What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “Niagara”? Maybe you’re picturing a towering waterfall, with rushing waters and a constant cloud of mist. But we want to let you in on a little secret – the word Niagara is used to designate a vast area that spans from Niagara-on-the-Lake on the western shores of Lake Ontario down to Fort Erie, just a stone’s throw from Buffalo on the Lake Erie side, and reaching west to the outer edges of the Greater Hamilton Area. 

Known as the Niagara Region, this area is a dream tourist destination, with vineyards, farm stands, beaches, and interesting restaurants in every village and township. Whether you’re looking for a family destination, a spa weekend with friends, or a romantic getaway, set your sights on Niagara this spring!

Throughout this post, we’ll flag restaurants that have achieved Feast On® certification. Feast On® is North America’s largest local food certification, and it verifies that a business sources their goods and ingredients from Ontario farmers and makers that have ethical and sustainable business practices. To achieve certification, restaurants work with the Culinary Tourism Alliance team to audit their receipts every year and ensure that a minimum of 25% of their food and drink expenditure goes towards locally-sourced ingredients.

Ready to start exploring? Read on or click below to jump directly to a specific destination:

• Wander Niagara in St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands
• Savour the Sights and Incredible Flavours of Niagara Parks

 

Wander Niagara in St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands

The Niagara Benchlands are located in the Niagara Region on the shores of Lake Ontario, about an hour and a half drive from the Greater Toronto Area and roughly 45 minutes from the city of Hamilton. This area is home to nearly 50 vineyards along with quaint towns like Beamsville, Vineland and Jordan Village, nestled in rural areas where outdoor enthusiasts will find activities like cycling, hiking and golfing on a variety of courses and trails.

The largest city in the Niagara Region is St. Catharines, which Condé Nast Traveler has dubbed the “surprisingly cool city hiding in the middle of Canadian Wine Country.” Embracing its industrial roots, the burgeoning downtown offers a world class culinary and entertainment scene that you’d expect to find in far larger centres, plus a unique mix of arts, culture, heritage, lakeside parks and beaches, and is home to the 43.5 km long Welland Canal joining Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.

Here are some stops to check out in this beautiful area:

Beamsville

Bench Brewing Company

Where: 3991 King St, Beamsville, ON L3J 1E7 (View map)

Located in the Town of Lincoln, Bench Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery that sits on 8 acres of farmland. Situated in the heart of the Niagara Benchlands rural but sophisticated wine region, this B Corp Certified brewery is surrounded by some of Ontario’s finest agricultural land.

The taproom and tasting room are the perfect spot to relax, discover some new beers, and enjoy a meal in great company. In the summer, head to the outdoor beer garden for cold refreshments and tasty bites from the full kitchen menu!

Hidden Bench Estate Winery

Where: 4152 Locust Ln, Beamsville, ON L3J 2B6 (View map)

Hidden Bench Estate Winery produces premium wines using fruit exclusively grown in their organic estate vineyards, using sustainable, non-interventionist winemaking techniques that have a sense of place and time. Estate Series wines are blends of all three of the vineyards, the Terroir Series are limited-production single vineyard wines, and the Rachis & Derma line highlights the natural winemaking technique with very minimal sulphur additions.

Visit the retail space and tasting veranda to discover Hidden Bench’s premium wines. The Tasting Experience includes a guided tasting of six wines and a deep dive into the viticultural practices and winemaking techniques, while the Root to Glass Experience includes a tour of either the Locust Lane or Felseck Vineyard, and a tour of the winery and barrel cellar. Keep an eye on their upcoming events for more ways to enjoy this beautiful space!

 

Jordan

RPM Bakehouse

Where: 3839 Main St, Jordan, ON L0R 1S0 (View map)

At RPM Bakehouse, grains are an obsession. Flavourful Ontario wheats are featured in slow-fermented sourdough bread, crisp buttery pastries, and savoury delights. The bakery features baked goods and coffee all day, with beans sourced from Canadian roasters who work with small producers. 

The café serves a casual menu of seasonal and ever-changing regional ingredients that truly represent this corner of Niagara, using traditional techniques, inspired by regional ingredients that are seasonally grown and sourced from RPM’s farm, and wines that are from our estate and other exciting producers. Enjoy a casual breakfast or lunch indoors or on the patio. RPM Bakehouse is Feast On® certified!

