It’s officially road trip season in Ontario – and that means any excuse to head out from the city and explore. Ontario’s small towns and rural vistas are briming with destination-dining waiting to be explored. Foodies and fanatics alike are flocking to Michelin-worthy dining rooms, lakeside patios and country inns for a taste of what makes Ontario so special. And why not? There’s never been a better time to dig in!
hōm Restaurant
390 Main St West, Listowel, Ontario
homrestaurant.ca
At the helm of this Perth County restaurant, you’ll find partners Chris and Emily Campbell. Chef Chris runs the kitchen, while Emily expertly manages the Front of House bringing guests a refined taste of home. The menu is classic French with a refined and ever-so-international twist. On one end you’ll find delicate house-made tagliatelle with plump shrimp and tomatoes, on the other there’s a playful take on “breakfast for dinner” with the Full English: apple braised pork belly, rich white bean cassoulet, a perfectly poached egg and roasted tomatoes.
Heart’s Grey County
235334, Grey County Rd 13, Kimberley, ON
heartsgreycounty.ca
The ever-changing menu at this Grey County tavern slash oyster bar slash butchery slash natural wine haven has foodies flocking from across the province. There’s house cured and smoked ham plates, briming with tangy celeriac salad. There’s thick slabs of smokey bacon adorning baby gem lettuce just so. There’s also the perfect roast chicken which should not, under any circumstance, be overlooked. This is comfort food, refined.
Langdon Hall
1 Langdon Dr, Cambridge, ON
langdonhall.ca
Recently named one of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants – again – this Waterloo Region inn is a paradise for fine dining lovers. Chef Jason Bangerter takes inspiration from the gardens and woodlands found on the property and creates stunning menus that reflect the seasons. Course after course comes to your table leaving diners with a sense of wonder and delight. There’s unassuming Carrot Porridge, adorned like a painting with simmered mung beans, orange coriander bubbles, and carrot top pesto. There’s delicate poached scallops garnished lovingly with crème fraîche, geranium jam, and citrus herbs. Come dessert, you can opt for a symphony of colours and textures off the menu, or indulge at the Cheese Cart.
On the Rocks
729 Mill St, Calabogie, ON
calabogielodge.com/the-lodge/dining
Frilly cocktails and expertly rolled sushi are paired with a real life rock wall at this Ottawa Valley resort resto on the shores of Lake Calabogie. The view is unmatched in the region and the sprawling patio – adorned with fairy lights, naturally – is the perfect place to unwind in style after a day on the slopes or trails. On Fridays, they’re joined by sushi chef Tomoko who rolls fresh fish and veggies into little bite sized masterpieces.
Quatrefoil
16 Sydenham St, Dundas, ON
quatrefoilrestaurant.com
Quatrefoil Restaurant offers contemporary French cuisine in the historic town of Dundas in the Heart of Ontario. Now in their 10th year, co-owners, Fraser Macfarlane and Georgina Mitropoulos know a thing or two about good hospitality and impeccable food. They’ve been voted one of Canada’s Top Ten Best New Restaurant 2010 by EnRoute Magazine, Top Ten Best New Restaurants in Toronto 2010 by Toronto Life Magazine, and One of the Five Best Restaurants Outside of Toronto 2018 by Toronto Life Magazine.
The Royal
247 Picton Main St, Picton, ON
theroyalhotel.ca
This newly-opened hotel slash restaurant in South Eastern Ontario has all the food lovers in the province talking. At the helm of the kitchen, you’ll find industry legend Albert Ponzo. Executive chef Albert Ponzo brings over two decades of award-winning experience and passion to his seasonal and locally inspired food. Working closely with The Royal’s Edwin County Farms, his passion for sustainable farming and nose-to-tail butchery are being explored like never before. The food is classic Italian and luxurious.
