Headed to Waterloo Region with your sweetheart? Excellent choice. Whether you want to explore bustling urban centres or enjoy the slower pace and old-world charm of the surrounding countryside, Waterloo Region provides the perfect balance between new and old, rural and urban, nature and technology, classical and contemporary, tranquility and adventure.
After a full day spent exploring Waterloo Region, it’s time for date night, and that means warm ambiance, great service, and delicious food. Here are four great spots to enjoy a cozy dinner with your main squeeze:
Puddicombe House
Where: 145 Peel St, New Hamburg, ON (View map)
Stepping into Puddicombe House is like going back in time. This beautiful estate was built in 1868 in the elegant Italianate architectural style, with a gabled roof, gables, wraparound porches and heavily ornamented windows. This spot goes far beyond date night – you can easily turn your visit into a full-day experience with a visit to the spa followed by dinner and a stay in one of Puddicombe’s eight luxurious guest rooms.
Over in the restaurant, Puddicombe House offers casual fine dining in an elegant atmosphere. On the menu, you’ll find classic items like warm brie with wild blueberry compote or fried calamari alongside flavourful selections such as Korean duck wings and a grilled paneer curry bowl. The generous portions are perfect for sharing, so you’ll get to try a bit of everything!
271West Restaurant
Where: 60 Charles St W, Kitchener, ON (View map)
271West is a little gem tucked away on a side street in Downtown Kitchener. The pastas, sauces, and breads at this Italian family restaurant are all made in house, and the top-notch service makes this a perfect date night spot.
Ensconce yourself in a booth and choose from a menu of luxurious pasta dishes, thin-crust pizzas made with beer-infused dough, and more. Save room for dessert – the crème brûlée comes with a perfect caramelized top that shatters satisfyingly under your spoon.
The Foundry Tavern
Where: 64 Grand Ave S, Cambridge, ON (View map)
The Foundry Tavern is open for lunch, dinner, and late night hangs, making this the perfect spot for a meal before or after another component of your date (like a show at the Hamilton Family Theatre, located just around the corner). The sophisticated design touches found throughout the restaurant and bar make the Foundry Tavern a chic and playful spot to share a meal with your loved one.
The menu focuses on beloved familiar dishes served in an elevated fashion. Many of the cocktails are available as a flight, so you can try a little of everything and pick your favourite for round two. Choose from a wide array of shareable appetizers and mains to satisfy any craving, but don’t skip the sticky toffee pudding, a towering dish of warm cake topped with vanilla ice cream that’s designed for two.
Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery
Where: 1271 Reidsville Rd, Ayr, ON (View map)
In the mood for a road trip? Head for a romantic drive out to the small township of Ayr, Ontario to check out Willibald Farm. This distillery/brewery/farm-to-table restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday and has something for everyone. As we head into the colder months, try the Gingerbread Gin Mule made with lemon juice, turbinado sugar and ginger tea, or opt for their super-popular purple seltzer, made with vodka and all-natural white & concord grapes.
Over in the restaurant, you’ll find a range of pizzas and great snacks, like confit duck wings with gochujang glaze, whipped ricotta with focaccia, and fried brussel sprouts with nuoc cham. This Feast On® restaurant is focused on hyper-local ingredients, with purveyors like Little Fields Farm and Ayrsyde Farms just a stone’s throw away.
Curious about Feast On®? This certification verifies that a business sources their goods and ingredients with purpose. They’re supporting Ontario’s farmers and makers that are working the land in ethical and sustainable ways. By choosing a Feast On® certified business, you’re supporting Ontario’s local food system AND getting a true taste of Ontario.
Ready. Set. Explore Waterloo Region!
Want more info about exploring Waterloo Region’s culinary scene? Check out this recent post:
