Top Restaurants in Terrace
Top Things to do in Terrace
- 1. Kleanza Creek Provincial Park
- 2. Lakelse Lake Provincial Park
- 3. Heritage Park Museum
- 4. Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse
- 5. George Little House
- 6. Skeena Valley Farmers Market
- 7. Hai Lake Mount Herman Provincial Park
- 8. Sleeping Beauty Mountain Provincial Park
- 9. Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site
- 10. Kitsumkalum Provincial Park
Terrace Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Terrace
Discover the best restaurant in Terrace, Canada including Don Diego's, Bavarian Inn Steak & Seafood Grill, Bear Country Inn, Bert's Delicatessen, MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual Terrace, Sonbadas Steak House, Thornhill Pub, Tim Hortons, Hot House, Haryana's
Things to do in Terrace
1. Don Diego's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
I had been curious about Don Diego’s for quite some time. After seeing and hearing nothing but raving reviews from colleagues who’ve said this place was the “best” in Terrace to Reading reviews on websites such as this stating that the food was “outstanding” and even “The best dinner in Canada,” how could I not be intrigued? Well, I finally had the opportunity to visit Don Diego’s. Do I think it’s the best in Terrace? No. It certainly deserves to be in the top 10 – absolutely – but that’s about it. Before I elaborate on my food experience, a couple of other minor observations:
There are some things I quite like about Don Diego’s. First, I like the atmosphere. The restaurant space is small, so Reservations are recommended. Personally, I like these “intimate” spaces because they don’t feel as cold and empty like most modern restaurants with their various shades of brown and exposed pipes on the ceiling. This place can and does get lively. The walls are also adorned with some very nice local art which, I believe, is for sale. The various images depicting the aurora Borealis are sure winners. Besides the atmosphere, I also appreciate the fact that Don Diego’s features an ever-changing menu. Doing this is a smart business maneuver as it keeps customers coming back to see what’s new.
During my visit, I ordered the prawn salad with mandarin orange, apple and feta. My aunt ordered the chicken pad thai. The first thing I noticed about my salad was the fresh ingredients. All of the greens were vibrant and fresh; the apple slices were crisp; and the feta and almonds added some nice texture and contrast to the greens and prawns. The prawns, by the way, were cooked to perfection and – what’s even better – were in abundance on the salad. My only criticisms? The kitchen went a bit heavy-handed with the balsamic blueberry sauce; or, at least, didn’t mix it in adequately. Also, given the fact that Don Diego’s prides itself on making everything from scratch, I was kind of disappointed to see canned mandarins used in the salad. My aunt’s chicken pad thai was nice – ironically far better than any of the Asian eateries in town, but it too was a bit heavy-handed in regards to the use of fresh parsley. From time to time, all we could taste was parsley, so that was unfortunate in that it took away from what was otherwise a decent dish. Would I come back? Maybe. The food is above average and the flaws I point out here are easily corrected.
FOOD: 3.5/5
SERVICE: 3/5
VALUE: 3.5/5
RECOMMENDATION: Overall, I think Don Diego’s is a solid 3.5 out of 5, but TripAdvisor doesn’t allow for half star ratings, so we’ll go for 4. While I certainly don’t think this place is #1 in Terrace, it isn’t a bad place, either; in fact, I’ll readily concede that it is one of the better places to eat in Terrace. Mild recommendation.
2. Bavarian Inn Steak & Seafood Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Dax1982
My husband and I came here with a well intentioned gift certificate we received as a wedding gift. We'd never have come to this dated and dirty establishment otherwise. This restaurant was once considered one of the best in Terrace...I guess 30 years ago which is where it appears to still be. The furniture and fixtures are old, dirty and falling apart (the old carpet is slowly peeling free). We had a table next to the front windows with drooping plants including one giant plant that has yellow stained a table cloth. The glass on my table had a visible lip stain and it just felt unkempt despite trying to be an upscale place. We moved to another table where I found a dirty butter knife and again the linens felt unclean. When our warm bread came the cloth napkin had visible crumbs (we hoped from it being prepped) but then found a splotch of dried sauce on the weathered old cloth. We brought it to the waitresses attention who apologized but didn't offer a new basket or anything (she was pleasant and tried her best but the dining experience was painful). The appetizer was alright but nothing I'd rave about or ever really eat again. The steak was not prepared well, the lobster tail over done, the vegetables bland and the potato dry. The clientele seems to consist of older folks who are loyal to this lame food and clearly those who have given this restaurant praises haven't been out much. The prices reflect a time when maybe the food could be considered fine dining, but those days are long gone...the only plus was the meal was free!
3. Bear Country Inn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
Ah, Bear Country! I’ve already written about my history with the hotel, so here I will focus on the attached restaurant. Like the hotel, we do have some history here. When in Terrace, the family and I would always stay at the Bear Country Inn and its predecessor, the Slumber Lodge. We chose it for a number of reasons: the price; cleanliness of rooms; centrality to the mall and other shops; the friendly and efficient staff; and, of course, the quality of the restaurant. We’ve dined at the restaurant countless times over the years – the menu is straightforward and offers unpretentious favourites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I’d say we’ve come here mostly for the breakfast; and I only just recently visited for lunch.
