The best restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake

What is it? The culinary anchor of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s downtown dining scene, Treadwell has been plating elevated farm-to-table fare for no fewer than 20 years. Showcasing local and seasonal produce before it was cool, co-founder James Treadwell (and his Dad) have raised a stalwart that transcends trendy clichés. Here, seasonal produce is allowed to shine through with simple yet elegant preparations: Ontario beets are dressed up with dill-whipped goat’s cheese, house-made Damson plum jam, and hazelnut vinaigrette. Texture and balance are achieved with finesse all the way through to the white chocolate crème brûlée with sea buckthorn sorbet for dessert.

Why we love it: With one of the most extensive collections of Ontario wines anywhere in the world, it allows the sommelier to guide you to a deep understanding and appreciation of the region’s best bottles and how to pair them.

Time Out tip: If you’re staying nearby, come back for one of the best breakfasts in town. The French toast with housemade brioche, blackberries, creme fraiche and Ontario maple syrup will cure whatever ails you.

Address: 114 Queen St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 8-10am, 11:30am–2pm, 5-8:45pm; Sun 8am–2pm, 5–8:45pm

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A post shared by Trius Winery & Restaurant | MICHELIN Recommended (@triuswines)

What is it? A standout on-vineyard eatery, Trius Winery Restaurant is the only dining spot in NOTL to make Michelin’s prestigious guide of recommended stops. Executive chef Frank Dodd (previously of Langdon Hall) makes great use of local Ontario-grown and raised ingredients in elevated plates designed to showcase their wines in the best way. On Fridays and Saturdays, opt for a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings for the full expression of the kitchen’s capabilities. Or try something different with one of their special events, like the harvest dinner series from June through September, or leave the details up to your imagination in a blind tasting dinner.

Why we love it: The wine and food marriage runs deep here, with integrations of Trius’ wines into preserves, marinades, and sauces like a riesling sauerkraut to accompany a Wellington County pork chop, or an icewine tomato chili jam with a fried eggplant schnitzel.

Time Out tip: If you’re looking for a didactic spin, try out one of the winery’s cooking classes for a behind-the-scenes understanding of local ingredients led by executive chef Frank Dodd himself.

Address: 1249 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0

Opening hours: Daily noon–8pm

What is it? A charming, family-style Italian restaurant at Two Sisters Winery that was awarded “Best Small Winery in Canada” by the National Wine Awards in 2018. Simple, fresh, high-quality dishes range from handmade pastas like the campanelle con zucco with roasted pumpkin and sage passata to a merlot-braised lamb shank with Tuscan kale, pancetta-braised cannelini beans and parsley gremolata.

Why we love it: Their turn-of-the-century logo features a hare riding a penny farthing bicycle, and artist Hunt Slonem’s giant mirrored mosaic sculpture of said hare can be found on their alfresco terrace, adding a touch of modern whimsy to a beautifully manicured property.

Time Out tip: Reserve a spot for Two Sisters’ Wine and Cheese Uncorked experience on the terrace in summer and the barrel cellar in winter. The food and wine pairings go well beyond cheese with a curated selection of bites from Kitchen76 that change seasonally.

Address: 240 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 11am-6pm; Fri-Sat 11am-8pm

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What is it? Noble offers a refined white tablecloth dining experience in one of NOTL’s most historic hotels: The Prince of Wales. A contemporary French-leaning menu and attentive formal service are complemented by an award-winning wine list of local and international bottles. Ask sommelier Fred Gamula to suggest the best pairing for your meal. Noble was made for celebratory get-togethers and romantic evenings, and both the history and the vibe are of an appropriate calibre to match.

Why we love it: The setting is as much a draw as the dining at Noble. The Victorian-era building dates back to 1864. It’s played host to English royals not once but twice, with The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later the Prince and Princess of Wales) visiting in 1901, for which the hotel got its present name, the Prince of Wales, and the late Queen Elizabeth II visiting in the 70s. It proudly anchors the southeastern corner of the town’s main street, often serving as the posterchild for NOTL’s historic charm.

Time Out tip: If you’re not in the mood for a full sit-down dinner, it’s worth making a reservation for a traditional English afternoon tea in the Prince of Wales’ drawing room, complete with tiered stands of sweet treats, scones and triangle sandwiches.

Address: 6 Picton Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0

Opening hours: Daily 7–11am, noon–2:30pm, 5-9pm

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A post shared by Pillar and Post Hotel (@pillarandpostnotl)

What is it? Housed in a converted 1800s canning factory that used to preserve the region’s abundant peaches and tomatoes, chef Mark Longster continues to showcase the best local produce in season in this historic red brick and beam dining room at the Pillar and Post hotel in the heart of downtown NOTL. With elevated yet approachable contemporary Canadian fare that pays homage to classic steakhouse vibes, this is the place to come for generous, hearty portions. Try the crab cakes, a signature dish with Creole aioli and fennel slaw to start, or indulge in the roasted bone marrow with grilled sourdough. If you’re looking for a taste of tradition, you’ll want to order the slow-roasted prime rib next, which has been served here since the '70s, with a side of locally farmed veggies.

Why we love it: The building’s legacy serves as an entry point for understanding the rich agricultural history of the region, and the fact that the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and even post-dinner lounge hours (9-11pm) makes it easy to schedule a meal to suit your itinerary.

Time Out tip: To simplify your drinks order, you’ll find suggested wine pairings for every dish on the menu, and most of them are premium local picks. 

