Reviews of Ideal Cafe (Bakery)

Kenny Taylor

I have eaten here many times. The milkshakes are old fashioned. Burgers are average. They use a pumpernickel bun. Its pretty good. Good portion size. As for the restaraunt itself? Small, yet very busy. Best to come later in the day. Place closes at 3:30 pm.

paigemossey

Best breakfast place in town! Super cute old style cafe!

Douglas Rennehan

It is very good breakfast, but pretty pricey for what it is. I'm probably biased against breakfast being $20 though.

Baz Cardinal

Fantastic! Old school vibe in a modern world.

Stacie Camponi

Bad service, I felt like I was just barked at. They charge extra of the "senior" menu. They dont offer a half omelet but offer a half omelet on this menu. Was told I would be charged extra because I'm not a senior. Also have heard from down island of the terrible ownership. Shows it the really terrible service

Jak e

Awesome

Ms.Ona Harwardt

Great Homemade Big Breakfast 's Like We Made At Hogan's Corner In Port Hardy

quigquay

Great diner style food. Massive portions and good service. Great breakfast options and Boozy milkshakes make for a great hangover cure.

Bishop Clark

Does not adhere to provincial safety regulations. Rolled past today - and it appears to be deserted - on our way to lunch somewhere else. #hopeThatAntiVaxStanceWorksForYa

Randal Bartsch

Great food. Friendly, funny, fast service.

Carmie Dixon

The service was excellent. The cafe was clean and friendly. The food was delicious. We had cheese burgers with homemade fries....yummy!

Candace Lyttle

Everytime I go to ideal the service and food is super amazing. If I could give you 100 stars I would. :) Thank you so much

Mike M

A motif to set you back in time with sights and smells. A bacon n egger served as expected. Burgers and tats to surely chow down on. Best shakes on Vancouver Island.

Rachael McPherson

Loved it. Had an amazing 40th birthday breakfast there

Mei

Great food, felt my portion could have been bigger for the price. The waitress was excellent and attentive. However their hours aren't that great and closing at 330 in the afternoon is a bit strange.

Nicole F

Awesome food in a really cute ma and pop old school diner. Sat at the bar and got some entertainment from the regulars and the normal hustle and bustle of the busy diner, also was very intrigued by the different milkshakes but didn't get a chance to try one. Definitely will be back and looking forward to our next visit

Ezra Culwell

True Campbell River iconic eatery. Still creating their amazing cutting edge cafe fare.

darryl Hicks

Always great food and atmosphere reminds me of the old diners :)

agnosticprophet

Absolutely the rudest service I have ever experienced. We stopped in for a bite to eat, and the server was so miserable that my elderly mother walked out in tears.

janetbplanet (Intrepid Trekker)

Best old fashioned milkshake I've had in years! Vintage diner style. Great service. I will be back!

Michelle Chan

I had been here before in 2015 for breakfast and again recently for lunch. True to its diner label this place is a diner ! The food is diner/greasy spoon fashion. The servings are sizable, prices reasonable and the food comes speedy. There is breakfast all day, however today I went for the cheeseburger and was not disappointed at all. This place knows how to do a true diner cheeseburger and doesn't mess with what's good. A nice beef patty (supplied locally from mid-island) with their 'dressing' (best way I can describe is like home-made thousand island dressing more tangy than sweet) and your regular accouterments expected with a cheeseburger to top it to perfection (pickle, onions, lettuce, tomato + cheese). Would recommend you stop in if you're near by.

beki Liang

Super friendly, very homey feel. Great go-to breakfast dishes, cannot go wrong here.

asphalt cowboy

Its rad cuz its ol skool

Matthew Helliwell

Not necessarily the kind of place you'd expect to have vegan options but they're lovely. Cute divey feel, friendly staff, reasonable prices and big portions. I'll be back.

Rebecca D.

Disappointing food and service both times :(

Moira Coward

First visit... Amazing food.. Fast, friendly service even though the place was packed. Will definitely go back again.

Dean Toma

The best food in the world.

Emma Farrell

Be patient, polite, and enjoy a beef dip.

Andrew Swanson

Great food and fun place to visit

Martin Katzenmeier

Was looking for some vegan breakfast while passing through and this place came up on happycow. Ordered the vegan hash and plant fingers and fries. Great comfort food and great vegan selection which was awesome of all places! Also the service was excellent and friendly, definately around by next time we pass through. Vegans go here now!!!!

Rick Rape

Very bad service good was ok. Got our order wrong. Didn't bring everything out the we ordered and the server was very rude. Had to get up and ask for coffee refill

Bruce Peet

Good home cooking friendly staff best breakfast in Campbell River.

Minh Thang _

Great old time dinner. Nice staff great food.

Manon Fontaine

Nice and friendly diner and they offer 1/2 bennies on their menu.

Ms Char

Great waitress Stephanie. Great down home folks! In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger....i'll be back!!

Nathaniel Douglas

Best eggs benny I have had in a very long time, super friendly staff. Highly recommended ????

Lisanne Arlt

This is by far the best breakfast place around done exactly the way you like. The waitresses are friendly quit to serve awesome service. And oh yeh the coffee not to bad either. Thank you so much to the cooks in back great cooking.

Bernie Mac

Looks sketchy on the outside, but they sell good food. Tasty sandwiches and great portions!

Alan Hill

Vegan skillet is deliciously awesome. Our server was extremely efficient, friendly and aware of vegan requirements. We didn't have any issues with their COVID-19 measures either.

