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Golden is a small mountain town in southeastern British Columbia.
For being such a small town, the dining options are extensive. The size of the town has no bearing on the quality of the restaurants, and we hope you’ll be spending at least a few days here to experience more than one.
Many people travelling through Golden assume that all we have to offer is what you see on the highway. There is a whole other downtown section hidden away behind the main traffic areas.
This is where you want to head for a nice sit down meal, or a hot cup of coffee at a local cafe.
Whitewater rafting really works up an appetite, so our team is very familiar with the 10 restaurants we recommend.
Everywhere in Golden is casual, so you can go as fancy or casual as you’d like.
We broke our picks for the 10 Best Restaurants in Golden, BC into categories. Whether you’re looking for the best burger, the best beer, or are vegan or gluten free, check out the options below.
The best Indian food in the area! Photo: Yelp
If you like Indian food, you’re going to love it here. It’s so delicious and the menu is huge so there are options for everyone. We had an Indian family raft with us and they said it was the best Indian food they’ve had outside of India. It’s authentic Indian cuisine!
The other good news – it’s right next door! If you’re looking for a lunch or dinner spot after a day on the river, you can’t get any more convenient than Indian Kitchen. The restaurant has a large dining room so this is a great choice if you’re travelling with a group. If you don’t feel like eating in there’s also the option for take out.
Every summer for our year end staff dinner we decide as a team where to go. Indian Kitchen has been the choice the last two seasons and we think it might be three years running.
We have a menu to look at and 10% off coupons at our front desk.
Eleven 22 has a very welcoming, cozy and intimate atmosphere. Photo: Eleven22
An old heritage home that was converted into a restaurant, the atmosphere in Eleven 22 is lovely. The food is delicious and everyone is always very friendly. You can eat inside, or outside in their little garden.
This is a great restaurant to celebrate special occasions and big milestones – the low lighting and decor make it feel romantic and intimate.
The menu is elegant and offers a large selection of imported wines and liqueurs. Their dishes are created using fresh ingredients, and they offer a 3 course special between 5 – 6 p.m.
It’s one of the smallest restaurant in town, so we recommend making a reservation. We can call for you after your rafting trip if you’d like. We have a menu to look at and 10% off coupons at our front desk.
They definitely have the right idea! Grab a pizza and enjoy it by the Kicking Horse River. Photo: Yelp
If it’s pizza you’re after, Red Tomato Pies should be your go to. There’s no dining in (take away only), but get it delivered or pick it up in town and have a picnic.
There are benches lining the Kicking Horse River if you’d like to have dinner with the river flowing by, or drive up Mount 7. It’ll be one of the best views you’ve ever had while eating pizza.
*Note – their phone system is a bit weird. There will be a long silence and you’ll think something is wrong with the number, but be patient and someone will pick up.
For the best burgers in town, the Wolf’s Den offers a big selection and cozy atmosphere. Photo: Tourism Golden
Burgers, burgers, burgers. Their menu has over 30 of them! They definitely win when it comes to selection – have you ever tried mac ‘n cheese on your burger? It’s a comfy atmosphere in a rustic, log building and there’s live music every Friday night. It’s a fun time.
Wait times can sometimes be a bit long, so plan on relaxing and having a drink and a chat.
The Island has an extensive gluten free menu and the food is delicious! Photo: The Island
A big log building located right downtown, the Island is comfortable and welcoming. They make lots of homemade items (breads, pastas, sauces, desserts etc.) and always have a selection of different wild game options.
If anyone in your group has gluten sensitivities, they have an extensive GF menu. They have a complete separate gluten free menu, so mention it when you arrive. Their rooftop patio overlooks the Kicking Horse River and it’s a beautiful spot to enjoy a meal. We have a menu to look at and 10% off coupons at our front desk.
The food at the Bistro is amazing and there are always several good vegan options. Photo: Whitetooth Bistro
The food at The Bistro is always really tasty. They have an extensive wine list, and a gorgeous rooftop patio that overlooks the Kicking Horse River. We find they have the best options for vegans, but also a wide selection of meaty entrees and burgers.
The Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and they change their menus seasonally. The atmosphere is casual with an elegant feel. The restaurant is small and the tables are close together making a cozy atmosphere. If you’re going with a large groups you should call ahead to make a reservation.
We have a menu to look at and 10% off coupons at our front desk.
Quick and tasty food, and a great environment to connect to the wifi if you need to get some work done. Photo: Yelp
For lunch or an afternoon snack, Jita’s is a cute place to spend some time. Everything is homemade, from scratch, and there’s always a selection of homemade treats. The menu has wraps, sandwiches, curries, soup and more, and the food comes really quickly.
If you’re hungry but on a time crunch, this is where we’d recommend. If you need to get some work done while you’re in Golden, it’s also a good spot for that. There’s lots of comfortable seating and you can connect to their free wifi.
Golden’s brand new microbrewery, the Whitetooth, has a GREAT selection of beers. Photo: Whitetooth Brewery
While this isn’t a restaurant, it’s absolutely worth a stop. Golden’s very own micro brewery, the Whitetooth has a beautiful outdoor patio, and indoor seating too.
They serve a large selection of craft beers and tasting flights, and there’s often a new specialty beer or two to try. They don’t serve food as of now, but you can order in pizza from Red Tomato Pies (our pick for the best pizza in town).
The beer is REALLY REALLY good and the atmosphere is great. It’s the perfect place to stop after a day of whitewater rafting, mountain biking or hiking on the trails.
Golden is fortunate to have two amazing sushi restaurants! Photo: TripAdvisor
Golden is fortunate to have two amazing sushi restaurants. We can’t pick a favourite so we recommend both. Both offer authentic sushi and a variety of rice bowls and appetizers. Both have cute, dine in seating areas, or grab and go options if you’re in a hurry.
If you’re looking for lunch, Nagomi Sushi is only open from 12 – 5, and the owners are lovely. Golden Sushi is open all day so it’s an option for both lunch or dinner. The food is delicious, the owners are wonderful and it’s a quick, healthy option.
The Turning Point has an extensive kid’s menu! Photo: Turning Point
Turning Point is a family operated restaurant that’s located downtown Golden. The have a huge menu with tons of options, and an equally big kid’s menu.
They have your standard options of a burger and fries, chicken fingers or a pepperoni pizza. They also have lots of options from the regular menu, in a kids sized portion. Your kids can choose from a 1/2 rack of ribs, chicken souvlaki, a chicken teriyaki rice bowl or fish and chips. These are just a few of the options – they have many more!
There’s lots of comfortable seating and it has a family friendly feel.
If you’re looking to pick up something quick or familiar, we have a bunch of fast food restaurants up on the strip (on Highway #1 before heading down into town).
No surprises here, you already know what you’ll be getting. Grab a coffee and donut at Tim Horton’s, a sandwich at Subway, or a burger at McDonald’s or A&W.
And there you go. If you’re coming to Golden, BC we have dining options to suit all preferences. We hope you’re staying for a few days so you can try more than one, but regardless of where you end up you’ll be happy with your choice.
If you’re looking for an activity to enjoy while you’re here, check out white water rafting on the Kicking Horse River.
There are full day options, half day options, gentle family floats and heli rafting.
Rafting the beautiful Kicking Horse River in Golden, BC
If you have any questions please get in touch. Give us a call or email info@alpinerafting.com
– Alpine Team
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