Address: 48 John Street West, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, L0S 1J0

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7-10:30am, 11am-11pm; Sat, Sun 7am-11pm

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A post shared by Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery (@ravinevineyard)

What is it? A cozy, country cottage-inspired eatery at Ravine Vineyard with an unfussy menu of hyper-local ingredients, many sourced from the onsite gardens and small local farms, designed for enjoying with a glass of their estate-grown grapes. Brunch and lunch menus feature local cheese and charcuterie alongside small plates like the short rib tartine and comfort classics like fish and chips made with Lake Erie pickerel in an apple cider batter. Dinner invites more local cuts of meat: beef tartare or carpaccio to start, perhaps, then lamb shank with tahini yogurt and pilpelchuma, a spicy-garlicky chili paste of Libyan-Jewish origin. In summer, enjoy a wood-fired pizza on the patio with stunning views across the vineyard.

Why we love it: Kid-friendly touches, such as an on-site garden and farm with a resident pig named Peaches, make for some memorable family moments beyond the dining experience itself.

Time Out tip: Arriving early? Grab a sweet treat and a cup of Propeller coffee from the on-site bakery, open Thursday to Monday from 8am to 11am or self-serve after 11am.

Address: 1366 York Rd, St Davids, Ontario, L0S 1P0

Opening hours: Mon, Thu 11:30am–3pm, 5–8pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–3pm, 5-8:30pm; Sun 11am–3pm, 5–8pm

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A post shared by Silversmith Brewing Co. (@silversmithbrewing)

What is it? An independent craft brewery may not be top of mind for a visit to Canada’s oldest wine region, but this one is worth the stop. Housed in an old church dating back to the 1890s, the exposed beams, brick walls and vaulted ceiling lend an air of sanctity to a solid lineup of in-house brews on tap, rotating seasonal and limited releases, and a menu of satisfyingly pairable bites. Comfort-driven handhelds like a smash burger with American cheese, housemade pickles, onion, and aioli are served atop a pillowy brioche. Or dial it up a notch with a grazing board of local cheeses, cured meats, house preserves and pickles with focaccia to share. Sunday brunch is equally moreish, featuring a duck confit poutine and a pork belly Benny.

Why we love it: The playful attitude and unique digs make this a one-of-a-kind stop in NOTL, especially if you’re feeling like a break from the wine train. 

Time Out tip: Don’t miss grabbing a peek at the Somebody Loves You chalkboard, a compilation of names of all those who’ve been lucky enough to have someone buy them a beer. The catch? You can only buy a beer for a friend or loved one not present at the time. When they visit, they can claim their beer.

Address: 1523 Niagara Stone Road, Virgil, Ontario, L0S 1T0

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 11:30am-9pm; Thu–Sat 11:30am-10pm; Sun 11:30am-7:30pm

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A post shared by Masaki Sushi (@masakinotl)

What is it? Masaki Sushi (not to be confused with Sushi Masaki Saito in Toronto) brings fresh energy and fish direct from Japan to the NOTL dining scene, housed in an elegant, pared-back space. Signature maki rolls include the Blushing Salmon, a smoked salmon wrapped shrimp tempura roll with raspberry sauce and sweet soy sauce (both house-made), spicy mayo, shiso leaf cucumber and tobiko. These join a set of classic rolls and appetizers, some hot dishes, and a sushi bar with chef's-selection nigiri and sashimi sets.

Why we love it: The impressive sake program boasts one of the most extensive lists in Canada. If you think you’re not a fan, try again. Ask their sommelier to guide you. They even have a private-label sake that’s brewed in Kyoto, served exclusively in NOTL.

Time Out tip: Choose the bar seating to watch the sushi masters at work, and try a sake tasting flight paired with your meal to tap into another dimension of the menu’s deep and subtle flavours.

Address: 60 Picton St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0

Opening hours: Wed–Mon 11:30am-9pm

What is it? This relaxed gastropub has been a low-key staple of the NOTL dining scene since 2012. Generous portions and a casual atmosphere make it a favourite among locals looking for an unfussy meal at the right price point. (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want that in this economy?) There’s a respectable selection of local beer and cider on tap to match a familiar menu of classic pub fare from fish and chips to sticky toffee pudding.

Why we love it: Welcoming vibes and a no-reservations-needed approach make the Garrison House an easy shoe-in as part of a stacked day exploring NOTL. It’s also super conveniently located on the main road into town.

Time Out tip: Great value mains like the Garrison burger and the shepherd’s pie use high-quality cuts of meat from Cumbrae Farms, and they’ve got a much more curated list of local wines by glass and bottle than you’d expect from your average pub.

Address: 111C, Unit 2 Garrison Village Drive, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 11:30am-10pm

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A post shared by Stone Eagle Winery (@stoneeaglewinerynotl)

What is it? The newest Niagara winery to arrive on the scene, Stone Eagle is the considerably elevated sibling of Two Sisters Vineyards, catering to those who aim to see and be seen. With grand, soaring spaces and stately Italian-inflected design throughout, The Nest at Stone Eagle is slated to become NOTL’s next hot ticket.

Why we love it: Helmed by chef Jeff Crump of Toronto’s Ritz-Carlton hotel, the menu is sure to be a special-occasion showstopper, developed in close harmony with a tightly curated 5-bottle Stone Eagle wine list to match.

Time Out tip: Stay tuned for the grand opening on November 5th for more details!

Address: 2080 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

Opening hours: Wed-Sun noon–3pm, 5–9pm (Opens Nov 5)