Jessie Slezak

They now have an entirely separate plant-based menu!! So lovely to have so many options available to those with dietary restrictions❤️ I tried the Nourish Bowl (pictured) and yesterday had the Veggie Skillet, both were delicious! Service is always prompt and friendly too!

Ted Mirsky

diners are rad. this is a rad diner. but constant up-sell is a bummer. cheeseburger. “with bacon”? tomato sandwich. “with cheese”? we’ll get the bill. “how about some desert”. ???? still though, this is a rad diner.

Renato Anacleto

Incredible! Service was amazing! Friendly and caring to guarantee we were well taken care of! The food is amazing! Big plates, great in every way, what an amazing experience! Perfect family friendly place to be! We loved it! Will be back!

Selby Props

Anazing service very accommodating staff. I have twin one year olds and they made it possible for my wife and I to enjoy a meal out with them

KD Pirahna

Perfect cafe diner feel. Food was tastey. I love breakfast. Unlimited coffee refills are always nice. Friendly and social atmosphere. Reminds me of bons in Vancouver, with better food, more options.

Bill Humphreys

Best cafe around. Absolutely delicious food!

Erin Guthrie

Was so busy a short wait for table but 100% worth it. Staff was super friendly, fast and working hard. Food hit every taste bud just perfectly. Will definitely be back and bringing others with us to enjoy.

laurelle policarpio

Best veggie burger I’ve had in a long time!

bryan boxall (BBOX)

Great comfort food and great service. Nice diner!

Surbhi Agrawal

This place can sure do better.. Our server took the order however what we got was not up to the mark. The server was nice and polite however the communication between what is being ordered vs. what is being prepared in the kitchen was a big miss. Then too top it all up.. our bill was incorrect. This place needs help!

Jeff Keenliside

Great experience. Everything was as it should be from the service to the food to the ambience. If you're complaining about anything in here you probably shouldn't have come in the first place.

dave B

Had the vegan bacon cheeseburger... The bacon tastes right but the texture is all wrong. It's about 2mm thick and inflexible. It looks similar to bacon as well... The burger patty is a lentils and carrots concoction. It doesn't really taste like a burger. It doesn't taste bad but just doesn't taste like a hamburger. The beyond meat and impossible burgers taste very similar to a normal hamburger this one does not. My wife and daughter had the milkshake and really enjoyed it. It's expensive but you basically get two of them. They also had the the clamchowder which they also really enjoyed.

Rick Ivens

Great... A little pricey for a sandwich, but excellent food!

RON MCCABE

Great service delicious breakfast.

Custom Charger

Amazing food. Service was excellent and friendly but unfortunately I still have a headache from hitting my head on the beam. Lol. Other then that for a first experience was awesome. Thank you and will definitely return.

Cam Davidson

so, biggest greasiest burger ever!!! this is an older building but do not let that discourage you. the food will impress you more than the decor. they also have some original milk shake ideas if you are up to it.

Miracle' S

What a great place food atmosphere and service was great . Busy place but worth the wait

Stuart Taylor

Great place for a quick bite, friendly staff and great food

Mr.Coffee News

If you haven't been for a while give Ideal a try. Truly one of the best places for breakfast or lunch in town. Old fashion GOOD!!

Adam

Great food, service and atmosphere. I've been to numerous other restaurants in the last two weeks in Campbell River and Ideal was better in every category, from price, service, quality and atmosphere. I highly recommend going here. Oh and Stephanie Ibbott, Rebecca Dee, J DT and Haley M, the google reviews are about rating your experience at the restaurant not voicing your concerns about PHO.

James Holland

Classic food in a classic truck stop diner. Breakfast is top notch. Always service with a smile. Highly recommend

Eric Formo

great food and big portions. the beer was cold. the milkshake was amazing.

Dave Brown

The atmosphere is fantastic. The food was great and very fast. Large tasty portions. It's one of those truck stop gems you rarely see anymore.

J. H

The food is excellent, but the seating is a bit tight, the wait a bit long and the prices way too high for the basic item ingredients used.

Kristina X

Great place, I will come back again and again. Amazing food, nice atmosphere. 5 stars

Mike Pitre

It's an institution. If you haven't been here, what are you waiting for?

GayBoyTarryn

Great food, amazing and friendly service! Love the place!

Lucie Opálková

The best breakfast in BC.

Dawn Summer Langerak

This is a great "greasy spoon" classic diner. The food was excellent, serving up vegan and gluten free options as well as the classic fare. I had the crispy chicken sandwich and my partner had the vegan burger. Both were delicious and fresh. The music was bopping and the place was busy but very clean. The service was friendly and efficient. The coffee cup was never empty! I highly recommend!

Dean Brown

Had the Shaved Ham Benny - awesome!! Diner style with great staff. Will definitely be back for more!

Michael Cole

Awesome service and food. Love the atmosphere

Alexa Jane

Always serves such amazing food, warm and welcoming to all. The hollandaise sauce is the best in town. Truly love supporting this local business ❤️

Cesar Pontes

Delicious breakfast and great customer service

Za Chan

Staff are wonderful, friendly, and entertaining. Orders are taken and fulfilled with alacrity; the food is delicious and filling. Decor is absolutely fantastic retro café style. Couldn't possibly find a better café to have hearty breakfast with family at.

Scott Switzer

Great breakfast place! Good food and friendly service

Erika Hannah

Poor service, food uncooked. The Owner is a young women and she's very rude had all three of my kids their served me old bacon and was very rude about it and then came and said she wasn't be rude and started freaking out. And we all walked out on our meals.