 

Jordan Station

Inn On The Twenty Restaurant

Where: 3836 Main St, Jordan Station, ON L0R 1S0 (View map)

Located in the oldest section of a historic winery dating back to 1871, the Inn On The Twenty Restaurant in Jordan Station boasts panoramic views of the Twenty Valley, outstanding fine dining, and innovative dishes that complement regional wines. Enjoy a handcrafted menu favouring farm-to-table flavours from the Niagara region served alongside a selection of VQA wines and other carefully selected wine, cocktails and beer to suit any palate. Facing due west, it’s also the perfect setting for romantic sunset dinners.

For the ultimate relaxing weekend away, book a day of pampering at the Inn on the Twenty Spa. End the night in one of Inn’s stylish guest rooms, featuring crisp linens and the unique architectural details of a century-old building.

Honsberger Estate Winery & Restaurant

Where: 4060 Jordan Rd, Jordan Station, ON L0R 1S0 (View map)

The Honsberger family are sixth generation farmers and they have been farming since 1811. In 2007, they removed cherry and apple trees from the property and planted Cabernet Franc and Riesling grapes, and in 2012, Honsberger Estate began producing their own wine. Their wine is not available through the LCBO – it is only available for purchase on the farm, making this winery a must-visit destination for unique bottles that you can’t get anywhere else!

From May to October, Honsberger Estate fires up their outdoor pizza oven to create thin, wood-fired pizzas topped with the bounties of their garden. From November to April, guests can dine in the Small Barn Restaurant, which offers Thursday pasta nights and Sunday brunch. Visit their website for updated menus and more information.

Inn the Orchard

Where: 4299 Fairlane Rd, Jordan Station, ON L0R 1S0 (View map)

Whether you’re staying in the on-site accommodations or enjoying the simple pleasures of picking your own cherries in their tender fruit orchards,  Inn the Orchard is a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. After your orchard adventure, kick back and relax with freshly brewed coffee or tea and a cookie on the patio. Listen to the soothing sounds of rustling leaves as you hike the one-kilometer waterfront hiking trail and go say hello to the chickens before heading back to one of the three on-site Airbnbs. Heavenly!

Moyer’s Farm & Apple Products

Where: 4150 Jordan Rd, Jordan Station, ON L0R 1S0 (View map)

Moyer’s Farm has been in the family since 1799 – that’s nine generations! While their pick-your-own program continues to be a favourite summer pastime, they’re well-known for their coveted caramel apples,which are available in lots of fun seasonal flavours and make a great gift for your favourite sweets lover. Visit their retail location in Jordan Station to stock up on goodies or order your favourites online!

Restaurant Pearl Morissette

Where: 3953 Jordan Rd, Jordan Station, ON L0R 1S0 (View map)

Climb to the top floor of Pearl Morissette Winery and you’ll find Restaurant Pearl Morissette, an ambitious fine dining experience that features an ever-changing  menu of regional ingredients. RPM serves an ever-changing prix fixe menu composed of the highest quality ingredients of the region. The team works closely with purveyors committed to the ecology of food: farmers, ranchers, foragers and fisherfolk from Ontario, the Great Lakes and the West & East Coasts of Canada. With a French-inspired seasonal menu, perfectly-paired wines, and a deep commitment to the environment, it’s no surprise that RPM earned one MICHELIN Star and a MICHELIN Green Star in 2024. Restaurant Pearl Morrissette  is Feast On® certified!

Upper Canada Cheese Company

Where: 4159 Jordan Rd, Jordan Station, ON L0R 1S0 (View map)

Upper Canada Cheese Company Founder Wayne Philbrick’s love of cheese goes way back: after becoming enamored with cheese purchased on a trip to Quebec, Wayne began to experiment at home with milk from the local Guernsey herd located on the Niagara Escarpment. After arduous trials, two fine cheeses – Niagara Gold Cheese and Comfort Cream – were perfected, and the Upper Canada Cheese Company was established in 2005!

Today, Upper Canada Cheese Company proudly offers a wide selection of award-winning cheeses made with fresh Guernsey milk and wholesome goat milk from local farms right here in Ontario. Want to know more? Book a guided cheese tour to see every stage of the production process from milk to cheese. During the tour, you will get to visit the cheese vault and taste a variety of signature cheeses.

