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 quarter of a century 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, Thai food, Chinese, places that serve Doukhobor delicacies such as borscht and pyrahi pastry tarts, and a Mexican restaurant.
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 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 the best dinner restaurants in Castlegar.
The 17 Best Dinner Restaurants In Castlegar
The Grateful Table (Formerly: The Wandering Greek Oven)
400 Columbia Ave, Castlegar
The Grateful Table
The Grand Buddha Bistro
1810 8th Ave, Castlegar
The Grand Buddha Bistro Facebook
Grant’s Fine Dining (pictured above)
A blend of French cuisine elegance with the easy charm of Kootenay living tucked into the heart of downtown Castlegar.
186 Columbia Ave, Castlegar
Grant’s Fine Dining 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
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
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
Tah Nam Thai Cuisine
Combining fresh ingredients and authentic recipes, Tah Nam Thai appeals to adventurous palates and those who appreciate global cuisine.
1125 4th St, Castlegar
tahnamthai.net
Mr Mikes Steakhouse
No stuffed shirt attitude here. Whether it’s a special celebration or a casual dinner, Mr Mikes delivers everything from premium steaks to fresh, flavourful dishes.
651 18 St, Castlegar
mrmikes.ca/locations/castlegar-bc
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
Zicatela Mexican Grill (Formerly Tacos el Gringos)
A family-owned Mexican restaurant serving everything from tacos and ceviche to margaritas.
1249 3rd Street, Castlegar
Zicatela Facebook
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
The Backeddy Pub (Formerly 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
MapleMirch
A fusion restaurant offering a selection of unique dishes that blend eastern flavours with western cusine.
4370 B Minto Rd, Castlegar
maplemirch.com
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