Must-see restaurants in Canada

  • Pink Bicycle

    Victoria

    A long way from the greasy patties of yore, the Pink Bicycle (named for the machine that has pride of place in the window) deals in gourmet burgers served…

  • Greek Gastown

    Gastown & Chinatown

    A smartly hip update on traditional Greek tavernas, this exposed-brick, white-tabled eatery serves up delicious new takes on dishes such as moussaka and…

  • Sparrow

    Montréal

    In a vintage chic dining room, Mile Enders feast on mussels with white wine and fries, pan-roasted trout, butter chicken and other unfussy but tasty…

  • Le Continental

    Québec City

    Probably the fanciest (schmanciest) fine-dining experience you can have outside the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City, this place awash in…

  • Pluto's

    Victoria

    A garage-rehabilitation project with a galactic theme, Pluto's is the only remaining Phillips 66 'bat-wing'-style gas station left in Canada, although the…

  • Niger Reef Tea House

    New Brunswick

    Built in 1926 and used as a teahouse to raise money for charity until WWII, this tiny, atmospheric place is a popular spot for well-prepared meals such as…

  • Zephyr Cafe

    Squamish & Around

    No piece of furniture looks like it had the same previous owner at this unashamedly retro cafe in downtown Squamish, from the milk churns posing as…

  • La Cabane Chez Jean

    Montréal

    The chalet overlooking Plage des Îles hosts its cabane à sucre (sugar shack) during maple season. At long communal tables, diners feast on maple-syrup…

  • Cartems Donuterie

    Vancouver

    Vancouver's coolest doughnut emporium offers a raft of fresh-made fusion treats with irresistible flavors including Earl Grey, salted caramel and the…

  • Pagliacci’s

    Victoria

    A local legend that's often packed elbow-to-elbow on busy evenings, this New York–style Italian restaurant serves great pasta dishes, often with a West…

  • Imadake

    Montréal

    On the fringes of the Concordia Chinatown, Imadake is the closest thing to an authentic izakaya (Japanese pub-eatery) in the city. Staff scream…

  • Gumboot Cafe

    British Columbia

    A cool, wood-floored hangout that's ideal for eavesdropping on local gossip – or just perusing the ever-changing art lining the walls. Either way, drop by…

  • Simply Thai

    Vancouver

    Yaletown's best restaurant lunch deal – it's $10 for a main (including curries and stir-fries) with rice and a spring roll at this friendly Thai joint…

  • Murchie's Tea & Coffee

    Victoria

    Despite being conceived by an expat Scotsman in New Westminster in 1894, BC’s quintessential tea merchant has become a Victoria staple with the company…

  • Muio's

    Northern Ontario

    In a historic building dating from 1890, among pictures of the Soo of yore, Muio's continues to bask in anachronistic glory. Started in 1961, pretty much…

  • Craig Street Brew Pub

    Vancouver Island

    An inviting, multi-floor locals' hangout (aim for the top-floor patio in summer), this dark-wood boozer offers a huge menu of elevated pub grub, from taco…

  • Molly's Reach

    British Columbia

    Any Canadian who was near a TV set in the 1970s and '80s will recognize this sunset-yellow harborside abode as the primary filming location for the long…

  • K Cafe

    Fairview & South Granville

    Superfriendly family-run cafe loved by those working at nearby Vancouver General Hospital. You can grab a coffee on the run here or – better still –…

  • Jatoba

    Montréal

    Celebrated chef Antonio Park is behind the menu at this artfully designed space just off Place Phillips. Park, who was born to Korean parents but grew up…

  • Le Club Chasse et Pêche

    Old Montréal

    One of the pillars of Old Montréal’s grand dining scene, this elegant restaurant serves fantastic new-wave French fare, including roast suckling pork and…

  • East is East

    Vancouver

    Locals craving Indian and Middle Eastern comfort food plus a side dish of live music and international dance love this immersive, aromatic haven. Avoid…

  • Base Camp

    British Columbia

    The town's quintessential community coffee hangout has, no doubt, served as base camp for many energetic Sunshine Coast excursions judging by the…

  • Olo

    Victoria

    Olo is Victoria's quintessential farm-to-table restaurant and it ploughs a deep furrow. The 'locally grown' mantra is taken seriously here with small…

  • Beaucoup Bakery & Cafe

    Fairview & South Granville

    New owners have not dulled the expertise and allure of this French-approach bakeshop, serving arguably the best croissants and pain au chocolat in the…

  • Cows

    Banff Town

    Banff Ave isn't Banff Ave without an omnipresent queue snaking out the door at Cows, a product of Prince Edward Island. Cows' 30-plus ice-cream flavors…

  • Cottage Deli Cafe

    Gastown & Chinatown

    Look for the specials board on Water St then head up the steps to this tiny, fancy-free Gastown gem. The menu is dominated by old-school soup-and-sandwich…

  • L’Orignal

    Old Montréal

    This cozy chalet-style restaurant specializes in exquisitely prepared game meat and fresh seafood. Start with oysters or venison-heart tartare before…

  • Inn at Whale Cove

    New Brunswick

    Wonderful food in a relaxed country setting on Whale Cove. The menu changes daily, but includes mouthwatering upscale meals such as pulled pork and…

  • Le Balsam Inn

    Montréal

    A charmer in the downtown dining scene, Le Balsam Inn serves up delectable plates of Italian fare, with standouts such as citrus-drizzled calamari, osso…

  • Field & Social

    Vancouver

    A plant-diet-loving cafe with a menu of 10 or so top-notch, fresh-tossed salads made with seasonal, regional ingredients. This is a great place to salve…

  • Sushi Momo

    Montréal

    There are just five tables in this art-filled vegan sushi joint, but you can always grab a spot along the counter, and join the mostly student crowd for…

  • Boulangerie Moulin de Provence

    Ottawa

    Still riding on the buzz left by a visit from former US President Barack Obama, this bakery is packed to the hilt with sugary and savory goodness. The …

  • Cabane du Pic-Bois

    Eastern Townships

    If you want to really gorge yourself, you can't do better than the all-you-can-eat spread at this traditional sugar shack. You get all the classics –…

  • Hunnybee Bruncheonette

    Gastown & Chinatown

    A bright cafe overlooking Strathcona's painted heritage houses (snag an outdoor row seat on sunny days), the elevated comfort food here ranges from…

  • Rhino Coffee House

    Tofino

    In outdoor-orientated Tofino, it’s easy to justify a doughnut for breakfast, and the best place in Tofino to procure one is at Rhino. Toss a coin to…

  • Sun Sui Wah

    Vancouver

    One of the best places in Vancouver for dim sum, this large, chatty Hong Kong–style joint has deservedly been a local favorite for years. Order an array…

  • Chambar

    Vancouver

    This giant, brick-lined cave is a juggernaut of Vancouver's dining scene, serving an ever-changing all-day menu of sophisticated Belgian-esque dishes from…

  • Noble

    Niagara Peninsula

    The fine-dining room at the opulent Prince of Wales Hotel takes its food seriously. The contemporary menu offers taste inventions like a tart of locally…

  • Cliff House Restaurant

    North Shore

    The fanciest eatery inside Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, a no-reservations policy encourages off-peak dining at this woodsy bistro (unless you like…

  • Bake49

    Vancouver

    A tiny bakery specializing in Japanese cheesecakes and pastries. Arrive early or expect to be greeted by the 'sold out' sign on the door. It's worth…

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