amelie

I see. I would definitely try it if just Tom and I, but with a group of 6 people, doesn't sound like it would work. They have tons of pictures on their website so I can see exactly what it looks like and I see what you meant when you described it garyt22

irecommend

Just to update we have had lunch at Ravine twice this month and our friends also went and we all found it delightful. The food was delicious and the service and atmosphere were nice. I had the Nicoise Salad and it was great.

So if you havent been there lately they have expanded the restaurant and it was great.
There may have been initial growing pains but it is worth a try.

amelie

Thanks, might go here in September.

amelie

ps. what did you have?

amelie

Ravine is listed in Wine Access Magazines top winery restaurants in the world along with Vineland Estates.
http://www.wineaccess.ca/articles/it...ry-restaurants

annetti

bookmarking

NiagaraNat1

Garyt22, your information is partially correct but not entirely - Anna is a fabulous television chef, but her departure was more of a mutiny than a corporate replacement. That being said, I have to say, she is lovely and I enjoy her presentations very much.

The son, Paul, actually was asked to come back from Germany, where he was apprenticing under Statlanders' old Master Chef - and Paul struggled at the beginning but he is very talented and the family is amazing. He hired Colin Goodine to be his Chef actually.

So while some of your facts are correct, the story is somewhat different, the Olson's were always paving the way for Paul to come back and take the deli to a full scale restaurant.

I like Hillebrand, although I find it pricey - and their GM has left for another winery and their F & B guy, Shawn Spiewak, is now actually running Ravines front of house - so the service standards and flow is there at Ravine.

The build out at Ravine has eliminated the crowding in the deli and the wrap around porch and outside kitchen give LOTS of view.

I like all the options listed, although not the Cannery for lunch for the reasons you listed - and Vintage hotels has just reshuffled their Chefs, so might be some adjustment time.

garyt22

Thanks for the update... my first two visits to ravine after the Olsons were very disappointing... I found it very unusual that such a new restaurant was listed as a "worlds best", but attributed it to the fact that it was a Canadian wine magazine writer...

One would think there are at least two others at Niagara Region that are better... plus Sunday lunch is a tougher day to judge because of the Brunch option...

irecommend

Im glad some one has also recommended this place. I gave the thumbs up to another fodorite on FB who was visiting the area and he also had a great experience there. They have certainly done a lot this year to upgrade the dining area and the food (especially desserts!!!) are excellent.

amelie

Hopefully going to check it out next week

doeraymee

I usually go to The Epicurean when I'm in Niagara on the Lake. For lunch it's cafeteria style but good food. Has a nice patio out back under the trees.

amelie

Back now from our mini-get away. We went to Ravine Winery for dinner on Thursday night and it was really good. Had the mussels and frites. My husband and I both got it actually and the portions were massive. We could have shared one order really, I only ate about half of my mussels. Loved the inside/ambiance and views.

Friday we ate lunch at the Olde Angel Inn.

irecommend

Im glad it worked out at Ravine.

We love the Angel Inn and its our stand by place to go for a last minute casual dinner. One of the last times we were there a large group came in in re-enactment costumes from the fort and it sure made the place feel authentic!

John_Detlor

One of the nicest places for lunch in Niagara on the Lake is the golf course there. You can sit at the patio overlooking the lake with a great view of the fort across the lake, sailboats out on the lake. Food's good, service is good and they have some nice refreshing summer drinks or draft beer to go with it. We love it.