Walden — Restaurant in Friday Harbor

My wife and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary at Walden last night, and we were absolutely blown away. We've experienced our fair share of tasting menus around the world—from Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe to culinary hotspots in New York—and Walden not only held its own, it genuinely surprised us. Every course was thoughtful, balanced, and beautifully presented. The sablefish, in particular, was on another level—easily the best we’ve ever had.

The wine pairings were exceptional and perfectly complemented each dish. The sommelier was knowledgeable, approachable, and clearly passionate about their craft, making each pour feel purposeful and elevating the entire experience without ever overwhelming it.

The ambiance was equally impressive. The lighting, décor, and pace of service were all perfectly tuned, and the background music added a wonderful atmosphere—elegant and relaxed without ever being distracting. Honestly, we didn’t expect this level of culinary excellence from a quiet corner of San Juan Island, but Walden delivered something truly world-class.

The service was seamless—warm, attentive, and personal without being intrusive. The team knew it was our anniversary and went out of their way to make us feel celebrated. San Juan Island has long been a family tradition for us—we visit every summer from Point Roberts and Vancouver—but this dinner turned a familiar getaway into a truly unforgettable memory.

If you’re on the island and looking for more than just a meal—for a full sensory experience—don’t miss Walden. We’ll...

I write a lot of reviews, enough to know when something truly stands apart. Walden does, in every way that matters.

I came for the tasting menu with wine pairings, and what followed was not just a meal, but a quiet unfolding of wonder. Each course felt like a story, told through balance, texture, and depth. From the first amuse bouche to the final dessert, there was not a single note out of place. I have eaten at many celebrated restaurants, but some of the dishes here, they will stay with me.

The wine pairings were equally thoughtful, chosen not just to match the food, but to walk alongside it. Each glass seemed to breathe with the plate it accompanied, elevating the moment without ever taking over.

But what truly moved me went beyond the food. The team at Walden already knew I was celebrating two deeply personal milestones, surviving cancer and retiring from the military. Their response was something I will never forget: they quietly chose to comp the entire experience. It was generous, yes, but more than that, it was human. It was heart.

Walden is more than a restaurant. It is a place where food becomes memory, where intention meets kindness, and where excellence never overshadows warmth. If you find yourself near Friday Island, go. Make the trip. Let them show you what hospitality...

My wife and I had dinner here for our first wedding anniversary and it was truly exceptional in every way.

For context, my wife is a food snob while I have the pallate refinement of a garbage can. Both of us found the entire evening to be absolutely incredible, 100% worth the money, and will certainly be coming back to celebrate with Walden in the future.

All of the staff knew our names, why we were there, and went to great lengths to help us feel celebrated, including flowers, personalized notes, and a customized vegetarian menu for myself.

The ambiance was elegant and inviting. Gabriella and her team struck the perfect balance of professionalism and warmth. She was incredibly knowledgeable but also conversational in the most natural, unforced way, making us feel welcome while still giving us our privacy throughout the evening.

We also particularly enjoyed getting to see her teach her team and seeing them work together. We highly recommend sitting at the chef’s counter if you get the chance, you won’t be...