Must-see restaurants in Canada

  • Central Café

    Québec

    Set in a two-story house built in the 1920s, this is where locals go to pig out on burgers, pasta, pizza, smoked-meat sandwiches and other forms of Québec…

  • Loggers Grill

    North Shore

    Rustic-look grill station near the entrance to the park; an ideal spot to fuel-up on burgers and hot dogs before you tackle the Suspension Bridge (or…

  • Phil Smoked Meat

    Québec City

    The pursuit of smoked meat is a religion in Québec and for a quick (and cheap) lunch or bite on the, err, hoof it's hard to think of a better place than…

  • Truffles Cafe

    Fairview & South Granville

    The on-site cafe at VanDusen Botanical Garden, serving baked treats, fairtrade coffee and light lunches of the salad-and-sandwiches variety. A popular…

  • R&J Restaurant

    Newfoundland & Labrador

    This greasy spoon is popular with families – probably because it serves big portions of pizza and burgers on the cheap alongside fish 'n' brewis (a blend…

  • Nirivik Co-op

    Nunavut

    This ramshackle green building next to Dorset Suites serves burgers, fried chicken and poutine at chipped green tables. They cook to order: you'll hear…

  • Farmers Market

    Northern BC

    This local market has a new permanent home indoors in the middle of town and now operates year-round. You'll find live entertainment, home-baked goods,…

  • Wellington's

    Georgian Bay

    Wellington's is the 'light beer' of pubs – it looks like a bar, but it's healthier for you. The menu has some calorie-conscious options like blackened…

  • Food for Thought

    New Brunswick

    It may not look like much from the outside, but step over the threshold and you'll find a cozy spot that churns out chicken pot pies, loaded grilled…

  • Poissonnerie Paturel

    St-Pierre & Miquelon

    As much a sight to be savored as a place to stock up on smoked fish, at this seafood market you can see how local seafood is processed and filleted, and…

  • Le Beaux-Arts Bistro

    Montréal

    This on-site museum bistro has fittingly minimal looks and French-influenced panini, soups, salads and pastries. It's good for a light meal or Quebec…

  • Café Morgane

    Eastern Townships & Mauricie

    On most afternoons, this branch of a local chain is the busiest spot in Trois-Rivières. Espresso, herbal teas and decadent sweets infuse the airy space…

  • Café des Artistes

    Gaspé Peninsula

    There's world music on the stereo and a self-consciously (but not off-putting) bohemian vibe at this cafe, which has a list of teas and coffees as long as…

  • Caribbean Flavas

    New Brunswick

    A brightly painted causal joint dishing up the flavors of the Caribbean with vegetarian and halal options. Dig into Island Jambalaya or coconut curry…

  • Thyme on 21

    Southwestern Ontario

    Goderich's only casual fine-dining establishment is good, despite the lack of competition. Global influences are present in the mouthwatering menu, with…

  • India Gate

    St John's

    This dark-curtained, white-tablecloth restaurant has solid Indian fare and a quiet, romantic atmosphere. It's a bedrock of the local fine dining scene…

  • Snowshoe Inn Restaurant

    Northwest Territories

    Opposite the namesake inn, this restaurant whips up a middle-of-the-road melange of sandwiches, burgers, pork chops and chicken wings, as well as solid…

  • Blue Willow Tea Shop

    Muskoka Lakes

    This quaint waterfront tearoom serves high tea daily from 2pm. The lunch menu has British staples like ploughman’s lunch and chicken pot pie, though there…

  • Pizzeria Porto Bellissimo

    Québec

    For homemade thick-crust pizzas, almost overflowing with toppings, or for sandwiches and decadent desserts in a cheery atmosphere, this pizzeria and…

  • Café Arômes et Saveurs

    Baie St Paul

    When you're craving serious coffee and freshly made waffles, garnished with fresh fruit, maple syrup, whipped cream, caramel, chocolate or other sweet…

  • By D Rock Cafe

    Eastern Newfoundland

    This small family run cafe dishes out solid executions of local staples like fish and chips, cod au gratin, slices of pie and the like. Hours can vary, so…

  • Salty's Beach House

    Okanagan Valley

    You expect deep-fried but what you get is a nuanced menu of seafood with global accents. Try the pistachio mahimahi ($24). Dine under the stars on the…

  • Dave's Green Papaya

    Northern Ontario

    An eclectic pan-Asian selection of mouthwatering meals, including dishes from China, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore, are presented with flair at this…

  • Harbour View Market Restaurant

    New Brunswick

    Don't be put off by the plain exterior – reliable Harbour View serves up good chowder and other bites such as 'mini' seafood dinners without eating into…

  • Café de l’Anse

    Gaspé Peninsula

    This waterfront bistro decorated with whimsical sculptures busy with weekend brunchers year-round and with road-trippers stopping for sandwiches, pizzas,…

  • Little Italy

    Okanagan Valley

    Order a cup of authentic Italian coffee and enjoy it on the porch at this cute little market and deli just east of Hwy 97. In addition to great sandwiches…

  • Country Corner

    Newfoundland & Labrador

    A combination restaurant and gift shop, the Country Corner is especially notable for its warm bowls of cod chowder and a slew of baked goods cooked with…

  • Cellarman's Ale House

    Georgian Bay

    This cozy pub has an intimate location, tucked away off King St. Hearty British fare keeps the locals strong during drafty winters; try a Scotch egg with…

  • Café l’Échourie

    Québec

    This summer-only bistro with a log-walled interior and a terrace facing the beach sits right in the sand overlooking the St Lawrence. Sandwiches, salads…

  • Pandaville

    Northwest Territories

    The only recommendable restaurant in town has a straight-up Chinese menu with a lunchtime buffet, some Western dishes, and ample portions of à la carte…

  • Mai Xiang Yuan

    Old Montréal

    Tasty plates of 15 dumplings come pan-fried or steamed at this humble restaurant. Fillings include everything from lamb and onion to pork and leek, as…

  • Dildo Dory

    Newfoundland & Labrador

    The Dildo Dory is recognized as a fine spot for a sit-down seafood meal, with their fishcakes and fish-and-chips coming in for special recognition, as…

  • Vietnamese Noodle House

    Drumheller

    This place is a long way from Saigon in both geography and authenticity, but it is cheap and cheerful. The real reason to come is for the giant ice-cream…

  • Chez Sophie

    Québec

    This welcoming bistro-bar with original art on the walls is a lively spot for a meal-size salad topped with grilled salmon, a duck confit pizza or a plate…

  • Restaurant Le Bateau

    Tadoussac

    A great view is served up with the buffet of traditional Québec workers' fare at this friendly restaurant. Fill up on Lac St Jean meat pie, followed by…

  • Bowline Cafe

    British Columbia

    It’s not often that Galiano gets a new cafe, so all hail the Bowline, which summons up chunky breakfast sandwiches and potent coffee in a turquoise-hued…

  • Pains d'Exclamation

    Charlevoix

    This bakery makes a good lunchtime stop, mainly for the grilled sandwich with a Brie-like local cheese called Le Fleurmier, apples and walnuts. Soups ($6…

  • Replika

    Montréal

    This spacious coffeehouse has lots of tables for quiet conversation and laptop chatter, plus good coffees, sandwiches, desserts and other snacks. For a…

  • Le Hibou

    Québec

    In this vividly painted cafe with turquoise walls and a display of owl art, the eclectic menu travels from soups and salads, to moules frites, to butter…

  • Papa Joe's

    Charlottetown

    Down-home cooking and zero pretensions make this diner a locals' favorite. Tuck into bacon-wrapped meatloaf, steak sandwiches and liver and onions served…

More destinations you need to see