14 of The Best Dinner Restaurants in Castlegar

Back in the day, when people wanted to dine out in Castlegar, their first thoughts might have turned towards such fast-food options as McDonald’s and Tim Hortons. And while those two do exist in the city, there are other establishments that have been making a name for themselves, many of which are family-owned and an integral part of the city’s entertainment and dining scene.

Above: George Salivaras (seen here) and his family have owned the Wandering Greek Oven restaurant for 22 years.

Take the Wandering Greek Oven for example. The downtown restaurant has been in the Salivaras family for 22 years and owner George says “95 percent of our menu items are made from scratch using recipes that have been in my family for generations.” And Greek food is just one kind of international cuisine on offer in Castlegar. There’s also a family-run Indian restaurant, a few Chinese restaurants, places that serve traditional Doukhobor delicacies such as borscht and pyrahi pastry tarts, and a Vietnamese restaurant called Waf Pho. Vien Seneyavong is the sister of chef and co-owner Chant Seneyavong and she says it takes six family members to keep up with demand at their one-year-old restaurant.

Above: Although only a year old, the Waf Pho restaurant has become famous for its elaborate plate presentations…and its three-piece fish and chips meal.

If you prefer more traditional fare, there are many restaurants in the city that source locally and prepare delicious interpretations of all your favourites. For example, the chicken cordon bleu is one of the most popular dishes at the Little Bear Golf Course and Restaurant, according to chef Kassie Morrison, because rather than going with the typical ham and cheese for the stuffing, she uses brie and bacon. On the other side of town, at the Lion’s Head Smoke and Brew Pub, co-owner Troy Pyett says their most popular dish is the beef brisket dip, partly because of the special way it’s prepared in house, and partly because of the delicious garlic aioli that’s included with it.

Above: The Lion’s Head Smoke & Brew Pub, where everyone knows your name, or at least you feel like they do because it’s so comfortable.

The Lion’s Head is indicative of why restaurants are so great in Castlegar: familiarity and comfort. “We’re kind of like a neighbourhood bar, but for everyone, no matter where you’re from,” Troy says. “It doesn’t matter where you live or what you do, everybody feels at home at the Lion’s Head.”

Whether you prefer burgers and beer, pho and fresh juice, or calamari and cuvée, you’ll find the city has something for every appetite. Below are 14 of the best dinner restaurants in Castlegar.

The 14 Best Dinner Restaurants In Castlegar