The best restaurants Canada

Timetable

There is no schedule more variable than the restaurant business. Not only do they vary by season, but they also vary several times during the same season. Restaurants in major cities tend to have relatively fixed hours throughout the year, while in the regions some establishments even close their doors out of season. And like everywhere, weekends and holidays are very busy, especially for the famous brunch served until 2 or 3 pm. It is also important to know that Canadians eat earlier than Europeans. Therefore, the opening hours of the kitchens are not very late, except for the pub type restaurants or those in the most trendy and/or touristy areas.

Budget & Tips

You can easily eat on the go for less than CAN$10-15. You should expect to pay at least CAN$20-25 for lunch and at least CAN$30-40 for dinner (main course before tax and tip). The menu du jour at lunchtime and the table d'hôte in the evening offer some savings, and include starter, main course, dessert and coffee. More upscale restaurants often offer a multi-course tasting menu. The cost can vary from $60 to $150 CAN, or even more, and a selected wine pairing is offered as an extra.
All methods of payment are accepted, but smaller restaurants sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.

What costs extra

As a general rule, prices on menus are always exclusive of tax. Not only do you have to add sales tax (between 5% and 15% depending on the province or territory), but you also have to add 15% for service. To find out what you have to pay, you have to add 20 to 30% to the price!

The local way

Eat salmon and a Nanaimo bar in British Columbia, beef in Alberta, a peameal bacon sandwich in Toronto, a butter tartlet in the Kawarthas, poutine in Quebec, ployes in Acadia, lobster in the Maritimes, muktuk and raw fish in the Far North, and beaver tail anywhere in the country.

Get used to the often gigantic North American-styleportions, especially in pubs and sports breweries.

In Eastern Canada, reserve a large table at a sugar shack in the spring to feast until you're hungry.

In Canada, you can also take home the rest of your meal or bring your own bottle of wine to the restaurant. The "Bring your own wine" concept may not be as widespread as it is in Quebec, but many restaurants in the country allow it. Ask about the corkage fee, which can be free in some places and up to $50 CAD in others.

To be avoided

Just because we're in America doesn't mean we have to do what Americans do! So please, avoid the big fast food chains and opt for the local tables to savour Canada.

Kids

Your kids are welcome in most restaurants, except in sections where a bar license applies. Booster chairs are often available. Many restaurants offer a special menu for children.

Smokers

Smoking is prohibited in restaurants and on their terraces. Smoking must also be kept away from the door of the establishment and its terraces (generally 9 meters).

Tourist traps

In areas that are popular with visitors, take the time to compare restaurants and menus, as many tend to boost their prices to take advantage of the tourist windfall.