Theresa C

The food was awesome. Everyone in our group was very happy with their selection.

Tyson Lambert

Great food, pretty much the local logger's cafe so nice people

Susan Marshall

Visited three times while we were camping nearby last month and this month. What a great restaurant! Nostalgic decor of the 40’s and 50’s, really helpful and pleasant waitresses, good food with lots of choice including vegan an gluten free. Old time charm. Will visit whenever we are in the area. It was a pleasure. Loved the chocolate milk shake made in one of those old machines.

Gerry Bishop

Went for a sandwich. Ordered turkey. $14 for the sandwich. $3 dollar tip. $17 for a turkey sandwich. Made on normal bread. A slice of tomato and lettuce and a small amount of turkey. As small a sandwich you'd send your kid to grade 2 with. Way over priced. First and last time customer

Griffin Windsor

Really good food and very fast service! Servers were really friendly.

Katie Swanson

Always great food and great service. The menu is amazing and it is always a challenge to decide which item to order.

Clint Monson

Great atmosphere and service. They did a custom order to satisfy a craving once and the chef did an excellent job.

s o

Amazing vegan options, friendly service. Can't wait to go back!

Andrew Lavrov

Awesome place to get a homemade breakfast. Classic diner, lots of young and interesting people here, food is delicious and portions are huge! Thank you!

Cody Chamberlin

Litterally everything you could want out of a diner on the highway median

Krista Hack

My lunch date was awesome, great food... Best beef dip ever we added mushrooms to it tho, the clubhouse was good too (shared half of each so we could both try each sandwich) and the customer service was awesome! Very much appreciate that they do not discriminate anyone no matter your race, health issues etc. Will definitely go back!!!!! Loved the old style bar stool counter which is where we sat.

THECpt PHOON

Awesome little cafe! Great food and equality equally great service. Definitely had that old-school Diner feel. They offer milk shakes and really delicious eggs Benedict. Would definitely go here again.

David Christopher.

Best breakfast in Campbell River. A local spot favored by locals, this 50s throwback cafe is wonderful. Great fast staff, very friendly. The food was perfect!! Well priced and authentic!!

Peter Boldt

Mediocre food but worst of all is their blatant disregard for Public Health Orders. Ensuring people are vaccinated and refusing those who are not, IS NOT a form of discrimination. They are egregiously evading health orders by abusing a loophole of “ordering at the counter.” Make no mistake, this is a restaurant and should be checking for vaccination status to ensure the safety of customers. 1/10 would avoid.

Morgan Davies

What a COOL place!!! Old school atmosphere, terrific food. Prices are a bit steep.

Niki Neufeld

Exactly what you expect from an old school truck stop diner

Dereck Frank

Good food, good service

Zac LaRocque-Walker

Ideal is easily one of the best places to eat in Campbell River. Charming and lovely staff, and delicious diner classics. The breakfast barge is usually my go to. A must visit in CR.

Barb Denz

This is THE BEST place for breakfast and lunch in Campbell River. Bar none.

Lindsy Creedon

Funky place, 1950's vibe. Great customer service. Wonderful food. Breakfasts are fantastic!

Quinn Macdonald

Yummy food. Funky and authentic retro theme.

Dave McBride

Great food. Great portion sizes. Nice server, she was sooo busy though. Only one person running all over at lunch rush. Would of been a nicer visit if the atmosphere was abit more relaxed.

Kayla Greenwood

Great Soup made Fresh Daily ! Mmmm Never Disappointed ! 5 Star Service everyday with a Smile ! thanks Girls

Natasha Harms

Always leave full, and my tastebuds happy! Fast, and Friendly environment every single time!!

K L

Amazing vegan options, friendly staff! Wonderful.

Paige Labrecuqe

Wonderful and fast service, our waitress was super speedy and accommodating to our big party

Adam Guy

Don't follow health codes. Silver fish and mice in the kitchen. Eat at your own risk.

Vanessa Hendel-Farias

I appreciate your support for all customers. I value this business.

Ashley Erickson

Went here for brunch and although the indoor dining was closed the car hopping service was great! The service was fantastic and the portions were huge. I ordered the vegan skillet and it was sooo delicious I would highly recommend!

T. Wisniewski

Since we moved to Vancouver from the US Midwest, it's been hard to find the kind of no-nonsense diner breakfast we'd always enjoyed. Our breakfast at the Ideal Cafe was perfect.

Jason McBeath

A tasty little greasy spoon that'll take you back to the good ol' days of friendly diners and pleasant waitresses.

Anita Todd

Ideal cafe has the best burgers around! You wont be disappointed

Michael Adams

Great food, friendly staff.

Ryan Thomson

I ate here last week after two years of boasting about how great the food was. I assumed I'd be let down after building it up for so long, but nope. The food is delicious and the service is great! Their menu is similar to everywhere else, but I think this might be my favourite restaurant!

Bailey Booth

Amazing all around. Amazing staff, amazing food, amazing atmosphere. I love this place so much I go every week!

Geordie Moski

Fantastic food, huge portions and incredible service! One warning, bring a pillow for the nap afterwards ???????? ????????

Alexander A

Outstanding people that stand for what’s right.

Melanie Imbeault

Love that place! Its a must everytime Im in town. Great people, great food in a vintage dine-in atmosphere.

Steve Novak

Fantastic, friendly service. Best breakfast in town. Busy and casual atmosphere.

