get comfortable and enjoy the 3 1/2 hour tasting menu.
The courses arrive never too slow never too fast. Each one is carefully explained without pointless nonsense. "What is Koji?" I muttered to myself. The server immediately zoomed to my end of the table and gave me a fascinating example and explained how it's prepared. No big deal you shrug - well for diners being used to "Course Two! More stuff" it was appreciated
Unlike the dishes of Netflix satires - these ones make sense. They are small - packed with diverse ingredients and explode with flavours. And they're not weird. There were no "eeek!" moments across the 12 course tasting menu.
Warning - an insanely great pizza pops up mid way through. Don't overdo it - take some home - otherwise reaching the finish line may be a challenge. My wife's husband can confirm this.
The room is small and rustic accommodating 14 diners in one seating. The music is "arranged around the night and pace and time of year. All things taken into consideration . Darker autumn evenings and longer daylight in spring summer kind of thing . We like to play around with the timing etc." commented the owner when I asked.
It's probably three hours from Vancouver to Galiano by car/ferry. An overnight stay is required. It's totally worth it.
Eating at Pilgrimme is not a parody of adventuresome dining. It's a documentary.
Josh O.
Google
One of the best dining experiences in Canada. From start to finish, not a dish out of place. Chef is so absolutely dialed. The food was just so good. We wanted to finish every last bit of seasoning, broth or sauce. Service was so good. Relaxed but absolutely on top of everything. Wine pairings were all perfect. Loved the purveyors they chose. The atmosphere and setting was perfect. We cannot wait to come back. This will be an annual pilgrimmeage for us. Can’t wait to go back.
designer
Google
One of the most amazing experiences I’ve had. The setting, the restaurant, the dishware, the lighting, the music, the wine, and finally - the food. It is hard to articulate how amazing it is. If you are close or not make it a priority to make your way here. I feel privileged to have had the chance to attend.
Philipp A.
Google
Kitchen provided amazing dishes accompanied by a welcoming and well designed atmosphere.
Service was nice, slow start and more knowledge are the only things I would add there.
Pizza felt a little out of place with the inventiveness of the rest of the menu but still well executed.
Antoine D.
Google
after doing a workaway with a nature chef and learning about wild plants, trees, flowers and cooking with them. We want with my partner at the pligrimme with high expectation.
We had a dinner that we will remember for a while. We love the atmosphere, lovely servers, open kitchen and the menu was a walk through nature with surprising flavors.
Amazing experience, thank you for both chef and all the persons working there
Tamar P.
Google
Pilgrimme is a hidden gem on Galiano Island that blew me away from start to finish. Each dish felt like a culinary adventure, with local, seasonal ingredients taking center stage. The menu is creative yet grounded, featuring thoughtful combinations like foraged greens and perfectly cooked duck. The flavors are vibrant, and the plating is rustic yet elegant, matching the cozy, down-to-earth vibe of the restaurant. Every bite was a revelation, and the intimate setting made the experience even more special. If you’re a foodie craving something fresh and unforgettable, Pilgrimme is a must-visit!
Shae R.
Google
A must go to for foodies! We dined at Pilgrimme back in February and it was exceptional! You can only do the set tasting menu but it was worth every penny. The restaurant is small, cozy and welcoming. You don’t have to dress fancy, which was also great. The service was phenomenal with wonderful descriptions of the food/each course. We opted not to do the wine or drink pairings but it was an option.
I highly recommend if you’re staying in Galiano to come here!
Alex W.
Google
I would give this 6 out of 5 if I could.
Wonderful experience from start to finish. Each dish was exciting and interesting. Really farm to table, with local and seasonal ingredients. The wine pairings were great too. I also loved how the service was friendly, welcoming and casual, but professional. A real west coast vibe, which was exactly what I was hoping for. I'm not a big fan of the old school snooty service that's all formal and proper - glad they're not like that.
