Nestled along the picturesque banks of the Grand River, the County of Brant is a haven for food and craft beverage lovers alike! Discover a unique blend of small-town charm with countryside flavours, with our two day guide exploring must visit stops across the County of Brant for a deliciously memorable getaway!
Beyond the town’s beauty, Brant boasts a vibrant network of local producers, bustling farm markets, charming shops, incredible eateries, and artisanal breweries. Whether you’re indulging in a delicious farm-to-table meal, browsing unique boutiques, or toasting with a glass of locally crafted cider or beer, each stop offers a fresh and flavourful taste of Brant’s rich culinary heritage.
Get ready to sip, savour, shop, and explore this idyllic corner of Ontario!
Day 1: Hidden Gems and Local Legends
Dog Eared Café
Where: 121 Grand River St N, Paris, ON (View Map)
The Dog-Eared Cafe in Paris, ON, is a cozy haven where freshly brewed coffee and a love for books come together! Inspired by the term “dog-eared,” a symbol of something well-loved, like folding down a corner of your favourite book page— this café reflects that cherished feeling doubling up as a second-hand bookstore, inviting guests to grab a seat, enjoy handcrafted coffees, and turn a few pages. Whether you’re settling in with a delicious latte and pastry or fuelling up for the morning with a quick stop at their convenient take-out window, the café makes starting your day a whole “latte” easier.
Brantview Apples & Cider
Where: 225 Howell Rd, St George, ON (View Map)
Brantview Apples and Cider is a family-owned gem in the County of Brant, proudly carrying on a rich heritage of farming that spans over 200 years. Known for their fresh apples and artisanal cider, they also craft Howell Road Cider, a line of exceptionally delicious hard ciders that capture the freshly picked flavours right from the families orchard. Visiting the farm you can take advantage of stocking up on delicious from scratch baked goods like fresh apple cider donuts and pies made by Linda, local honey, and of course fresh apples and cider, you can really start to see and taste the passion and quality the Howell family bring to the community through their orchards.
Drongkowski’s
Where: 5 Beverly St E, St George, ON (View Map)
When it’s time for a lunch break, no visit to Brant is complete without a stop at Drongkowski’s in downtown St. George for one of their legendary deli sandwiches. Founded in 2017 by Tiff Drong, a proud native of the St. George and Flamborough area, Drongkowski’s Deli serves up delicious, scratch-made, wholesome foods sourced locally. Supporting fellow farmers, producers, and artisans, they also offer a selection of heat-and-serve meals and a variety of pantry goods to take home.
While you’re there we recommend you try the crowd-favourite the “Great Avocadowski,” filled with smoked Ontario bacon, mayo, havarti, tomato, lettuce, avocado, and jazzed up with a some chicken for a heartier bite! Be sure to pair your meal with a rich and creamy coffee shake for a lunchtime treat that’s truly next-level!
Insider tip: If the weather permits take your lunch to go and enjoy your meal outside at the newly installed Public Square across the street, before spending some time browsing through all the local shops and boutiques in downtown St. George.
Flux Brewing
Where: 185 Oakland Rd, Scotland, ON (View Map)
Exploring the County of Brant’s rural side, make your way down to Flux Brewing Company, a family-founded destination brewery in Scotland. A must-visit spot for craft beer enthusiasts, the brewery is set in a restored historic building, and serves up a unique range of quality small-batch brews made with locally sourced ingredients, blending a little rustic charm with modern creativity.
We highly recommend settling into a seat in the taproom or on the patio (weather permitting) and sampling a flight of beer. Try a mix of the brewery’s classics, like “Drawing Board,” a light American-style IPA with hints of citrus and evergreen, or venture into bolder flavours with “Corduroy,” a dark lager featuring notes of roasted espresso and chocolate. For a fruitier twist, add “Kaleidoscope,” a vibrant sour loaded with sweet cherries and lemon to your flight for a well-rounded and delicious tasting experience!
If you’re feeling hungry, check out Manna, Flux Brewing’s onsite kitchen, serving a rotating menu of shareables and “elevated street food” crafted to pair perfectly with their beers. With food truck-style ordering and a covered path for convenience, Flux Brewing combines exceptional beer, delicious eats, and a welcoming vibe, making it the perfect spot to savour the flavours of Brant.
