7 Places for great Winter Eats

It’s time to find the heartiest, homemade meal on Cape Breton Island this winter.  Our Island offers many options to chase away the chill.  From organically grown coffee to the best seafood chowder or riches lamb stew; from the tip of the island to the base of a mountain; from wings to tasting menus, Cape Breton offers something to warm everyone up this winter.  Dinner is ready…it’s time to eat!

1. Kiju’s Restaurant

Inspired by the Mi’Kmaq name for mother, Kiju’s is located in Membertou. As the name suggests, Kiju’s menu and atmosphere are centered around the nourishment that only a mother can provide.  With amazing seafood, warm hospitality and live music all year long, Kiju’s is an absolutely great way to warm up to winter on Cape Breton Island.

2. The Doryman Pub and Grill

With an undisputed reputation for live local music, including Saturday afternoon fiddle sessions, music lovers will not be disappointed when they leave The Doryman. Supporting local talent has been an important role for the pub for over forty years, which in turn is supported by the community – both the local Cape Breton community and the much larger music community.  But most importantly of all, they are the only place in Chéticamp that serves seafood chowder ALL WINTER!

3. The Dancing Goat

The Dancing Goat is a culinary gem tucked in the hills of the Margaree Valley. The bustling roadside café is a favourite stop along the Cabot Trail for locals and visitors alike.  A great option ALL YEAR LONG, and especially in winter.  With delicious sweet treats, fresh breads, artisanal sandwiches and soups, and lattes that would rival any top coffee house, The Dancing Goat is calling…it’s time to answer!

4. Founders Restaurant, The Lakes Golf Club

Sitting at the foot of the Ben Eoin Ski Hill, anchoring the front and back nine of The Lakes Golf Course, Founders Restaurant offers a dining experience unlike any other on the island.  Named after the founding members who built the course and made the dream a reality, Founders cuisine offers a championship selection of fresh seafood and local ingredients.  How about a trip down the slopes that over-looks the Bras D’or Lakes, and ends with live music in the dining room of a golf course? What a way to warm up to Cape Breton in the winter!

5. La Goélette à Pépé Café

A tribute to the golden era of shipbuilding on Isle Madame, La Goélette à Pépé is a heavenly find for lovers of great coffee and all things homemade with love. They also carry quality local crafts, pottery, soaps, stained glass, books and music. Besides great coffee, they provide a look into the past…chat with the staff and listen to their Acadian dialect.  What better way to warm up to winter, than with a cup of organically grown, fair traded coffee in cozy indoor seating.

6. The Dancing Moose Café

The Dancing Moose Café is a full-service restaurant, open 8.00 am-2.00 pm 6 days per week (closed Tuesdays) on the Cabot Trail. They serve breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, homemade baked goods and homemade bread. As good as all items are, their specialty is Dutch Pannekoek, and it’s something everyone should try!

They close November and December and re-open for the weekend (Fri Sat Sun) starting January adding days in April and May

7. The Arduaine, Keltic Lodge

The Arduaine has created an exciting array of Cape Breton flavours that showcase the best of Atlantic Canada’s proteins, fish and seasonal produce. It’s the perfect place to warm up after hitting the slopes at Cape Smokey or snowshoeing Franey Mountain!