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.
Read more about Ontario
- Free things to do in Toronto
- Ultimate weekend getaways from Toronto
- All the yurts in Ontario you can book
- Unique Winter Getaways in Ontario
Where to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake?
- If you’re looking for Niagara-on-the-Lake hotels, look no further than the Prince of Wales. Otherwise, I’d recommend taking a look on Booking for the best inventory of hotels, B&Bs, and home stays.
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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.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 114 Queen St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. L0S 1J0
Cuisine: Contemporary, Farm-To-Table, Wine Bar, Canadian
Vegan Friendly: Yes (options available upon request)
Price: $$$$
Zees Grill
Zees Grill is located at the Shaw Club Hotel & Spa. It’s walking distance to the Shaw Festival Theatre so it’s a perfect place for a bite before or after a Shaw Fest show.
It has a glass art structure just outside the restaurant, so you can’t miss it. It has a casual yet modern vibe at the restaurant with a spacious outdoor patio and terrace.
Zees Grill’s menu showcases traditional Canadian and American favourite dishes using local vegetables from the region. The meat dishes are their specialty and crowd-pleaser.
They also have an extensive selection of wines from many Niagara on the Lake wineries, draft and bottled beers and ciders.
Whichever meal you decide on, their attentive staff will be able to match a beverage right for you.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 92 Picton St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. L0S 1J0
Cuisine: Contemporary
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Price: $$-$$$$
Masaki Sushi
Masaki Sushi is a modern a-la-carte Japanese restaurant, they serve up fresh seafood from Japan.
They have an omakase option where you leave your meal choice up to the chef and reservations are required. Your surprise meal will be meticulously put together, and it usually includes a variety of seasonal delectable seafood of nigiri, sushi, and hand rolls.
I always try to reserve bar seating when I order an omakase because the chefs will prepare the food in the order starting with lighter tasting dishes then increasing to a more flavourful palate.
They are not cheap, but you won’t be disappointed by the food quality and freshness.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 60 Picton St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. L0S 1J0
Cuisine: Japanese, Seafood
Vegetarian Friendly: Limited options
Price: $$-$$$
The Irish Harp Pub
The Irish Harp Pub opened its doors in 2006. It has a classic pub atmosphere, serving up authentic Irish and British cuisine and a variety of beers from micro brews to Irish imports.
Food portions are generous and the kitchen is efficient. Staff are friendly and attentive.
In addition, there are three rooms available for rent above the pub. Its highlight of course is its live music that delivers an upbeat atmosphere, usually on Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday afternoons. With rotating bands playing at the pub, the music ranges from traditional Celtic, folk, rock, and country.
Irish Harp Pub is definitely one of the most lively restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 245 King St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. L0S 1J0
Cuisine: Irish, Bar, British
Vegetarian Friendly: Limited options
Price: $$-$$$
Winery Restaurants
If you’re in Niagara on the Lake, you’re most likely going to be doing some wine tastings. You’d be surprise to find that some of the best restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake are located within wineries.
You can plan your wine tastings before your meal time, so during your lunch or dinner you can fully enjoy your favourite wine from the tasting.
Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery
Located in the quieter parts of Niagara on the Lake lies one of the best restaurants in town. Ravine Vineyard’s main building structure, the Wm. Woodruff House, was originally built in 1802. Its first commercial vineyard grapes dates back to 1869. With over 150 years of history and many transformations, they have opened their business to the public in 2008.
The Ravine Vineyard Restaurant is situated within their estate. The restaurant offers a hearty Canadian cuisine. The food is exceptional and consistent, it definitely tastes as good as it looks. They use food from their kitchen garden as well. They have a selection of wines, ciders and beers, in which knowledgeable staff can help you pair a drink with your meal.
It has generous indoors and outdoor seating overlooking the vineyard. Other than wine tasting and restaurant, Ravine Vineyard has much to offer. They take their farm to table concept a step further, they have a garden to grow their fruits and vegetables, hens that produce eggs, bees for their honey program. So don’t forget to check out the quaint Ravine’s retail and grocery store for jams, sauces, honey, and other Niagara goodies.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 1366 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. L0S 1P0
Cuisine: Contemporary, Farm-to-Table, Canadian
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Price: $$$$
The Winery Restaurant at Peller Estates Winery
Peller Estates is one of the most popular wineries in Niagara on the Lake. Peller Estates has two on-site dining options, The Winery Restaurant, and the Barrel House Grill.
The Winery Restaurant is in a grand dining room, inspired by the farm to table concept. Garnering ideas with the winemakers, the chef is able to creatively pair the food with Peller Estates wines.
When the weather is nice, I highly recommend eating at the Barrel House Grill which is located on the terrace. It features burgers, pizzas, snacks, cheese and charcuterie boards, and of course, their wines. From the beautiful terrace, you’ll get sweeping views of the spacious winery grounds and the vineyard.
During the winter months, they offer a unique Icewine tasting experience in their 10Below Peller Icewine Lounge (included in this tour) which is a -10 degree Celsius room made of ice. This will no doubt be one of the most memorable Icewine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. L0S 1J0
Cuisine: French, International, Canadian
Vegetarian Friendly: Limited, available upon request.
Price: $$$$
Trius Winery Restaurant
Trius have been creating wines for over 40 years and has had tremendous success. Trius’ menu is inspired by the Niagara Wine Country cuisine, using local ingredients to bring different dishes every season. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the combinations of food with its texture and flavouring in a dish.
The restaurant offers a-la-carte and multi-course meals. Working closely with its winemakers, the team crafts outstanding wine pairing with each course that is just gastronomical.
The ambiance and design of the property is spectacular, every room and outdoor space is a photo opportunity. The dining room is chic, setting a fantastic backdrop for its exquisite food.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 1249 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. L0S 1J0
Cuisine: International, Contemporary, Canadian
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Price: $$$$
Kitchen76 at Two Sisters Vineyards
Kitchen76 definitely deserves a spot as one of the best restaurants in Niagara on the Lake. Kitchen76 is within the Two Sisters Vineyards in Niagara on the Lake.
The restaurant decor conveys a rustic Italian atmosphere. The terrace seating area is surrounded by tall columns overlooking a wide stretch of vineyards. It provides a perfect setting for enjoying a Tuscan, Italian, and Mediterranean inspired meal.
The menu rotates with the changing season, generous and flavourful delights will fill your palate with wines carefully selected to compliment each meal.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 240 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. L0S 1J0
Cuisine: Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Price: $$$$
Where to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake
If you’re looking to stay overnight in NOTL, consider these accommodations curated by us.
BEST OVERALL
Prince of Wales
The location is unbeatable being right at the heart of NOTL’s historic district. Filled with timeless elegance, be treated to a taste of royalty with their award-winning dining and spa. Step outside and walk right along the beautiful Queen Street.
BUDGET
Holiday Inn Express
Stay in NOTL at a fraction of the cost with this no-frills stay that’s located right next to the Outlet Collection At Niagara and closer to Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery. A bonus is that breakfast is included!
COTTAGE
Liguria Lane Cottage
This welcoming cottage is perfect for those that are travelling in larger groups. With 3 bedrooms and two sofabeds, this fully-equipped holiday home sleeps 10 and is situated on the Two Sisters Vineyard with views of the historic park nearby and vineyard.
LUXURY
Queens Landing
You’ll find the perfect NOTL getaway here with this elegant waterfront hotel and restaurant. This opulent Georgian mansion hotel is stylish, cozy, and classy. The property also located in the heart of the village, making it very convenient as well.
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.
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