Best places to stay for foodies in Ontario

Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

Westin Harbour Castle

Overlooking Lake Ontario, Westin Harbour Castle is a luxury hotel in the heart of Toronto’s waterfront district, that’s close to popular attractions like the CN Tower, Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena.

One of this hotel’s most notable features is the MICHELIN-starred restaurant, Don Alfonso 1890, on the 38th floor. It’s owned and operated by world-renowned Italian chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino. This high-class Westin Harbour Castle restaurant brings the fresh flavours of the Amalfi coast to the city with tantalizing à la carte dishes such as carpione-style mackerel, acquerello rice, Mediterranean-style ragu ravioli and eel gelato.

Location: 1 Harbour Square, Toronto

Four Seasons Hotel

Situated in the trendy Yorkville neighbourhood, the Four Seasons Hotel is a spacious, contemporary hotel that offers luxury accommodations and great views of downtown Toronto.

This opulent hotel is within walking distance of the city’s top designer boutiques, fine dining restaurants and art galleries, making this the perfect place to stay for a glamorous getaway.

Inside the hotel, Café Boulud, is a French brasserie (“brewery”) run by Chef Daniel Boulud. Savour authentic classic and contemporary French cuisine from a seasonally-driven menu, inspired by the meals Boulud ate while growing up in Lyon, France. your meal with the perfect wine from a diverse list of over 350 wine labels.

Location: 60 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto

Ace Hotel

The first Ace Hotel in Canada, this upscale hotel brand features vintage furnishings and comfortable accommodations.

In addition to all the modern comforts, you’ll find a minibar with a selection of drinks and snacks from local Ontario businesses. Several rooms have record players, equipped with a stock of records by Canadian musicians.

The onsite Mediterranean restaurant Alder is renowned for its signature wood-fired grill to cook prime meats, fresh seafood and smoked vegetables. It’s run by award-winning chef Patrick Kriss, who’s known for his unique, creative dishes and talent for highlighting the best qualities of seasonal ingredients. Kriss also owns the Toronto MICHELIN-starred restaurants Alo and Alobar Yorkville.

Location: 51 Camden Street, Toronto

Niagara Region

Riverbend Inn & Vineyard

Surrounded by seven hectares of picturesque vineyards, Riverbend Inn & Vineyard is a top vineyard hotel and an ideal spot to relax and enjoy Ontario’s wine country.

This charming hotel was built in 1809 as a humble stone farmhouse. Today, it retains many of its heritage features like its furnishings and vaulted ceilings, while showcasing luxurious amenities in its 21 stylishly decorated rooms.

A highlight of your stay will be the on-site gourmet restaurant, Oaklands. Enjoy the sweeping views of the green vineyards while dining on seasonal dishes inspired by the Niagara region, paired with local, handpicked wines.

Location: 16104 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Queen’s Landing Hotel

The Georgian-style Queen’s Landing Hotel is an historic hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake that sits perched over the Niagara River, with amazing nature views and an elegant aesthetic.

Foodies will be delighted by the variety of dining options. Enjoy farm-fresh food paired with craft cocktails from the sophisticated Tiara Restaurant’s five-star menu or pub food favourites on leather seats at the classic Bacchus Lounge & Patio. Both restaurants offer picturesque views of the marina and Niagara River.

Location: 155 Byron Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Old Stone Inn Hotel

intimate vibe, lively atmosphere and endless lineup of exciting events at the Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel provides an unforgettable stay for guests.

In addition to its great location and amenities, the hotel operates several one-of-a-kind food events. Experience the “Time for Tea” afternoon tea, with finger sandwiches fine teas and other seasonal beverages.

Or sample a wide range of unique burgers with tasty ingredients like lobster, falafel, gochujang honey, smoked bacon and more during the weekly “Beer and Burger Festival”.

Location: 6080 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa

Connect with nature at Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa, situated in the tranquil Carolinian forest west of Cambridge.

Take advantage of the hotel’s great spa and its range of restorative treatments and enjoy a good night’s sleep on a soft feather bed beside a wood-burning fireplace in a cozy suite.

One of the top restaurants in Ontario, Langdon Hall has been certified as a “CAA/AAA Five Diamond Restaurant Award”, a prestigious award that only a select few restaurants in North America have earned. Langdon Hall has carried this award for 19 consecutive years.

Make extra time to linger over your meal in the dinning room, where large windows overlooking the beautiful gardens stream in natural light and provide picturesque views of the surrounding forest.

Location: 1 Langdon Drive, Cambridge

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

Glen Oro Farm

First settled in 1841 by Duncan Clark, the Glen Oro Farm was worked on by the Clark family over generations.

The farm was later purchased by the Saila family, whose youngest daughter, Leslie Saila, transformed the property into an equestrian event centre with unique accommodations.