 

St. Catharines

Fat Rabbit

Where: 34 Geneva St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 4M4 (View map)

Fat Rabbit is a whole animal butcher shop and restaurant in St. Catharines, ON led by Chef Zach Smith. The team works exclusively with small farms practicing regenerative and ethical farming; happy animals that live on pasture, not raised in cages. Zach and his team at Fat Rabbit are committed to a zero-waste butchery program — every part of the animal is put to use. This is emphasized by the ever-evolving menu, house-made charcuterie and retail program. Fat Rabbit is Feast On® certified!

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery

Where: 1469 Pelham Road, R.R. #1, 1469 Pelham Rd, St. Catharines, ON L2R 6P7 (View map)

Henry of Pelham’s 300-acre vineyard is located in the Short Hills Bench sub-appellation of the Niagara Peninsula. The undulating hills and valleys of the Short Hills, which rest on an ancient buried valley that once cut through the Niagara of Escarpment and connected the basins Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, provide an excellent environment for grape vines. Walk-in wine tours are available seven days a week; Short Hills Kitchen is open seasonally from Victoria Day weekend to Canadian Thanksgiving and serves pizzas, sandwiches, and charcuterie graze boxes that pair perfectly with a glass of wine.

The Juniper Inn

Where: 38 Lakeport Rd, St. Catharines, ON L2N 6X3 (View map)

The Juniper Inn is a great home base for anyone looking to explore the Niagara Region. This boutique hotel offers plastic-free products and fridges in each of the six rooms, so you can stash your local cheeses and produce safely during your stay. On the ground floor, PORTSIDE Social Bar & Kitchen is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, so you can grab a bite before (or after) a day of fun in Niagara. 

13th Street Winery

Where: 1776 Fourth Ave, St. Catharines, ON L2R 6P9 (View map)

Founded in 1998, 13th Street Winery began with a desire to create exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of Niagara. Today, the winery has grown to include a contemporary tasting bar and seasonal bistro. Enjoy a guided tasting of 13th Street’s award-winning wines and wander the expansive grounds to discover the sculptures and artwork that adorn the property before heading over to the 13th Street Bakery for a few of their famous butter tarts and other fresh-baked goods. Before heading out, stock up on jams and jellies made with Niagara produce and shop from a selection of culinary items, giftware and artisanal cheeses!

Rise Above Restaurant

Where: 120 St Paul St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3M2 (View map)

Rise Above is an all-vegan restaurant and bakery serving up crowd favourites like wings, cheesy pull-apart bread, and mac & cheese – all made with vegan ingredients like seitan, cashews, sunflower seeds, and more. A kids’ menu is available for little ones under 10.

Short Hills Provincial Park

Where: Pelham Rd, Thorold, ON L0S 1M0 (View map)

Want to stretch your legs between culinary adventures? Short Hills Provincial Park is a 735-hectare natural park with family-friendly hiking and biking trails. In particular, the Paleozoic Path is designed to give people with limited mobility and beginner hikers an opportunity to experience the park. The path has a hard gravel surface suitable for wheelchairs and baby strollers and offers several barrier-free benches with scenic views. Note: cooking fires or campfires are not allowed in this park. Bring a picnic and leave only footprints! 

The Lemon Tree Bistro

Where: 395 Ontario St A1, St. Catharines, ON L2N 4M8 (View map)

The Lemon Tree is a great spot to indulge in 100% plant-based dishes! The husband-and-wife team behind this restaurant prioritizes locally-sourced ingredients to craft their Mediterranean-inspired menu. Don’t skip the house-made tzatziki dip!

St. Catharines Farmer’s Market

Where: 91 King St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3H6 (View map)

Since the early 1860s, the St. Catharines Farmer’s Market has been a vibrant scene that offers fresh foods and handmade items from the local area. Visitors enjoy connecting and learning from the local vendors who grow and produce the meats, fruits, veggies and baked goods. It’s a thrilling farm-to-table experience you don’t want to miss! Note: the Market is open year-round on Saturdays and on Thursdays from February to December.

