True to its roots, Ontario's cuisine is a happy blend of French, British and Aboriginal culinary traditions. But through waves of immigration, it has also incorporated influences from around the world, particularly in Toronto, where just about every cuisine in the world is accessible. However, due to geographic location, North American cuisine is over-represented in some regions, but is increasingly giving way to new trends that focus on proximity. Each region of Ontario offers a cuisine that also reflects its geographic particularities. For example, the abundance of lakes, rivers and forests make game and freshwater fish a popular choice. The Niagara Peninsula and the southwestern part of the province are prime areas for fruit and wine production. In short, Ontario cuisine has something for every palate.
Toronto and Ottawa, gourmet capitals
Toronto is nothing less than one of the most popular dining destinations in the country. From street food to rooftop chic, not to mention the vegan cafés that are so popular these days, you can't go wrong. The options are so numerous that it's almost unbearable, especially in the trendy and ethnic areas of the city. Two Toronto specialties that are a must try are peameal bacon (a bacon sandwich coated with cornmeal) and butter tarts
at Carousel Bakery.
As for Ottawa, it also knows how to delight our taste buds with a rather hallucinating offer for a city of this size. To get a taste of the region, look for the "Savour Ottawa" logo, which brings together producers, micro-processors, restaurants and retailers that showcase regional products (savourottawa.com). A must try Ottawa specialty: beavertail (fried dough covered in chocolate, cinnamon, etc.) at BeaverTails
. To make sure you don't miss out on anything and keep up with the latest gourmet trends, follow the web media blogTO, TasteToronto, OttawaFood and OttawaRestos.
The Great Lakes, kingdom of fish & chips
With four of the five Great Lakes within its boundaries, not to mention all the other rivers and lakes, it will come as no surprise that Ontario is home to a wide variety of freshwater fish species, more than 150 to be precise. This type of fish, especially perch, haddock and halibut, is highly prized in its breaded version and accompanied by French fries: the famous fish & chips dish. Although it appears on the slate of most dinners, pubs, pubs, breweries and the like, nothing beats the taste experience in a Great Lakes community, especially along Lake Erie. Fish & chips are the star attraction, along with the many other freshly caught products. To enjoy this gourmet speciality, we recommend The Beach House in Port Dover, with its terrace overlooking the beach and Lake Erie, Birdie's Perch in
Leamington, a must-see because it's on a double-decker bus, and Herbert Fisheries in Sudbury, whose reputation extends beyond the country's borders.
Five wine routes to explore
The shores of the Great Lakes and the Niagara Peninsula are home to many estates, some of which are world-renowned. As a result, the province benefits from an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) and a standard of quality for wines made entirely in Ontario, from the vine to the bottle - VQA Wines of Ontario. Four wine routes criss-cross the southern part of the province, with an added bonus on the American side.
From Grimsby to Niagara Falls on the Niagara Peninsula, two wine routes suggest nearly 100 wineries: Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Escarpment & Twenty Valley. One specialty to be discovered is the prestigious Ice Wine, a very flourishing market in the region: the grapes are harvested frozen, which allows them to retain a high sugar content. A pure delight!
Just across the street, in the neighbouring United States, the Niagara Wine Trail begins along the Niagara River, just south of the Falls. Like its Canadian twin, this region benefits from a microclimate that is favourable for grape growing. Approximately 20 wineries are located along this route, nestled in the beautiful scenery of the Niagara Escarpment.
Back near Lake Ontario, the wines of Prince Edward County have been experiencing interesting growth for several years. The particular composition of the soil in this region, a mixture of limestone and clay, gives a special taste to its wines that are worth discovering.
Finally comes the north shore of Lake Erie (Lake Erie North Shore). More than a dozen charming vineyards have made their home in southwestern Ontario, including Harrow and Pelee Island. Along with Prince Edward County and the Niagara Peninsula, the north shore of Lake Erie is one of Ontario's major wine-producing regions. Enjoying latitude similar to Rome and northern California, its wines are very tasty.
Most wineries in Ontario and the Niagara region of the United States are open to the public and offer wine tasting activities throughout the year. Ontario also includes some emerging wineries in the area, such as around Toronto, Norfolk County, the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.winecountryontario.ca
A brewing scene in full effervescence
Beer is the drink par excellence that accompanies all dishes, and Canada is a major producer with several large companies dominating the market (Molson Coors, AB InBev-Labatt...). But the beers that really deserve our attention are themicrobreweries and craft breweries that are multiplying in Canada, especially in Ontario. Many of these enthusiasts are working every day to restore beer to its former glory. As the prime contractors in the brewing industry are more aware of economic and environmental issues, new choices are being made in day-to-day operations, whether it be by promoting the use of locally grown grains in the brewing process or by developing service partnerships in the community. Breweries are also the perfect place to enjoy cuisine made with regional products, and they often offer cultural and artistic programming that showcases the local scene. We recommend excellent addresses throughout the pages of this guide, including some noteworthy beer bars. Smart plan: the Craft Beer Passport app that lets you discover these hoppy nectars at reduced prices (ontariocraftbrewers.com).
Enjoying yourself Ontario
Timetable Ontario
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 Ontario
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 Ontario
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 Ontario
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 Ontario
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 Ontario
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 Ontario
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 Ontario
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.
Take a break Ontario
Timetable Ontario
Gourmet shops (pastry shops, chocolate shops, etc.), cafés and tea rooms are generally open every day from morning until mid- or late afternoon (some may be open until evening, especially cafés). There may, however, be days off in smaller shops or in the regions, usually at the beginning of the week. The schedule may also be reduced during the off-season. As for bars, many of them open their doors as early as 11 a.m. or noon, especially in the city. Otherwise, you can expect to open in the middle or late afternoon at the latest. Closing time is usually 2:00 a.m., but some close earlier (midnight or 1:00 a.m.) at the beginning of the week or during the off-season. Although they tend to be open 7 days a week, there are still days when they are closed (e.g. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday), especially in the regions.
Budget & Tips Ontario
The price of gourmet breaks and alcoholic beverages is relatively similar to what is found in Europe, although higher than in neighbouring Quebec. Some things are more expensive, however, such as baked goods and wine. To save money, the famous Happy Hour offered in bars in the middle or at the end of the day is a good idea. There are also passports sold at low prices that allow you to visit participating establishments and obtain drinks at ridiculous prices (tip not included). This is the case with the Craft Beer Passport (craftbeerpassport.ca) for Ontario's micro and craft breweries.
Remember that prices listed are always exclusive of taxes. Not only must the 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) be added, but also the 15% service charge. All methods of payment are accepted, but small businesses sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit cards.
Age restrictions Ontario
In Ontario, the legal drinking age is 19. Wherever a bar licence applies, only persons over the age of majority are allowed to drink. However, some places have a different licence (restaurant, artisanal production, etc.) that allows minors to enter. Note that if you look under 25, you will probably be asked for an official photo ID card.
What's very local Ontario
In bars and brasseries the Happy Hour ritual is often held during the week. It usually takes place from 4 or 5 pm until 7 pm or more, and saves on alcohol and/or food. It goes without saying that crowds go hand in hand during a Happy Hour...
Kids Ontario
Children are accepted wherever a bar license is not in effect. However, they can sometimes be accepted on the terrace of a bar until early evening.
Smokers Ontario
Smoking is not permitted in the gourmet shops, cafés, tea rooms and bars, as well as on their terraces. Smoking must also be kept away from the door of the establishment and its terraces (the law indicates 9 meters).
