Do you love eating your way through a new city?…

Downtown Courtenay has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a place to sit and enjoy time with friends or consider yourself a seasoned foodie you will want to check out everything Downtown Courtenay has to offer. So, let’s get started…

There is more than one way to start your day in Downtown Courtenay but we suggest a trip to Hot Chocolates and Cake Bread Artisan, this cornerstone business and community favourite has been around for over 30 years and it is easy to see why. Offering a wide range of freshly baked breads, pastries, and sweet treats, all created in house, the hardest part will be choosing what you want to try.

If you love donuts you won’t want to miss the infamous Big Foot Donuts located on fabulous Upper Fifth Street. This incredible donut shop has all the good old fashioned favourites you know and love as well as monthly specials that are changing all the time. Everything from peanut butter and marshmallow to cherry cheesecake, and don’t forget Fritter Friday, which features new and fun fritter flavours. Try all of their creative creations.

If you love patios… head over to 4th Street and enjoy the beautiful and expansive patio located between Mudsharks Coffee Bar and Gladstone’s Brewing Co. It’s the best spot in the Valley to enjoy outdoor drinks. Try the iced ‘Mazagran’ at Mudsharks, it’s two shots of espresso over ice and grapefruit San Pellegrino and it will blow your mind. If you are in the mood for a pint head over to Gladstone’s Brewing Co., with new beers all the time, this local brewery has tons of great beverages on tap.

When it comes to lunch we don’t even know where to start and there are so many incredible places we can’t list them all, which means you will just have to come back and explore on your own! But here are a few ideas in case you are getting hungry.

In the mood for a sandwich? We recommend you make your way to Fourth street and design your own sandwich at the Butcher’s Block or Runge’s European Delicatessen, with a variety of meats and cheeses to choose from you won’t be disappointed. For homemade ramen, Nikkei Ramen-Ya is the place to be, this authentic ramen shop is a local favourite and makes everything, and we mean everything, from scratch. Fun fact they even make their own noodles and to date they have five distinct noodle recipes, try them all! If you are in the mood for something a little greener Rawthentic Eatery has a variety of vegan, whole foods options that are delicious and affordable. We love the Green Bliss smoothie and the Goddess Bowl.

For dinner why not head to Atlas Cafe, located on Sixth Street. Their hidden outdoor garden patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet dinner. The Angela Burger is a crowd favourite with a char-grilled beef patty, local bacon, award-winning Natural Pastures brie cheese, and a brandy poached pear, this burger definitely makes for a tasty time! But don’t stop there the chocolate cheesecake is to die for and there are tons of options to make everyone in your group happy. Their must-try drink is the REFRESH Cocktail, which uses local Wayward Gin, elder flower liqueur, cucumber, lime and soda. Summer in a glass!

Another local favourite is Pizzeria Guerilla, this groovy little spot serves up fresh, homemade pizzas and great cocktails that will keep you coming back for more.

So now that you know some of the local hot spots, we can’t wait to see you in Downtown Courtenay! When you visit share your favourite spots and dishes with us on social media by tagging and mentioning Downtown Courtenay! @downtowncourtenay #downtowncourtenay

Happy Eating!