Side Trips from Toronto Restaurants

The dining in Stratford and Niagara-on-the-Lake is enough to boost a whole other genre of tourism, as there are a number of outstanding restaurants thanks to the area's many chefs being trained at the area's reputable culinary schools, and impeccably fresh ingredients from local farms. Produce, meats, cheeses, beers, and wine are all produced in Ontario, and some restaurants even have their own gardens, vineyards, or farms. In the immediate areas surrounding Niagara Falls, the dining is a little more lackluster, as views, convenience, and glamour take precedence over food, but there are some great pubs and upscale restaurants to be found among the tourist traps. Reservations are always encouraged, if not essential.

Sort by: 6 Recommendations {{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }} 0 Recommendations
CLEAR ALL Area Search CLEAR ALL
Loading...
  • 1. Arowhon Pines Restaurant

    $$$$

    A meal at this breathtaking hexagonal restaurant in the heart of Algonquin Provincial Park is the highlight of many visits. A view of the lake is a great accompaniment to the food, as is the towering stone fireplace in the center of the log-walled dining room. Menus change daily, but you can expect hearty Canadian dishes with local and seasonal ingredients. Bring your own wine for no corkage fee.

    Algonquin Provincial Park West Entrance, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, P1H 2G5, Canada
    705-633–5661

    Known For

    • Children's menus and babysitting service
    • Limited seating for non-resort guests
    • Weekend lunch buffet

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed mid-Oct.–late May, Reservations essential
  • 2. The Restaurant at Vineland Estates Winery

    $$$$

    Exquisite progressive Canadian food and venerable wines are served by an enthusiastic staff on this bucolic property with three 19th-century Mennonite stone buildings. Sit on the large outdoor patio overlooking vineyards and Lake Ontario beyond or in the glassed-in restaurant, where many of the tables have a similar panoramic view. The menu is locally sourced and seasonal: think venison haunch with heirloom beets, torchon, smoked cauliflower purée, and blackberry reduction. Desserts, like spiced pumpkin cheesecake served with mascarpone gelato, are the perfect demonstration of simplicity and innovation.

    3620 Moyer Rd., Vineland, Ontario, L0R 2C0, Canada
    888-846–3526

    Known For

    • Desserts are the perfect demonstration of simplicity and innovation
    • Daily five-course table d'hote menu shows off local dishes
    • Artisanal charcuterie and cheese platters

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues., Reservations essential
  • 3. Treadwell Restaurant

    $$$$

    This brainchild of chef-owner Stephen Treadwell (formerly of the prestigious Auberge du Pommier), his chef de cuisine Matthew Payne, and his son, wine sommelier James Treadwell, Treadwell embodies the farm-to-table philosophy. Sit down for dinner on the sidewalk patio or in the sleek dining room and indulge in some of the best that southern Ontario has to offer.

    114 Queen St., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0, Canada
    905-934–9797

    Known For

    • Lobster club sandwich rules the brunch menu
    • Prestigious Ontario-focused wine list
    • Bread from nearby Treadwell Bakery

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 4. Bartlett Lodge Restaurant

    $$$$

    In the original 1917 lodge building, this small lakeside pine dining room offers an ever-changing prix-fixe menu of contemporary Canadian cuisine, which might kick off with fennel and mustard-rubbed pork belly and move on to pistachio and cherry-crusted Australian rack of lamb or the house specialty, beef tenderloin. Fish and vegetarian options, such as sweet-potato gnocchi with shaved Gruyère, are always available. Desserts, included with the meal, always include some variation of crème brûlée (perhaps a chocolate-chili version), and homemade pie.

    Boat from Algonquin Provincial Park Cache Lake Landing, Huntsville, Ontario, P1H 2G8, Canada
    705-633–5543

    Known For

    • Bring your own wine
    • Four-course prix-fixe dinners
    • Complimentary water taxi pickup

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed late Oct.–mid-May. No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 5. Bentley's

    $$

    The well-stocked bar at this casual pub with booth and patio seating divides the room into two equal halves, with the locals converging on the east side. The pub fare includes quintessentials such as fish-and-chips, grilled steak and fries, burgers, and finger food. Salads, pasta, and sandwiches are also available.

    99 Ontario St., Stratford, Ontario, N5A 3H1, Canada
    519-271–1121

    Known For

    • Roast prime rib draws a crowd on Friday
    • Easygoing staff and clientele
    • 20 beers on tap
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. The Prune

    $$$$

    Chef Bryan Steele, who is also senior cookery instructor at Stratford Chefs School, coaxes fresh local ingredients into innovative dishes with the best of what's available globally. Dishes change with the harvest, but have included Lake Huron whitefish meunière with asparagus and cinnamon cap mushrooms; and spring risotto with Parmesan, crispy egg, and wild leek pesto. The owners proudly source their meat from small family-owned farms.

    151 Albert St., Stratford, Ontario, N5A 3K5, Canada
    519-271–5052

    Known For

    • Themed prix-fixe Sunday lunches in the summer on the patio
    • Sommelier oversees extensive Ontario-grown wine list
    • Desserts made by in-house pastry chef

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Tues. and Nov.–mid-May, Reservations essential

No Restaurants Results

Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:

There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:

Recommended Fodor’s Video