Canada’s rich culinary landscape is deeply intertwined with its diverse Indigenous cultures. From coast to coast, Indigenous chefs are redefining traditional recipes, utilizing wild game, foraged herbs, and ingredients sourced from the land. These restaurants don’t just offer meals—they provide an immersive cultural experience that celebrates the ancestral traditions of Canada’s First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. For those seeking an authentic taste of Canada’s heritage, here are some of the most visited Indigenous-owned restaurants across the country.
British Columbia: Salmon N’ Bannock Bistro
Vancouver’s Salmon N’ Bannock Bistro is a shining star in the world of Indigenous cuisine. Specializing in dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including wild game and fresh fish, this restaurant pays homage to traditional cooking techniques while offering a contemporary dining experience.
Must-Try Dish: The Wild Sockeye Salmon, served with bannock—a traditional Indigenous bread—alongside a wild berry compote, is a house favorite that highlights the flavors of the West Coast.
Location: 7-1128 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Why Visit: After visiting the Museum of Anthropology or exploring the Vancouver Art Gallery, Salmon N’ Bannock Bistro is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal that reflects the cultural richness of the region, connecting you to the land through every bite.
Alberta: Pei Pei Chei Ow
Situated in Edmonton, Pei Pei Chei Ow is an Indigenous catering service and pop-up restaurant that offers a unique twist on traditional dishes, with a focus on fostering community and sharing cultural stories through food. Chef Scott Iserhoff, who has Cree heritage, is known for his use of wild meats, berries, and grains to create dishes that are both modern and rooted in tradition.
Must-Try Dish: The Bison Stew with wild root vegetables, served with a side of wild rice and fresh bannock.
Location: Various pop-up locations in Edmonton, AB
Why Visit: After experiencing the cultural attractions in Edmonton like the Royal Alberta Museum or the Art Gallery of Alberta, enjoy an Indigenous-inspired meal that’s rich in history and flavor.
Manitoba: Feast Café Bistro
In Winnipeg’s West End, Feast Café Bistro is celebrated for its comforting, farm-to-table dishes that showcase the culinary traditions of Manitoba’s Indigenous peoples. The café emphasizes community-building, with a mission to create sustainable food experiences that give back to the local community.
Must-Try Dish: The Bison Burger, served on fresh bannock with house-made pickles and a wildberry chutney, is a hearty favorite that’s both filling and full of flavor.
Location: 587 Ellice Ave, Winnipeg, MB
Why Visit: Whether you’re visiting the Manitoba Museum or one of Winnipeg’s galleries, Feast Café Bistro offers a meaningful dining experience that connects you to the heritage of the land you’re exploring.
Quebec: Sagamité Old Québec
In Wendake, Quebec, Sagamité Old Québec offers diners a chance to experience Huron-Wendat culinary traditions. This cozy restaurant emphasizes the use of wild game, including venison, elk, and bison, alongside traditional Indigenous grains and herbs. The name “Sagamité” refers to a traditional Huron-Wendat soup made with hominy corn, beans, and meat—a staple in their diet.
Must-Try Dish: The Sagamité Soup, a hearty and flavorful mix of local meats and Indigenous grains, is a must-try for any visitor.
Location: 10 Chef Maurice Bastien St, Wendake, QC
Why Visit: A visit to La Sagamité complements a day spent exploring the Huron-Wendat Museum, offering you a deeper connection to the heritage of the region’s Indigenous peoples.
Nova Scotia: The Flying Apron Inn & Cookery
Although not exclusively Indigenous, The Flying Apron in Nova Scotia works closely with local Mi’kmaq communities to incorporate traditional ingredients into their menu. Located in the heart of Nova Scotia’s scenic Annapolis Valley, this restaurant is known for its focus on sustainability and local sourcing.
Must-Try Dish: The Smoked Haddock Fish Cakes with wild greens, sourced directly from local Mi’kmaq foragers.
Location: 3 Summerville Wharf Rd, Summerville, NS
Why Visit: After visiting the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax or exploring the historic town of Lunenburg, a meal at The Flying Apron offers a true taste of the region’s natural bounty with a respectful nod to its Indigenous roots.
Yukon: Antoinette’s Restaurant
Situated in Whitehorse, Antoinette’s Restaurant offers a fusion of Caribbean and Canadian cuisines but is also known for its respect for Indigenous culinary traditions. The restaurant uses wild game and locally foraged herbs, creating dishes that reflect the unique flavors of the Yukon territory.
Must-Try Dish: Bison Short Ribs, cooked slow and tender with a wild herb glaze.
Location: 4121 4th Ave, Whitehorse, YT
Why Visit: After exploring the MacBride Museum of Yukon History or hiking through Kluane National Park, Antoinette’s offers the perfect culinary retreat, combining local Yukon ingredients with global influences.
Last Thoughts
Canada’s Indigenous culinary scene offers far more than just a meal—it provides an opportunity to experience the country’s heritage through its flavors. From Vancouver to Whitehorse, these restaurants allow diners to connect with the land, its history, and its people. Whether you’re indulging in the bold flavors of bison stew or savoring the simplicity of bannock and wild berries, each dish tells a story. For travelers eager to deepen their understanding of Canada’s Indigenous cultures, these restaurants offer the perfect stop on any cultural itinerary.
