The best restaurants Ontario

Timetable

There are no more variable schedules than those in the restaurant world. Not only do they vary according to the season, but also several times during the same season. Restaurants in large cities tend to have a relatively fixed schedule throughout the year, while in the regions, some establishments even close their doors out of season. And as everywhere, weekends and holidays are synonymous with great crowds, especially for the famous brunch served until 2 or 3 p.m. Ontarians also eat earlier than Europeans. As a result, kitchen opening hours are not very late, except for pub-type restaurants or those in the trendiest and/or most touristy neighbourhoods.

Budget & Tips

You can easily eat on the go for less than $10-15 CDN. At least $20-25 CDN for lunch and a minimum of $30-40 CDN in the evening. The daily lunch menu and the table d'hôte in the evening allow you to save some money and include the starter, main course, dessert and coffee. More upscale restaurants also often offer a multi-course tasting menu. The cost can range from $60 to $150 CDN or more, and a pairing with selected wines is offered in addition.
All methods of payment are accepted, but smaller restaurants sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.
In Ontario, you can also take home the rest of your meal or bring your own bottle of wine - or beer - to the restaurant. The "bring your own wine" concept may not be as widespread as it is in neighbouring Quebec, but many restaurants allow it. However, the corkage fee can be quite expensive, up to $50 CDN in large restaurants.

What costs extra

As a general rule: the prices displayed on the menus are always exclusive of tax. In addition to the harmonized sales tax (13%), 15% service must be added. To find out what you have to pay, you have to increase the prices by almost 30%!

The local way

Eat a beaver tail in Ottawa, a butter pie in the Kawarthas, a bacon peameal sandwich in Toronto and a plate of fish & chips in the Great Lakes region.

In Toronto, have the opportunity to take a gourmet world tour just a few blocks away.

Gettingused to the often huge North American-styleportions, especially in pubs and sports bars.

Enjoy a meal with a breathtaking view of Toronto, as rooftop restaurants are everywhere in the city.

To be avoided

Just because we're in America doesn't mean we have to be like the Americans! So please avoid the big fast food banners and opt for local tables to savour Ontario.

Kids

Your brats are welcome in most restaurants, except for those sections where a bar license applies. Extra chairs are often available and several restaurants offer a menu specially designed for the little ones.

Smokers

Smoking is not permitted in the restaurants and on their terraces. Smoking must also be kept away from the door of the establishment and its terraces (the law indicates 9 meters).

Tourist traps

In areas popular with visitors, such as Toronto's Entertainment District, take the time to compare restaurants and menus, as many tend to boost their prices to take advantage of the tourist boom.