Wild Mountain: a hidden gem in Sooke

Tucked away in Sooke, showcasing carefully curated food and drink to be enjoyed with harbour views, lies a local treasure and destination restaurant, Wild Mountain.

In the six years that they have operated Wild Mountain, chef/farmer/forager Oliver Kienast and his partner sommelier/cook/gardener Brooke Fader has worked in partnership with farms spanning Sooke and the surrounding area to source local ingredients for the restaurant.

Wild Mountain aims to support and stimulate growth in local businesses on Vancouver Island that makes up farming, fishing, foraging, and fermenting communities to create a local food economy. Recently, Wild Mountain reached a major milestone having reinvested over $100,000 back into the local food and beverage community in 2021 alone.

Oliver and Brooke’s passion for serving up Slow Food using high-quality ingredients is evident in the thoughtful and ever-changing menu that is crafted to reflect the current season.

The goal of lifting up local businesses runs deep and extends beyond food and drink. One of the most prominent features of the restaurant, aside from the view of Sooke Harbour from the patio, is the wood-fired brick oven that warmly welcomes guests outside of the entrance. The oven was designed and built-in 2021 by a local stonemason and a local metalworker to fulfill Oliver’s lifelong interest in cooking with fire. Wood for the oven is harvested from local forests, and staff has perfected the wood-firing technique, adapting methods with the changing weather.

Offering a regular pizza menu since September 2021, Wild Mountain wood fires each pizza in the brick oven. The slow-fermented, organic sourdough crust means a lot of time and love goes into each pizza, and, although toppings rotate, the menu is created with at least one vegetarian option in mind every time. Wild Mountain also makes use of the brick oven for wood-firing many of the mains and appetizers, including root vegetable dishes, and meat features.

Staff’s knowledge and enthusiasm about the work they do, coupled with high-quality and beautifully plated meals, guarantee an exceptional dining experience. Whether you cozy up at a bar seat by the brick oven, enjoy the patio views in milder weather, grab a seat indoors or order food to go, Wild Mountain is a hidden gem in Sooke that should not be missed.

Wild MountainAddress: 1831 Maple Ave. South, Sooke Instagram: @wildmountaindinnersHours: Winter hours are Thursday to Sunday, 4:00 – 8:00 pm