Dining in Ontario
Ontario is a diverse province both geographically and gastronomically. From world-class fine-dining experiences in metropolitan cities to quaint vineyard restaurants to spirited small-town pubs, Ontario has it all. In addition to boasting cuisine from around the globe, the bounty of the province’s agricultural crops and artisanal food workshops makes for culinary opportunities infused with fresh local ingredients and distinctive regional flavours. The menu is vast, the dishes are delicious and the experiences unmatched.
GREATER TORONTO AREA
A region of contrasts, diversity and excitement, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) offers a cultural mosaic of appetizing cuisine sure to satisfy any craving. Toronto proper, complete with its multicultural enclaves, serves up a feast of global flavours from every corner of the world, including Indian, Mexican, Greek, Pan-Asian, Caribbean and French fare. When it comes to restaurant types, this region does not disappoint; casual pub-style eateries, bakery cafes, family-friendly spots, fast-food chains, pizzerias, fine-dining establishments, trendy lounges, sidewalk cafes, diners and concept restaurants comprise the GTA’s expansive culinary landscape. Notable restaurants that have stood the test of time include Thornhill's fine-dining steak house, the Octagon, neighbourhood favourite, the Rosedale Diner, and downtown Toronto’s acclaimed Thai eatery, Bangkok Garden.
SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO
The vibrant cities and towns of this picturesque region, which encompasses Grand River Country, Essex and the Bruce Peninsula, offer eclectic dishes for the palate to discover, from regional specialties to global cuisine. The urban centres of Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Sarnia and Windsor provide a full spectrum of dining choices, including cafes, upscale restaurants, burger joints and steak houses. In the southernmost areas of the province, diverse agricultural production and an ideal climate make for excellent grape-growing conditions, and the delectable products of local vineyards are served on the tables of upscale and casual restaurants throughout the area and beyond. Food and wine pairing opportunities abound.
NORTHERN ONTARIO
While more synonymous with rugged wilderness and small-town charm, this area of Ontario, which includes cities, towns and villages along the northern shores of Lake Superior and the James Bay Frontier, also offers an array of dining options ranging from take-out to international cuisine. The cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and Thunder Bay provide a great variety of food choices, including international selections at Chinese-Canadian restaurants, Italian bistros, Japanese sushi houses, family-owned diners and chain establishments.
CENTRAL ONTARIO
Spanning a large geographical area, Central Ontario, best known as a recreational haven, is also a dynamic culinary destination. Locally produced foods are paramount in the kitchens of chefs across this region; sustainable practices and ingredients sourced from local farms and culinary artisans are mainstays in many eateries. Fine- and casual-dining options, international cuisine and popular neighbourhood pubs are in abundance throughout South Georgian Bay, Muskoka and the Kawarthas, while selections in the Haliburton Highlands are of a more regional, home-style variety.
Resort complexes in the central areas of the province also provide a glimpse into unique regional culinary customs, where grilled game and wood-smoked fresh fish have top billing on menus. Northridge Inn and Resort near Sunridge, Killarney Lodge in Algonquin Park and Cedar Grove Lodge in Huntsville all feature on-site restaurants that showcase the creations of distinguished chefs and first-rate regional cuisine. Families will also appreciate the many kid-friendly eateries in the region, which include diners, road-side stands and fast-food chains in larger centres.
NIAGARA FALLS REGION
In the Niagara Region, where the cuisine is as impressive as its scenery, acclaimed chefs and sommeliers create world-class dining experiences sure to impress the most astute of diners. Fine-dining opportunities abound at restaurants and inns throughout the area, where menus showcase seasonal specialties, locally produced wines and a distinctive regional flair. Intimate and memorable dining at the upscale Escabeche in Niagara-on-the-Lake, falls-view dining from a patio or hotel dining room in Niagara Falls, or a casual meal in the historic Port Dalhousie district of St. Catharines are just samples of the choices available. Held in early October in Welland, the Niagara Food Festival features a wide selection of regional food vendors, all sure to inspire the next meal out. Those seeking casual fare need not look far either; traditional public houses and family dining establishments are also plentiful.
OTTAWA REGION
At the heart of Canada’s historical foundation, Ottawa provides unique culinary experiences like no other city across the nation. Influenced by First Nations, French and English cultures, the city’s regionally inspired cuisine is replete with varied and innovative flavours. Sweetgrass Aboriginal Bistro, Domus and Coasters Seafood Grill are notable, time-honoured hot spots that use traditional cooking methods and follow a sustainable approach. A diverse population and many historically rich cultural districts are reflected in the city's comprehensive restaurant choices; every corner of the world is represented gastronomically. In addition to traditional American fare and extensive options for families, restaurants around Ottawa showcase authentic Lebanese, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines, to name a few. If deciding on a restaurant is difficult, foodies will appreciate the annual Bon Appetit Ottawa gourmet event, which provides a glimpse into the epicurean creations of over 90 area restaurants.
EASTERN ONTARIO
Extending along the scenic and historic Ottawa Valley and the St. Lawrence Corridor, this part of the province is brimming with a healthy mix of old and new culinary traditions. Evidence of the new is apparent in cities and towns like Cornwall, Kingston, Belleville and Trenton, where international choices intermingle with fast-food joints, family-friendly eateries and cozy cafe-bistros. Traditional artisanal food producers and vineyards dot the landscapes throughout this region, where harvests make their way onto the menus of bistros, vineyard restaurants and cafes all over the area. One of Ontario’s emerging wine regions and a tourism haven for its tranquil countryside, Prince Edward County offers everything under the sun. Charming teahouses, fine-dining establishments, casual live-entertainment pubs, take-out joints, artisanal cafes, ice cream shops and laid-back family restaurants await.