The farm features a quiet, countryside glamping eco-retreat countryside. Enjoy a quintessential camping experience with a private campfire and cedar barrel sauna, plus modern comforts like a king-sized bed.

During your stay, you’ll be served by Chef Paul of Laforet Catering. A menu of your choice will be prepared over an open fire with locally sourced ingredients, while you relax in your glampsite. In addition, order in sweet and savoury creations made by “Chopped Canada” champion chef Melanie Robinson, delivered straight to your table.

Location: 2574 Line 10 North, Hawkestone

Southeastern Ontario

Maison Maitland

Constructed in 1827, Maison Maitland is an accommodation known for its world-class cooking classes and stunning location near the St. Lawrence River. Two boutique villas that blend rich Neoclassic and Regency designs are available to rent on the weekends.

Maison Maitland’s popular international cooking classes highlight local, seasonal ingredients harvested from the kitchen garden. In these hands-on classes, you’ll learn easy-to-follow recipes and menus that you can recreate at home. After picking up new cooking skills, enjoy a tasty lunch in the courtyard, along with a complimentary sampling of local wines. Classes must be booked in pairs, so bring your partner or friend along.

Location: 1258 County Road 2, Maitland

The Waring House

Discover ultimate country hospitality at The Waring House.

This 19th-century home sits on 80 hectares of quiet farmland. It offers both traditional guestrooms that have preserved the original home’s limestone and premium suites that mix modern aesthetics with the inn’s classic charm.

Another top draw is the onsite cookery school which offers a wide range of quality cooking classes to make some of the dishes featured on the Waring House menu.

Whether you’re interested in international culinary recipes or regional dishes, there are opportunities for both beginner and experienced cooks to learn in these culinary workshops.

The classes use local ingredients, including straight from the Waring House garden. Led by Chef David Correa, these hands-on classes will teach you new cooking techniques and expand your culinary knowledge.

Location: 395 Sandy Hook Road, Picton

Merrill House

Merrill House offers the historic charm of the Victorian era with modern comforts. You’ll find individually designed rooms, furnished with tasteful decorations and luxurious amenities.

Fine antiques, historic artifacts and contemporary art decorate the hotel’s interior. Explore the large cellar, conservatory bar, sauna, cocktail parlour, sculpture and photography gallery and picturesque gardens.

The restaurant is known for its chef’s tasting menu, “Sullivan’s Carte Blanche”: an appetizing, six-course tasting experience prepared by Executive Chef Michael Sullivan. Witness the range of his skills in the kitchen as he transforms fresh, seasonal ingredients into delicious creations complemented by the perfect wine pairing from wine director Astrid Young. Note that the chef’s tasting menu needs to be booked at least one week in advance.

Merrill House received the “Best of Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator, marking it as one of the top wine lists in Canada.

Location: 343 Main Street East, Picton

Haliburton Highlands and Ottawa Valley

Heather Lodge

Open since 1942, Heather Lodge is a quiet nature retreat where couples can take a break from the stresses of everyday life and rejuvenate in the beauty of the Haliburton Highlands.

Enjoy views of Twelve Mile Lake, hike in scenic forests, and visit nearby attractions like the Dorset Tower, Hawk Lake Log Chute and Buttermilk Falls.

Reserve the lodge’s “Dock ‘n’ Dine” romantic night dining by the lake or enjoy your meal in the formal lakeview dining room or casual outdoor patio deck. The daily menu features local products prepared by Executive Chef James and Chef Mike.

Location: 14483 ON-35, Minden

Muskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park

JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa

At JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa offers some of the best views of Lake Rosseau, plus access to many of Muskoka’s signature outdoor activities and exciting onsite amenities like a spa, fitness centre and year-round swimming pool.

The hotel also provides a wide assortment of dining options. yourself to award-winning Italian cuisine at Teca Restaurant or certified Angus beef at the Muskoka Chophouse. Both restaurants were awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

Head to Cottages Restaurant for hearty meals overlooking the picturesque Lake Rosseau or to Lakes Bar for lighter fare, craft beers and creative cocktails.

Location: 1050 Paignton House Road, Minett

Northern Ontario

Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre

Stay in modern rooms adorned with décor reflecting First Nations traditions at the Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre, located on Manitoulin Island.

Wake up to spectacular views of the LaCloche mountain range and the North Channel on Lake Huron.

Sample traditional Indigenous cuisine at the onsite North46 Restaurant, one of the top Indigenous restaurants in Ontario. Open seven days a week for breakfast and dinner, Indigenous dishes include Anishinaabe tacos, bison burgers, Manitoulin whitefish and more. Dishes are cooked using fresh ingredients from the surrounding region.

Location: 66 Meredith Street East, Little Current