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Lacombe Restaurants I Love – Exploring Central Alberta

Visiting Lacombe restaurants is one of my new favourite things. You have likely figured that out if you follow me on Instagram. I post a lot of pictures of the yummy food I’ve experienced. Not from Lacombe? That’s ok, Lacombe is half way between Calgary and Edmonton so make a stop on your next road trip. These are ALL better than a stop for fast food!

Owning a lake property in Central Alberta opened my eyes to all the fun that could be had outside of Calgary. Moving to live there full-time last summer opened them even more. Before, we went to town rarely. We ate at the lake eating groceries we brought with us from Calgary. Now, I go into Lacombe at least once a week with extra pop-ins for lunch or dinner. Small towns are not exactly known for great eats but Lacombe restaurants are a bit of an exception.

A few passionate restauranteurs are working to bring delicious, interesting food to their home town. I will continue to add new restaurants as I try them. Know one I should try? Let me know! Also, this post is not sponsored at all. I pay for my food at these places just like everyone else.

Cilantro and Chive – My Favourite Lacombe Restaurant

Cilantro and Chive started out in Ponoka as a catering company back in 2009. Owners Riley and Kim Kay decided to make the move to Lacombe in 2015 and have never looked back. They are now known for their delicious food, extensive local beer selection, and creative cocktails. Oh, and they are super kid-friendly. Evan loved the cheesy noodles on their kid’s menu when he was younger (he even says it is better than my baked mac and cheese…rude). Now he has moved on to their Cheesesteak sandwich or fish & chips. If you don’t see those on the menu, don’t worry…everything is delicious.

Now, a few of our favourite dishes:

Fish and Chips from Cilantro and Chive

Beer battered Fish and Chips made with local Scholling potatoes are delish!

Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich from Cilantro and Chive

Their Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich is one of my absolute favourite. Spicy, crispy and with just enough pickles. YUM!

Mushroom Ravioli

Feeling like a vegetarian dish? Try the Mushroom Ravioli. You won’t miss the meat but you can also add chicken, ahi tuna or button mushrooms if you must.

Caesar Flight at Cilantro and Chive

Also, they have CAESAR FLIGHTS!

Cilantro and Chive is open Tuesday – Sunday for lunch and dinner with brunch service on Saturday and Sunday. Definitely, follow them on social media because they have daily and weekly specials that they announce online. They hold the top spot as my favourite Lacombe restaurant for a night out or special occasion. Many people share my opinion, though, so make reservations!

Eastside Eatery – My Favourite Soup and Sandwich

When I head into town for groceries, I often reward myself with lunch in town. One of my favourite spots for lunch is Eastside Eatery. Another locally owned gem, they serve the best soup, sandwiches and salads I’ve ever had. Their sandwiches are overstuffed and served on thick-cut, fresh bread. Soups are made in house and they announce their soup selection for the week on their Facebook page. They have one creamy soup and one broth-based soup daily. Oh and make sure to save room because they make amazing cheesecakes, desserts, and squares too. Make sure you plan to swing by during lunch or breakfast. Eastside Eatery is open Tuesday- Friday from 8 am – 3 pm during the summer and Monday – Friday in the fall and winter.

Here are a few of my favourite things to order:

Southwest Salad from Eastside Eatery

The Southwest salad is a vegetarian delight that has become one of my faves.

Tuna Salad at Eastside Eatery a Lacombe Restaurant

Lately, my favourite sandwich is tuna salad on whole wheat with lettuce, onions, cucumbers and banana peppers. YUM!

Chili at Eastside Eatery

Their chili is filling, delicious and comes topped with cheese, sour cream and green onions. All their soups come in 3 size options so they are perfect for any appetite.

The Gobbler at Eastside Eatery

Eastside Eateries signature sandwich is The Gobbler. Shredded roasted turkey, cranberries and STUFFING. So good but you better come HUNGRY!

Giant cinnamon rolls from Eastside Eatery

Did I mention that Eastside Eatery also has amazing desserts? Yep. That includes these massive cinnamon rolls. Definitely get it with cream cheese frosting. They hold my top pick as the Lacombe restaurant with the best soup and sandwich lunch.

Tollers Bistro – My Favourite BLT

Tollers Bistro opened recently near the ZigZag as you come into town on Hwy 12. I’ve only been there a couple of times but I dream about their California BLT.  They also have soups. I tried a spoon of Dewey’s and it was delicious. While they serve basically the same things as Eastside, their sandwiches are served warm so it is a bit different. Tollers Bistro is also open for dinner but we haven’t experienced it yet. Oh and they have DONUTS.

California BLT from Tollers Bistro

The California BLT comes with thick cut bacon, tomato jam, lettuce, cheese, and avocado. It is amazing.

Pulled Pork Sandwich at Tollers Bistro

Pulled pork sandwich with red cabbage. Delicious and very filling.

Donuts from Tollers Bistro in Lacombe, AB

Finish your meal with one of their scrumptious donuts.

The Broom Tree Café

Wooden Sign from The Broom Tree Cafe in Lacombe, AB

The Broom Tree Café is my favourite place to grab a latte when I’m on the way to a meeting. Their lattes and London Fog’s are delish. Want another reason to go? Proceeds from the café support The Broom Tree Foundation which is an extensive community based organization, with the mandate to promote and maintain an enriched environment focused solely on women in need of support & compassion.

Sweet Capones – Delicious Cannoli

Sweet Capones has downsized their offerings in Lacombe but you can still pick up their cannoli to go in the Lacombe Mall (the one with the Peavey Mart).

Lacombe Restaurants - Sweet Capones Cannoli

A little treat for my boys. Four cannoli to share. We tried mint chocolate chip, double chocolate, orange creamsicle and cinnamon roll. Another of my favourites is coconut cream. It’s really hard to decide!

So, those are my favourite Lacombe restaurants so far. I have tried a few others that I don’t LOVE so they won’t be featured here. Because if you can’t say anything nice….yeah.

Are you hungry yet? Next time you are headed north on Hwy 2, consider a stop off to visit one of many Lacombe restaurants! If your visit is during the summer, may I suggest grabbing lunch and heading to Ellis Bird Farm! They also have a restaurant on site which has a new operator starting this year. Or check out more great ideas in my 23 Things to Do in Central Alberta This Summer post.

Looking for more things to do in Central Alberta?

Ukranian Cultural Village

23 Central Alberta Tourist Attractions to Check Out This Summer

Bentley Main Street Summer 2018

Small Town Charm in Bentley, AB