Ursa Minor - San Juan Islands

My husband and I enjoyed our second dinner at this beautiful little restaurant. Despite the rainy, chilly night on the lovely Lopez Island, we were cozy at a corner table, listening to the rain against the windows. We savored seasonal spiced squash, a thoughtfully prepared local salad, and an incredible chicken dish. I wish I knew more about French cuisine, but the chicken was pounded, seasoned, and then rolled back into its crispy skin. It was magnificent. Thank you, Ursa Minor, for creating such a wonderful memory!

I’ve visited Ursa Minor twice (in 2022 and 2023), and both experiences were exceptional, featuring entirely different menus each time. The restaurant may have a small selection, but it certainly delivers bold flavors, and you can trust the chef to excel with every dish offered. The service was outstanding; I still remember how wonderful Molly was as a host, even two months later. Her hospitality was truly remarkable, showcasing her unique personality. I'm eager to return, and I believe that if Michelin were to evaluate this place, it would certainly earn a star.

Portion sizes for each dish were reasonable for two people. The broccoli was average—something I could easily whip up at home in just a few minutes, so I’d rate it a C-. However, aside from that, the rest of our four entrees ranged from good to very good, scoring between B and B+. I must mention that the panna cotta was exceptional and definitely earned an A+—it was truly OMG amazing! On the other hand, my old fashioned cocktail was quite disappointing, and my companion's drink also fell short of expectations. For $10, the drink was way too small and not worth a second visit. I’d give that a grade of F, or perhaps even a suggestion to come back for a redo. A quick note: we witnessed many guests being turned away because they weren't aware that reservations are mandatory on weekends and must be made well in advance. Overall, it was a nice evening, but not one that left me astounded. The total bill came to about $160, which included a mandatory 20% gratuity added to the bill.

Service: Dine-in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $30–50 Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5

Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $50–100 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5