Susan O'Shannessy

A favorite cafe for unbeatable breakfast menu and good old fashioned service and surroundings.

Rita Van Bergen

Great service and tasty meals at a good price. Love the old diner atmosphere. The Ideal Cafe is one of our city's gems.

Nick Leboe

Amazing service and food! Fun classic diner atmosphere.

Phillip McDougall

We came from Edmonton - our ideal breakfast is some classic home cooked food - and that's exactly what we got - it was ideal. I wasn't feeling ideal, but luckily I got the ideal hangover breakfast and now feeling ideal while sitting at ideal. Thanks Ideal!

Devin Blaney

Great little diner. Fresh and well made food, served quickly and pleasant service

Adriaan Vandermeer

Great greasy spoon, old-timey dinner vibes. I had the vegan hash and found it quite tasty

Amy Oldfield

Excellent food. Real handmade milkshakes, some made with alcohol for the adults!

Meesh

I love a place that does shredded hash. It's so much better! The only thing better than that is STUFFED hash, which they also do. This place is busy, and for good reason. Breakfast was delicious, the servers are swift and friendly, and the vibe is old-school diner cool. Try one of their milkshakes--I got mine spiked with Carolan's. Delicious.

Terry Ireland

Nice place. I ordered the poutine. It comes with shredded cheese mix, not cheese curds. The food was decent, service was decent, and the atmosphere was good. Parking is a bit rough if you park in the front (it's right on the highway); I have a big truck and I had to back partially out onto the highway to get out.

Maegan Thomas

Portions are large, food comes out quickly and hot! It's a classic diner and they understands their customer. They have something for everyone: the classics, gluten free options, vegan options, etc.

FwoGiZ

A place that cares about freedom and serves good food/cafe!

Ramkumar Ramachandran

Awesome food. One of the best breakfasts that I ever had. Smoked salmon Benny! Yum!!!!

Ed Baird

Not the best meal I've had there. Burnt food and no offer for a discount (but did get I'm sorry) coffee wasn't up to their regular standard. Hoping today was just a one off. I show up in the a.m. with coworkers but today was a afternoon meal. Normally a 4 star.

Lora Teuschler

This is a great place for a bite. Great food, great service and friendly staff.

Matthew Dorst

Delicious food, great staff, reasonable prices

Laurens Dhondt

Nice place, large variety of great food and a friendly staff. The excellent stop for a quick drink or bite!

Charlotte Schoch

A 1940's feel with the big breakfast, milkshakes, burgers and chilli. Add an unique atmosphere and you could almost arrive in your PJ's (please don't). The staff are friendly, efficient and always smiling. The smoked salmon eggs Benny is spot on.

Cynthia Chan

Food was decent and had cute diner style decor. The server didn't seem to get our orders right at all. I asked for an eggs Benny with hollandaise sauce on the side and eggs medium hard. When it came, there was hollandaise all over the eggs plus extra on the side and the yolks were super runny. To top it off, they charged me for the extra sauce even though they got my order wrong in the first place. My husband said light on the mayo and he still had to scrape mayo off his sandwich.

lakecowichan

Cult classic. Great food. Try a milkshake if you can handle it.

Devlin Fenton

Such a fun location. Lots to look at and talk about while waiting for what turned out to be a delicious breakfast. Staff were attentive and really ready to serve. Thanks guys and girls!

Farha Noor Rahman

Their food and service was good but we found a hair in our food; it ruined our mood tbh but the waiter was really good and professional they replaced my eggs benny promptly.

MysticWoods

Best Smoked Salmon Eggs Benny on Focacia bread, yum yum! The staff are super fun too, we always have a good laugh.

pure stock

Excellent food and service

Jessica Wind

Amazing local resteraunt thats been around forever. Servers feel like family and the food is always comforting and delicious

Darrick Gjertsen

Good food fast kitchen friendly staff

Elisha Townshend

Great local spot for a greasy breakfast, lots of character in the building and reasonably priced.

Teri Fillion

Ideal Cafe is a landmark in Campbell River. They have the best breakfasts in town, affordable prices, and are conscious about where they source their food. If you're looking for good food, come here!

Blair Orr

Just pulling up is like time travel. Like going to the dinner with my dad like...50 years ago. Great traditional diner fare, a warm welcome, busy place service, a counter to sit at, locals having coffee on the move or passing the time... Had a burger, fries 'n' gravy...just darn good. I'll do breakfast next time. I thoroughly recommend the Idea Cafe. Just don't park in front of the side door.????

Andrew Cumming

This place has everything I look for in a good diner: lunch counter, bottomless coffee refills, good, simple food at a good price and a friendly but no-nonsense atmosphere. Also they have shredded hash browns (the superior breakfast potato). Will definitely go again.

MoMo

Had the eggs benny. Frozen hash browns, broken hollandaise sauce. Glad I ordered the eggs soft as they were almost done too much.

h keddie

We had cod fish and chips. Just the best freshest fish done in a tasty batter. And the homemade tartar sauce was very nice too.The 2 pieces meal was enough for me and my wife had the one piece and it was enough for her. Just great. Eat here again for sure. Service great and no waiting tho it was lunchtime.

Leah K

Great little diner, food was awesome service was great, would highly recommend this place.

Shane Moss

Great casual breakfast diner with good service, friendly staff, and great food.

Cheryl Monson

The food is good and the staff are friendly and professional. I used to love the Ideal Cafe however they stopped serving the pan fried hash browns and so now I think the breakfasts are nothing special, like any other diner. Still good though. Bring back the pan fries!

