Niagara’s culinary scene has twin personalities: decades of international tourism have inspired variety, while the surrounding winegrowing culture puts the focus on local flavors and ingredients. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, you can dine in cosy, historically preserved tearooms. For local dishes and gourmet multi-course meals, head to one of the many wineries that boast their own restaurants. In Niagara Falls, you’ll find the full cross-section of flavours and styles, from colorful kid-friendly eateries to romantic, candlelit tables.
Niagara hardly boasts one local dish par excellence. Rather, look for menus that highlight local produce and specialties. In many cases, you’ll find the most celebrated local delicacy on the wine list.Niagara Falls
Famous for romance, Niagara Falls has no shortage of destinations for a nice meal out, from elegant dining rooms to family-style abundance. Many Clifton Hill eateries feature splashy décor around a kid-pleasing theme. Some restaurants can be found boasting extensive windows to give you a glimpse of the falls as you eat. Fallsview dining is popular option for elegant dinners, though some restaurants also serve breakfasts and brunches, as a noteworthy alternative. Several dinner theatres in town let you combine your evening meal with entertainment, whether themed around Canadian heritage or medieval court culture.
• BrasaNiagara, 6361 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9. Niagara-on-the-Lake
In Niagara-on-the-Lake, the dining options reflect the town’s sensibility, with restaurants steeped in history and menus tied to the area’s agricultural bounty. Some of the finest dining is to be found at the inns and bed and breakfasts in the town’s historic centre. To dine in exquisite style, the Charles Inn Dining Room has acclaim-winning fare, as well as an elegant dining room that dates back to 1832. Those looking for something more unusual have plenty of options, as well, with French bistros, Irish pub fare and Thai specialties rounding out the options.
• Charles Inn Dining Room, 209 Queen St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0. Wineries
Driving a bit outside town is a wise move for foodies and oenophiles, with Niagara’s wineries serving up some of the most interesting local cuisine. Taking a taxi may prove worthwhile, too, as many winery restaurants specialize, fittingly, in menus with wine pairings. When the weather suits, many wineries offer al fresco dining with views of the vineyards. For a special feast, inquire with the winery first about upcoming special dinner events. Most weekends, at least one winery hosts a special dinner with wine pairings and sometimes expert wine talks or music, besides.
• Peller Estates, 290 John St E, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0. Historic Tea Houses
At several tea houses in Niagara, you can unwind with a steaming cup and a plate of crumpets. Most feature Georgian or Victorian surroundings that are as much an attraction as the food. At McFarland House in Niagara-on-the-Lake, taking tea makes a fitting compromise for the history buff and the bon vivant. Diners take their tea in a Georgian house built in 1800 and now surrounded by parkland. Most tea rooms offer a selection of sandwiches, scones, sweets, and sometimes even a cheese plate or the “Royal tea,” served with a glass of sparkling wine or a Kir Royale.
• Prince of Wales Hotel, 6 Picton St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0.