Secret Lunch
Where: 32 Dundas St W, Paris, ON (View Map)
End your day with a delicious meal at Secret Lunch and catering! A new and eclectic addition to the local Paris dining scene, Secret Lunch serves up a creative menu of classic comfort dishes with a fresh take and bold flavours that reflect the Chef and owner Adam’s extensive culinary journey. Drawing on his years of experience cooking for beloved establishments in Brant like The Arlington Hotel and Devlin’s Bistro, Chef Adam brings his passion for creating locally inspired flavours to every dish, making Secret Lunch and Catering a must-visit spot for any foodie.
For our end of day comfort meal we couldn’t get enough of “The Gorf” their Rib Fest Famous mac’n cheese dish served with garlic aioli, chicken, and a sprinkle of green onion. For an equally hearty meal with a little spice to cozy up to we highly recommend trying the “Dan Dan Noodles” served with minced pork, sautéed greens, udon noodles, house made kimchi, and sesame sauce.
Arlington Hotel
Where: 106 Grand River St N, Paris, ON (View Map)
End your day with a restful stay at the Arlington Hotel in Paris, Ontario. Known for its unique themed rooms, each thoughtfully designed to celebrate iconic artists, and authors like Leonard Cohen. After a day of exploration, the hotel offers a cozy yet inspiring retreat to unwind and recharge for another delicious day of exploring the County of Brant.
Day 2: Pretty Streets and Delicious Eats in Paris, ON
Immerse yourself in the charm of Downtown Paris, also affectionately known as Ontario’s Prettiest little town. From cozy cafes and brewery visits, to exploring the local food hall, browsing unique shops and ending our adventures with an unforgettable fine dining experience let’s dive into day 2 of exploring Brant!
Detour Café
Where: 31 Mechanic St #102, Paris, ON (View Map)
Located at the entrance of the historic Paris Wincey Mills. Co building, Detour Café, is known for serving up hand crafted coffees and delicious breads and pastries like their cocoa sesame loaf.
While you sip your coffee take a stroll around the Wincey Mills building, built in the late 19th century as a manufacturing hub, today it has been reimagined as a vibrant food hall and marketplace, bringing together local vendors like, Van Laeken Farms, and artisans like Original Gourmet Popcorn, and eateries like La Trenza Tacos under one roof, making it a beloved community gathering spot and a perfect home for Detour Café’s inviting atmosphere.
Paris Bohemian Gallery
Where: 27 William St, Paris, ON (View Map)
As you stroll through Downtown Paris, you’ll quickly notice the stunning murals and artistic flair at every turn reflect the community’s vibrant and creative spirit. At the heart of this artistic energy is The Paris Bohemian Gallery, a cultural hub founded by local artist Katherine Pickering.
Dedicated to supporting and celebrating the local arts scene, the gallery enhances downtown with special events, curated exhibitions, and workshops, creating a welcoming space for artists, patrons, and newcomers alike to experience the transformative power of art. Be sure to check out their latest exhibit— a diverse collection of contemporary works that perfectly embody its mission to inspire, support, and grow the creative spirit within the community.
Paris Beer Co.
Where: 31 Mechanic St, Paris, ON (View Map)
After hearing from local shop owners and community members letting us know about their favourite places to grab bite for lunch, we knew we had to return to the Wincey Mills building and visit Paris Beer Co. As Paris’ first taproom brewery, Paris Beer Co. offers small-batch brews crafted using local ingredients including rye and hops grown right in Paris to capture the vibrant community spirit and heritage of the town.
We opted to pair our flights with a lighter lunch enjoying the “Fancy Frites,” served using cut Yukon gold potatoes, seasoned with rosemary salt, Grana Padano cheese and truffle aïoli to share along with “Crispy Fish Tacos” served on fresh yellow corn tortillas, topped with light and flaky fried fish, cilantro mango salsa, crunchy cabbage, spicy chipotle crema. One standout brew, “Salty Stinger Blue Raspberry Gose” is a salty, fruity, sour, with notes of raspberry makes a strong case for sippable beer, with flavours so approachable and balanced it might just turn a non-beer drinker into an enthusiastic fan!
