Manor Dining

Where Swiss precision meets West Coast abundance, Manor Dining Salt Spring Island transforms a 1940s Sussex-style manor into Canada's most enchanting farm-to-table sanctuary. Perched on the shores of Ganges Harbour within the historic Hastings House estate, this culinary jewel marries European refinement with the untamed beauty of British Columbia's Gulf Islands.

For over three decades, Executive Chef Marcel Kauer has anchored Manor Dining's culinary philosophy in his Swiss training while embracing the island's extraordinary terroir. Since joining in 1991, Chef Kauer has evolved the restaurant from an exclusive hotel dining room into Salt Spring Island's premier fine dining destination, earning recognition as one of North America's most distinctive culinary experiences. His unwavering commitment to local sourcing and seasonal cooking has garnered prestigious accolades, including the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice award.

The cuisine celebrates the marriage of European gourmet traditions with Canadian West Coast flavors, showcasing ingredients harvested from Hastings House's organic gardens and the island's renowned farms. Chef Kauer's signature Breaded Pork Tenderloin Schnitzel with Spätzle exemplifies this philosophy, while rotating seafood specials highlight the daily ocean bounty. The à la carte menu, complemented by a three-course Chef's menu, adapts seamlessly to dietary preferences while maintaining its commitment to seasonal excellence. Salt Spring Island lamb and locally foraged ingredients feature prominently, creating dishes that capture the essence of this unique terroir.

The dining experience unfolds across multiple atmospheric spaces within the heritage manor, from intimate fireside dining rooms to the sun-drenched oceanside terrace overlooking Ganges Harbour. The restaurant's wine program emphasizes British Columbia vintages, carefully curated to complement the seasonal cuisine, while the daily Seaside Social Hour from 4:00 to 5:00 PM offers handcrafted cocktails and appetizers in a relaxed setting. Service reflects the manor's gracious hospitality, with personal touches like custom-printed menus creating memorable moments for each guest.

Reservations for Manor Dining are essential, particularly during peak season from March through November when the restaurant operates nightly from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. The combination of Chef Kauer's three-decade tenure, the manor's historic charm, and Salt Spring Island's natural abundance creates an unparalleled fine dining experience that defines luxury dining in the Gulf Islands.