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Chef’s counter restaurant that offers a seasonal tasting menu Friday & Saturday evenings. Pastries by Little Table Bakery will be closed Sunday, September 7th & Sunday, September 14th, for a short break. We will resume our regularly-scheduled Sunday pastry services on Sunday, September 21st at 9am.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 232 A St C1, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Phone: (360) 302-7545
Website: http://www.waldensji.com/
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WALDEN
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Walden | visitsanjuans.com – San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
WALDEN. Walden. www.waldensji.com. View Website · Call 360-275-2023 · [email protected]. 232 A St C1, 232 A St C1 Friday Harbor, WA 98250.
General 2 — WALDEN
Our entire story began with a croissant. Well, technically, my entire story as a chef began with an elephant ear (palmier) and a window table at a bakery just …
Reviews
Joshua M
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 disappointed.
… moreFor 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 disappointed.
J Hw
A true hidden gem. This is an elegant boutique restaurant with excellent food and great service. Sunday morning pastries are fabulous too. Get there at 9 am. They sell out quickly.
… moreYomi Olufowoshe
Celebrated our wedding anniversary at Walden and walked away reminded of why experiences matter more than things.
The staff weren’t just kind, they were intentional. Every detail felt tailored to us, which turned a special night into something unforgettable. The wine pairings were thoughtful, the dessert was a perfect finish, and the vibe struck that rare balance of cozy and elevated.
Tiny bites, big vibes. Sometimes less really is more.
Grateful to the team at Walden for creating a night Natalie and I will always remember!
… moreThe staff weren’t just kind, they were intentional. Every detail felt tailored to us, which turned a special night into something unforgettable. The wine pairings were thoughtful, the dessert was a perfect finish, and the vibe struck that rare balance of cozy and elevated.
Tiny bites, big vibes. Sometimes less really is more.
Grateful to the team at Walden for creating a night Natalie and I will always remember!
Zach Schwarzmiller
This was truly a unique treat – Gabriella the chef and owner with her amazing craft of delicious, local, seasonal foods and Nathaniel with an excellent taste for unique wines paired perfectly. It was like attending a delicious edible art show. I would recommend this experience to anyone and will definitely be back!
… morePatrick Bridges
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 can truly be.
… moreI 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 can truly be.
Colleen Peterson
Walden is such a special experience. I brought my parents and husband here to celebrate a birthday. The food was exquisite. Each plate was elegant with amazing flavors. What makes it over the top lovely is the genuinely friendly service and beautiful boutique environment. We will definitely come here again. (Plus chef surprise treats were provided throughout the experience.) It was unforgettable. Thank you!
… moreScott Meis
Don’t walk, run. Now. Chef Gabriella has curated a talented team and absolute gem of a luxe dining experience that was much needed on San Juan Island. All details are thought through with a refined touch from the Chef. The counter experience is excellent and the tasting menu is one that will have you booking your next visit before your last bite. While the San Juans are chalk full of excellent dining experiences, this one left a standout memory. Don’t skip the wine pairing – well thought through and explained with each course, paired perfectly with each dish to deliver the knockout combo every time. Five stars across the board and can’t wait to return soon.
… moreLeah
This was such a special experience! Every single course was so flavorful and it was hard to pick my favorite!! I’ve never had lamb that I liked, but it was so amazing here! The wine pairing was stellar. Will be back next time we visit the island since the menu changes
… moreBrad Peacock
One of the most wonderful meals we’ve had. Went to Walden for our 27th anniversary…this restaurant is a gem! The staff seem like a family (and some of them are!); the menu is thoughtfully put together and since we sat at the counter, made right in front of us. The bread – oh the bread! Good luck trying not to fill up on Gabriella’s creation. The sommelier has a great selection of wines, and even an after-dinner whiskey to enjoy with dessert. If you come to Friday Harbor and you don’t go to Walden, you are really missing one of the most memorable experiences!
… moreCasey Mastroyannis
What a special place! Had the privilege of enjoying the Chef’s supper club over a year ago and have been waiting for the opportunity to enjoy her creations again. She combines great local flavors with exciting gastronomic methods that keep each dish feeling special. Deeply enjoyed the crab dish timed to Valentine’s Day. The environment is intimate but open and fresh feeling with bar seating as a front row to the action! Can’t wait for my next island visit and another special dinner. (Still drooling for the potato marrow creation )
… more