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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team
Last updated on February 7, 2022
Alberta’s third-largest city is very often underrated as a tourist and food destination. But being located in the heart of Alberta’s southern agricultural district means that Lethbridge restaurants actually have a solid selection of high-quality cuisine on offer.
There are lots of places to find good food that you – and the kids – will love! Below are our tried-and-tested ten best in the city by type of cuisine and atmosphere, so that you can follow your cravings and find the perfect meal.
Best Lethbridge Pizza (it’s a tie!)
Lethbridge is a pizza city. In fact, there’s so much great pizza here that we couldn’t narrow it down to just one spot! So instead, we’re highlighting the two best pizzerias in town – one that follows tasty old-world traditions and the other that’s tossed out Italy’s handbook to create some truly experimental (and downright delicious) pies.
Two Guys and a Pizza Place: The only Lethbridge restaurant famous enough to make it on TV, Two Guys Pizza is a hit with everyone except the traditionalist. Featured on ‘You Gotta Eat Here’, this pizza joint offers a dizzying array, from Tacos in a Bag to Bahn Mi – nothing is too outrageous for these wizards of pie.
San Marco Pizzeria: If you’re looking for somewhere a little safer from those crazy kids with no respect for pizza history and authenticity, look no further than San Marco Pizza. Serving up a traditional Neapolitan Margherita next to new world classics, San Marco keeps things – Mamma Mia! – delicious. ***Note that it is temporarily closed.
Best Italian Restaurant in Lethbridge
Italian Table: From appetizer to dessert, the Italian Table has you covered with classic, Italian fare and something of an open-air ambiance – especially if you snag a table close to the windows. Of course, there’s plenty of pasta to choose from (the lasagna is especially good), but it doesn’t stop there, which is why it is easily one of the top-rated Lethbridge restaurants. It’s also an excellent stop on a self-drive Southern Alberta food tour!
Want something a little lighter for lunch? Try a panini. Prefer protein? Sirloin steak and pasta, or Salmon Milanese. Whatever you end up ordering, just remember to leave room for their Italiano-style desserts!
Best BBQ
Hickory Street: Technically not in Lethbridge (their HQ is in Stirling, AB), these guys are the Farmers Market every wee and their food truck/trailer comes into Lethbridge often (keep an eye out on their Facebook page for locations). These guys are legit authentic southern BBQ, and we HIGHLY recommend trying their ribs, brisket, pig candy (smoked pork belly glazed in sweet sauce) or their famous Armadillo eggs – a cream cheese stuffed jalapeno pepper, wrapped in sausage then wrapped in bacon and smothered in BBQ sauce.
Best Craft Beer
Theoretically Brewing Company: If beer is your thing and you’re looking for something unique head here. Theory Brew was founded in 2012 by two home-brew enthusiasts, Kelti Baird and Kris Fischer, focusing on a scientific method for their creations. They are by definition true beer nerds driven by the ambition to create the most unique and delicious beers. Be sure to try the Study Buddy Hefeweizen and Ionic Irish Red Ale, two of our favourites.
Best Ambiance and Worldly Fare
This one was a toss up between two fantastic restaurants.
Bourbon and Butter: New on the scene, Bourbon and Butter opened in late 2021 and after one dining experience there, it has easily catapulted to be one of the very best Lethbridge restaurants, in our humble opinion! Start your meal off right with one of their cocktail creations. Our favourites: the ‘Leviathan‘ and the ‘Buchach Sour‘.
For your meal, the Wild Boar Belly appetizer is a stand-out entrée and the Ossobuco for a main. And we loved the vanilla panna cotta for dessert, but will be back soon to try the blue cheese cheesecake as that certainly piqued our interest as well.
The Water Tower Grill: Now, we know that in most towns, the restaurant at the top of a tower is not always the best bang for your buck – some might even dub them tourist traps. But The Water Tower Grill adds a great, affordably-priced menu to its top-of-the-world stylings, making it a favourite for locals and tourists alike.
With its globally-inspired menu and daily happy hour, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. The cocktail list is also divine. Grab a table by the window (if you can) to enjoy one of the best views in Lethbridge – especially during sunset.
Best Steak in Lethbridge
The Keg: Yeah, we know, we’d rather not recommend a chain, but The Keg in Lethbridge really does cook up the best steaks! Specializing in an array of steaks, from filet mignon to baseball top sirloin, The Keg has anything a beef lover might crave, and plenty of other options for those wanting something other than red meat.
