Niagara-on-the-Lake is renowned for its abundance of gastronomic delights, which make it a veritable feast for gourmets. Is it any wonder it was named the culinary capital of Canada in 2014? And the Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed & Breakfast Association is pleased to be in partnership with so many of the fine dining venues in the area. So, whether you’re craving a delicious hamburger or wishing to experience the fine tasting menus created by celebrity chefs, your hosts will gladly point you in the right direction.
Here are some fine dining establishments you may want to check out while you’re touring Niagara-on-the-Lake:
Benchmark Restaurant: This one is very special indeed as it is located in Niagara College, which means everything on the menu is created and prepared by student chefs and service is provided by students planning to enter the hospitality industry. This little nugget is open of lunch Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner on Friday and Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. Reserve your dining experience at 905-641-2252, ext. 4619.
Savour dishes created by student chefs at the Benchmark Restaurant at Niagara College.
Bistro Six One: Offering great food at reasonable prices for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this bistro-style restaurant on Queen Street features an informal atmosphere and a diverse menu as well as wood-fire pizza. And, if you’re feeling peckish, it’s also one of the few places still open after evening theatre performances.
Epicurean Restaurant: Located at on Queen Street opposite the Royal George Theatre, this dining establishment features counter service for lunch and sit-down table service for dinner. Its outdoor patio is a splendid spot to spend a summer evening under the stars. There’s also an indoor dining room. Call 905-468-3408 for dinner reservations.
Farmhouse Café: Situated in the family-run Caroline Cellars on Line 2, this café is open from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. This a wonderful place to stop for lunch if you’re cycling or driving through wine country.
The Farmhouse Café at Caroline Cellars in Niagara-on-the-Lake is a great place for lunch.
Fournos Family Restaurant: Care to experience a little taste of Greece in Niagara-on-the-Lake? Also on Queen Street, this dining venue is open for lunch and dinner and features a kids’ menu.
Ginger Restaurant: If you love Asian fare, this is the place for you. Situated on 390 Mary Street, this restaurant features great food served in an intimate setting. Call 905-468-3871 for dinner reservations.
Grill on King: Situated immediately across from the Prince of Wales Hotel entrance on King Street, this dining venue features the flavours of the Mediterranean. It’s open for lunch and dinner. Call 905-468-7222 to reserve your table.
HobNob Restaurant: For a truly special dining experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake, consider this dining room at the Charles Hotel on Queen Street, which is located in the old parlour and features original crystal chandeliers, fireplaces and plenty of charm. Savour a multi-course meal prepared by Chef Steve Sperling then, later, retreat to the Lounge for a glass of port or ice wine or a specialty coffee. The dining room is open seven days a week for lunch, afternoon tea and scones or dinner.
Enjoy afternoon tea at the HobNob restaurant at the Charles Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake (reservations required.)
Irish Harp Pub: Next door to the Grill on King, this pub serves traditional Irish fare, great beer and whiskey, and good old fashioned Irish “craic” (fun and chat). And on weekends, there’s great music as well.
Irish Tea Room: Tucked away at the back of the Irish Shoppe on Queen Street, this little gem delivers a wee taste of Ireland in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Step in for a cup of tea or a meal until 5 p.m. any day.
Kitchen 76: Located at Two Sisters Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, this new restaurant was inspired by the Italian table and features ever-changing tastes and flavours of the season and a local Niagara menu created to complement their award-winning wines. For lunch and dinner reservations, Tuesday through Sunday, call 905-468-0592.
Kitchen 76 at Two Sisters Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Little Red Rooster Restaurant: This wallet-pleaser is located on Mary Street and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Favourites include light-as-air pancakes, a hearty meat lasagna, BBQ back ribs, eggplant parmigiana and homemade pies. Enjoy it all inside or outside on their patio until 8 p.m. any day of the week during the summer.
Old Winery Restaurant: Fresh Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the Tuscan countryside is what you’ll find here. Open for lunch and dinner, this popular dining choice gets busy, so be sure to call 905-468-8900 to make those dinner reservations. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, check out their Wine Bar where they host live entertainment after 8 p.m.
