We asked for your best eats in rural Sask. Here are some of the top picks
From high tea to retro diners to upscale dining, here's a taste of the best of the best
As the August long weekend gets underway, why not hit the road to find amazing dining options in unexpected hole-in-the-wall places?
CBC Saskatchewan's Blue Sky put out a call to foodies across the province to help uncover the best places that are worth hitting the highway to visit.
Southwest Saskatchewan
Dianne Greenlay from Shaunavon gave shout-outs to a few of her favourites in the southwest area, including a brand-new restaurant called El Faro, housed in a renovated former school maintenance workshop building that's got tons of character and, "excellent baking and quite a selection for both their main courses as well as their desserts."
A less well-known spot in Shaunavon is Frosty Treat, a seasonal ice cream stand converted into a small 1950s-style diner, with a drive-through offering both hot foods and ice creams.
Saskatoon Bites columnist Naomi Hansen said one of her favourite rural spots is just up the road in Swift Current at Nightjar Diner, with a wide-ranging menu featuring everything from sandwiches and schnitzel to risotto udon noodles, along with seasonal items.
"It's a gorgeous little spot."
Trigo Food + Drink in Lafleche got a shout-out from a caller as a must-try.
"It's far away from anything, but if you want to go for a drive, you won't be disappointed," said Jennifer Gauthier from Moose Jaw, who gave Trigo's chef props for travelling to multiple countries to bring back authentic international flavours. As of mid-2025, Trigo has offered 10 different international tasting menus, from French to Thai to Spanish to Lebanese.
For those willing to drive to the tiniest of spots, the village of Climax, close to the U.S. border, gave Andrew Hiltz a surprise when he stopped by the Climax Cafe.
"It is such a little gem. I was passing through the community and we decided to pop in. Little did we know everything in there was handmade," he said, adding the butter tarts alone are worth a long drive.
West Saskatchewan
"Mel Rose and Co. Bakery & Coffee Shop in Delisle is huge right now. They apparently have really great baking," said Cory Beherns, the founder of a Facebook group called Saskatchewan Restaurants & Eateries: The Good, the Bad and The Ugly.
Beherns said one of his favourite things about visiting small-town restaurants is hearing the owners' personal stories. For instance, Snow White Number Two Restaurant in Dodsland has an unusual name, a nod to the fact that the first iteration in Biggar burned down, leading to the opening of the second idyllic-sounding restaurant in Dodsland.
"Her Chinese food is some of the best and most raved about throughout this province," Beherns said.
Southeast Saskatchewan
Hiltz pointed people to a "unique" little bubble tea shopin Weyburn called Meok Ja, a 2D-themed cafe that blends a comic book vibe with a huge variety of bubble tea flavours.
"The drinks are perfectly crafted, with just the right balance of sweetness and freshness," wrote one Google reviewer.
Pen's Family Restaurant in Qu'Appelle is another must try, described by the owners as offering Canadian-Asian fusion, "where love is served on your plate."
At Pen's, people can get items like pad thai, but also beautifully presented desserts. The owners get high praise online for their friendly service.
"There's a high tea there that's raved about, that people love," Beherns said, advising prospective visitors to book ahead.
Northeast Saskatchewan
If you're out in the Nipawin area, check out Mabel Hill Farm Kitchen & Marketplace, a gorgeous farmhouse-style restaurant that offers "upscale comfort food," often fresh from the garden, according to chef and owner Michael Brownlee.
People come out to the site from as far away as other provinces, or drive out from Saskatoon and back for three hours, which always surprises Brownlee.
"I actually didn't think it was going to get blown up in such a way that it is now," he said.
For more of a quick bite, Hansen recommends the Dam Smokehouse in Nipawin, which offers delicious barbecue classics like pulled pork and brisket.
As a lover of foods and hidden gems, Hansen said she always tries to detour off the main highway when she's hungry on a road trip. You may just have to call ahead with some of these small spots to ensure the restaurant is open and to save a table for you.
"Sometimes it takes a little bit longer than stopping at whatever fast food spot on the highway, but it's absolutely worth it," Hansen said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
with files from CBC's Blue Sky