Nelson BC is home to an array of restored heritage buildings (giving its “Queen City” nickname), a vibrant arts community, and surrounded by all the outdoor opportunities that any nature lover will squeam in joy.
And without a doubt, you’ll be looking for some grub before and after your adventures in this city.
So we’ve conveniently compiled the 12 best Nelson restaurants you’ve got to dine at and what to order below!
1. The Black Cauldron
An aesthetically pleasing place plus food that takes like magic! That’s one sentence to describe the Black Cauldron. If you’re in Nelson, this restaurant is a must-have experience for sure! From the atmosphere and the picturesque interior down to the food, everything is superb.
For their food, you won’t be disappointed! Starting off with their award-winning burger, The Shadow Queen. Unlike typical burgers, they offer a burger with black buns! Its taste? Savory & phenomenal!
Their charcuterie board also has a spot in people’s hearts. They serve the best quality of cheese and meat that is very well thought of and goes well altogether. Some of the most creative and fancy cocktails can be found here in the Black Cauldron. People’s favourite is the Midsummer Cocktail, it has a unique flavour and an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Lastly, give their blue cheese stuffed olives a try, it never fails to make our tastebuds extremely joyful!
What to order: The Shadow Queen, Charcuterie Board, Midsummer Cocktail, and Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives
Address: 620 Herridge Ln, Nelson, BC
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2. Wait’s on Nelson
With menus great for the whole family, it’s a restaurant that makes every single family member happy and full! The atmosphere of the place gives off simplicity in what feels like home. It’s an ambiance that brings you back to the 50s!
They’re known for the amazing breakfast they serve, so if you’re here early what you should never miss out on is their gluten-free, tasty pancakes. Their Heavy Wait’s is the meal to go if you have a big day of adventure ahead, it serves 2 eggs, 3 pancakes, 3 sausages, and bacon!
Another one on your list to try out is their Roast Beef Sandwich, its delectable taste plus the addition of dijon mustard is pure satisfaction! Also, try out their gluten-free toast with cinnamon raisins.
Lastly, some of their milkshakes definitely bring the boys/girls to the yard!
What to order: Pancakes, Heavy Wait’s, Roast Beef Sandwich, Toast with Cinnamon Raisins, and Milkshake
Address: 323 Nelson Ave, Nelson, BC,
3. Thor’s Pizzeria
Known as Nelson’s staple restaurant for over 17 years, their food and service continue to bring joy to many! The moment you enter, you’ll be anticipated to try out their pizza because of the warm pleasing aroma. The interior displays a simple yet classic-looking pizza parlor presenting images of pizza all over the walls.
They serve well-seasoned, chewy, and bouncy pizzas with loads of toppings. Their Aphrodite Pizza, Triple Crown Style Pizza, and Ares’ Fuel Pizza are the top 3 pizzas that you should get without hesitation! Their flavours are fit for almost everyone, it’s flavourful, consistent in taste, and just pure deliciousness!
They also serve Calzones that we highly recommend, it’s simply jampacked with goodness! It has the perfect cheese fillings, and phenomenal seasonings, and is not so greasy.
What to order: Aphrodite Pizza, Triple Crown Style Pizza, Ares’ Fuel Pizza, and Calzones
Address: 303 Victoria St, Nelson, BC
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4. Cantina Del Centro
Focused on the essence of Latin American cuisine, they showcase only the most scrumptious in-season tacos, tortas, and cocktails. With a very lively atmosphere, it is no doubt why the place is always filled with happy and satisfied faces. The cool detailed hanging lights and the eccentric paintings displayed everywhere say a lot about the fun vibe of the place. If you want a chill area to sit and dine, they also have a patio where you can settle down under the warm sun!
Their Barbacoa Tacos is exemplary with their delicious Rojo salsa, and plus another 5 points to its rating because the lamb is always nicely braised and goes well with all the ingredients. You should also try out their Camaron Tacos, a dip in their Mango Habanero Salsa definitely tastes like a trip to Mexico!
For the most exciting part, try out their drinks! Their Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita will leave you in awe, we assure you that. If you want a drink with extra flavor, their Ginger Cardamon Margarita does the job real good. You can really taste the infusion of ginger, Cardamon, and lime that mix well together. To add some sweetness to your palate, get some of their Churros, another crowd-pleaser. Its house-made caramel flavor is what makes it the yummiest!
What to order: Barbacoa Tacos, Camaron Tacos, Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita, Ginger Cardamon Margarita, and Churros
Address: 565 Baker Street, Nelson, BC
5. The General Store Restaurant
A local family favourite, it’s famous for its fantastic breakfast menu! Truly a menu to start the morning right! Your stay at Hume Hotel & Spa is one you won’t ever forget. Why? Because you’re assured of a delectable breakfast, a comfy place to eat, plus the easing aroma of freshly brewed coffee!
