There is plenty to explore in Pender Harbour and Egmont, including the food scene. Despite their small size, these communities pack a punch when it comes to tasty eats.
We've put together this helpful foodie guide so you know where to head when hunger strikes.
Inlets Restaurant, Egmont
Inlets Restaurant, situated at West Coast Wilderness Lodge, boasts one of the finest patios on the Sunshine Coast, alongside a superb indoor dining space. It offers five star breathtaking views of the majestic Jervis Inlet, and it's not uncommon to witness eagles gracefully soaring above or to catch glimpses of sea lions surfacing in the waters below. The menu emphasizes fresh, West Coast fare—think squid ink risotto, salmon gravlax, and pan seared halibut—and an extensive wine list. Breakfast leans more casual as guests are typically dressed for outdoor adventure, while dinner service is a more upscale affair.
Inlets is open seasonally; reservations are required.
La Trattoria Italiana, Madeira Park
La Trattoria Italiana at Ruby Lake Resort is located next to one of the most popular and spectacular lakes on the Sunshine Coast. It specializes in northern Italian cuisine made with farm-to-table ingredients, both grown on-site and sourced from around the Sunshine Coast. Expect Italian favorites, including a variety of pastas, small plates like bruschetta and insalata bocconcini, and meatier entrees. (In addition to their farm-to-table ingredients, all the fish and meat used at La Trattoria is either wild or sustainably produced.) For drinks, they offer a selection of BC and international wines, cocktails, and local crafts beers. In summer, the picturesque patio is great for dining al fresco.
La Trattoria Italiana is open seasonally.
The Lagoon Restaurant, Madeira Park
Located on the waterfront in Madeira Park, the Lagoon Restaurant at Painted Boat Resort Spa & Marina offers upscale dining with stunning coastal views. The interior of the restaurant is warm, intimate and relaxed, while a large outdoor patio overlooks the resort's marina (and the many boats bobbing in the harbour). The seasonal menu has been known to feature seafood dishes like gluten-free shrimp and scallop cakes, a fish of the day special, and seafood pasta. Those without an affinity for seafood are always covered too, with favourites like braised beef short ribs and roasted chicken, while kids can opt for linguine and meatballs, cheese pizza, and chicken tenders. There's also a selection of decadent desserts available, like the profiteroles with vanilla bean ice cream.
The Lagoon Restaurant is open seasonally from March to December.
Holsem Cafe, Madeira Park
Holsem Cafe is part espresso and smoothie bar, part studio space for meditation and yoga classes. Located in the heart of Madeira Park, they serve up a selection of espresso-based drinks, blended fruit smoothies, and iced tea and lemonade made to-go. Peruse the lifestyle shop stocked with eco-friendly goods, fair trade merchandise, and local handmade gifts while you wait for your drink, or take a yoga class and reward yourself with a nourishing or refreshing drink post-class. There is limited cafe seating available.
Skookumchuck Bakery & Cafe, Egmont
Tucked away in Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park, Skookumchuck Bakery & Cafe is housed in a cozy wood cabin surrounded by trees. The bakery is situated at the entrance of the hike into Skookumchuck Narrows, making it the perfect pre- and post-hike spot to refuel. They offer light breakfast and lunch options—think breakfast sandwiches, pizzas, and sandwiches—along with pastries and other baked goods made on-site from scratch, and hot and cold drinks. The giant cinnamon buns are a local favourite—just make sure to get there early enough to snag one!
The bakery is open seasonally from May to October.
Triple B's Burger Shack, Madeira Park
Ask just about anyone on the Sunshine Coast, and they'll tell you some of the best burgers are found in Pender Harbour. Triple B's Burger Shack is a longtime institution in these parts and worthy of its reputation. Serving out of a humble food truck in a leafy, shaded area near the IGA in Madeira Park, this is the kind of spot you head to when you're in need of a hot lunch on the go. As for the food options? You can expect made-to-order classic, American-style burgers, plus milkshakes, fish and chips, fries, and more. There are a few picnic tables on-site, or you could walk a few minutes down the road and enjoy your burger with an ocean view. Triple B's is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 3:30pm.
Clubhouse Restaurant at the Pender Harbour Golf Course
The Clubhouse Restaurant is a welcoming spot that offers a delicious lineup of pub favourites, whether you've just hit the greens and are in need of a post-game meal, or are simply looking for a scenic, no-frills lunch spot. The menu features 12" pizzas, fish and chips, burgers and sandwiches, and sharing plates like loaded nachos and an appy platter. Grab a seat on the patio and watch golfers teeing off, or pull up a chair inside, where on certain days, you can take in the live music.
