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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 ar
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 f
The dining in Stratford and Niagara-on-the-Lake is enough to boost a whole other genre of tourism, as there are a number
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.
Stock up on hoppy brews fresh from the source when visiting Sawdust City, which owes its name to the former local logging trade. There's a full kitchen on-site serving hearty gastropub fare like cheesy truffled burgers and duck wings, with regular live music scheduling.
397 Muskoka Rd. N, Gravenhurst, Ontario, P1P 1G3, Canada
The big draw here is the revolving 360-degree view perched 520 feet above the Horseshoe Falls---it's simply breathtaking. The atmosphere puts it above those serving similar cuisine in the area, drawing an eclectic crowd of couples in cocktail attire and families in casual clothes. The menu revolves as well; prime rib with horseradish sauce and chicken cordon bleu have made appearances. Reservations include free admission to the observation deck.
5200 Robinson St., Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2G 2A2, Canada
White tablecloth service and an up-close-and-personal view of the rushing Horseshoe Falls rapids amount to a stunning dining experience. Prix-fixe dinners are recommended to take advantage of the hearty menu.
6650 Niagara Pkwy., Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2G 0L0, Canada
This local favorite with an Asian-fusion angle offers fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a minimalist and modern dining room. The alley patio, partially covered against the elements, is a reliable spot for wholesome creations like a refreshing cold soba noodle bowl loaded with shrimp from Fogo Island. The establishment is also a microbrewery, offering seasonal, small-batch suds on-site.
This kooky '50s-style diner is a hit with the kids—and with parents looking for ample portions and well-priced meals. Menus are dressed up like a tabloid newspaper and feature an extensive list of flame-broiled diner classics, and then some.
6768 Lundy's La., Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2G 1V5, Canada
A cut above the rest, The Oar entertains guests with its beautiful pinewood floors and rustic cabin-like interiors. Burgers and steaks can be had but the upscale tavern menu has been known to include specials like quinoa-stuffed portobellos on a layer of avocado chimichurri and pan-fried locally caught pickerel, plated with root veggies and pecans. Expect live music from locals and even an occasional Canadian star like Jim Cuddy.
530 Muskoka Rd. N, Gravenhurst, Ontario, P1P 1G3, Canada
Don't be surprised if you end up licking your fingers or reaching for a fork and knife to polish off your burger at this polka-dotted eatery. The vegan-friendly favorites are made messy, saucy, and decadent, a respite for plant eaters who have forsaken meats but still crave the soothing comfort that only items like a creamy mac and cashew cheese can bring. While true vegans might call foul, heritage country bacon and real pulled pork can be had as well. The brightly decorated vegan doughnuts and cinnamon buns on display at the counter are hard to ignore.
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
Niagara-on-the-Lake's only waterfront restaurant, the regal Tiara sits beside a marina with a view of the Niagara River beyond the sailboat masts. The elegant, amber-hue Georgian-meets-contemporary dining room is buttoned up but accented by a pretty stained-glass ceiling and near-panoramic windows that give nearly every table a water view. The outdoor tables next to the marina, however, are the ones to request to go with the exquisite French-influenced menu. Round out the meal with homemade ice cream topped with seasonal berries.
Locals come to this jazzed-up eatery for the signature wraps and hot drippy sandwiches loaded with toppings like Black Forest ham and melted brie. But the daily breakfast is a special treat; favorites are the French toast with homemade apple compote and the Mennonite sandwich with homemade summer sausage, cheddar, corn relish, and honey mustard.
151 Albert St., Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2M4, Canada
For alfresco dining, it's hard to beat Zees Grill for its huge wraparound patio with heat lamps across from the Shaw Festival Theatre. More informal than most similarly priced restaurants in town, its seasonal menu brings panache to homegrown comfort foods such as grilled swordfish with purple potato hash and buttered baby bok choy or beef ribs with shallot, garlic, and fingerling potato hash. Appetizers follow a similarly elegant, yet whimsical, philosophy.
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