For breakfast, make your day extra brighter with their Eggs Benedict, which is served every Saturday morning. It’s cooked to perfection with a soft and yummy consistency, a dish that will prompt you to come back for sure! Get a taste of their Eggs, Hashbrowns & Toast meal that comes with either ham, bacon, or sausage. A classic meal that energizes you for the entire day!
Their Prime Rib Dinner only offers sophistication and excellence for every dish served. The Farmhouse burger is what we recommend if you want some Candian Back Bacon burger, it tastes out of this world & it’s a dish you’ll recommend to your friends every time you come back! Another burger you should try is their 100 Mile Burger, it is an organic sesame brioche bun that tastes organic yet terrific.
We can’t forget about lunch! For lunch, their Montreal Reuben is your ultimate food of choice if you’re looking for something heavy yet quick to eat. It’s as appetizing as it looks with its crispy crusts and loaded fillings.
End your meal with some delicious Lemon Meringue for a bursting tangy lemon taste that’s worth every bite!
What to order: Eggs Benedict, Eggs, Hashbrowns & Toast, Farmhouse Burger, 100 Mile Burger, Montreal Ruben & Lemon Meringue
Address: 422 Vernon St, Nelson, BC
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6. Sage Tapas & Wine Bar
Sage Tapas & Wine Bar is a gem you need to get your hands on soon! Everything about this spot screams warmth and comfort. With a patio overlooking the beautiful Kootenay Lake, you are bound to spend every minute relaxed in its serenity.
This romantic spot is best paired with munching on their Pork Wellington, a lean pork tenderloin wrapped in prosciutto topped with some Dijon mustard. Its herbed potato Pave and buttered broccolini are what make the meal completely scrumptious.
Their steak also pleases so many people because of its infusion of red wine sauce that has a prominent and distinctive taste. Its stellar presentation also adds to its appetizing look and mouth-watering aroma.
Their fresh Gnocchi tossed with Grana Padano parmesan and baby kale is just heavenly and with some wine, you’re pretty much solved for the night! Also, take note that their happy hour starts at 4 and ends at 5:30 pm, get 2$ off on their wine, beers, and highballs. Wednesdays also have their own special thing called Wine Wednesdays because you get discounts on wine for 2$ off.
What to order: Pork Wellington, Steak, Gnocchi, & Wine
Address: 705 Vernon St, Nelson, BC
7. Main Street Diner
Serving families for over 35 years, the Main Street Diner takes the cake for their authentic Greek specialties, steaks, burgers, and more! The atmosphere is family-friendly providing a big screen TV for viewing sports shows. It radiates a welcoming atmosphere, especially on the patio where the views are spectacular. You can view the high mountains above the restaurant which is sure to make your experience extraordinary.
Their food also tops the beautiful view from outside, their calamari with cheeseburger sure hits the spot for an appetizing meal. If you’re with your friends or family, you should also try out the Schools of Fish and Chips, it’s a family pack that includes 8-12 fish and chips with some good old coleslaw on the side. If you want something different yet not totally exotic, their Caesar Salad is made spicy for a change! It is definitely worth trying out.
If you’re not fond of spicy food, they also offer Caesar Salad Martine, which is a caesar salad tossed with lots of bay shrimp! Their Greek Salad is another winning dish, it never disappoints. It’s one of their famous dish teeming with the varying flavors of tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, lettuce, onions, feta, and Kalamata olives.
What to order: Calamari with Cheeseburger, Schools of Fish and Chips, Caesar Salad, Caesar Salad Martine, Greek Salad,
Address: 616 Baker St, Nelson, BC
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8. Busaba Thai Cafe
If you have cravings for authentic Thai food, then look no further because Busaba Thai Cafe, who takes pride in the authenticity of its Thai dishes. With a very spacious area & its warm lights beaming, they offer a comfy & laidback ambiance. It’s an ideal place to go if you’re celebrating a special event like an anniversary or a birthday dinner.
Their Yellow Curry is incredible! Plus it’s perfectly partnered with sides that complement the meal. It is flavorful with the most tender meat and has just the right amount of tangy flavor. You should also get their Pad Thai. They serve with HUGE portions that will truly satisfy your Thai cravings.
To cap off the rest of your dining experience with an A+, grab their famous bubble tea in flavours Busaba Taro, Red Monkey, and Thai Monkey. With just the right amount of sweetness, it will be your go-to bubble tea!
What to order: Yellow Curry, Pad Thai, Busaba Taro, Red Monkey, Thai Monkey
Address: 198 Baker St, Nelson, BC
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9. Broken Hill
Broken Hill is the most ideal place to go if you’re looking for a good time with beer and barbecues. The vibe of the place falls under an antique modern funk theme. Its loud music blasting will certainly make you forget your worries. Broken Hill is a pub serving above-par food, what else could you ask for?
