Whether you live in the Niagara region or you’re just visiting, we’re sure you want to experience the best of what it has to offer. And when it comes to food, locals and newcomers alike are spoiled for choice. The Niagara region may be known for its wine, but once you visit these top 11 restaurants, you’ll be coming back again and again to experience its incredible food scene. Read on to discover some of the most coveted restaurant reservations in the Niagara region.
1. Treadwell Farm-to-Table Restaurant
This farm-to-table restaurant located in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake has been the recipient of many awards and industry accolades since its opening in 2006. With menu and wine offerings that are sourced locally, it’s here that restaurant goers are able to experience the fruits of Niagara’s labour.
2. Kitchen 76 at Two Sisters Vineyard
A popular restaurant in one of Niagara’s top wineries, Kitchen 76 is inspired by Italian fare. Their offerings are designed to pair perfectly with their award-winning wines and feature items like homemade focaccia bread, grilled octopus and truffle pizza. Whichever produce isn’t sourced locally is grown right on the property.
3. The Yellow Pear Kitchen
Calling all lovers of brunch — this farm-to-table restaurant in St. Catharines is adored by all who visit. Their menu fuses the best of breakfast and lunch, featuring dishes like fried chicken and waffles, smoked salmon benny, and avocado toast. They’re also the winner of Opentable’s 100 Best Restaurants in Canada.
4. Root & Bone
Fresh from the root and fresh from the bone, this Fonthill restaurant’s menu offerings will leave a memorable taste in your mouth. Taking a farm-to-table approach, this dining destination sources fruits and vegetables that are organic and local. Fun fact: Head Chef, Raymond Taylor, has worked at numerous award-winning restaurants in Canada and was selected to cook for the royal wedding reception of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.
5. Pearl Morissette
A reputable french-inspired restaurant in Jordan, Pearl Morissette offers an ever-changing blind prix fixe menu, leaving all of its patrons eager to come back and try more culinary creations. All dishes are made from the region’s highest-quality ingredients and have drink pairings available too.
6. Casa Mia Ristorante
Founded by a mother and son, this Italian restaurant was born out of a love for cooking. It was recognized for having one of the best dining experiences in all of Niagara. From its intimate European-like dining room to the alluring wine libraries you can eat in, there’s many reasons to visit. Plus, it’s also home to a grand piano which is used for live entertainment.
7. Cannery Restaurant
Located in Niagara’s famous Pillar and Post Inn & Spa, this romantic dining destination is the perfect place to indulge in a glass of fine wine, a juicy steak, or signature desserts. Wondering what the atmosphere is like? The ceilings are decked out in chandeliers, there’s beautiful historic brick walls, and natural wooden beams exposed for all to see.
8. The Drawing Room at the Prince of Wales Hotel
Interested in high tea? This is an experience unlike any other in the Niagara region that transports you to the Victorian era. Picture the finest china you’ve ever seen, decadent desserts, and the highest quality of service that’ll leave you feeling like a king or queen.
9. The Oaklands at the Riverbend Inn
Equally as impressive as its sprawling property, the Oaklands offers a blend of French and Canadian dishes. Its breakfast, lunch and dinner menus change every season, but what keeps people coming back is the restaurant’s mesmerizing and unobstructed vineyard view.
10. The Gate House
The Gate House is one of the newest restaurants in one of the most historic buildings in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Before most of it burnt down in 1849, the building was a meeting place for all of the town’s residents before and after the War of 1812. Their brunch and all-day menus change seasonally, featuring dishes like pizzas, pastas and salads.
11. Megalomaniac
This Vineland-based winery is known for having the best view in wine country and it’s one of the reasons why it’s frequented by those near and far. It rests at the highest point of altitude in the Niagara escarpment, rewarding all of its patrons with jaw-dropping 360-degree views. Come to dine and experience dinner with a view.
Next, explore some of Niagara’s top hot spots and learn why you’ll love living in this beautiful region. Already well acquainted with the Niagara area? Discover some of the best weekend getaways in Ontario.