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 Grateful Table for 22 years.
Take the Grateful Table for example. The downtown restaurant, formerly called the Wandering Greek Oven, 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 Mexican restaurant called Tacos El Gringo.
Above: A few of the offerings at Tacos el Gringos.
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, tacos and pop, 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 15 Best Dinner Restaurants In Castlegar
The Grateful Table (The Wandering Greek Oven)
400 Columbia Ave, Castlegar
The Grateful Table
The Grand Buddha Bistro
1810 8th Ave, Castlegar
The Grand Buddha Bistro Facebook
The Bombi Restaurant
100 – 1983 Columbia Ave, Castlegar
The Bombi Restaurant Facebook
The Nineteenth at the Castlegar Golf Club
Social Bar. Restaurant. Fresh and inspired food served in a rustic mountain setting with an excellent patio view.
1602 Aaron Rd, Castlegar
thenineteenth.ca
Little Bear Golf Course & Restaurant
Located in sunny Ootishchenia, the Little Bear is a par three golf course with one of the fanciest restaurants in the city.
872 Waterloo Rd, Castlegar
littlebeargolfcourse.ca
Lion’s Head Smoke and Brew Pub
Established in 1986 and purchased by Troy Pyett and Carly Hadfield in 2009, the Lion’s Head is famous for its homey atmosphere and extensive craft beer menu.
2629 Broadwater Rd, Robson
lionsheadpub.ca
Tacos el Gringos
A family-owned Mexican restaurant serving everything from tacos and ceviche to margaritas.
1249 3rd Street, Castlegar
Tacos el Gringos Facebook
Red Fin Sushi & K-Food
A dine-in and take-out restaurant specializing in Japanese sushi and bento boxes to party trays of Korean food.
1983 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar
Red Fin Sushi & K-Food Facebook
J&V Restaurant
A family-owned Chinese cuisine restaurant with a huge menu.
2816 Columbia Ave, Castlegar
jandvrestaurant.com
Jacky’s Chinese Restaurant
Order from the extensive menu or enjoy the buffet at this local Chinese restaurant.
932 Columbia Ave, Castlegar
Cuisine of India
Enjoy the authentic taste of India in the heart of Kootenays at this family-run restaurant.
908 Columbia Ave, Castlegar
cuisineofindia.com
Chopsticks
Chopsticks is a family-run restaurant that offers an affordable and delicious alternative to pizza and hamburgers.
789 Columbia Ave, Castlegar
chopstickscastlegar.com
Cartwright’s Pub
Good food. Fun atmosphere. Great for parties. Friendly bartenders. A late-night menu. And great value
1432 Columbia Ave, Castlegar
Cartwright’s Pub Facebook
Boston Pizza
Greek immigrant Gus Agioritis opened the first Boston Pizza in Edmonton, Alberta in 1964. Today there are 380 restaurants in Canada, which serve 40 million people annually.
114-1983 Columbia Ave, Castlegar
bostonpizza.com
Black Rooster Bar & Grill
Whether it’s a game of pool, family dining or just relaxing in the lounge – the Black Rooster has what you’re looking for. They also play Canucks PPV and UFC PPV on the five big screen HD TV’s.
651 18 St, Castlegar
blackroosterbarandgrill.com