A bounty of flavours is waiting to greet you. Discover one-of-a-kind meals, savour local ingredients surrounded by gardens and grape vines, find a new favourite band during a concert series, or make new friends on a patio in the city.
Fair warning: One visit simply isn’t enough time to discover the fresh ingredients, incredible chefs and amazing food experiences in St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands. Whet your palette with this guide and then start your planning. Bon appétit!
Indulge in some of the country’s finest flavours on your plate and in your glass at these restaurants, situated within and crafted by the region’s best wineries. Book ahead for a special meal at Restaurant Pearl Morissette, recently rated number six on Canada’s 100 Best restaurants list, where they celebrate the area’s local farmers and producers on an ever-changing fine-dining menu. 13th Street Winery’s restaurant, Vineyard Kitchen Bistro, is 100km Foods certified, ensuring all ingredients are freshly sourced within a short radius from the kitchen. Redstone Winery celebrates all things Niagara on its menus and hosts a concert series in the summer months. Vineland Estates hosts one of the first winery restaurants in the region, and its eatery is housed in a restored 179-year-old farmhouse. At Peninsula Ridge savour a casual spin on fine dining at their restaurant housed in a Victorian mansion.
For a chic meal on a sunny patio, head to Short Hills Kitchen at Henry of Pelham, Patio 19 at Rockway Vineyards, Calamus Estate Winery or The Good Earth Food & Wine Co., where the patios overlook surrounding vineyards, orchards, gardens and creeks. Or bite into casual shared plates paired with wine flights at 180 Estate Winery or Creekside Estate Winery.
The flavours of the region come alive at the restaurants in St. Catharines, and no matter your craving, you’ll find a meal to remember. For a leisurely breakfast, brunch, or a relaxed lunch, Pique-Nique is a charming café and wine bar known for it’s cozy, neighborhood vibe with a focus on high-quality ingredients and traditional culinary techniques. Enjoy an indulgent brunch at the casual Bistro Mirepoix – think pork belly and brie eggs benedict, and lobster scrambled eggs. The Lemon Tree is a 100% vegan restaurant celebrating Mediterranean flavours, while Patio Andaluz fuses the flavours of Spain and Mexico in its savoury dishes. With a focus on small shareable plates and rotating menus, every visit to Fat Rabbit is unique. You’re included every step of the way, from building your own charcuterie spread to choosing your cut of meat from the case. Dispatch’s menu celebrates the diversity of the region, with dishes inspired by Korean, French, Greek and Moroccan cuisine – be sure to check out their fun cocktail menu too! George’s Greek Village has the only patio along the Welland Canal serving sizable Greek plates & cocktails.
At oddBird, recently named as one of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants, the buttermilk fried chicken is a must, and they’ve got a robust menu of snacks and small plates if you’re craving just a bite. At Bolete, Canadian dishes are celebrated and paired with a local wine list.
Meet with makers and taste some of the freshest ingredients in the region at these boutiques specializing in gourmet goods. Upper Canada Cheese Company crafts artisanal cheeses – the only creamery in Canada to use 100% Guernsey milk, sourced from a local herd. Pick up farm-fresh meat, poultry and eggs from Littlefoot Farm, where all animals are free-range, grass-pastured and naturally raised. Find fresh cheese and charcuterie as well as baked goods, including a dedicated bakery for gluten-free treats at Grand Oak Culinary Market. Blossom Bakery also offers an incredible selection of baked goods, from savoury flat-bread pizzas to cookies, squares, and pies. Looking for a personal gift, Sugar + Butter Baking Co. offers handmade, meticulously designed and decorated with love custom cookies, cookie gift sets for every holiday, do-it-yourself decorating kits for kids and a growing menu of other sweet treats. You can also find prepared foods to be enjoyed at home. De La Terre Bakery + Café offers specialty coffee and hand-crafted sourdough bread, croissants, and spelt pastries.
For unique specialty foods from Poland and other European countries a stop at St. Joseph Bakery is a must. Don’t forget to pick up dessert at The Keto Crumb, a keto, gluten-free and sugar-free bakery, with delicacies such as mixed-berry jam cupcakes, with jam made in-house, and raspberry white chocolate cookie pie. Edible Options, a dedicated gluten-free & dairy-free bakery has a wide selection of sweet and savory treats. If donuts are your weakness, don’t miss a visit to Beechwood Donuts, Niagara’s first and only 100% vegan doughnut shop, proving that plant-based foods can be just as delicious as they are compassionate. The Cultivate Shop at Honsberger Estate Winery is a collection of goods showing off the region’s best flavours, preservers, dressings, jams and honey, as well as hand pies, charcuterie snack packs and more. At grocers throughout the region, you’ll be sure to find gourmet candied and caramel apples from Moyers Farm.
