In 2022, VineRoutes embarked on a culinary journey across the province of Ontario, seeking out the most memorable food and wine experiences. We brought you our list of 25 Top Ontario Restaurants – a selection that ultimately celebrated the vibrant dining scene happening right now in Ontario.
But, as the world of gastronomy continually evolves, we believe that savouring the best should be an ongoing adventure. As the saying goes, there’s always room for seconds, and we’re back with an anticipated sequel to that list, unveiling 10 more exceptional establishments that are a must-visit for lovers of fine wine and delicious cuisine.
Read Also: Ontario’s Top Restaurants: 25 of our most memorable food & wine experiences
While Ontario’s major cities undoubtedly have their culinary charms – and were justly recognized in our previous list – it was those places from secondary markets in the province that caught the attention of many. And so, with that in mind, this new list increases the spotlight on the lesser-known treasures tucked away within Ontario’s smaller cities and towns.
These 10 establishments not only exemplify the exciting, fresh flavours that define Ontario’s gastronomy, but also underscore the idea that the province’s culinary scene is well worth the journey, no matter where you call home.
Explore the regional charm that make these restaurants truly special. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a food lover, Ontario has a lot to offer, and this continued selection of ‘Top Ontario Restaurants’ is here to prove it.
Atelier
Ottawa / Telephone (613) 321-3537
Website www.atelierrestaurant.ca
Since owner and chef Marc Lepine opened Atelier in 2008, this highly coveted 45-seat establishment has earned its reputation as one of the best restaurants in the country by offering molecular-gastronomy dishes with a focus on unconventional, whimsical cuisine. So, it should be known that this is not just merely a restaurant; it’s an artistic masterpiece. Guests tend to enjoy the surprise nature of the menu, as they can fully trust that any of the 12, 22 (or 44!) courses served to them are going to be a mind-blowing experience. Atelier’s ever-evolving tasting menu features an intriguing fusion of textures, flavours and imaginative pairings – allowing Lepine to work his magic and employ his creativity, which is what everyone comes to Atelier for! From the moment one enters they’re immersed in a world where food and wine are expertly blended to create an unforgettable symphony of tastes and sensations.
Cherry House
Burlington / Telephone (905) 632-1316
Website www.cherryhouse.ca
Michael Cherry and Anthony Trenton (founder/owner and executive chef respectively) share in a ‘moments matter’ philosophy. Greatly inspired to create memorable experiences with Cherry House, this place beautifully reflects comfort and elegance in a contemporary setting while merging a high standard of cooking. The menu offers the best of North American cuisine with French culinary influences. Beginning with locally sourced, ‘in-house’ freshly prepared dishes, from their mouth-watering bread to their decadent desserts, to an esteemed 200+ list of the world’s finest wines, Cherry House prides itself on delivering an unforgettable dining experience.
DaNico
Toronto / Telephone (647) 715-1200
Website www.danicotoronto.com
DaNico is Toronto’s newest culinary gem, having just recently opened in September. It’s a captivating Italian restaurant brought to life through a dynamic partnership between the renowned Liberty Group and culinary virtuoso, chef Daniele Corona (who won a Michelin star last year with Liberty’s Don Alfonso 1890 – also named to VineRoutes’ list of 25 Top Restaurants in 2022). Nestled in the heart of the city and set within a revitalized old heritage bank building, Corona’s eight-course signature menu is an innovative interpretation of traditional Italian cuisine, with each dish distinctively crafted and plated on one-of-a-kind serving vessels, designed to tell a story of the food in breathtaking presentation. This eclectic approach, of course, extends to the restaurant’s carefully curated wine list from DaNico’s noteworthy repository. Mostly Italian in scope but with a variety of favoured Canadian, French, California and other international notables, the original bank vault that now acts as DaNico’s cellar boasts more than 3,000 bottles.
Elora Mill
Elora / Telephone (519) 846-8464
Website www.eloramill.ca/restaurant
Perched beside a picturesque mill in the charming town of Elora, the restaurant at the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa is an embodiment of the phrase ‘dining with a view.’ Their menu takes advantage of the beautiful surroundings by presenting culinary excellence that matches the stunning scenery. Local and seasonal ingredients shine through in their dishes, offering a true taste of Ontario. The wine list is thoughtfully curated by head sommelier Kendra Ellsworth, offering a vast selection of local and international vintages. The food focusses on local, sustainable, farm-to-table, and the wine program mirrors that brilliantly. Winemakers work in an “earth first” manner that shares the Elora Mill ethos. Ultimately, the wine program here focuses on representing what each region does best. Rather than a lot of Australian and South American wines, the mantra here is that “we can find those styles well represented closer to home and with fewer travel miles.” Classic wines from classic regions are joined by up-and-coming (and lesser-known) regions and styles.
