Cape Breton Island Restaurants

This is the first time in a restaurant where I have called the chef over to tell him how good my dinner was. I ordered the panfried haddock which was absolutely FABULOUS. The fresh baked buns were out of this world. 14 nights away from home; 14 dinners out; this was my favorite by far. Everyone was friendly, the prices were reasonable and I felt great after my meal.

Favorite Dish: Panfried haddock - lightly coated and fried but not greasy. I was disappointed when I came to the last bite.

Gas is more expensive in Canada. There are not a lot of restaurants in Cape Breton - but if you drive the Cabot Trail all the towns have something to offer, however modest. Beware, the sidewalks roll up early everywhere. If you take the Caileigh trail, there's the Manatoo and Admiral Tavern in Port Hood, The Red Shoe in Mabou (local music too!) and the Hof in Inverness. After that Margaree and Cheticamp. Just try to get dinner before 7PM. The Cabot Trail is one of the most beautiful rides I've ever taken. The Gulf of St Laurence side is all steep mountains plunging to the sea, the Atlantic side is like 1950's Maine - beautiful and sparcely populated. Bras d'Ore lakes is magnificent. I've never been to Sydney or Glace Bay - old Mining communities and more populace. I plan on visiting Louisburg this summer. Port Hood has Chestico days 1st week of August. We rent a place every year and bring a propane cooker and a big pot. We buy seafood from the local Caleigh (fish co-op) and cook it our selves. Hope you make it up there - a long ride from NJ but worth it.

Favorite Dish: Admiral Tavern - the wings. What's with Wings in Cape Breton? Every local taven has a wings night. Some of the community centers have them too. ??? Anyway, they're buffalo wings - deep fried and plied with mild sauce. This is Canada - black pepper is spicy to them!!

After 7, all you can get is bags of snacks and beer. Outside tables available in season. Say hi to Katrina the bar maid/proprietress.

The owners are my step daughter's grandparents, Dawn and Ronny MacDonald. They are very nice and they will help you with anything they can.
In the summer they also have some roadside activities like a mini golf course and a small ice cream shack. Tell them Bob and Debbie "Who" from Rockland sent you. Their granddaughter Chrissy says to ask to try their poutines, a local favorite, made with french fries cheese and gravy.

Favorite Dish: Poutines.

This place has been around for over thirty years and is still offering pretty good food. You can get a lobster or a steak here if you're in the mood or for lunch they have some nice wraps.

prices are a little high for a small town with the wraps at about $13.00 and steaks $26.00 but this is a touristy area!

This popular restaurant has been around for at least 25 years. I remember it was always the special spot to go for a birthday . I still love it . The service is always friendly and the seafood is fresh and good.

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For those of you whose Maritime experience would be incomplete without a lobster supper, here is a great place that overlooks the Bras d'Or Lakes, where you can dine in the very casual atmosphere in which lobster was meant to be enjoyed.

You start out with all the fresh seafood chowder you would like. At the same time you are served a huge bucket of steamed mussels. Then it's lobster time. There are alternate choices such as salmon, planked salmon and ham. You can watch the planked salmon being cooked outside by the cook house if you'd like. Dessert selections include pies, crumbles and strawberry shortcake.

Lunch is served between 11:30 and 1:30. The lunch menu is different than the dinner menu described above and includes soups, chowders, salad platters and the like. Prices range from $5.00 to $10.00.
Dinner is served between 4:00pm and 9:00pm.

The staff is friendly and attentive.

Favorite Dish: The sweet and tender lobster meat from our icy cold waters of the Atlantic.

It is located right on the main steet in Baddeck overlooking the wharf. The Bell Buoy has been around for many years and is a favorite with locals and tourists. The service can be slow ...but the food is usually pretty good.

Favorite Dish: The seafood....you can't go wrong.

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Why would I be suggesting a Tim Horton's as a place to stop and eat? If you've been in one, you've been in them all, so you know yourself whether you like their fare or not. Well, it's because the view from this Tim Horton's is probably the most beautiful in all of Canada. In fact, I challenge anyone to find a Tim Horton's with a better view. Check out the second picture for the view.

Favorite Dish: A double double, of course.