Cape Breton Island Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Cape Breton Island - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. Red Shoe

    $$$

    More than a mere pub, this Cape Breton institution has evolved into an attraction, in part because it is owned by four of the Rankins, Canada's most celebrated singing siblings. Expect the usual pub favorites: fish-and-chips, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled salmon, and mussels steamed in ale, garlic, and bacon. There's music here most nights, and sometimes during the day (occasionally with a cover charge of C$10).

    11533 Hwy. 19, Mabou, Nova Scotia, B0X 1X0, Canada
    902-945–2996

    Known For

    • Great music featuring the finest local fiddlers and step dancers
    • Very busy, often with a line to get in
    • Above-average pub food and good selection of beers

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed mid-Oct.–late May
  • 2. Salty Rose's & the Periwinkle Café

    $$$

    This beautiful café filled with art and vintage furniture serves tasty breakfasts, sandwiches, and delectable baked goods, as well as perfect espresso drinks. With a focus on fresh and local, you'll find snowcrab and lobster rolls on the menu, as well as produce from the gardens out back. The attached gallery next door sells lovely crafts, art, and jewelry from local artisans. 

    36056 Cabot Trail Rd., Ingonish, Nova Scotia, B0C 1K0, Canada
    902-202–2431

    Known For

    • The Brekkie sandwich with lobster
    • Warm, friendly atmosphere
    • Ocean views from their patio

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Weds. Closed Nov.–May
  • 3. Grubstake Restaurant

    $$$

    The owner-chef is fixing up this old clapboard building, but it's the treats that await within that really matter. A well-constructed menu features specialties like shrimp and scallop flambé, pork tenderloin in a red onion wine sauce, and maple-glazed salmon, and there's a less fancy but equally enticing comfort food list and kids' menu. Local wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails fill out the beverage list.

    7499 Main St., Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, B1C IH8, Canada
    902-733–2308

    Known For

    • <PRO>excellent soup and sandwich lunches</PRO>
    • <PRO>house-made bread</PRO>
    • <PRO>Grubstake Grog cocktail: warmed apple juice, rum, and honey, sprinkled with spices</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Dec.–mid-June
  • 4. Mr. Chicken

    $$

    This fun locals' favorite serves tasty and well-seasoned fried and roasted chicken, burgers, and fried foods. There's also an attached ice-cream parlor. 

    15546 Cabot Trail Rd., Chéticamp, Nova Scotia, B0E 1H0, Canada
    902-224–2975

    Known For

    • Delicious roast chicken poutine
    • Huge portions and fast service
    • Oceanfront location with picnic tables
  • 5. Mull Café & Deli

    $$

    There's usually a parking lot full of cars outside this popular hangout for Cape Bretoners, which also draws "come from away" diners with its long lunchtime menu of hearty salads, creamy chowders, deep-fried seafood plates, and homemade desserts. After 5 pm (and all day on Sunday), the dinner menu goes more upscale with dishes like scallops in white-wine and cream sauce and lemon-chicken supreme. At peak times, reservations are recommended.

    11630 Rte. 19, Mabou, Nova Scotia, B0E 1X0, Canada
    902-945–2244

    Known For

    • <PRO>thin crispy batter for fried food</PRO>
    • <PRO>local art</PRO>
    • <PRO>take-out counter</PRO>
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Route 19 Brewing

    $$$

    Besides an excellent selection of beers brewed on the premises, this eatery serves up a seafood-heavy menu that truly hits the spot whether you're going for perfectly battered fish-and-chips, chicken burger, or poutine. The dining room is bright, modern, and airy, and the vibe is fun. There's a small store attached where you can grab cool branded Route 19 merchandise as well as craft beers to go.

    16030 Central Ave., Inverness, Nova Scotia, B0E 1N0, Canada
    902-550–2739

    Known For

    • Fat, juicy, perfectly prepared lobster rolls
    • Huge patio with ocean views
    • Excellent selection of local craft ciders and wines

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch.
  • 7. Spoondrift Café & Gift Shop

    $$

    This bright and airy diner specializes in seafood dishes, steaks, and casual dining favorites with a cozy, down-home style. There aren't many options for dining in Louisbourg, but this place makes up for that.

    7541 Main St., Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, B1C 1J5, Canada

    Known For

    • Truly excellent seafood chowder
    • Warm, friendly service
    • Can get busy

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

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