Best Casual Local Restaurant
Mocha Cabana: Hyper-local and inclusive across all dietary restrictions/convictions, Mocha Cabana is one of the ultimate Lethbridge restaurants to relax in while you enjoy delicious food and its cozy atmosphere. It’s located in a beautifully-restored historic building and features tons of fresh, local ingredients in their dishes. If you can, try and get a spot on their spacious back patio!
*Have access to a kitchen and want to taste Lethbridge without going out? Try Mocha Local – Mocha Cabana’s online farmer’s market and meal kit delivery service. You can experience the charming prairie palate – indoors!
Best Cafe/Bakery
Sonder Coffee Bar: Go for the very impressive (and delicious) array of caffeinated drinks, but stay for the waffles. We love the creativity of their coffee options, but especially enjoy the varieties of toppings on their Belgian-style waffles. Try the ‘Peach and Raspberry’ which comes with Earl Grey butter and fresh mint, or the ‘Brie and Pesto’ for a savoury treat.
Bootsma Bakery: Don’t leave town without trying one of their apple fritters or cinnamon buns. Oh, get some cheese buns too. And did we mention their cakes? Seriously, just get one of everything.
Best Pub Food
Telegraph Taphouse: Enjoy a fantastic selection of brews from around Alberta, Canada, and across the globe while munching on elevated pub fare in this coziest of Lethbridge restaurants. The best part, however, may just be the history that comes with visiting this historic old telegraph building. Connect with the past (and your companions) in this warm and comfortable setting, and in the summer, enjoy their large patio in downtown Lethbridge.
Best Mexican
Motte’s Cafe Verde Real Mexican Food: Tacos, guacamole, burritos and so much more, Motte’s brings that Mexican flavour thousands of kilometres north to the fair city of Lethbridge. Started by a Mexican-national who immigrated to Lethbridge, Motte’s is about as authentic as it gets without taking the 5-hour flight down south. Head into their dining room for a colourful dining experience, or grab some delicious tacos to go! If you’re a looking for a Mexican restaurant in Lethbridge and are a fan of Tacos el Pastor, then here’s the place!
Best Vietnamese
ITEA Express Bubble Tea & Vietnamese Cuisine: More than bubble tea (which is also the perfect cool treat on a Lethbridge summer day), ITEA serves a selection of tasty Vietnamese food, including pho, shrimp salad rolls, and of course, sweet and rich Vietnamese iced coffee. There is limited seating available in this little joint, so we recommend grabbing some takeout, and eating it at a nearby park, al fresco (provided it’s still summer outside).
Best Lethbridge Sushi
Dono Sushi: Looking for some delicious sushi? It may be miles from the ocean, but Lethbridge features a surprising selection of great sushi – that’s the wonder of our modern world. Balancing a fresh-from-the-ocean-taste with reasonable prices, Dono Sushi offers a wide range of traditional and modern sushi, along with a variety of Japanese food.
*Craving some quiet ambiance for you and your partner? Try Lighthouse Japanese Restaurant for a more upscale sushi dining experience!
Best Chinese (take-out)
Ciao Mein: Sometimes going out is not an option, but neither is cooking for yourself! If the kids are a little wild, or the thought of leaving the hotel is too much to bear after a long day of driving, satisfy those sweet and sour cravings with the best Lethbridge Chinese food from Ciao Mein.
Situated on the west side, it is WELL worth the drive across the coulee to pick it up. Note that they open at 4pm, and often fill up with orders in the first five minutes of answering phones! Yes, it is that good. On weekends, we recommend even placing your order the day before.
Best Desserts
Streatside Eatery: From whatever Lethbridge Restaurant you decide to start your meal at, finish it off at Streatside Eatery. Everything is made in-house, and everything we have tried (a lot!) is to die for. The Turtles cheesecake is a popular choice, but we recommend going in for the Key Lime or Coconut Cream Pie. You can’t go wrong with either!
Don’t Forget
In between your enjoyment of all the best Lethbridge restaurants, plan your time using our guide of the top things to do in Lethbridge along with the best accommodations in Lethbridge!
This city is a great place to base yourself to explore southern Alberta. Check out our suggestions for six Alberta Badlands road trips that often include stops here.