KimiPerelka Love

Very Good! Staff are so friendly especially Kyla. She is our hostess and she really deserve a kudos. Food is excellent too! I highly recommend for you guys to try Ideal Cafe. Keep it up so next time when we comes back to Campbell River we will definitely visit cafe again.

Adventures from the Q

The best eggs Benny's I've ever had! No joke. Called the beast Benny's, bacon, avocado, poached eggs, fresh English muffin and real full fat Hollandaise sauce.

Justin Michael

Great food, cool atmosphere Pistachio milkshakes are delicious and very big. One milkshake can easily be split between two people. Food was great with generous portions and friendly wait staff. You get the impression the place is well managed.

Joel Chiri

The all of our food was excellent, but a little pricey.

Mike Hopslick

I never miss stopping by the Ideal Cafe when visiting my family. Fabulous food and people. My kinda place

Michael Stewart

We always come and we always love it. Great roadside diner with A+ milkshakes and homemade pie. Stop here!

Laurie Loewen

Excellent food! Perfect service! I had the Salmon Spinach Salad, and it was very fresh, and delish! A new favorite to stop on our next trip through this way!

Brittney Lutz

This restaurant is my favourite! I’m sure it’s a lot of people’s favourite as it usually full of happy customers! The Benedict’s and the Barge are absolutely delicious along with pretty much anything on the menu. The staff is fantastic! Super bubbly and kind especially caring for their regulars. Steph has always made a huge impression on myself and my family as she is so kind and funny. This is a must go if you are in Campbell river!!!

Sarah J

Cute retro restaurant with an authentic atmosphere. Very friendly staff with well made comfort food. Vegan and gluten-free options.

Graham Cove

Great food at a great price. My milkshake specialists assure me they are among the best ever.

Rob Long

This place is very local. Looks a little old on the outside and kinda inside too but don't let that turn you away. The food was great and the price is fair. The staff are friendly and service is pretty quick. You can tell pretty quick that this place is a local favorite, with the broad range of ages of people inside. Anywho I'd reccomend trying this place if your looking for local and homestyle cafe food.

grubgun

The atmosphere of this place matches it’s food: funky and elegant. The milkshakes are divine. The service is incomparable. Will go back for more yummy times.

T T

Food and service very good

Vaheed Janfada

Food was ok but not happy my eggs benedict went from $15 to $24 because I asked for an extra egg.... Not cool at all

GWoo

Always a favourite when visiting Campbell River. The people, the atmosphere and the food all worth it.

Steve Morgan

Authentic old school diner full of local loggers and other colorful characters. Huge breakfasts, cheerful service.

Peter Charnock

It's like cheers small place but good food and service. Don't forget to check out there milkshakes!!!!

Glenn Donald

The best that home cooking can offer. The decor takes me back to my younger days.

Geoff Stewart

Very tasty burger. Quality Patti. Great service.

Michael Major

I’ll be back.

Sasha

Great food! Old school but loved it

Lindsay Humber

Vintage truck stop diner. This is a must-do in Campbell River. The building is small but full of character. Breakfast and lunch only. Qualities meals for a decent price. Adult milkshakes are amazing! Floor is checker pattern!

Christine Paquette

Best breakfast place in campbell river

J L

Best breakfast in town. Excellent atmosphere and the staff are all friendly. They make delicious milkshakes too!

Teri Wells

One of our favorite breakfast and lunch places . Love the homestyle food and the service and food is outstanding.

Josh Anderson

Great place

Sharon Tanner

Great family restaurant. Food is delicious. Staff is wonderful

William Tilbury

Brilliant café, changed 'hands' a few times over the years, still good food and service.

Glenn Cockwill

It's a diner, not a Michelan restaurant... If you keep that thought in mind you'll love the Ideal! Serving sizes are very ample, all homemade and typical diner choices - their bennies are some of the best in the area. If you want to re-experience what it was like to go to a diner as a kid, tha is your destination. I gave it a five to help boost the rating as it's a solid 4 star. This cafe has been here longer than most of us - that speaks volumes.

Lori Pollock

Great food & GREAT people! This is my "go to" whenever I am in town.

Sage Loves You

For the price my eggs should have been cooked properly. Eggs Benny with hard eggs doesn't cut it and I did not complain or send it back because I wanted to enjoy my meal with my family.

Bev Shaw

Good food (easily enough to share) and great atmosphere

Teri & Brandon alfred

Love the ideal cafe!!! the food is amazingly delicious and staff are always very friendly and fast

Robert Scott Rix

Great food great staff and retro atmosphere.

K Orosz

Only pieced together after ordering food that the owners take the ideological stance that abiding by covid 19 regulations for the safety of the public is a 'threat to one's freedom". Nationalist scribbles openly flaunt this in thier window in front of Canadian flag. Gross and pretty messed up they feel they have the right to spread disease and endanger those vulnerable to c-19. Also not a fan of being called " lovely" by middle age dude; you wouldn't address a man this way so don't do that to me . It's not endearing, I do not know you. Will not ever eat here again and tell my friends to skip it as well.

Eveline Newman

Excellent...food superb... Owners are so friendly and delight fully helpful.. Loved it...

Kelly Merriman

I love this cafe! We go every time we are in Campbell River. The food is great. The service is fast and friendly. I love all the vintage furniture and decor.

