Grand Forks is a small town with a reasonable selection of dining options highlighted by local Russian specialties. Because of its location on Highway 3, midway between the Kootenay Rockies and Okanagan Valley, Grand Forks supports a number of restaurants that are geared to travellers passing through.
Fast food staples like burgers and pizza are readily available along with a selection of Chinese buffets and take-outs. The town is thin on fine dining choices, but pub food is popular and locals have their favourite coffee shops. A number of restaurants do not open for dinner and beware of early closing times for some others.
Russian Cuisine
With a strong Doukhobor heritage, Grand Forks is well known for its Russian food, especially borscht. Interestingly, locals tend not to have a favourite restaurant for this beet soup because they prefer the homemade specialties of relatives or family friends.
Borscht Bowl
They do recommend a few options for visitors. Try the Borscht Bowl (214 Market Ave) downtown in a heritage bank building. Open for breakfast and lunch with homemade Russian and western menu.
Omega 11 Restaurant
Not long on atmosphere, but well known for its Russian fare. Omega 11 Restaurant (7400 Highway 3) also serves Russian food, along with Greek and western dishes.
Coffee and Art
Locals divide their loyalties between Kokomo's Coffee House (7361 2nd St) and Joga's Espresso Web & Art (236 Market St). Both serve specialty coffees, homemade soups and sandwiches, and both display the work of area artists.
Historic Rail Station
Grand Forks Station Pub & Columbia Grill (7654 Donaldson Dr) occupies the oldest CPR rail station in BC that's still located on its original site. With the Trans Canada Trail running right by the door, it's incredibly convenient for cyclists passing through town. Along with the standard burger/pasta/appies pub fare, the Station serves steak, seafood and Russian cuisine.
Locals rave about Friday's prime rib night, and head upstairs to Columbia Grill for fine dining occasions.
Stand-out Fast Food
No faux-retro for the Tastie Treat (1629 Central Ave) drive-in. This classic has been serving famous Sheila burgers in plastic baskets with a side of fresh cut fries for over 50 years. Ice cream lovers, go for a couple of homemade scoops or a hand spun milk shake any time. Fast forward a few decades to the Twisted Tomato (1460 Central Ave) for gourmet pizza and flatbreads with a boggling array of creative topping combinations. Eat-in, take-out and pizza by the slice.
Full Meal Deal
Flames Restaurant (2729 Central Ave) puts on the full line of steak, seafood and pasta. This place is also noted for its Saturday night prime rib buffet.
For more information on where to eat out in Grand Forks, contact the Visitor Centre.
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