If you’re from Lacombe, you’ll know it as that charming town you breeze through on the highway. If only for the sake of your schedule. But for food lovers, weekend explorers, and the curious at heart, Lacombe is an essential detour with some of Alberta’s most surprising restaurants.
Original South China Sea Restaurant
$$ | (403) 782-9800 | WEBSITE
At Original South China Sea Restaurant, the woks sizzle in the kitchen and a satisfied sigh escapes your lips as you take another bite of vibrant kung pao chicken. The Lacombe spot is one of the most reliable Chinese restaurants in town and the always-bustling dining room is the place to be. It’s first-come-first-served, so grab a seat and expect generous portions.
Cilantro and Chive – Lacombe
$$ | (403) 782-2882 | WEBSITE
Alone, with a friend, and for any occasion—it’s worth making the trip to Cilantro and Chive. This charming little restaurant in central Alberta specialises in creative poutine dishes, and even does a brilliant Canadian smash burger. The welcoming atmosphere has a neighbourhood gem feel about it and if you don’t fancy poutine, the beer battered cod & chips is as comforting as it is crispy.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
$ | (403) 782-9766 | WEBSITE
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill’s Lacombe location is right in the heart of the action on the main strip. Unlike some fast-food joints, there’s no separate lounge area here, but it still retains the cheerful buzz of families chatting and the clatter of trays in a space where you can easily linger. The flame-thrower burger served hot and fresh is one of Alberta’s most satisfying comfort classics, but its $8 meal deal is the town’s tastiest bargain.
Totally Gluten Free Bakery
$$ | (403) 789-8432 | WEBSITE
Totally Gluten Free Bakery has solved the perennial puzzle of “how can you be a dedicated gluten-free bakery and also be universally irresistible?”. The solution is, offer a rotation of impressive baked goods from fluffy cheese buns to exceptional carrot cakes and also have a welcoming, well-organized space up front. Whichever treat you choose, the atmosphere at the Lacombe spot strikes the perfect balance between clean and charming.
Panago Pizza
$$ | (866) 310-0001 | WEBSITE
Panago Pizza is a reliable pizza spot, just know that most of the satisfaction comes from delivery. Not least because you can enjoy the perfectly balanced pesto chicken pizza with its tangy sundried tomatoes and caramelized onion. Place an order and work your way through generous toppings and tempting deals. It’s dinner and a treat, rolled into one.
ONA Cafe + Bakery
$ | (587) 877-2756 | WEBSITE
In Lacombe, most cafes try to be trendy destinations. But a simple local hangout is exactly what a town between Calgary and Edmonton needs. ONA Cafe + Bakery is just that. This cozy spot serves delicious food, including perhaps the best sandwich made with grilled chicken, roasted red pepper, and avocado on the freshest ciabatta bun. The coffee is beautifully crafted, with refreshing options like a vanilla latte, iced Americano, and an excellent iced latte. All without any pretension.
Tollers Bistro
$ | (403) 786-8400 | WEBSITE
Tollers Bistro is a charming spot that’s so good it makes us drive to Lacombe willingly. Both the lunch and brunch menus feature very fresh flavors and interesting choices you’ll want to savor. We’ve previously had an enlivening tomato soup and highly recommend the snakebite wrap with garlic & rosemary fries. It’s hot, delicious, savory, and satisfying.
Buster’s Pizza & Donair
$$ | (587) 457-2686 | WEBSITE
This Lacombe staple isn’t somewhere you come for the most artisanal pizza or the most authentic donair experience. What you come for is central Alberta’s most reliable pizza and donair spot. There’s always a customizable pie and there’s always satisfying gluten-free options. For a speedy local refuel, there’s nowhere better.
The 1947 Indian Restaurant
$$ | (780) 334-1947 | WEBSITE
Securing a spot at The 1947 Indian Restaurant is straightforward enough, but a weekend dinner still draws a steady crowd. Within its compact yet thoughtfully arranged space, there’s a warm ambiance and authentic Indian flavors being served. Flavorful Samosa Chaat, generous Chicken Tandoori, and satisfying Classic Paneer Tikka all feature.
The accommodating staff also delivers some of Lacombe’s most memorable dining experiences and standout vegetarian options, like the praised cheese Naan with its gooey and crunchy texture.
Boston Pizza
$$ | (403) 782-9988 | WEBSITE
The booths and pizza ovens of Boston Pizza have seen things. Some good, some bad, and some that look like a rushed Friday night. The legendary lounge aside, the main dining area of this Lacombe staple is also decent. It’s a warmly lit space with a reliable menu of crowd-pleasing classics like truffle pizza, spinach and mushroom pasta bake, and those sometimes-disappointing boneless wings.
TEAmoty
$ | (403) 786-8434 | WEBSITE
TEAmoty is one of Lacombe’s most authentic bubble tea spots. Bright colors you can practically taste through the glass? Check. Cheerful atmosphere that makes you feel like you might bump into friends grabbing their afternoon pick-me-up at any moment? Yes. Lots of mango on the menu? Absolutely. If you want to refresh without spending a fruit-filled fortune, go for the excellent strawberry mango milk tea.