For your food of choice, you should definitely go for the Brisket, it is served with southern greens and smoked mashed potatoes. It melts in your mouth and is undeniably delicious! Another dish you should not forget is their brisket called ‘A Hot Mess’ flavoured with that barbeque sauces have their own distinctive taste. We recommend the Smokey Bacon Cheddar Burger, its serving is a size that will definitely fill your stomach. It’s one of the yummiest burgers in town.
To complete your night, the only way to go is to give yourself a sip of some fine whiskey.
What to order: Brisket, A Hot Mess, Smokey Bacon Cheese Burger
Address: 479 Baker St, Nelson, BC,
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10. Pitchfork Eatery
Pitchfork Eatery is where you taste the freshest meals all around town. Sustainable food practices are what they’re all about so best believe that their dishes are not only good for your body but are also good for the environment. Sourcing out organic products from their own Pitchfork garden and other farms, they aim to provide the best quality ingredients.
When you first come in, you’ll notice their quaint theme interior that has a warm ambiance to it. The place is decorated with wood used as shelves and bricks for the resto’s overall foundation. They have a patio decorated attractively with flowers all over and small hanging lights that add to the comfy and warm vibe of the place.
Try out their Buttermilk Fried Calamari, the addition of smoked candied salmon and sauce is what makes it a top-tier appetizer. Their Eggs Benny is also worth the mention, especially when partnered with wild mushrooms. First taste and you get a savory flavour topped with a lemony relish, definitely a unique and mouth-watering combo. Their Braised Duck Leg Salad is another one for the books. It’s teeming with exceptional and rich flavors but isn’t too overpowering.
End your meal with their fun and creative cocktails such as the Old Growth Forest Cocktail, Kootenay Fog Cocktail, and the Ginger Mary-Anne Cocktail.
What to order: Butter Fried Calamari, Eggs Benny, Braised Duck Leg Salad, Growth Forest Cocktail, Kootenay Fog Cocktail, the Ginger Mary-Anne Cocktail.
Address: 518 Hall St, Nelson, BC V1L 1Z2,
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11. Outer Clove Restaurant
The Outer Clove Restaurant is a combination of local and European cuisine with a special mix of garlic in every dish. Its aura is good for the whole family with its eye-catching flowers on the patio and its simple homey interior. The place is hanged with different works of art that are simple but elegant.
When it comes to the food, expect a mix of garlic in everything you order. From the creamy Gnocchi all the way to french fries. They are mostly focused on Hungarian food which is definitely a taste of something different. Try out their Poutine La Brasso, a 40 clove fries sauteed with the tastiest bacon, pork, onions, and more.
The Chicken Quasar Burger is also top-notch as the garlic and cheese blend well together, surprisingly making the best combination. If you prefer a healthy option, their Orbit Veggie Burger is divine. Despite its healthier theme, it has balanced flavors of vegetables and Chipotle Aioli. Don’t forget their Paprikas as they’re a crowd favorite too. You can choose whether you want chicken or mushrooms, the best part about it is that it’s not overly seasoned but its savory taste still has a kick. It’s a dish you’ll want to eat again and again.
Have you ever heard of garlic cookies? Well, Outer Clove Restaurants serves only the best ones. Unexpectedly the mix of garlic in the chocolate chip isn’t too overpowering and catches just the right amount of sweetness and pungency.
What to order: Poutine La Brasso, Chicken Quasar Burger, Orbit Veggie Burger, Paprikas, Garlic Chocolate Chip Cookie
Address: 536 Stanley St, Nelson, BC
12. Marzano
Known for its homage to quality and authenticity, Marzano serves the most authentic taste of Naples, Italy on a plate. With cooks trained by highly significant & legendary pizzaiolas, they ensure every bite of pizza is a trip to heavenly goodness. Its ambiance gives off a modern yet classy aura, especially with the multiple windows everywhere you look. The place is filled with bright lighting that captures the appetizing beauty of each dish served.
If you live in Nelson & you aren’t here, you are missing out on a lot! Come by and try out their creative & tasteful artisan pizzas. If you’re into hot & spicy pizzas, you’re going to love their Spicy Salami Pizza. The spicy flavor hits quickly with so many jalapeños topped on. The Funghi Pizza tastes incredible especially with its incorporation of chili oil, adding some spice of uniqueness to its flavour.
We also recommend the Chicken Al Forno Pizza if you love the taste of roast chicken on pizza. The Yam Gnocchi in Marzana also hits the spot for many people as its seasoned with the finest herb butter, spiced pumpkin seeds, and Ricotta Salata.
What to order: Spicy Salami Pizza, Funghi Pizza, Chicken Al Forno Pizza, Yam Gnocchi
Address: 153 Baker Street, Nelson, BC
And that’s it for Nelson! If you’re making your way back to Vancouver, and stopping by other areas in Kelowna, consider trying these the best restaurants in Peachland or in Penticton!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.