Foodie Destination Ontario: Guide To Its Best Eats

Ontario is a great place to visit—one of Canada’s largest provinces, it’s also one of its most beautiful and diverse—Great lakes; sprawling forests; and verdant farmland combined with cultural city centers like Toronto and Ottawa in a perfect blend of the great outdoors and vibrant, bustling tourist destinations.

However, the overall vastness of Ontario may seem intimidating to a first-time visitor—especially one who is looking to try some of the best cuisines in the multicultural province. And while Ontario’s largest cities are a good place to start; the province’s foodies find go well beyond what travelers would expect—if you know where to look. Below is a guide to just some of Ontario’s must-try restaurants; the perfect itinerary for any aspiring foodie looking to test their chops in one of Canada’s most exciting provinces.

Note: Ontario is made up of 15 distinct regions—each with its own experiences that often vary throughout the region itself. The following list does not include cuisine from every region but does aim to provide a sampling of some of the province’s most distinctive (and diverse) spots.

Southwestern Ontario Samplings

Southwestern Ontario is known for its vineyards, distilleries, and farm-fresh flavors that are a cornerstone of the restaurant scene and indicative of the area’s rich agricultural heritage. Look for lots of fresh seafood here, too—the area is known for its fishing.

An Area Favorite: Big Fish Steak & Lounge

A casual, family-owned restaurant in Sarnia, Big Fish Steak & Lounge is a great place to sample the area’s best of both land and sea—fresh, delicious seafood pairs wonderfully with local flavors that sing in this delish dining experience.

Address: 1717 London Line, Sarnia, ON N7W 1B2
Hours: Monday through Wednesday 11 AM-9 PM; Thursday 11 AM-9:30 PM; Friday & Saturday 11 AM-10 PM
Contact: (519) 542-5553
Reservations: Call ahead
Price: $$-$$$$
What To Try: Oysters Rockefeller (App); Anita’s Ahi Tuna; N.Y. Strip Steak with Alaskan King Crab

A Great Slice From Antonino’s Original Pizza

Windsor, Ontario is known as ‘The Pizza Capital of Canada,’ and Antonino’s has been a staple of the local pizza scene since 1959—Antonino himself was known as one of Windsor’s pizza pioneers—so you know it’s some of the best pizza around.

Address: 4350 Howard Ave. (South Windsor Location)
Hours: Sunday through Wednesday 10 AM-10 PM; Thursday 10 AM-11 PM; Friday & Saturday 10 AM-12 AM
Contact: (519) 969-1959
Reservations: N/A
Price: $$-$$$
What To Try: The Deluxe (Cheese, Sausage, Mushroom, Green Pepper); Antonio’s Original Super (Cheese, Sausage, Bacon, Mushroom, Green Pepper)

Greater Toronto Area

The Queen City of Toronto is one of Canada's most famed tourist destinations—recognized globally for its culture, history, and attractions, Toronto’s famous multicultural neighborhoods are also home to some of Ontario’s best restaurants.

Elevated Elegance At Richmond Station

Big Canadian flavors with a global twist make Richmond Station one of the unfanciest fancy restaurants in Toronto. Almost everything from butchery to baking is done here; giving this neighborhood fave a local feel that’s the backbone of their inventive menu.

Address: 1 Richmond Street West, Toronto, ON M5H 3W4
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 4:30 PM-10 PM; Friday through Sunday 3:30 PM-10 PM
Contact: (647) 748-1444
Reservations: online
Price: $$-$$$
What To Try: Stn. Burger; Butter-Poached Lobster Macaroni; Organic Chicken Ballotine

An Ode To China At Mimi Chinese

Toronto is famed for its gastro-diversity—and Chinese food is one of the most ubiquitous of all the city’s eclectic samplings. And while Toronto’s Chinatown is the place to be for authentic Chinese goodies, Mimi’s Chinese tops the list with its theatrical offerings that offer up an homage to the diverse cuisine of China itself.

