Cuckoo Trattoria and Pizzeria, Coombs Old Country Market (Goats on the Roof!)
https://cuckooincoombs.com/
2310 Alberni Hwy, Coombs, BC V0R 1M0
2 1/4 hours north of Victoria, en route to Tofino!
+1 (250) 248-6280
https://oldcountrymarket.com/
If you’re looking for a very special dining experience with top notch food and customer service in an upscale country atmosphere look no further than Cuckoo Trattoria and Pizzeria.
What I love about it:
Cuckoo’s is unique in how exceptional it is in every way. The restaurant is located behind Coombs Old Country Market (yes, the Goats on the Roof) in a beautiful Italian-inspired stucco building.
Everything about the restaurant (whether inside or out) has an elegant “euro” feeling, while being friendly and casual at the same time.
Inside the restaurant, white table cloths and napkins give the restaurant an upscale yet relaxed feeling, with tasteful decorations, tall ceilings and hardwood floors. The patio out the back and side of the building is not to be missed if visiting in the summer. The lovely fountain at the centre of the patio gives it a romantic, lush, secret garden feeling.
When it comes to food and drinks, I often start with a mimosa and highly recommended that you do too!
The pasta is all homemade and delicious, cooked to el dente perfection. Hand stretched traditional Italian thin crust pizza is my personal favourite.
I can never resist something sweet at the end of a meal at Cuckoo’s, and the desserts are the bomb. My all-time favourite is the chocolate peanut slice. Do it and thank me later, haha.
Accessibility factors:
At the entrance to Cuckoo’s restaurant there is a significant step up, however the staff on duty immediately pull out a very skookum ramp so that scooter and wheelchair users can easily navigate it. Similarly if heading out onto the gorgeous patio, the staff were quick to move the same ramp to the back step. The wait staff are very accommodating and pleasant to deal with if one requires a little extra help getting seated. The bathroom set up is also a breeze with a large single unisex bathroom with plenty of space, though it is down a long hallway.
The Verdict:
Stop whatever you’re doing and go. Right now.
Coombs Old Country Market
(Goats on the Roof!)
The Coombs Old Country Market, or Goats on the Roof, as it’s more affectionately known, is a must stop either before or after your meal at Cuckoo’s Trattoria. The market is just off the Alberni Highway, and Cuckoo’s is located at the far end of a collection of shops and gift stores, with decent accessible parking behind the emporium, as well as up the lane. The market is a famed tourist destination on Vancouver Island, and is often very busy on weekends and holidays during the summer months. It is a unique experience for all ages with an eclectic collection of international and local foods, delicious bakery treats, a super stocked deli, plus toys, home decor and other fun curiosities. Note to wheelchair users: it is cheerfully congested in the market, but that is part of the charm. The washrooms are accessible and clean. Mosey up the street and check out the various shops including a fresh produce market, ice cream shop, donut hut, clothing and gift stores. Be sure not to miss the goat(s) grazing above you on the grassy roof!
Click through the carousel of photos to see some of the fun stuff that the Coombs Old Country Market (Goats on the Roof!) has on offer!
P.S. You gotta try “The Billy Gruff Bomber” donut:
Maple Dipped Bacon Crumble Cake Donut!