Frequently Asked Questions

Merenda has a special place in the Italian food tradition, so each region has its own ingredients and ways to make it. The word "Merenda" originates from Latin's "merere," meaning "to earn or merit": workers earned a snack time after a long day's work!

Typically homemade, it can be a combination of savoury or sweet recipes. It's prepared with accessible ingredients like cured meats, cheeses, eggs, vegetables, bread or focaccia and accompanied by refreshing drinks or wine.

We offer a menu that can feature different ingredients and cooking in an authentic Italian style. We recommend allowing a minimum of one hour and half to dine. The menu currently is à la carte, with the possibility of share a testing menu for the whole table.

Please contact the restaurant directly through phone or email (info@lacostarestaurant.org) with any dietary requests and/or allergy restriction before reserving. Please leave us a detailed voicemail if we are unable to pick up the phone.

With adequate notice we are happy to create an alternative menu based on allergy or dietary restrictions.

Please note that an Italian Restaurant can offer a limited selection of vegan food. We can accommodate gluten free options. Please contact the restaurant directly to discuss dietary restrictions before making a booking. We require a minimum of 24 hours notice for any requests and can accommodate a set amount of special menus per evening, based on how many requests we receive. We are unable to accommodate more than one dietary request per booking.

Please note that we do not have high chairs or booster seats for infants. We do not offer a children's menu.

Our wine list is built around wines from Italy and our local British Columbia vineyards.

No corkage is offered at this time.

Walk ins are welcome, although we suggest to reserve in advance booking a table online.

Kindly be aware that our space has a limited amount of seats and the seating availability is subject to weather conditions. If you have a preference for patio or indoor seating, let us know when making your reservation. While we genuinely aim to meet your request, feasibility is not guaranteed.

We offer à la carte menu or family-style tasting menu for the entire table to enjoy a convivial 'famiglia' dining experience. The kitchen will prepare sharing plates for the whole table and beverages are separate.

The family-style menu has a fixed price per person, applying to the entire table. Children between 3 and 6 years old will pay 50% of the price. Children aged 2 and under won't be included in the bill.

Please note that for groups larger than 6, only a family-style tasting menu is available.

Book your table: click here

Bookings can be cancelled or changed up to 24 hours prior to your confirmed booking time through text message or email.

Please call us at 250-618-6195 if you are late for your reservation.

Parking is available in Oyster bay Marina parking lot and on the upper street before Ladysmith Gallery.

• Open:
  

  Thursday to Monday

  Merenda/Lunch from 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm

  Dinner from 5.00 pm - 9.00 pm

• Closed: Tuesday - Wednesday
• Season 2026: From May 14 until October 11.

• Address: 611 Oyster Bay Drive, Oyster Bay Marina, Ladysmith, on Stz'uminus Territory, BC, Canada
• Phone: 250-618-6195
• Booking a table: click here
• Info email: info@lacostarestaurant.org

Gift Certificates are available for purchase and are valid throughout the season. They may be redeemed toward food and beverages only and cannot be exchanged for cash.

For private events with 8 or more guests, please call 250-618-6195 or email info@lacostarestaurant.org

We allow pets in one area on the patio. They can be with you if you are sitting in that area. Kindly ensure they're leashed and keep them off the chairs.

We also suggest reserving a table due to the limited space on the patio area.

You can moor at the dinghy dock. For any information regarding larger boats or vessels, please contact Oyster Bay marina, at 778 787 1801 or info@oysterbaymarina.ca