Niagara restaurants
 

Will be travelling to Niagara in late Sept and we're staying in the Sheraton on the falls. Where are the best places to eat? We don't want Italian and would like to have gourmet food. We would be willing to travel to Niagara on the lake but this is awkward at night as we don't have a car for the holiday.

Try "Table Rock Restaurant", a wonderful place run by the Niagara Parks Commission located right at the crest of the falls. You canNOT get any closer to the falls while dining!

Most of the tables have a spectacular view of the falls and can actually be somewhat dizzying when sitting right next to the window. Not exactly gourmet but very good, great wait staff, and the views can't be beat.

The restaurants at both Casinos have been rated very highly by the local food critics... "21" at Casino Niagara is a bit more like a Steakhouse, but offers a variety of choices... and "17 Noir" at the Niagara Fallsview Casino is a bit more adventurous... both of these are aimed at the bigger bettors who wont settle for buffet food and are rated at 4 stars... however, if you do get the chance, head to Niagara on the Lake for the following:

Prince of Wales Hotel - French gourmet
Peller Estates - Canadian gourmet
On The Twenty - Regional gourmet
Strewn Winery - Regional gourmet

All of the above are excellent!!

The Niagara Grape and Wine Festival takes place in mid to late September. This is not right in the falls, but spread out in the Niagara Peninsula, at the wineries and in the town of St. Catherines. I believe there are various gourmet dinners associated with the Festival, and I know bus tours are possible, although I don't know if they leave from Niagara Falls or elsewhere. As mentioned, a few of the Wineries near Nigara on the Lake and beyond are also known for their gourmet dining rooms, and may also have special events at that time. At any rate, you'll find information online if you search for Niagara Grape and Wine Festival.

All the Canadian Parks restaurants are fabulous: Victoria Park, Table Rock, etc. (see their website).

For serious gourmet dining, head for Niagara-on-the-Lake (do a websearch). Worth renting a car if that's what you want.

Worth the drive is On the Twenty (website).