Must-see restaurants in Ontario

  • Bight

    Northern Ontario

    At this understated marina restaurant, chef Allan Rebelo has created a contemporary menu including charcuterie boards, pizza, fish tacos, and shrimp and…

  • Chez Lucien

    Ottawa

    Exposed burgundy brick and classics on the free jukebox make this Gallic-accented gastropub one of Ottawa's favorite places to kick back in style…

  • Shorty's Grill

    Bruce Peninsula

    Locals love Shorty's and with good reason. Appetizers like escargots, crab cakes and calamari fail to disappoint seafood lovers, while mains range from…

  • Paddington Pub

    Southwestern Ontario

    A small house repurposed as an even smaller pub, Paddington's is a local favorite with a full line of craft beers and filling, homestyle specials every…

  • La Carnita

    Entertainment & Financial Districts

    A hoppin' spot for Mexican street eats, La Carnita is the place to grab a cocktail and indulge in some of the best tacos in town. The Toronto-based chain…

  • Grandma Lambe's

    Georgian Bay

    You won't regret the trek to Grandma Lambe's (west on Hwy 26 just outside of Meaford). The store is a delicious jumble of maple syrup vintages, butter…

  • Spago

    Southwestern Ontario

    Windsor has a reputation for being the place for Italian, and Spago fits the bill. If you're not in the mood for pasta, rest assured: staff also deliver…

  • Mill on Main

    Muskoka Lakes

    With a lovely covered patio offering glimpses of the water and some classy original twists on old favorites, the Mill is a good spot for a casual meal or…

  • Brewhouse

    Southwestern Ontario

    Wave to the anglers on the Grand River from the shady Brewhouse patio as you weigh up the benefits of cheddar and ale soup, bangers and mash, or chicken…

  • Wellington Gastropub

    Ottawa

    This gastropub is luring foodies to Ottawa's west end with its savvy selection of hearty mains, ranging from pulled pork ragout to east coast sea scallops…

  • By the Way

    Toronto

    An Annex fixture, this cheerful corner bistro has a fusion menu that leans toward Middle Eastern. Although there's plenty of meat on offer, vegetarians…

  • Fresh

    Toronto

    You'll find all the comfort-food faves here, from tacos to burgers, plus a range of salads, smoothies and juices – all completely plant based and organic…

  • Elk & Finch

    Southwestern Ontario

    This 'coffee pub' serves more than caffeinated and alcoholic beverages: sandwiches, salads and thin-crust pizzas will fill you up. Sip your trendy brew in…

  • Culbert's Bakery

    Southwestern Ontario

    Folks come from far and wide for this old-school bakery that has served delicious and decadent cream puffs, muffins, tarts and fresh-from-the-oven loaves…

  • Algonquin Lunch Bar & Restaurant

    Eastern Ontario

    Attached to Whitney's gas station and shop, this village hub is a good place to insulate yourself with some tea or soup before driving into the woods…

  • Nguyen Huong

    Kensington Market & Chinatown

    Cheap and delicious filled Vietnamese sandwiches are the order of the day at the original precursor to Toronto's banh mi (baguettes filled with pâté,…

  • King Taps

    Entertainment & Financial Districts

    King Taps has more than 50 rotating craft beers, plus tasty cocktails, and it serves up delicious food. Pizzas are definitely a favorite, but dishes such…

  • Thaifoon

    Southwestern Ontario

    Classing Dundas St up a bit is Thaifoon. A calm, composed atmosphere and babbling water features provide relief from the mean streets, while chili-laden…

  • Lapointe

    Ottawa

    This fish market has served the community since 1867, offering a versatile array of dishes from cod tacos to old-school fish-and-chips. Sit on the front…

  • Remarkable Bean

    The Beaches

    This Beaches fave serves up shepherd's pie and still-in-the-pan homemade desserts to go with your latte or maté (South American 'tea of life'). Fight for…

  • Artisan Grill

    Southwestern Ontario

    A casual fine restaurant serving upmarket sandwiches and salads, along with steaks and seafood. The lobster grilled cheese is heavenly. Eat in the sunny,…

  • Restaurant at Peninsula Ridge

    Niagara Peninsula

    Sit outside, upstairs or down in this high-Victorian 1885 manor at the winery of the same name, serving haute cuisine paired with local wines...of course.