Breakfast here has always been really good and I’d have to agree with most reviewers who say this is the “go to” place for breakfast in Terrace. Even when it’s busy the staff is still courteous and efficient. Best of all, the breakfast options are what I’d call classic fare: steak & eggs; ham and eggs; eggs benedict; the two, two, two (grandmother’s usual order); the grizzlies breakfast (grandfather’s usual); fruit plates; round breakfast cakes; and, my personal favourite: the Belgium waffle. The presentation of the food is simple while the taste is like something you’d have at home.
A fun breakfast story: This was quite a while ago – I think I was only around 10 or so years old. Anyway, the Bear Country Inn used to be called the Grand Trunk. Their old menu referred to a side order of bacon (4 strips) as a “rasher of bacon.” I ordered that, but I’m not sure what the server heard because, when she brought the plate, it was literally a mountain of bacon – TWENTY FOUR STRIPS. We were all pretty taken aback! Thankfully, the server owned up to the error and we didn’t have to pay for what was probably a whole pig’s worth of bacon.
Besides good food and great staff, this place goes above and beyond on special occasions to make you feel great! It’s been something of a tradition of ours, when in Terrace on Mother’s Day Weekend, to come here for breakfast. The staff give all of the mothers (or, at least, the women. . .they might not necessarily be mothers!) carnations to take home. It’s a nice touch, demonstrating that Bear Country Inn understands the importance of good customer service.
So, breakfast is good – really good. How about lunch? It, too, is very good. On my recent stop-in for lunch, I had the shrimp Caesar salad and the patty melt, which is described on the menu as “our signature sirloin burger, cheeses, fried onions, melted on rye.” I liked everything I ordered, but I do have to ding the patty melt in a couple of areas: it was a bit greasy (even for a fried sandwich), and the fried onions weren’t chopped properly – some were in relatively big “chunks” yet, so I picked them out because I don’t care for overly large pieces of onion. Other than that, I have no complaints.
FOOD: 4/5
SERVICE: 4/5
VALUE: 4/5
RECOMMENDATION: The Bear Country Inn Restaurant is very much a family eatery. Many a local and visitor dine here because of the relaxed atmosphere. I’ve noticed it’s quite popular with seniors as well. Nevertheless, I think this is, overall, one of the better places to eat in Terrace.
4. Bert's Delicatessen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By tyler v
Unbeatable sandwiches. We have been to Bert's for lamb sausages, meats for pizza toppings and quality cheese. The selection is very thoughtfully put together and the experience is great. Very friendly, good conversation and helpful and experienced in finding the right flavour/texture.
5. MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual Terrace
Overall Ratings
4 based on 121 reviews
No fancy frills, no stuffed shirt attitude. Just real people and great food. Everything you want in a steakhouse - only casual.
Reviewed By Traveller V - Essen, Germany
I went with my family to the Terrace restaurant of Mr. Mikes. Server was friendly but the steaks we ordered were black-burned, no good taste and too expensive as well as the sides were in bad quality as well. Besides it was low quantity. Me...MoreThanks for your review. I'm sorry your experience was not up to our standards this visit. If you would like to share your contact info with us at [email protected], we'd be happy to follow up with you further.
6. Sonbadas Steak House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
Sonbadas Steak House is an interesting place. Located on Lakelse Avenue virtually right next door to the Rest Inn, it is a convenient option for travelers. While the exterior isn't much to look at, and the interior is equally dated, the food is nonetheless pretty decent. But before I get to the food, a further comment on the establishment itself:
Entering the building, my grandparents and I were promptly seated and given menus. Looking at the menu, I was dumbfounded as I held it in my hand -- am I in a restaurant version of The Godfather? Will the Mob come in and order their souvlaki? I ask that because some of the fixtures and -- especially -- the menu feature Marlon Brando as he looked in that famous film. I don't really understand the connection myself, but what do I know? Anyway, Sonbadas feels like the oldest Greek restaurant in town; if not, it definitely looks the part. It's been a fixture in the Terrace area for some 20 or so years and doesn't look like it's had much of an update in that time. The exterior features the traditional blue colour and stereotypical sign embossed with the cliched Greek font. I do, however, very much enjoy the "golden lions" (recently painted red) that greet you on either side of the main entrance.
As for the food, it was all very good. I had a prawn appetizer -- the prawns were grilled to perfection and came with nice little garlic toast; my grandmother had a sauteed prawn main with jasmine rice and vegetables; my grandfather had a steak dinner; and I had a wonderful lobster feast. The portions were hearty (in fact, they make one think of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"), but I felt the plating could've been a bit better -- seemed kind of haphazard to me. After all of that food, we did try the special dessert: baklava. Presentation was very nice (in comparison to the mains), but I found the dish a little too sweet for my tastes (to be fair, the waitress mentioned its sweetness).
