Smithers isn’t about white-tablecloth formality or reservations made months in advance. It’s where you roll up after a day on the slopes, craving something hearty without the fuss. Whether you’re fueling up for another run or winding down with friends, these spots deliver flavor without the pretense—just good food, easy vibes, and no wait required.
Paul’s Bakery
$ | (250) 847-9742 | WEBSITE
This bakery has some of the best pastries and baked goods in Smithers. The breakfast sandwiches and buns come out of the kitchen incredibly fresh, and you’ll definitely be able to enjoy a quiet morning (or your coffee companion’s company), since it’s a lovely small place. Grab a cream horn and a massive cream puff, box up some cronats for later, and cap the visit off with a gluten-free pastry.
Riverhouse At The Aspen
$$ | (250) 847-4672 | WEBSITE
When you’re on a road trip and need a proper meal, you pull over and get whatever the hell you’re craving. Riverhouse At The Aspen is a highway-adjacent spot with vinyl booths, morning light streaming through the windows, and breakfast skillets – in other words, hearty morning fuel. They also have pancakes, fresh vegetable salads (ask for the dressing on the side), and River burgers that keep the kids quiet long enough for you to enjoy your coffee.
It’s the kind of place where the waitstaff remembers your refill without asking, and even when a busload of tourists shows up, your food arrives before you finish complaining about the small chairs.
UFO – Ukrainian Food Owesome =P (UFO on Main)
$$ | (250) 847-1061 | WEBSITE
Sharing a bowl of steaming Borscht and splitting some artistic sandwiches with friends at UFO on Main turns an ordinary evening into something special. Plus, the chef and owner Tanya is incredibly welcoming, the portions are generous with that signature dill flavor, and you can take home frozen pierogies for later.
The best approach, especially with a group, is to order several dishes – like the chicken and mushroom crepes, meat pierogies, cabbage rolls, Ukrainian breakfast, and, of course, those extraordinary sausages – and try them all together.
Roadhouse
$$ | (250) 847-2101 | WEBSITE
This casual yet refreshing spot with its bustling atmosphere and welcoming vibe is an excellent place for a post-work meal. The menu is full of flavorful dishes, like the savory pork belly bites that come perfectly crisped, and the hearty Korean BBQ bowl packed with tender meat and fresh vegetables. Then there’s the filling tacos with their zesty toppings and the unique Moroccan touch from the cook that many appreciate.
Overall, a great stop for something satisfying in Smithers, with awesome service that goes above and beyond even when the place is packed.
Daddio’s Family Restaurant
$$ | (250) 847-2255 | WEBSITE
Daddio’s Family Restaurant is like a classic family spot with a slight twist. There’s a calzone with cheese and tomato sauce, but also some homemade lemonade. And a spaghetti with chicken in mushroom sauce, but house salad with vinaigrette instead of garlic bread. There’s cheesecake, too, but it’s actually a must-try. Grab a table with family, and be sure to get a pizza (made with generous portions) to take home for later.
Blue Water Sushi
$$ | (250) 847-5341 | WEBSITE
You’re not in Vancouver anymore, but you can still find incredible sushi in a small town. For fresh fish and a friendly vibe, check out Blue Water Sushi, a modern spot in Smithers with a quirky octopus theme. You’re here for the Supreme platter, Salmon delight boat, spicy tuna bites, and obviously the miso soup with its comforting warmth. If the staff brings your group an extra order of Sunomono salad, don’t ask questions. Pretend you’re dining by the ocean, and enjoy.
The Sausage Factory
$$$ | (250) 847-2861 | WEBSITE
The Sausage Factory is a reliable destination for local meats and specialty products, and it’s the kind of place that will make you realize you’ve always needed a perfectly smoked sausage sandwich in your life. The counter-service situation works perfectly for when you want to grab a weeknight dinner with friends who might come and go (like Mike, who always stops by after his shift at the mill), but don’t want to sacrifice food quality just so you can eat somewhere convenient.
Even though a delicious deli sandwich is only $12 and a great steak is only $18, these dishes are on the heartier side for the reasonable price. Grab a custom gift basket or some freshly sliced cold cuts to pair with the excellent butchering services.
Bugwood Coffee | Cafe
$ | (778) 640-1277 | WEBSITE
You could brew that stale instant coffee from the back of your cupboard, and drink that for your morning pick-me-up. Or you could go enjoy some excellent coffee in a cozy space with indie folk music playing softly in the background.
Bugwood Coffee | Cafe is a Smithers coffee institution, and one reason we like it so much is that you can choose between single-origin and micro-lot coffee with any type of milk: dairy, oat, almond, or soy (you’re going to want the oat flat white if you’re feeling adventurous). Get a gluten-free snack from their selection, too.
Foodie Heaven Restaurant
$$ | (250) 877-5137 | WEBSITE
Nothing says ‘I found a gem’ like discovering incredible Indonesian fried rice in a cozy family spot on a Sunday afternoon. Foodie Heaven Restaurant is a fantastic place for enjoying a meal with your family on weekends, but on weeknights, you’re more likely to get a table without the weekend bustle. The menu is very good across the board, from the garlic prawns with mash to the butter chicken, and eating here is the perfect way to forget that you actually need to be productive later.
The portions are large, the service is quick and friendly, and the whole experience leaves you full and satisfied—just what you want when you appreciate great food in a welcoming setting.
A&W Canada
$ | (250) 847-3700 | WEBSITE
When all you really want is a quick, satisfying meal, but you need to do something more than a drive-thru for your own personal morale, try A&W Canada. You’ll get an amped-up version of fast food, served with excellent coffee that beats the competition, free refills in a real mug, and friendly, helpful staff in a clean, very bright environment. Bring your friends, grab one of the many seats, and don’t forget the Sausage egger for a quick bite or a full meal afterwards.
Two Sisters Cafe
$ | (250) 877-7708 | WEBSITE
If you just spent a morning chasing kids around the park and the thought of cooking another meal makes you want to sit down and have a good sigh, Two Sisters Cafe is your post-playdate lunchtime power play. Grab a big outdoor table, order the generous-sized wrap with iced matcha, and try desperately to forget that it’s only Tuesday.
Masa Yama
$$ | (250) 847-8060 | WEBSITE
Japanese restaurant Masa Yama is one of our top weeknight go-tos when it’s cold out, but even if the cozy atmosphere feels extra special in winter, you can still come and stare longingly at the creaky old floors while eating impeccably fresh nigiri combos. Drink enough miso soup with lots of tofu and you may even feel inspired to make a reservation for next time.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
$ | (250) 847-8806 | WEBSITE
For family-friendly fast food, it really doesn’t get better than Dairy Queen Grill & Chill. You shouldn’t have trouble grabbing a booth here on a weekend afternoon, and the classics like Blizzards, Dilly Bars, and chicken strip baskets are all very good additions to your random Saturday. Not only that, but the space is bright and cheerful at the same time, so you could either come for a post-game treat or bring the kids and grab a sundae if you’re celebrating a good report card.