The Clubhouse Restaurant is open seasonally.
Backeddy Pub, Egmont
This waterfront pub offers a spectacular view of Jervis Inlet and a gastropub-style menu from Executive Chef Mike Denomey. Located at the Backeddy Resort & Marina (right on the water in Egmont), it's a great spot to refuel post-hike, boat tour, or kayak session. There's an emphasis on seafood, with chowder, beer-battered fish and chips, and a steelhead burger on offer, along with three different kinds of tacos, classic burgers, and salads. Wash your meal down with local Sunshine Coast beer or cider, or opt for a house-made cocktail.
The Grasshopper Pub at the Pender Harbour Hotel
The Grasshopper Pub has a loyal following, and for good reason. This community-focused pub serves up your everyday staples like burgers and sandwiches, and some wickedly delicious South Asian dishes, including butter chicken (made from the chef's own family recipe), which comes as an entree, on a pizza, or in poutine form. Even better? The views. The restaurant, which is perched atop a hill, overlooks Madeira Park and the Grasshopper Marina, and on a summer's night is a spectacular spot to take in the sunset. For families, the adjacent restaurant offers a kid-friendly menu and plenty of space to dine.
Harbour Pizza, Madeira Park
Another surprising gem, Harbour Pizza is known for their Detroit-style pizzas, which have a lighter and chewier crust (think less deep dish and more focaccia) and go heavy on the ingredients. The pies are big and great for sharing, and come in a variety of toppings, from your classic pepperoni and hawaiian to house specials that use locally sourced meats from the nearby Oak Tree Market. This small spot offers a few in-house seats, but your best bet is to order for take-out.
Mama's Japanese Kitchen, Madeira Park
This hidden gem in the heart of Madeira Park serves up some seriously good and fresh sushi. Mama’s Japanese Kitchen serves up classic and specialty rolls, along with your standard Japanese appies like tempura, gyoza, gomae, karaage, sunomono salad, and more. Mama's also offers a number of bento boxes, ideal for vegetarians, sashimi lovers, and the indecisive. For special events or larger groups order a party tray in advance and take it back to your cabin for a sushi feast. They're open for lunch and dinner throughout the week, except on Sundays.
Aqui es Mexico, Madeira Park
Craving Mexican? We'll let you in on a secret: Aqui es Mexico dishes out some of the best and most authentic Mexican on the Coast from their colourful restaurant in the heart of Madeira Park. We're talking faves like guacamole, chilaquiles, burritos, flautas, and quesadillas. And of course, there are tacos, topped with either chicken, steak, or pork—all of which have been marinated in classic Mexican sauces, and finished with pico de gallo, hot sauce, and served with lime on the side.
Java Docks, Madeira Park
This small, unassuming cafe in Madeira Park dishes out classic and hearty breakfast options. Java Docks serves up dishes like eggs benny, french toast, and breakfast wraps, along with hot coffee and a variety of cold drinks.
Sharon's Grill-it, Madeira Park
Sharon's Grill-it is a food truck that's currently located near the Petro-Canada gas station, near the corner of the Sunshine Coast Highway and Garden Bay Road. You'll find a variety of burgers on the menu, such as the Grilled Chicken or the Mozza Mushroom Burger, along with chicken strips, loaded fries, onion rings, and more. It's a great spot for a quick fuel-up either before or after the day's adventures.
The Cove Restaurant at Earls Cove
The Cove Restaurant is located at the Earls Cove Ferry Terminal, near Egmont. Stop by for breakfast dishes like the Belgian waffles or the Sunrise, an English muffin with egg, tomato, bacon, and cheese. You'll find burgers and chicken strips on the lunch menu, dinner items like salmon on rice pilaf, and a kids menu featuring items like grilled cheese or a classic peanut butter & jelly sandwich.
Bonus: Grocery & General Stores
If you're looking to stock up on some food items and snacks, or even purchase something that has been freshly prepared (think along the lines of sandwiches and salads), there are some local shops that are worth checking out. In Pender Harbour, the Oak Tree Market, IGA Madeira Park, and the General Store at John Henry's Marina & Resort offer a variety options; in Egmont, you can purchase supplies from Bathgate's General Store, Resort & Marina.
