Local, Organic and Hyper-Fresh — Coffee, Beer, Wine and Food

Award winning chefs, distinctive spaces, and curated BC wines and craft beers headline our diverse restaurants, among the best in BC. Nelson and the surrounding area have more restaurants per capita than foodie landmarks like San Francisco, Vancouver, and Manhattan, offering a wide variety of cuisine to satisfy any craving. Brunch to late night eats, snacks to multi-course feasts, there's plenty of awesome to find on a plate here.

From organic coffee roasted right here in the Kootenays to fusion plates and fine dining, you can find it in one of the more than 70 restaurants in the region.

Find Your Cuisine

Dining

Did you know Nelson and the communities around Kootenay Lake have more restaurants and cafes per capita here than in Toronto, Manhattan or San Francisco? Our region is fast becoming known for it epic dining experiences and culinary diversity. Many restaurants are accessible in Kaslo, Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort, Balfour, Nelson and Crawford Bay. Try something new every day - breakfast to late night snacks: Indian, Mexican, Italian, Greek, Thai, Chinese, Japanese and fusion designed menus are available, as well as vegetarian, vegan, seafood, and gastropubs. November is Burger Month - a must taste experience.

Beer, Wine, Cider & Spirits

Craft beer, wine, cider and spirits are readily available from the top vintners, brewers, restaurants and shops in the area, including organic beers from a brewery based right in Nelson.

Cafes

Coffee and tea has its very own culture here. You’ll find a broad range of cafés and bakery options in all the larger communities. Our region is also known for having more cafes per capita than anywhere else in British Columbia. 

Bakeries

​The Nelson Kootenay Lake region boasts a vibrant bakery scene, offering a delightful array of artisanal baked goods. In Nelson, La Ruelle Bakery specializes in organic sourdough breads and treats, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. The Kootenay Bakery Cafe, a worker-owned co-op, prides itself on crafting organic baked goods from scratch, supporting local farmers and producers. L&C French Bakery brings a touch of France to the area with its charming cafe atmosphere and authentic pastries. Epiphany Cakes has been delighting customers since 2006 with cakes made from scratch using organic ingredients. For those near the Balfour Ferry Terminal, Old World Bakery provides a variety of baked goods and grab-and-go items. Red’s Bread & Bakery in Crawford Bay, on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake, is a local favourite known for its homestyle sourdough, fresh pastries and hearty breakfast and lunch offerings. Each of these establishments contributes to the region's rich tapestry of flavours.

Where to stay & What to do

Visit our Reservation System that provides you hotel rates and seasonal specials with a direct booking link to the accommodator. An additional feature is a list of attractions to make it easy for you to book direct. 

Click and Book

Finding Awesome Food & Culture Video Series

Looking for inspiration? Watch our food and culture video series. Your mouth will be watering in seconds! Come eat and sip your way through our region.