Where to Eat in Niagara Falls Canada?
Where: 160 Front St., Niagara-on-the-Lake Type of food: Modern takes on local ingredients Type of price: Appetizers and salads $12 to $18; mains $24 to $39 Known for: "Chef Jason Dobbie is a quiet rock star of a chef, one of those innovative but unassuming chefs, " says Kimberley Gunning of Niagara Culinary Tours. "The raw steak and greens is a must and he does a wonderful vegan soba noodle dish. Perry Johnson, their manager, is the best host in NOTL hands down... a consummate entertainer and professional. This team is what Niagara is all about!"
- Kitchen 76 at Two Sisters Vineyards"/>
Where: 240 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake Type of food: Italian Type of price: Appetizers $8 to $24; pasta and pizza $21 to $26; mains $29 to $40 Known for: "Excellent food, excellent wine, beautiful decor and atmosphere, " says Joanne Deall, owner of Highbrook Bed and Breakfast and creator of lifestyle blog Niagarafied. "I've been several times, and each time it's been excellent."
- Backhouse"/>
Where: 242 Mary St., Niagara-on-the-Lake Type of food: "Cool climate" and "sustainable" cuisine — i.e. items grown in Canada, with their own private farm supplying as much as possible Type of price: Appetizers $5 to $11; mains $14 to $29; three and five-course tasting menus also available Known for: Beloved local chefs Ryan Crawford and Bev Hotchkiss were much celebrated when they opened this spot in 2015, and have been received praise for their attention to detail in everything from greens to tea.
- Treadwell Farm to Table Cuisine"/>
Where: 114 Queen St., Niagara-on-the-Lake Type of food: Simple, high quality ingredients from local suppliers Type of price: Appetizers $12 to $20; mains $32 to $38 Known for: "Chef Stephen is a founder of wine country cuisine and has been doing farm-to-table long before it was a trend, " says Gunning. "Their wine bar has a charcuterie platter that our customers keep asking for. And they have the best peameal bacon sandwich and fresh cut frites with rosemary sea salt and malt vinegar mayo that you can't leave a bite."
- The Smokin' Buddha "/>
Where: 265 King St., Port Colborne Type of food: Global eats Type of price: Appetizers and salads $8 to $13; mains $12 to $16 Known for: "You can get Thai, Mexican, Indian and Japanese specialties all under one roof!" says Deall. "And the food is really delicious."
- AG Inspired Cuisine"/>
Where: 5195 Magdalen Ave., Niagara Falls Type of food: Classical French with a seasonal sensibility Type of price: Appetizers $10 to $16; mains $22 to $44 (approximate) Known for: "This is one of Niagara Falls' hidden gems, " says Gunning. "Chef Corey Linkson, formerly of Hillebrand and Peller, has helped develop wine country cuisine as we know it. Try the sterling silver tenderloin with its almond-brie crust or the prosciutto-wrapped rabbit."
- OLiV Tasting Room & Restaurant at Strewn Winery"/>
Where: 1339 Lakeshore Rd., RR#3, Niagara-on-the-Lake Type of food: Continental, shareable plates Type of price: Soups and salads $9 to $11; tapas $6 to $12; mains $20 to $42 Known for: "I love the variety in their menu, " says Deall. "Tuesdays their special is artisanal pizza, Thursdays it's gourmet sliders. They also have Sunday brunch, a tapas menu, and their regular menu on top of that."
- Restaurant at Vineland Estates Winery"/>
Where: 3620 Moyer Rd., Vineland Type of food: Classic dishes, made with local ingredients Type of price: Appetizers $12 to $22; pasta $15; mains $32 to $36; five-course tasting menu for $80 Known for: "This is a great example of a chef [Justin Downes] who gets to step out of the restaurant once in awhile, " says Gunning. "They have a stellar view from their patio and a sweet little carriage house that they use for events and weddings." And, adds Deall, "they have excellent wine, and an always beautiful presentation."
- Iggy's Pub & Grub"/>
Where: 115 Hwy 20 E, Thorold Type of food: Upscale pub food Type of price: Shareable appetizers $7 to $12; mains $10 to $16 Known for: "They have elevated pub grub and made it interesting and delicious, " says Gunning. "You'll find items like burgers with cookie butter, San Francisco garlic fries and smoked wings. They're also known for their craft beer and VQA wines."
- Zest Kitchen"/>
Where: 1469 Pelham St. S., Fonthill Type of food: Casual fare Type of price: Appetizers $8 to $14; mains $25 to $29 Known for: "Excellent food, with an open kitchen and a bit of an urban vibe, " says Deall. It's a favourite among locals, and worth the 20-minute drive for tourists to Niagara Falls.