  • Bread & Sons Bakery

    Ottawa

    This bakery claims to do the best coffee on the block. It certainly makes wonderful pastries, cookies, scones, tarts, mini-quiches, pizza, and breakfast…

  • Mariposa Market

    Muskoka Lakes

    This half-bakery, half-knickknack shack is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Try the assortment of savory pastries for a light lunch, grab a…

  • Pizza Station

    Muskoka Lakes

    Locals swear by this nondescript pizza joint for its steaming-hot cheesy goodness with just the right amount of toppings and a crispy, crunchy crust. Take…

  • White Horse Restaurant

    Ottawa

    This wonderful little greasy spoon is the nearest place to the Ottawa train station to get a meal, and boasts good old-fashioned home cooking and the…

  • Bistro One

    Northern Ontario

    A diamond in the rough of a utilitarian area south of the city center, Bistro One sizzles with an innovative, ever-changing menu, sleek decor and a…

  • Napoli Ristorante Pizzeria

    Niagara Falls

    Head to Napoli for the best Italian in town, hands down. Delicious pizza, rich pasta, creamy risotto and veal parmigiana all feature on the familiar menu…

  • Lake Huron Fish and Chips

    Bruce Peninsula

    You're going to crave it at some point, surrounded by all this water, and this is the place to go: golden-fried fresh lake fish and crispy, crunchy fries.

  • Georgian Dragon Ale House

    Eastern Ontario

    This British ale house on the main drag has a good selection of beers on tap and tasty British pub favorites such as butter chicken and cottage pie.

  • Curry Original

    Kingston

    This smart outfit serves Kingston's finest Indian cuisine, including all the classic curries from butter chicken to vindaloo, korma to Madras.

  • Lord Amherst Pub

    Southwestern Ontario

    Fancy, delicious pub meals and top-shelf beers make this quaint, historic watering hole a lovely diversion from your heritage adventures.

  • That Little Place by the Lights

    Muskoka Lakes

    A local favorite, this little place by the lights is loved for its old-school pizzas, pastas and gelati. Excellent value.

  • Urban Eatery

    Toronto

    More than just a food court, the Urban Eatery, in the basement of the gargantuan Eaton Centre, has more than 45 outlets, from fast food to seated dining…

  • Sultan's Tent & Café Maroc

    Old Town, Corktown & Distillery District

    Dark and atmospheric, replete with stained-glass lanterns, candles and fringed cushions, the Sultan's Tent serves traditional Moroccan cuisine. Try the…

  • Island Cafe

    Toronto Islands

    Near the Ward's Island ferry dock, this locals' fave has a limited menu spanning lots of flavors. Expect burgers and quesadillas alongside chickpea curry…

  • Burger World

    Northern Ontario

    Locals swear by this quality burger joint, where options include juicy burgers, wraps and mains such as fish-and-chips, with a choice of sides including…

  • Gale's Snack Bar

    The Beaches

    Off the gentrified Leslieville strip, on a corner with heavy vehicular traffic, you'll find this gritty hole-in-the-wall place. If you can get past the…

  • Pasta e Vino

    Northern Ontario

    So it's not the best Italian restaurant in the world, but there's a lovely vibe about this quaint pasta joint in a little house on the edge of downtown…

  • Bombay Palace

    Old Town, Corktown & Distillery District

    This welcoming Punjabi restaurant occupies the front half of a quirky old brick building. It has a fine-dining atmosphere, polite, old-fashioned service,…