All in all, despite the strange ode to The Godfather, Sonbadas proved to be an exceptional dining experience. All of the dishes we ordered were of good quality and we certainly left feeling full -- and that's a good thing!
FOOD: 4/5
SERVICE: 4/5
VALUE: 3.5/5
RECOMMENDATION: While I feel it is a bit pricey, Sonbadas offers a near fine dining experience in a cozy space. Big portions, well prepared = happy stomachs!
7. Thornhill Pub
Overall Ratings
4 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
The Thornhill Pub is one of the better pubs in the Terrace area. The atmosphere is warm and inviting; the setting and décor are unique (love the log cabin design with the large interior beams, which feature little bears “walking” on them); and the staff are friendly, with an attitude that matches the relaxed environment within which they work. Seriously, I love these eateries styled after log cabins. There’s just something about them that brings me back to “yesteryear,” except these log cabins come equipped with modern amenities.
Now, after a truly dreadful experience at another Terrace pub, I do admit to being somewhat hesitant to come here, but the unique look of the space won me over. And, I’m glad I came because on top of a great atmosphere, Thornhill Pub also offers excellent cuisine. I ordered the halibut bites and the “Grizz Burger” (bacon, mushroom and cheese). The halibut bites were delicious. It’s clear the chef in the back knows what he or she is doing because the halibut was cooked perfectly – juicy and tender as opposed to being dried out, which can happen very easily with a finicky fish like this. Best of all, you could tell that the “bites” were homemade and didn’t just come out of some pre-made package. The Grizz burger was also nice. The beef patty was seasoned beautifully and there was the correct ratio of mushrooms and cheese to beef. My only complaint would be that they went a little heavy-handed on the mayo used in the burger – made it much messier than it probably should’ve been. However, be that as it may, the food was still really good.
Probably a big reason why the food at Thornhill is of such high quality is because the menu is pretty limited. Unlike that terrible pub I’d gone to earlier, for example, Thornhill had just a handful of menu items as opposed to literally 100+. As a result, the chefs deliver on what’s offered – making things fresh and in-house instead of frozen or pre-made. You can definitely taste the difference quality makes here.
My one complaint? This pub is a bit out of the way, so you kind of have to want to come here in order to dine in or have a drink. It’s not a pub that you’ll just spot on the side of the road; it’s kind of hidden away. Because of that, this place seems much more like a “locals” hang out and that’s not a bad thing – the locals tend to know where the good places are.
FOOD: 4/5
SERVICE: 4.5/5
VALUE: 4/5
RECOMMENDATION: Good food, great atmosphere. Recommended!
8. Tim Hortons
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
As I've noted elsewhere, Tim Hortons has, over the last few decades, become synonymous with Canadian culture. You can drive through practically any town or city in this country and come across at least one "Tim's" location. They are perhaps most famous for their donuts, coffee and "ice caps." Not being much of a coffee drinker, the "ice caps" and donuts are the major draw for me.
Now, you might be thinking, "well, Tim Hortons is a chain. Aren't they all the same?" I would say "yes and no." The menus are certainly all the same, but customer service may vary. I've now visited both locations in Terrace and I can say, without any hesitation, that if I get a craving for a "Tim's" item, this is the location I'll be visiting. Sure, it's not right in the heart of downtown like the other location, but the competence of the staff and cleanliness of the space more than make up for it (and it's not like Terrace is a big town -- you can easily walk here from downtown in maybe 15 or so minutes). Unlike the other location, the folks working here were aware of the 6 inch sandwiches (it was like I was speaking a foreign language at the downtown Tim's) and they actually made my ice cap with chocolate milk (as requested), unlike the other place. As well, this particular Tim's appears to have an older clientele, which I don't mind as it makes for a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
In short, Tim Hortons is, without question, a key Canadian institution, deeply embedded within our social culture. They've come to define Canada just as much as hockey and poutine. And that's a wonderful thing!
FOOD: 3/5
SERVICE: 5/5
VALUE: 4/5
RECOMMENDATION: Definitely the better of the two Tim Hortons locations in Terrace. Clean space, nice snack treats and competent employees = a great dining experience.
9. Hot House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By NorthCountryWriter - Victoria, Canada
We had to try the poutine butter chicken and weren't disappointed. What a unique delicious dish.
We also spinach paneer, garlic naan and onion bhaji.
Way too much for two people but we did our best, and not a scrap of the magical poutine dish was left behind.
10. Haryana's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By Boombaloom - Powell River, Canada
The 4 of us for dinner were all very happy and full. Awesome pakoras and another appetizer that is hard to describe... kind of a blend of sweet and savory, creamy, lentil, messy, delight. Very good naan bread to sop it up with....
Main courses were excellent.
The only shortcoming is the stale decor but it would have to be a lot worse to take away from the 5 star rating I gave it. To be clear, you're coming here for the food itself. Not the flashy all encompassing dining experience. If this place was transported to a major city, you'd have to make Reservations well in advance. Vij would NOT be happy if they set up in his neighborhood.