Olde Angel Inn: This one has been around since 1816 and it’s a popular one with locals and visitors alike for lunch or dinner. Check out their tasty Angus Burger and fries special offered Sunday to Thursday nights after 9 p.m. for just $5 (with every non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage purchase). Be sure to stick around for lively entertainment until 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
OLiV Tapas Bar & Restaurant: This new addition to our dining roster in Niagara-on-the-Lake is located in the Strewn Winery on Lakeshore Road and it promises to become a favourite for lunch or dinner. Whether you choose to share a selection of tapas or order a meal from their dining menu, every mouthful will tantalize your taste buds. Book your outdoor patio or indoor table at 289-868-8898.
Share a selection of tapas at the OLiV Tapas Bar and Restaurant at the Strewn Winery.
Peller Estates Winery Restaurant: Enjoy sweeping vineyard views and a warm ambience as you relax and enjoy creations by Chef and CityLine personality Jason Parsons and his team at this Zagat-rated dining establishment situated at the heart of the Peller Estates Winery. For lunch or dinner reservations, call 905-468-6519, ext. 2.
Ravine Restaurant: This very popular (reservations highly recommended for lunch and dinner) restaurant features a farm-to-table culinary program. They bake their own bread, raise their own pigs and grow their own certified organic vegetable as well as produce their own wines. There’s indoor and outdoor seating and it’s open for lunch and dinner daily. Call 905-262-8463, ext. 34.
Ristorante Giardino: Craving some true Italian fare? This is where to go. Whether you book an indoor or outdoor table, a very special dining experience awaits you on Queen Street. For dinner reservations, call 905-468-3263.
Riverbend Inn and Vineyard: The warm, elegant and intimate dining room features four-diamond cuisine and a menu filled with delicious surprises. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Reserve your table at 1-888-955-5553.
Treat yourself to lunch on the patio at the Riverbed Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Sandtrap Pub & Grill: Join locals and visitors alike at this pub situated at 358 Mary Street for local beer, wines and produce. They claim to have the best pizza and wings in town and all menu items are available for take-out. The Games Room features pool tables, dart boards and Golden Tee video game. A friendly place for fun and great food at prices that won’t break your wallet.
Sweets & Swirls Café: If you’re up around the Community Centre or Niagara-on-the-Lake Library, stop in for a cup of fresh coffee, soup, sandwich or dessert in this little haven of tranquility. And the price is right, too.
The Old Firehall Restaurant: Located at 268 Four Mile Creek Road in St. David’s, this longstanding favourite is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week until 9 p.m. and features a remarkable menu. If you like French onion soup, this is the place!
Trius Winery Restaurant: If you seek luxury and pampering, let Chef Frank Dodd and his team impress you with his fine-dining menu. They’ll even tailor wine pairings specific to your preferences or exploration goals. For lunch or dinner reservations, call 905-468-7123.
Dine in luxury at the Trius Winery Restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Willow Cakes & Pastries: Sometimes all you need is a cup of coffee or tea and a quick bite on the go and that’s what this little bakery at the corner of Mary and Mississauga offers. Breads, chocolates, cakes, pastries and tarts are made on the premises. In fact, you can watch Catherine and her team at work through the viewing window.
Zees Grill: Located in the Shaw Hotel, directly across from the Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, this very popular dining venue offers indoor and outdoor seating and features a classic cuisine updated with a creative, modern twist. It’s open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are highly recommended: 1-800-474-0632.
COMING SOON! Backhouse Restaurant: These “new guys on the block” aren’t really so new as the chef and his wife were integral in opening the Stone Road Grille at the same location. They now run their own farm and have expanded upon the farm-to-table maxim by integrating hands-on sustainable farming into their restaurant, which is scheduled to open for lunch and dinner on July 15. For the ultimate dining experience, ask about the chef’s table. Dinner reservations are a must at 289-272-1242.
If you find yourself in Niagara Falls, as so many of our guests do, we recommend the Windows by Jamie Kennedy on the 14th floor of the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, where you’ll experience a revolutionary dining experience as you enjoy a spectacular view of the world-famous Niagara Falls. To book your special evening, call 1-866-374-4408.
Bon appétit!
Posted by Donna Vieira on behalf of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed & Breakfast Association