Niagara’s Welland Canal

Where: 1932 Welland Canals Parkway, St. Catharines, ON L2P 0A2 (View map)

The Welland Canal is a ship canal that cuts through the Niagara Peninsula, allowing cargo ships ascend and descend the Niagara Escarpment and bypass Niagara Falls. In St. Catharines, the Museum and Welland Canals Centre is home to extraordinary historical collections and exhibits that feature local St. Catharines perspectives, artifacts and stories of the area and its canals, exciting museum events, educational programs and tours, room rentals, a packed gift shop, the storied Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum, and much more.

 

Vineland

AfterGlow Elite Spa

Where: 4134 Victoria Ave, Vineland, ON L0R 2C0 (View map)

Escaping to Niagara is all about relaxation and enjoyment, and AfterGlow Elite Spa is a perfect place to step away from the hustle and bustle and unwind for a while. Their spa packages put culinary offerings at the forefront: the Signature Sparkle Package includes a complimentary lunch at a selection of local Niagara restaurants, and the Platinum Oasis Retreat for Two includes a Grand Oak Culinary Market charcuterie board during your pedicure. If you’re just popping in for a quick treatment, head down to the Grand Oak Culinary Market for lunch afterwards! Note: Heading to St. Catharines? Try Sugar & Spice Elite Spa, located at 210 Martindale Road.

Ball’s Falls Conservation Area

Where: 3292 Sixth Ave, Lincoln, ON L0R 1S0 (View map)

Set within the breathtaking Twenty Valley, Ball’s Falls Conservation Area offers spectacular scenery and natural beauty! Your visit begins at the Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation, an award winning LEED Gold certified facility with permanent and temporary galleries. Visitors will take pleasure in the interactive exhibits and displays focusing on nature, conservation, and culture in the context of the area’s history, the Niagara Escarpment, and the watershed. Bring a picnic and enjoy a day out in this beautiful park! Barbecuing is allowed in the park, though It is recommended that guests refrain from using charcoal and opt for the use of propane as there are no receptacles to dispose of hot coals on-site.

Vineland Estate Winery & Restaurant 

Where: 3620 Moyer Rd, Vineland, ON L0R 2C0 (View map)

As one of Niagara’s first winery restaurants and a forerunner of Niagara’s flourishing wine and culinary scene, Vineland Estates Winery Restaurant offers cuisine featuring ingredients from local purveyors prepared by an internationally trained team of chefs. Guests dine indoors in the renovated 1845 farmhouse or outdoors on the deck. Wherever you are seated, you will take in the views of rolling vineyards, the forests of the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario and Toronto in the distance. Vineland Estates is Feast On® certified!

 

Savour the Sights and Incredible Flavours of Niagara Parks

It’s easy to equate Niagara Parks with Niagara Falls, but it’s so much more than that – you may be surprised to learn about the size and scope of Niagara Parks, a self-financed agency of the Government of Ontario that is responsible for 56 kilometers of parkland along the entire length of the Niagara River and employs over 1,700 people during peak tourist season.

This city within a city is home to the Horseshoe Falls, of course, but you’ll also find heritage sites, golf courses, botanical gardens, stunning Falls-related attractions, and of course – food! Indeed, Niagara Parks is home to nine Feast On® certified restaurants and quick-service spots:

• Table Rock House Restaurant
• Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar
• Table Rock Market
• Queen Victoria Place Restaurant
• Queenston Heights Restaurant
• Legends on the Niagara Restaurant
• Whirlpool Pub & Lounge
• Garden Café
• Queen Victoria Place Café

As a reminder, Feast On® verifies that a business sources a minimum of 25% of their food and beverage from Ontario farmers and makers that have ethical and sustainable business practices.

Today, we’re focusing on Table Rock House Restaurant, a beautiful property located just steps from the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Let’s get started!

Table Rock House Restaurant: Stunning Views, International Flavours

It’s not just a tagline: Table Rock House Restaurant really is the closest you can dine to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Located just steps from the Trans-Canada Trail that runs alongside the river, Table Rock House Restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy locally-sourced ingredients: whether it’s a peach lemonade mimosa or Manitoulin Island rainbow trout, you’ll know you’re supporting local growers, producers, brewers and distillers.

Every evening beginning at dusk, Niagara Falls is transformed into an incredible multi-coloured water and light masterpiece. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the restaurant offer an unbeatable view of the brink of the falls, providing a dining experience like no other. Reserve a table after dark to enjoy an exclusive view of the nightly illumination Niagara Falls.