Laura Collins

I had the beauty benedict and made it a beast (with bacon) it had spinach, avocado and tomato on it. The hollandaise sauce was extremely good. I am from Ontario and have eaten at a LOT of different breakfast places for eggs benedict and I have to say this is the BEST eggs benedict I have had yet. My aunt ordered their BOAT scrambler and we were both EXTREMELY happy with our meal. The service/employees were amazing. Very happy we stopped here. Thank you so much.

Douglas Kostering

Great ????

Heather Kerr

The ideal is an awesome spot! The staff is great and the food is delicious!

Ralf Korus

The best greasy spoon on the north island. Awesome breakfasts friendly staff. No one really knows how long this place has been around. The best guess is 1942.

Robert Kung

Like a perfectly preserved 1960's diner. Great eggs Benedict with perfect shredded hash browns, crispy outside and fluffy soft inside. Very good fish and chips, rock cod with more fish than batter.

Natalie Garrett

Great food and good service.

W155 FD

Good food and great service. Very much enjoyed my lunch today! Thank you for being acceptable to all!!

sherda58

Great food, milkshakes are wonderful. Staff are so nice and helpful!

Vern Skogan

I’ve been going to the Ideal since I was a kid and I’ve never had a bad experience. The service is awesome and the food is great. The best eggs Benny. It’s busy for a reason people. Lol.

Robyn Timothy

very friendly service & menu is GREAT

Acacia C.

Nice local diner/cafe, perfect for an eggs benny or a milkshake. Friendly service.

Paul Palumbo

Fantastic service

Katie Wilson

Amazing food and perfect if you're looking for a full belly of deliciousness! The milkshakes had paper straws and the takeout containers were plastic free. Vegan and veggie options were so inclusive and a big bonus! Try the vegan bratwurst!

victoria smith

Was the best breakfast ive ever had!!Amazingly delish

Guy Charney

There will be a many troll who will post negative feedback because of your stand against this government fear. I give praise to this stand against coercion, stand firm, stand tall, you will be richly blessed by your decision. May an abundance of foot traffic fill your business and may you prosper in many ways.

Wayne Pernu

Best eggs Benedict in town. Service is excellent as well.

Logan Milliken

Charming and fun. The food is reasonably priced, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is that off a sixties diner.

JEN KENNEDY

Food was amazing. Service was better. Great covid protocols in place. Nostalgia at its finest. A must visit every trip home.

Vojtěch Jakeš

Me and my girlfriend were here 2 times and everything is just amazing. If you are around Campbell River you have to try it.

James Kroening

Great friendly service. Quality food products. Will be returning on future visits to Campbell River. Keep up the good work.

V Sooke

No masks on staff.

Pamela Simpson

Hasn't changed ...great cafe

Hayley M

No care for the community. No understanding of the law whatsoever. No reason to eat here.

Ryan Brush

Great greasy spoon cafe in Campbell River. Breakfast was good old diner classics with large portions.

Grant Skinner

Excellent breakfast. Highly recommended. We were very well received and very well served. We'll definitely be back!

Ian Wind

Great food, atmosphere and service

Glenn Pritchard

Best place for anytime meals, Best eggs Benedict in the city too! Friendly staff.

Anne Chorneyko

A old, established diner with some of it's 1950's decor still in tact. The food is fifties style e.g.: assorted burgers w fresh made fries; a turkey plate w mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, vegetable side, etc. Every time we've eaten here , they have served us a substantial amount. The foods reminds of the sort of fare my grandmother would make - hot, tasty & plentiful. Desserts are devine with a ever changing selection. Coffee, tea, pop, liquor, beer & wine are served here. But ... You must try the handmade , thick, rich, smooth milkshakes. In a wide variety of flavors, including the old standards. For the adults only, you can have a liquor flavoured milkshakes. The decor, though it's a well worn mishmash of odds & ends from numerous decades, it is a clean, comfortable place to dine. Good meals for a good deal. Popular place with locals. Staff is really nice & friendly.

malachite007

Awesome homemade food served by fantastic people for a great price. The milkshakes are the best I've had! One of the last trucker stops on the island.

Don King

Pulled in on the way from Port Hardy to Nanaimo for late lunch. Burger and Onion Rings. OMG they were awesome. Staff really friendly even though I walked in just before closing. You can see they take pride in the place. Old style diner you don't find very often any more.

Graham Nielsen

Always good food there and reasonably priced. Mice staff. That's why they have been around for decades!

warren rudolph

Great food and excellent service

Colin Kilby

I had take out and the food was delicious and the service was fast

Steph Roberge

Great food and coffee and friendly staff! I had the islander wrap and it was really good! My husband had the large barge and our daughter had the mickey pancakes both were also delicious.

Dean Stewart

This is a great place to eat. Its a very old building and the restaurant has been there a very long time. Its decor is very old style with tables and chairs like I grew up with at a very young age. Plus it has bar style seating as well. The food is great. A lot of the local workers and businesses in the area dine here. If your looking for fancy and la-d-da this is not for you. If your open minded and don't mind the kind of place that takes you back in time to the good old days, then i'm guessing you'll like this place. We've eaten there more times than any other restaurant in Campbell River. Take the bridge over the river and stay in the left lane which will double back and as soon as your on the other road heading back its right there on the left. Enjoy.

Brent Schmidt

Love this place. Hope it never changes,and the food and service is top notch!

Tukbro dek

Great food and atmosphere! Having a dairy allergy eating at returants is always a challenge, but the waitresses made it easy to adapt my order and always remembered when I come it. Would definitely say it's one of the best breakfast places in Campbell River!