GREATER TORONTO AREA
A region of contrasts, diversity and excitement, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) offers a cultural mosaic of appetizing cuisine sure to satisfy any craving. Toronto proper, complete with its multicultural enclaves, serves up a feast of global flavours from every corner of the world, including Indian, Mexican, Greek, Pan-Asian, Caribbean and French fare. When it comes to restaurant types, this region does not disappoint; casual pub-style eateries, bakery cafes, family-friendly spots, fast-food chains, pizzerias, fine-dining establishments, trendy lounges, sidewalk cafes, diners and concept restaurants comprise the GTA’s expansive culinary landscape. Notable restaurants that have stood the test of time include Thornhill's fine-dining steak house, the Octagon, neighbourhood favourite, the Rosedale Diner, and downtown Toronto’s acclaimed Thai eatery, Bangkok Garden.
SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO
The vibrant cities and towns of this picturesque region, which encompasses Grand River Country, Essex and the Bruce Peninsula, offer eclectic dishes for the palate to discover, from regional specialties to global cuisine. The urban centres of Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Sarnia and Windsor provide a full spectrum of dining choices, including cafes, upscale restaurants, burger joints and steak houses. In the southernmost areas of the province, diverse agricultural production and an ideal climate make for excellent grape-growing conditions, and the delectable products of local vineyards are served on the tables of upscale and casual restaurants throughout the area and beyond. Food and wine pairing opportunities abound.
NORTHERN ONTARIO
While more synonymous with rugged wilderness and small-town charm, this area of Ontario, which includes cities, towns and villages along the northern shores of Lake Superior and the James Bay Frontier, also offers an array of dining options ranging from take-out to international cuisine. The cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and Thunder Bay provide a great variety of food choices, including international selections at Chinese-Canadian restaurants, Italian bistros, Japanese sushi houses, family-owned diners and chain establishments.
CENTRAL ONTARIO
Spanning a large geographical area, Central Ontario, best known as a recreational haven, is also a dynamic culinary destination. Locally produced foods are paramount in the kitchens of chefs across this region; sustainable practices and ingredients sourced from local farms and culinary artisans are mainstays in many eateries. Fine- and casual-dining options, international cuisine and popular neighbourhood pubs are in abundance throughout South Georgian Bay, Muskoka and the Kawarthas, while selections in the Haliburton Highlands are of a more regional, home-style variety.
Resort complexes in the central areas of the province also provide a glimpse into unique regional culinary customs, where grilled game and wood-smoked fresh fish have top billing on menus. Northridge Inn and Resort near Sunridge, Killarney Lodge in Algonquin Park and Cedar Grove Lodge in Huntsville all feature on-site restaurants that showcase the creations of distinguished chefs and first-rate regional cuisine. Families will also appreciate the many kid-friendly eateries in the region, which include diners, road-side stands and fast-food chains in larger centres.
NIAGARA FALLS REGION
In the Niagara Region, where the cuisine is as impressive as its scenery, acclaimed chefs and sommeliers create world-class dining experiences sure to impress the most astute of diners. Fine-dining opportunities abound at restaurants and inns throughout the area, where menus showcase seasonal specialties, locally produced wines and a distinctive regional flair. Intimate and memorable dining at the upscale Escabeche in Niagara-on-the-Lake, falls-view dining from a patio or hotel dining room in Niagara Falls, or a casual meal in the historic Port Dalhousie district of St. Catharines are just samples of the choices available. Held in early October in Welland, the Niagara Food Festival features a wide selection of regional food vendors, all sure to inspire the next meal out. Those seeking casual fare need not look far either; traditional public houses and family dining establishments are also plentiful.
OTTAWA REGION
At the heart of Canada’s historical foundation, Ottawa provides unique culinary experiences like no other city across the nation. Influenced by First Nations, French and English cultures, the city’s regionally inspired cuisine is replete with varied and innovative flavours. Sweetgrass Aboriginal Bistro, Domus and Coasters Seafood Grill are notable, time-honoured hot spots that use traditional cooking methods and follow a sustainable approach. A diverse population and many historically rich cultural districts are reflected in the city's comprehensive restaurant choices; every corner of the world is represented gastronomically. In addition to traditional American fare and extensive options for families, restaurants around Ottawa showcase authentic Lebanese, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines, to name a few. If deciding on a restaurant is difficult, foodies will appreciate the annual Bon Appetit Ottawa gourmet event, which provides a glimpse into the epicurean creations of over 90 area restaurants.
EASTERN ONTARIO
Extending along the scenic and historic Ottawa Valley and the St. Lawrence Corridor, this part of the province is brimming with a healthy mix of old and new culinary traditions. Evidence of the new is apparent in cities and towns like Cornwall, Kingston, Belleville and Trenton, where international choices intermingle with fast-food joints, family-friendly eateries and cozy cafe-bistros. Traditional artisanal food producers and vineyards dot the landscapes throughout this region, where harvests make their way onto the menus of bistros, vineyard restaurants and cafes all over the area. One of Ontario’s emerging wine regions and a tourism haven for its tranquil countryside, Prince Edward County offers everything under the sun. Charming teahouses, fine-dining establishments, casual live-entertainment pubs, take-out joints, artisanal cafes, ice cream shops and laid-back family restaurants await.
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