The Mind Behind the Menu: Meet Chef Chris Totah

Chef Chris Totah hails from Port Louis, Mauritius, a small island east of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean. Classically trained in French cuisine, Chef Totah has also mastered the culinary art of Thai, Asian Fusion, Italian, and Mediterranean. 

Chef Totah first learned to cook along the coast of the Indian Ocean. His culinary journey began at 16, when he opened his own bake shop! Over two decades in the culinary world, Chef Totah has travelled around the world to experience different cultures and flavours, becoming fluent in four languages along the way. His impressive career includes high-profile roles such as Sous Chef at the Bahamas Nassau, Executive Sous Chef at the Hyatt Company and more. 

Throughout his career, Chef Totah’s globally-inspired cooking style and special passion for showcasing seafood have made him a standout in his field. In 2024, he became Niagara Parks’ newest chef when he took the helm at Table Rock House Restaurant.

Exploring the Table Rock House Restaurant Menu

Chef Totah brings excitement and international flair to Table Rock House Restaurant. Renowned for his flavor combinations, he boldly uses spices and seasonings to elevate his culinary creations. Chef Totah is committed to culinary excellence and creating unique dishes with the finest ingredients sourced in the Niagara Region.

While the menu is always changing to incorporate the season’s harvest, here are a few standout dishes to look out for on your next visit to Table Rock House Restaurant:

• Ontario Burrata, a mouthwatering starter served with Niagara Baco Noir poached pear and grilled focaccia
• Apricot-Glazed Rainbow Trout with vegetables and fresh herb oil
• Maple & Apricot Butternut Squash, a fully-vegan dish that highlights lots of great, fresh produce
• Grilled Ontario Pork Chop with decadent garlic butter mashed potatoes and corn and squash succotash
• Grilled Tiger Prawns with clams and yellow curry sauce

Every dish on the menu is built around the freshest, locally-grown ingredients that highlight the Niagara terroir. To feature the freshest produce, Table Rock House Restaurant has begun sourcing sprouts from the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, located in the Botanical Gardens. This dedication to fresh flavours brings a genuine “farm-to-fork” experience to every dish.

A Celebration of Ontario Wines and Craft Beverage Makers

The beverage list at Table Rock House Restaurant is chock-full of Ontario craft beer makers: you’ll find beers from local favourites like Blackburn Beer Company, Silversmith Brewing Co., Decew Falls Brewing Company, Bench Brewing, and Niagara Oast House Brewers. You’ll also find brews from the Niagara College Teaching Brewery on tap: this teaching micro-brewery facility offers Canada’s first Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program and provides the next generation of craft brewers with hands-on training and experience.

The wine card reads like a who’s who of Ontario’s best winemakers, from Inniskillin Wines and Peller Estates to Hidden Bench Estate Winery, 13th Street Winery, Pilliterri Estates Winery, and many more. Ask your server about tasting flights, which give guests the opportunity to sample four wines from different regional wineries. For dessert, try an Icewine flight for the perfect introduction to this renown Ontario classic.

The cocktail options showcase the very best Ontario spirits from Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers, Spirit of York, Maverick Distillery, and more. Crowd favorites include the Table Rock Peach Cocktail, Niagara Aperol Spritz, Niagara Berry Palmer and Lavender Lemonade Soda. Table Rock House Restaurant also has a full selection of mocktails and non-alcoholic options.

Casual Dining at Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar

Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar is Niagara’s newest upscale casual dining experience boasting the closest open-air rooftop patio to the brink of the iconic Horseshoe Falls. Savour gourmet dishes crafted from the freshest local ingredients, expertly paired with an extensive selection of fine Niagara VQA wines, beers, cider and spirits in a sophisticated setting you won’t find anywhere else. Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar is located on the upper level of Table Rock Centre. Reservations are not available, walk-ins only.

Options for Diners on the Go

Looking for a quick takeout meal? Find delicious and convenient culinary delights just steps from the brink of the Horseshoe Falls at the all-new Table Rock Market, inside Table Rock Centre. Take a break from exploring Niagara Parks to rest your feet and fill your belly in this contemporary market area. Choose from café and deli favourites, mouthwatering comfort foods, fresh sushi and much more. Table Rock Market offers something for everybody!

Discover the Niagara Region

Start planning your next trip to the Niagara Benchlands and Niagara Parks with our comprehensive guides!