Off the Hook – Mill Bay
Location: Mill Bay Shopping Centre, Mill Bay, BC
[Image coming soon – interior and featured dishes]
Located in the Mill Bay Shopping Centre, taking over the old Mill Bay Pizza location, Off the Hook feels like a completely different space the moment you walk in.
First Impressions
We arrived just after 5:30, and right away the difference was noticeable. Bright, clean, and inviting — a big upgrade from what used to be there.
There’s a sign asking guests to “please wait to be seated,” and we stood for about five minutes before being greeted. Not a deal breaker, but definitely worth noting.
Service
Once acknowledged, a male server greeted us and got us seated. Even though the sign said to wait, he allowed us to choose our own table — a nice touch. We picked a table for four by the window overlooking the patio.
Shortly after, Megan took over as our server, and from that point on everything ran smoothly.
- Drinks arrived quickly
- Order was taken right away
- Water glasses never sat empty
Megan was attentive without hovering — exactly what you want. She also handled a small detail well when Anna swapped fries for a green salad, making sure we knew about the small upgrade fee ahead of time. No surprises.
The Food
Fish (No Chips) with Green Salad
A simple order, handled exactly as requested. No issues, no pushback — just done right.
Boardwalk BBQ Ribs (Full Rack)
Now this is where things stood out.
I know ribs. I cook ribs. I’m picky about ribs — and these delivered.
- Fall-off-the-bone tender (legit)
- Excellent caramelization
- BBQ sauce well balanced — not too sweet, not overpowering
The plate came with fries, coleslaw, and refried beans — and all of it held up. Nothing felt like an afterthought.
Dessert
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Done properly.
- Moist
- Nicely glazed
- Classic maraschino cherry in the centre of the pineapple
A clean, satisfying finish to the meal.
Atmosphere
Casual and comfortable, but one thing really stood out — the music.
70’s soft rock, and honestly it felt like they were playing straight from my own playlist. It added more to the experience than you might expect.
The Honest Take
This place surprised me.
You walk in expecting a typical casual seafood spot, but Off the Hook delivers more than that.
- Service was well handled (especially once Megan took over)
- Food was properly executed
- Atmosphere felt intentional
Most importantly, it didn’t feel like they were just going through the motions.
Final Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5 / 5)
- Great service
- Excellent ribs
- Comfortable, well-run spot
Would I Go Back?
Yes — absolutely. I’d choose this over the local “bistro” without hesitation.
From My Kitchen to Yours
If you enjoyed this review and want to bring similar flavours home, I’ve got you covered.
👉 Check out one of my favourite recipes here: [Your Recipe Link Goes Here]
I break things down step-by-step so you can get restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen — without the guesswork.
And if you're building your kitchen or upgrading your tools, take a look at my recommended gear — it’s the same equipment I use every day.