Veronica Bassett

Im so disappointed, we have been going to the ideal for years and have always had wondrrful food and service. However, the other morning i can say sadly it was the rudest treatment i think i have ever seen. 7 of us regulars went for breakfast, then as soon as the last person basically put their fork down, Stephanie was right there and said " i have a table of 10 coming in so if you wouldnt mind heading". She told the table of ten that had arrived, " go wait outside they are just leaving and i dont have room for you yet!" She brought over the debit machine gave it each of us, as soon as we punched in the last number she SNATCHED it back and said "take your card!" And so on. Ive worked in the service industry and we were NEVER to treat a paying customer this way. Maybe we wanted another coffee, we just paid for meal. The others we just arriving, as other places do, they POLITELY let them know the table will be ready very soon, the.customers are almost ready.to go. I figure there is not much sense in complaining to the.owners as this is their.daughter, so really?, what will happen?. I can ASSURE you ALL 7 of us were not impressed and will pass that along to others.

Akasha Inglis

Fun place to eat. Friendly staff, good simple food, and old school diner style. Also kid friendly!!

John Mac

Amazing hole in the wall restaurant. Great home cooking, open kitchen concept.

Jeff Levesque

Fantastic food, all day breakfast and the staff are very friendly.

Sydney Kravchenko

The food was amazing I highly recommend eating here!!! I will definitely be coming back here

rebecca dee

unfortunately, this restaurant does not follow established safety protocols for covid and it is not advisable to visit here anymore. there are TONS of great restaurants in campbell river who are doing their part to stop the spread of a dangerous virus and i will be supporting them instead of an establishment who is putting their staff and customers at risk as a result of their misguided beliefs. Unfortunately, this is what happens when restaurant owners try to pretend that they've got the same understanding of infectious diseases and health law & health policy as actual experts in these subjects :(

Brian Thulin

Super happy friendly staff. Loved the environment. Will be back again.

Susan Perzan

Great food great service. Love the atmosphere

Heather Stevenson

Delicious meal! Definitely going to eat there again. Service was fantastic

Terry Krook

I have never been disappointed with the Ideal Café. I am on Quadra so I don't get there often enough. I am 65 years old and it seems to me I was eating there in my teens. Good grub, pleasant staff.

Emily Davies

My partner and I love this place! Great food and service! We always get our meals really quickly and they always taste amazing!! Highpy recommend eating here

Nicole Theodore

Great food, great price and wonderful service!

Adam Rodrigues

Generous portions for a fair price, friendly service, and small local charm

Tony A. Vollenberg

Great parking, friendly, nice atmosphere, great food , reasonable prices , I will definitely go back.

Greg McFadyen

Friendly, casual, classic diner. Staff was efficient without being rushed. Nothing fancy, and they don't try. Why should they? It's all about the food. Big portions, homemade goodness made with bacon and sausage from a local butcher. The bacon alone is enough reason to go for breakfast.

Paul Lawry

Great place. Friendly, food is good and plenty of it. Always make it a point to eat here when in area.

Julie Swanson

Do you want to feel satisfied with a meal that gives your wallet a run? Here at Ideal Cafe your stomach will feel full and your wallet will still be full too! Your wallet will thank you and so will your stomach. The portions are so large, so you might need to take home half your meal home with you. You will want to return again and again, to try different meals. The all day breakfast and all day lunch is a great thing too.

Robyn Chatwin-Davies

This is a little gem in Campbell River - worth the stop! It had excellent vegan options, which was a nice surprise for a small town.

Geoff Clark

Phenomenal food, great service , friendly staff. Set up very well for social distancing

Bonnie Worm

Excellent burger and fries. A few GF and Vegan options. A fairly extensive menu. Friendly service.

Alan Dailly

Great spot for breakfast.

Julia

Old school diner vibes. Breakfast was tasty

Liam Schaefer

Love this place straight out awesome food ????

Christine Doknjas

Friendly service. Always clean and THE Best chocolate milkshakes, chicken burgers and fries in town!:D

Rae Hawkins

Tasty food, with great gluten free options. The staff and atmosphere add to a great dining experience. 10/10 would recommend!

Andrea Humphreys

A quaint little family run restaurant, the food was yummy! Very prompt service. It did get noisy at times to hear with the acoustics of the building.

Nicole Olson

Delicious food, ths staff was super friendly. The fries are to die for.

Nicole D

It's a greasy spoon, but it's a classic. If you go knowing what to expect, you'll be very happy.

kimberley hindle

Amazing food, amazing customer service, just amazing all around !! go here!!

Wes Colwell

Servers are great and nice to see some vegan options!!

Jerry and Laura Zimmerman

Food was excellent! Would definitely recommend and will definitely come back.

GOSSE VANDERPLOEG

Good food and friendly service.

Kali Campbell

Great food. Definitely a must try in Campbell River.

P S

Too bad about the changes. It was a great place to eat but portion size took a dive and menu has been slashed. I imagine it will be a tourist restaurant now. No reason for the locals to go... Sad :'(

Shawn Smith

Food and service was great! Was my 1st time there, ill go back for sure.

Luke

Fantastic vegan options! Really delicious food, friendly atmosphere. Very filling and satisfying. (Photo is of the vegan skillet)

Leslie Dubiellak

Old fashion cafe. Great food. Eggs bendy was awesome. Staff was the friendliest.

Tim Stallbörger

Cozy, local diner with many options for food! The staff was friendly and fast and the food was amazing!

