Must-see restaurants in Ontario

  • Laverne's

    Thousand Islands

    Previously known as the Socialist Pig, the new restaurant still focuses on BBQ and brunch with cool decor including a counter made of old books. The food…

  • County Canteen

    Eastern Ontario

    This easygoing saloon offers a long list of craft beers and a global roster of eats, from bruschetta and quesadilla to Thai curry and Moroccan pita.

  • Sign of Senator Restaurant.

    Senator Restaurant

    Toronto

    Art deco buffs will delight in the Senator's curved glass windows, fluted aluminum counter face and original booths. Meals are refreshingly simple and…

  • 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…

  • 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 …

  • 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…

  • Zak's Diner

    Ottawa

    Shoo-bop along to the pop music that supplements the Grease-like atmosphere at this kitschy diner. The ByWard Market stalwart hosts families by day, but…

  • Benny's Bistro

    Ottawa

    The smell of freshly baked pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) emanates from the French bakery at the front of this cool and arty bistro. Pastries are…

  • Hamilton Farmers' Market

    Southwestern Ontario

    A sleek glass exterior belies the 180-year history of Hamilton's farmers market. Inside, two open-plan floors house 60 vendors selling produce, fresh…

  • Riviera

    Toronto Islands

    Next to the boardwalk, this cozy gallery-cafe has plenty of vegetarian and vegan options: soba-noodle salad, a scallion-aioli 'burger' and butternut…

  • Mlt Dwn

    Kingston

    These fromage-loving fast-food-meisters have already expanded from this original branch to the Canadian capital and Québec. You won't be able to resist…

  • Petit Bill's Bistro

    Ottawa

    At this charming family-run restaurant in Ottawa's Fisher Park neighborhood, the secret-recipe, east-coast seafood chowder might be the best you ever…

  • Patria

    Entertainment & Financial Districts

    Everything works beautifully in this expansive, stylish and modern restaurant specializing in Spanish tapas and cuisine. Knowledgeable servers help…

  • Thompson Diner

    Entertainment & Financial Districts

    At the sexy Thompson Toronto hotel, this classic diner with a modern twist is open 21 hours a day (it serves all-day breakfast). Whenever you're there,…

  • Fuwa Fuwa

    Toronto

    Meaning 'Fluffy, Fluffy,' Fuwa Fuwa specializes in Japanese soufflé pancakes. Traditionally served after weddings as a sign of good fortune, here they're…

  • Signatures Restaurant

    Ottawa

    Housed in the historic Tudor-style Munross Mansion, this restaurant affiliated with the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school focuses on modern…

  • Fraser Cafe

    Ottawa

    Take a little trek over to this smart cafe/restaurant across the Rideau River, northeast of ByWard Market, especially if you're in the mood for brunch …

  • Caribou Restaurant & Wine Bar

    Northern Ontario

    Between southern Thunder Bay's confusing haze of wide-set freeways and boxy mega-marts lies one of the town's best dining options. Caribou's facade is…

  • Grand Electric Parkdale

    Toronto

    Got a craving for tacos? This hip Mexican joint in the West End serves up some of the best in the city, and the wings are pretty darn awesome, too. There…

  • C'est Japon à Suisha

    Ottawa

    While strong in other culinary branches, Ottawa lacks a tonne of good Japanese restaurants. This long-running eatery is the exception: mouthwatering…

  • Burger's Priest

    Entertainment & Financial Districts

    Some say Priest's simple burgers are the best in town: fresh-ground beef, soft bun, grilled to perfection. A top choice: 'the Priest' (of course), crowned…

  • Nami

    Old Town, Corktown & Distillery District

    Nami, meaning 'wave' (as in tsunami), is unmissable for its cool blue-neon wave on the outside of the building. Bustling about the black-lacquered…

  • Cadence

    Southwestern Ontario

    Plant-based meals are served at this bright and busy cafe. Dishes are hearty and made to order; expect teriyaki tempeh bowls, mac 'n' cheese (made with…

  • Terroni

    Old Town, Corktown & Distillery District

    The Adelaide St branch of this popular Italian eatery (there are two others in Toronto, and more in LA) occupies a historic courthouse with high vaulted…

  • Motley Kitchen

    Northern Ontario

    Sudbury's most popular brunch spot serves unlikely dishes such as breakfast burritos, Welsh rarebit, Croatian crepes, and French toast stuffed with…

  • Union

    Toronto

    This dandy little kitchen serves a delicious fusion of French- and Italian-inspired dishes that it touts as 'simple done right,' though you could argue…

  • King Slice

    Toronto

    A monster slice is sometimes all you want. And King Slice produces just that: thin, crispy pies with gooey cheese and loads of toppings, in slices so big…

  • Schnitzel Queen

    Old Town, Corktown & Distillery District

    This poky German takeout specializes in golden-delicious breaded-schnitzel sandwiches that make great picnic fodder. These mammoth creations are excellent…

  • Salad King

    Toronto

    An institution among students of neighboring Ryerson University, the colorful and somewhat misleadingly named Salad King dispenses large bowls of standard…

  • Kinton Ramen

    Kensington Market & Chinatown

    Ramen noodles are practically a religion in Japan, and they're becoming increasingly popular in Toronto. The cool brains behind this clever outfit leaped…

  • Chef's House

    Old Town, Corktown & Distillery District

    Enjoy gourmet fare created and served by culinary students at George Brown College. The dining room is upscale and modern, with an open kitchen (see the…

  • NishDish

    Toronto

    Traditional Anishnawbe (Nish) dishes are served at this tiny eatery – more a quick-service counter than a cafe – with two long communal tables. The menu…

  • Hair of the Dog

    Toronto

    At its best in the warmer months, when two levels of shaded patio spring to life with a gay and straight crowd, this chilled puppy is delightfully less…

  • Piano Piano

    Toronto

    Meaning 'slowly, slowly' in Italian, Piano Piano is all about slowing down to enjoy a meal and connect with friends and family. The menu itself is…

  • Budapest Restaurant

    Southwestern Ontario

    If you've been in business for more than 60 years, you've got to be doing something right. There is so much authenticity to this humble establishment…

  • FIKA Cafe

    Kensington Market & Chinatown

    Meaning 'coffee break' in Swedish, FIKA is a small cafe in a turquoise Victorian house. Inside, the decor is soothing: exposed-brick walls, whitewashed…

  • Irish Harp Pub

    Niagara Peninsula

    Loved by locals throughout the Niagara region for its hearty pub meals (think Irish hot pot and corned beef and cabbage), some come just for the Irish …

  • Wreckless Eric

    Southwestern Ontario

    A small woodsy eatery specializing in bowls, burritos and salads. The scratch kitchen uses locally sourced products, so the menu changes regularly…

  • Outdoor Eateries

    Toronto

    Food trucks, repurposed shipping containers and plywood sheds make up this outdoor food court at the heart of Yonge St. Short-order cooks prep burritos,…

  • Sweet Jesus

    Entertainment & Financial Districts

    Jazzed up soft serve for all your Instagram desires (and your taste buds, too). It's no surprise that Sweet Jesus has rapidly grown across the country and…