Best Restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) is a well known wine region due to its unique climate. The Great Lakes and the Niagara Escarpment provide the perfect weather and geology for wine-making. With over 100 wineries in NOTL, it is most certainly proud to be known as Ontario Wine Country.

With great wine, you'd want to enjoy it with a scrumptious meal. You can find some of the best restaurants in Niagara on the Lake in its Heritage District and in popular wineries.

Restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake You Have To Try

Whether you're planning a 3 day Niagara Falls itinerary adventure, or planning a Niagara Falls wine tour

Map of Niagara-on-the-Lake Restaurants

Find all of the restaurants mentioned pinned in the map below to get an idea of where they are in relation to each other.

Restaurants in the Heritage District

Treadwell Cuisine

Treadwell Cuisine opened its doors in 2006, they are best known for their farm to table concept. Reflecting this region's taste, Treadwell works with local suppliers to source seasonal ingredients and brings forth new dishes for their menu. The professional sommelier team also provides excellent wine pairings with your meals, with emphasis on local wine producers.

I do recommend calling for reservations ahead of time as it gets busy during the dinner hours as this is one of the best known restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I prefer to sit at the bar area as you can see a close up of the chefs' fine work, or the outdoor patio when the weather is nice.

Don't forget to check out the Treadwell Bakery which is right next door. In addition, if you're looking to host an event or wedding, The Gate House can hold up to 160 guests. The Gate House is located on the same street as it is also an affiliate of Treadwell Cuisine.

Zees Grill

Zees Grill is located at the Shaw Club Hotel & Spa. It's walking distance to the Shaw Festival Theatre so it's a perfect place for a bite before or after a Shaw Fest show.

It has a glass art structure just outside the restaurant, so you can't miss it. It has a casual yet modern vibe at the restaurant with a spacious outdoor patio and terrace.

Zees Grill's menu showcases traditional Canadian and American favourite dishes using local vegetables from the region. The meat dishes are their specialty and crowd-pleaser.

They also have an extensive selection of wines from many Niagara on the Lake wineries, draft and bottled beers and ciders.

Whichever meal you decide on, their attentive staff will be able to match a beverage right for you.

Masaki Sushi

Masaki Sushi is a modern a-la-carte Japanese restaurant, they serve up fresh seafood from Japan.

They have an omakase option where you leave your meal choice up to the chef and reservations are required. Your surprise meal will be meticulously put together, and it usually includes a variety of seasonal delectable seafood of nigiri, sushi, and hand rolls.

I always try to reserve bar seating when I order an omakase because the chefs will prepare the food in the order starting with lighter tasting dishes then increasing to a more flavourful palate.

They are not cheap, but you won't be disappointed by the food quality and freshness.

The Irish Harp Pub

The Irish Harp Pub opened its doors in 2006. It has a classic pub atmosphere, serving up authentic Irish and British cuisine and a variety of beers from micro brews to Irish imports.

Food portions are generous and the kitchen is efficient. Staff are friendly and attentive.

In addition, there are three rooms available for rent above the pub. Its highlight of course is its live music that delivers an upbeat atmosphere, usually on Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday afternoons. With rotating bands playing at the pub, the music ranges from traditional Celtic, folk, rock, and country.

Irish Harp Pub is definitely one of the most lively restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Winery Restaurants

If you're in Niagara on the Lake, you're most likely going to be doing some wine tastings. You'd be surprise to find that some of the best restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake are located within wineries.

You can plan your wine tastings before your meal time, so during your lunch or dinner you can fully enjoy your favourite wine from the tasting.

Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery

Located in the quieter parts of Niagara on the Lake lies one of the best restaurants in town. Ravine Vineyard's main building structure, the Wm. Woodruff House, was originally built in 1802. Its first commercial vineyard grapes dates back to 1869. With over 150 years of history and many transformations, they have opened their business to the public in 2008.

The Ravine Vineyard Restaurant is situated within their estate. The restaurant offers a hearty Canadian cuisine. The food is exceptional and consistent, it definitely tastes as good as it looks. They use food from their kitchen garden as well. They have a selection of wines, ciders and beers, in which knowledgeable staff can help you pair a drink with your meal.

It has generous indoors and outdoor seating overlooking the vineyard. Other than wine tasting and restaurant, Ravine Vineyard has much to offer. They take their farm to table concept a step further, they have a garden to grow their fruits and vegetables, hens that produce eggs, bees for their honey program. So don't forget to check out the quaint Ravine's retail and grocery store for jams, sauces, honey, and other Niagara goodies.

The Winery Restaurant at Peller Estates Winery

Peller Estates is one of the most popular wineries in Niagara on the Lake. Peller Estates has two on-site dining options, The Winery Restaurant, and the Barrel House Grill.

The Winery Restaurant is in a grand dining room, inspired by the farm to table concept. Garnering ideas with the winemakers, the chef is able to creatively pair the food with Peller Estates wines.

When the weather is nice, I highly recommend eating at the Barrel House Grill which is located on the terrace. It features burgers, pizzas, snacks, cheese and charcuterie boards, and of course, their wines. From the beautiful terrace, you'll get sweeping views of the spacious winery grounds and the vineyard.

During the winter months, they offer a unique Icewine tasting experience in their 10Below Peller Icewine Lounge (included in this tour) which is a -10 degree Celsius room made of ice. This will no doubt be one of the most memorable Icewine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Trius Winery Restaurant

Trius have been creating wines for over 40 years and has had tremendous success. Trius' menu is inspired by the Niagara Wine Country cuisine, using local ingredients to bring different dishes every season. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the combinations of food with its texture and flavouring in a dish.

The restaurant offers a-la-carte and multi-course meals. Working closely with its winemakers, the team crafts outstanding wine pairing with each course that is just gastronomical.

The ambiance and design of the property is spectacular, every room and outdoor space is a photo opportunity. The dining room is chic, setting a fantastic backdrop for its exquisite food.

Kitchen76 at Two Sisters Vineyards

Kitchen76 definitely deserves a spot as one of the best restaurants in Niagara on the Lake. Kitchen76 is within the Two Sisters Vineyards in Niagara on the Lake.

The restaurant decor conveys a rustic Italian atmosphere. The terrace seating area is surrounded by tall columns overlooking a wide stretch of vineyards. It provides a perfect setting for enjoying a Tuscan, Italian, and Mediterranean inspired meal.

The menu rotates with the changing season, generous and flavourful delights will fill your palate with wines carefully selected to compliment each meal.

Where to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake

If you're looking to stay overnight in NOTL, consider these accommodations curated by us.

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So there you have it! All of these restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake are worth visiting for your next visit to the Niagara Region.