Tanya Cegnar

Easter Sunday.. April 1st, 2018 5 of us walk in.. place is packed... greeted with a huge smile. Got seated in a very surprising timely manner. Amazing service, delicious food, and super clean. Thank you Ideal for working on a holiday so that I didn't have to... I will be back over and over and over ❤❤❤❤

kevin hazenberg

Amazing food and service!

Stephanie Ibbott

This restaurant has publicly announced that they will not be following Provincial Health Orders to reduce and stop the spread of Covid-19 when the vaccine passport is implemented September 13. Please visit the many other restaurants in Campbell River who are putting the communities health & safety forefront by following PHO. Do your part to halt the spread of Covid-19, by not visiting Ideal Cafe.

Jim Millington

Fun old school diner. Good food, great people.

Christina Mest

Love this restaurant.. the food is amazing.. its like home cooking that you didnt have to cook.. the staff are awesome.. always friendly..

christopher Pidgeon

Good menu, good prices and great service. Would definitely recommend

Marvin Bradshaw

Good food and good service at a great price

Betty-Anne Woodcock

The best place to eat in Campbell River

Ben Knapp

Great breakfast . Decent price . Ok service

Camille Lefebvre

Very good !

allen bullock

Great food and great service

Marc Puharich

This is the prefect breakfast place. Diner style and awesome. Fast happy service and good food. Dosnt look like much from the outside, but it is a hidden gem.

Rachel Esudasan

Visiting from Vancouver for work, lady on the phone very friendly an food was so good had to pick up another veggie omelette b4 leaving.

Lindsey Caswell

Eggs Benedict was wonderful. Also had a loggers breakfast that hit the spot. The milkshakes are to die for! Food and service is 5 star. Will definitely be going again soon!

K T

Great food, caring awesome staff! Our favourite place for breakfast. Support local businesses ❤️

Kevin Stumpy Campbell

Walked in the first time March 2nd. On. Camping trip with a buddy. Place is freaken amazing. Food is outstanding. Service is with smile and sass. Makes you feel at home. We be back. Hell it's worth the drive from Victoria.

Nathan Somers

Came to the island and this is a 10/10 breakfast or lunch joint.

katydid6835

Amazing service! Amazing food! Thank you Ideal Cafe!

Sean Kiley

Best fish& chips north east of the brick.

Paul Cimolini

Great food and excellent service!

Lori Horner

Service was awesome food was good. Atmosphere was awesome like it was 20 years ago when I work there.

Alida Capirchio

The food here is good for what you pay. Big hardy meals and great breakfast! Awesome front of house staff!

Mallory McEachren

We’ve been eating at the Ideal for years! Always awesome food and service. One of our few go to spots in town because the food is always consistently good! Our favorite brunch spot and a Campbell River gem!

Amanda p

Best food and service always a great stop for a meal!

William Plowman

This is an old fashioned diner complete with a U shaped lunch counter. Great atmosphere,Nostalgia and great food. We will be back

Kristopher Liesch

Great food, large portions and a classic diner look. A great place to eat to get the feel of Campbell River!

Anthony Phaneuf

Been going here for 10 years now and have never had a bad meal. Food and service is perfect everytime. Good atmosphere as well. Would highly recommend.

Taelor Alexander

My boyfriend and I stopped here for the vegan breakfast and we were not disappointed. The pancakes and skillet were incredible, their options to add vegan meat products were delicious, and everything was super quick.

dolphin danish

The easiest restaurant to miss that I've come across. But holy smokes. Generous portions, fantastic and scrumptious food with a surprising variety of vegan and vegetarian options, and stellar customer service as sweet as their delicious milkshakes.... cant recomend enough...... plus they use paper straws and paper takeout containers for those who are trying reduce their plastic impact.

B H

Great local spot, old school diner style. The hollandaise was amazing. Breakfast served late

dan gillespy

Refusing to enforce COVID-19 vaccine passport rule which means they are disobeying a BC provincial health mandate which puts the whole world at deadly risk and is total disrespectful to the people who have made big sacrifices during this horrible COVID-19 pandemic so I strongly recommend not eating at that restaurant or even ordering takeout from that restaurant because they don't care about the health and safety about the general population.

CL MacFarlane

The food is amazing, by far my go to breakfast place in town. BUT: Poor customer service! Servers don't care if a customer has been waiting aeons end for a table, its a free for all. When another customer comes in afterwards and snatches the table up before those who have been waiting. The response from staff "Oh that's too bad". The servers need to care a little more about loyal customers.

Kevin Gee

Food was great and friendly staff.

Dan

Best breakfast in town! Got a hash skillet and it was amazing. Service was super friendly and food came out quick. Will continue to support these guys moving forward, we need more businesses like ideal cafe in town.

Ashley Kephart

Comfortable and welcoming little local spot! Perfect place for a quick delicious breakfast at a great price!

Hugh D

Phenomenal place! Delicious meals and amazing Mimosa... a must try if you are in the area. They have options for everyone's.

Maddy Fletcher

This diner is a great classic greasy spoon. Fast and friendly service, good breakfast, and they were following all Covid and vaccine passport protocols. We’ll definitely be back the next time we are in the area!

Lisa S.

Classic diner offering delicious food with vegan options, and great service!

Darrell Adams

Great atmosphere and experience. The breakfast was delicious and up quickly after ordering. Will recommend and be back with friends and family when they come here to visit after this pandemic

Patrick Bell

Homemade food, super friendly staff and decent prices. Couldn't ask for more!