Address: 265 Davenport Rd Toronto, ON M5R 1J9
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday 5 PM-11 PM; Friday & Saturday 5 PM-12AM5PM-11
Contact: (416) 505-0799
Reservations: reserve a table online
Price: $$$
What To Try: Hunan Chili Sea Bass; Cross Arm dumplings in Red Oil; Kuai Style Red Sea Bream

Niagara Region

Known as the home of the famous Niagara Falls, Ontario’s Niagara Region is also known for its abundance of great wineries—and beautiful towns filled with old-world charm and plenty of history.

Laidback Vibes And Local Flavor At The Office Tap & Grill

St. Catharine’s is a great place to stay when visiting Niagara Falls—one of the largest towns in the area, there are plenty of fun eateries to explore, including local fave The Office Tap & Grill. A cool place to grab a pint and a bite, The Office is a chill standout in St. Catharine’s.

Address: 22 James Street, St. Catharine’s, ON
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 11:30 AM-11 PM; Sunday 12 PM-11 PM
Contact: (905) 984-4440
Reservations: no
Price: $$-$$$
What To Try: Poutine; Lamb Shank; Butternut Squash Ravioli

Casually Upscale At Weinkeller

Any list of Ontario restaurants would be incomplete without an offering from Niagara Falls—and Weinkeller makes the list as a casually upscale craft-winery with a fresh, local, and inventive prix fixe menu that stands out for its atmosphere and deliciously distinctive cuisine.

Address: 5633 Victoria Ave. Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 3L5
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 5 PM-9 PM; Friday & Saturday 5 PM-9:45 PM
Contact: (289) 296-8000
Reservations: reserve a table online
Price: $$$-$$$$ prix fixe menu with the option of three or five-course meal
What To Try: Rack-Carved Ontario Bone-In Pork Chop; Hand-Carved Striploin; Fried Goats Cheese (App); Smoked Salmon Bisque

Northumberland County

The Northumberland County region is east of Toronto bordering Lake Ontario and is filled with charming towns and villages that all reflect a proud local heritage dependent on their proximity to the famous waterway.

Cozy Casual Cuisine In Cobourg

Cobourg is a beach city with laidback vibes and an abundance of delicious, casual eateries—and the Ale House Cobourg is one of the best: cozy, wood-lined walls, great brews, and even better food, Ale House has grown to one of the most popular hangout spots in Northumberland County.

Address: 246 Division St. Cobourg, Ontario K9A 3P8
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 12 PM-10 PM; Monday 3 PM-10 PM
Contact: (289) 252-1773
Reservations: no
Price: $-$$
What To Try: Steak Sandwich; Cheese Curds; 5 Alarm Chicken Wings; Peppercorn Burger

Ottawa Region

Canada’s capital is iconic for its Canadian charm—a green and lovely city on the Ottawa River, it’s also a hub of culture, history, outdoor beauty, and an amazing cuisine scene.

New York Style Gastropub Flavor At Prohibition Public House

Serving up modern Canadian fare in a cozy, wood-paneled atmosphere reminiscent of a hidden speakeasy, Prohibition Public House has an exciting cocktail menu, local brews, great ambiance, and delish dishes that are creatively Canadian—with a twist.

Address: 337 Somerset St. West Ottawa, Ontario
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 5 PM-12 AM; Saturday and Sunday 5 PM-2 AM
Contact: (613) 565-2704
Reservations: online
Price: $$$-$$$$
What To Try: Stuffed Quail (small plate); Wild Boar and Venison Burger; Grilled Rockfish Tacos; Rum Runners Old Fashion

Ontario is one of Canada’s largest provinces—a diverse region filled with the perfect combination of scenic natural beauty and bustling metropolitan hubs big on culture, history, and exciting attractions. However, it’s also known as a great spot to grab a bite—whether it’s amid the hustle and bustle of Toronto or near the famed Niagara Falls; the Lake Ontario villages of Northumberland County, or Southwestern Ontario farm country, there’s always something good on the menu for any foodie looking to explore the flavors of this amazing province.

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