Chocolate Sensations:
Where: 89 Grand River St N, Paris, ON (View Map)
To sweeten up that 2 p.m. crash enjoy some time strolling through downtown Paris and stop in to Chocolate Sensations, where you can indulge in handcrafted truffles, candies, pralines, and other specialty treats.
Known for their beautifully curated gift boxes, Chocolate Sensations offers a variety of treats like their orange-filled truffles—perfect for enjoying at Cobblestone Commons while taking in the scenic view overlooking the Grand River.
The Paris Apothecary
Where: 26 Mechanic St, Paris, ON (View Map)
Spend some time exploring Downtown Paris, where you can enjoy a bit of shopping at charming spots like the Paris Apothecary, known for its curated selection of wellness products and unique vintage finds.
The Paris Inn
Where: 24 Mechanic St, Paris, ON (View Map)
If you’re feeling hungry again, head to The Paris Inn for a comforting meal and a round of cocktails or mocktails. This local favourite offers elevated pub fare in a warm and inviting atmosphere, with their stone-fired pizzas stealing the spotlight. We enjoyed the “Smoked Beef Dip” pizza, topped with horseradish aioli, topped with provolone, smoked beef, roasted onions, served with au jus. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of crispy crust and fresh, flavourful toppings, making it easy to see why The Paris Inn is a must-try gem.
Elberta Farms Country Market
Where: 353 Governors Rd E, Paris, ON (View Map)
Before winding down the day with dinner, sneak in some time to visit Elberta Farms Country Market to stock up on some last minute farm fresh goodies! Elberta Farms is a family operated operation, and has been proudly serving the Brant and neighbouring communities for over 50 years. The country market is a vibrant hub, offering fresh, locally grown produce when possible and locally made goods that reflect the best of the region. On your way out be sure to stop by next door at their miniature petting farm, and say hello to all the adorable farm animals like goats, ducks, and chickens, making it a fun destination for all ages.
Library Bar
Where: 106 Grand River St N, Paris, ON (View Map)
If pre dinner drinks is on the menu, The Library Bar inside the Arlington Hotel is a perfect stop, offering a cozy vintage inspired ambiance and expertly crafted cocktails. The unique menu Find cleverly named drinks on their cocktail menu using literary classics and renowned artists, adding a creative twist to your sipping experience. Like the “Emily’s Paloma“, or a “Tom Sawer,” made with scotch, lemon juice, a splash of simple syrup, and bitters. If you’re lucky, Mackenzie might be behind the bar, where her creative touch not only delivers delicious drinks but also shines in the stunning chalkboard art displayed throughout the bar and lobby.
Juniper Dining Co.
Where: 3 Elm St #4, Paris, ON (View Map)
Wrapping up your visit to the County of Brant calls for something truly special, and Juniper Dining Co. delivers just that! Inspired by French bistros and Lyonnaise bouchon cuisine, Juniper offers a modern fine dining experience that is both comfortable and inviting. Thanks to the creativity and skill of owner and Chef Andrea Legacey, the restaurant is renowned for its thoughtful, seasonal menu. This culinary gem masterfully combines high-quality local ingredients with inventive cocktails, local beers, and carefully selected wines to create truly unforgettable dining experiences.
To start, we highly recommend the “Bone Marrow and Steak Tartare,” served with house-made mustards and cornichons. For an extra indulgent touch, we added roasted garlic, caramelized onions, Gouda cheese, and bread crumbs to the bone marrow platter—an epic combination! For dinner, the standout was the “Lobster and Scallop Pappardelle,” featuring fresh pappardelle tossed in a rich tomato and lobster bisque, topped with lobster tail and scallops. The “Braised Lamb Shank” was another highlight, served with beluga lentils, mushrooms, lardons, cipollini onions, and a veal demi. We paired our meal with a glass of Ontario VQA wine from Hidden Bench Estate, and finished with a creamy, perfectly caramelized crème brûlée, rounding out a truly memorable dining experience.
A favourite for special occasions and elevated meals, Juniper Dining Co. will be moving closer to downtown Paris in March 2025—stay tuned for updates on their exciting new location!
Ready, Set, Road Trip– Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!
Start planning your delicious getaway to the County of Brant, where charming communities, local flavours, and unforgettable culinary experiences await!
