The Backdoor Kitchen is a food lover's dream (and most unexpected in a community of Friday Harbors size). The menu is small, with worldly influences, and the execution rivals top restaurants in any major city. The food is fresh, creatively prepared, and seasoned in such a way to highlight the natural flavors of the food but also take your taste buds on a journey.
We ordered a pork shoulder salad with mango and Vietnamese dipping sauce as a light dressing. Steak with vegetables, and vegetarian plate. The highlight was the vegetarian plate with a wonderful mix of coconut curry that tasted light and fruitful (unlike most curries which are heavy and fatty).
The space is small so make reservations if you can. They have a small bar room with a few tables, a dining room, and outdoor patio.
Food was amazing! The price amazed me too! Expect to spend $50+ per person.
Hell yes. Everything is great here, especially the crispy pork appetizer and the veggie entree.
You kind of have to literally go around back to park and get in.
We had an enjoyable dinner at Backdoor Kitchen. The outdoor patio is nicely landscaped with hidden romantic tables under the trees. We ordered the summer corn soup and sea scallops. Both were well seasoned and savory. Scallops were fresh and were caramelized in butter, served with fresh from the garden sweet peas and carrots, and these delightful butter seared rice cakes. Yum! Service was prompt and our glasses were never empty. Inside can be a bit loud on a Saturday night, but it’s manageable. We ate at a few of the more expensive restaurants in Friday Harbor, and this was our favorite. (Granted, we only tried two menu items) It’s located next to the new San Juan Brewery, so it’s convenient to eat and then walk across the parking lot for a brew.
A great little hideaway with wonderful food. They play with seasonal flavors and seem to be a big hit with the locals!
Definitely one of those hidden local gems, the entrance is through a secret little garden. Beautiful outdoor seating, but definitely call ahead for reservations because there's limited seating.
We dined here on a Friday evening in September -- without reservations -- so had to be seated outside, The service and food were excellent. Everything we ate was beyond wonderful - main courses were lamb and scallops. The only complaint was the outdoor heater was not working so it got very chilly so we left before desert. We'll be back but next time we'll make reservations first.
Cynthia Alexandra Romero
+5
We showed up without a reservation and they were packed. They offered a spot outside and went out of their way to make us comfortable. We had come to the island on the spur of the moment for dinner. This restaurant did not disappoint! We appreciate every staff member, particularly the sweet lady in the sleeveless shirt to volunteered to be our waiter in the chilly evening. We will be back, and we will tell everyone. You are not just Amazing food but great hospitality, a rare find these days.
This place never disappoints! You have to know where to look though, because there is no signage for this little gem. In Friday Harbor, find the sign for the ferry overflow lot C. From there, park in front of the fence. It won't look like much, but wind you way through the gate and bamboo and you will walk right up to the front door. Reservations recommended. All their dishes are fantastic, you can't go wrong.
One of the best meals we had on the island. Food was top notch, service was friendly and prompt. We hadhad scallops, duck and prawns and some bomb yam/coconut soup. Excellent menu!
Wonderful fine dining in a beautiful tucked away garden. On Mondays they have Asian inspired "Noodle Bowl Mondays" for lunch. Come early, they sell out quick! Also ask about their key lime pie!
The food was amazing! It's been two years and I am sorry for this late review, bit we were just telling our friends last night about this place.
Had a hard time finding it but the lamb was amazing!!!
Marianne DiMarco-Temkin
+5
What a beautiful, secret garden to dine in. Innovative drinks and food options and a delightful staff to welcome you. It was a wonderful meal to have shared with the people I love most. Thank you for a beautiful evening, Backdoor Kitchen.
We had a large group so I got to try a variety of dishes, we started with Sticky Rice & Pork Meatballs, Halloumi Cheese, Masa Cake, and Farro Salad. The meatballs and cake were my favorite, the Farro salad and the cheese were pretty good as well, not something I would normally order. I had the New York Steak for dinner, it was seared and oven baked. The cook and crust were great, no crazy seasonings or toppings (I ordered the pesto on the side), just delicious meat. Veggies were cooked and seasoned perfectly, however the potatoes were pretty standard. All-in-all a great meal and great atmosphere.
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