Greystones
Orangeville / Telephone (519) 943-0063
Website www.greystonesrestaurant.ca
This hidden gem, located in the small town of Orangeville, offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere and a menu filled with creative, farm-to-table dishes. Opened by Keith Froggett, the chef-owner of Toronto’s iconic Scaramouche (named to VineRoutes’ list of 25 Top Ontario Restaurants in 2022) and his son Benn, Greystones Restaurant & Lounge makes a 170 year-old historical building its home. Expertly renovated to reflect the experience it wants customers to have, it feels historic but not pretentious; modern but not in a way that clashes with the origin story of the building. For much of the same reasons behind the choice to select Froggett’s Scarmouche last year, the wine list here is beautifully thought-out, a testament to the belief that wine should be as much a part of the dining experience as the food.
Isabelle Restaurant & Lounge
Burlington / Telephone (905) 340-0590
Website www.isabelle.ca
Enjoy remarkable lakefront views at Burlington’s Isabelle Restaurant & Lounge, where Euro-inspired cuisine gets a modern twist. The menu is an artistic celebration of seasonal produce, blending flavours and techniques in a way that leaves a lasting impression. The restaurant even has its own wine club, aptly named the Isabelle Wine Club – an exclusive gathering that sees quarterly tastings, dinners and events. There’s rental space in their impressive wine cellar which comes with a personalized wine list curated by head sommelier Jordan Lesso. Isabelle’s cellar is a collection of wines that focuses on “like-minded” producers within the Mediterranean/European range that suit the restaurant’s Mediterranean menu. Lesso highlights the “surprising” lesser-known regions and grapes, carefully chosen to enhance each dining experience.
Loloan Lobby Bar
Waterloo / Telephone (519) 883-1010
Website www.loloanlobbybar.com
Waterloo’s Loloan transports you to the exotic flavours of Indonesia. Their menu is a tantalizing journey through southeast Asian cuisine, bursting with bold and vibrant tastes situated within a super-cool vibe inside and a strong contingent of followers and supporters. It’s a place that represents unique and well-regarded foodservice that reaches beyond the Waterloo Region for recognition. The wine list is small but effective in that each bottle is carefully curated to match the menu. Loloan works a vein that might otherwise be given over to beer pairings for its food. An approachable, eclectic list balances Old World and New World – skewing toward classic favourites of Italian and French production. One might find a Pomerol or Saint-Estèphe but also amarone and ripasso that have a slight sweetness for southeast Asian dishes, along with a leaning to gamay and riesling that might suit dishes like “Bpet Nam Sup Kry” crispy duck leg confit with chili jam and jackfruit and “Kaem Pla” yellowfin in dry red curry. An impressive cocktail menu lends the perfect support for your pre or post meal conversation.
Osteria Giulia
Toronto / Telephone (416) 964-8686
Website www.osteriagiulia.ca
Located in the heart of Toronto and from the team behind Giulietta—the College Street trattoria helmed by Rob Rossi—Osteria Giulia is a haven for lovers of Italian cuisine and a showcase for thoughtful, refined plates based on the culinary wisdom of Italy’s northern coast. Their menu focuses on the art of pasta and traditional Italian dishes, prepared with an expert hand (case in point: they were awarded a Michelin star in 2022). The wine list is a treasure trove of predominantly Italian bottles – many of which are hard to find, or simply aren’t available, at local bottle shops – all specifically selected to elevate the dining experience.
Pasqualino
Milton / Telephone (905) 693-1992
Website www.pasqualinofinefoodfinewine.com
Offering a warm and inviting atmosphere alongside a menu that pays homage to the richness of Italian cuisine, Pasqualino is an Italian oasis, with each dish being a true celebration of Italy’s culinary heritage. Pasqualino’s wine list features a deep assortment of Italian varietals. The restaurant’s sommelier team knows that Italian wine is likely to be considered first and foremost in order to match the food and overall vibe, and this list does not disappoint (but if French or American is your choice, they have you covered). Likewise, if you’re wanting local Ontario wine, don’t fret. From their flavourful pastas and pizzas to their savoury meat dishes, every bite is as delicious as you would expect it to be.
The Pine
Creemore / Telephone (705) 466-2888
Website www.thepinecreemore.ca
Husband-and-wife/chef-owner team, Jeremy and Cassie Austin are onto something with The Pine, a dining destination where creativity meets sustainability. It’s set up as an intimate 24 seat restaurant that offers immersive tasting menus inspired by the local landscapes and seasons. Right now, one can expect a 17-course offering that features ingredients grown on the family farm. Chef Jeremy Austin trained in Italy and worked overseas as a chef in both Hong Kong and Shanghai. Many of his creations are inspired by the flavours and culinary practices witnessed while living and travelling in China. Since they only focus on local or Canadian produced ingredients, their wine list is carefully crafted to highlight Ontario’s finest bottles. An ever-evolving and changing list, one can expect to find between 40 and 50 different Ontario-only wines to choose from, all within the $58-$140 range.
– With files from Andrew Coppolino and the editors of VineRoutes
