Jeanette’s Guide to the Niagara Region
Restaurants - Favourite places I've actually been to
Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner - these are my favourite places I've eaten at. Please reach out and let me know if you've had a great local restaurant experience not on this list. Thanks!
Farm-to-table with excellent wines and service. This is a romantic spot in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The outdoor patio is tucked down the lane right off the main strip. I highly recommend you make reservations. ~ps. I don't know why the old location in Port Dalhousie is listed with the picture as the restaurant is now located on Queen Street in NOTL, but the website takes you to all the right information.
41 locals recommend
Treadwell Cuisine
114 Queen StFarm-to-table with excellent wines and service. This is a romantic spot in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The outdoor patio is tucked down the lane right off the main strip. I highly recommend you make reservations. ~ps. I don't know why the old location in Port Dalhousie is listed with the picture as the restaurant is now located on Queen Street in NOTL, but the website takes you to all the right information.
Iconic - Late Night tradition - loads of food in a fun atmosphere
43 locals recommend
Flying Saucer Restaurant
6768 Lundy's LnIconic - Late Night tradition - loads of food in a fun atmosphere
Wood oven pizza - yes! Located near the Hill (Clifton Hill)
62 locals recommend
Antica Pizzeria & Ristorante
5785 Victoria AveWood oven pizza - yes! Located near the Hill (Clifton Hill)
On the Canal in Port Colborne, this is a nice spot to eat very good food after cycling the Greater Niagara Circle Route, boat watching, fishing at the nearby marina, or shopping West Street. The interior is tiny/cozy but there is a patio if you want more space.
52 locals recommend
The Smokin' Buddha
265 King StOn the Canal in Port Colborne, this is a nice spot to eat very good food after cycling the Greater Niagara Circle Route, boat watching, fishing at the nearby marina, or shopping West Street. The interior is tiny/cozy but there is a patio if you want more space.
Tastefully decorated and always busy with the usual breakfast fare. Service has always been great here and I like the atmosphere. Parking at the side lot or on street.
The Pelham Street Grille
1507 Pelham StTastefully decorated and always busy with the usual breakfast fare. Service has always been great here and I like the atmosphere. Parking at the side lot or on street.
Toronto-style bar and restaurant with outdoor patio. The food is excellent. It's in a plaza so there is plenty of free parking.
12 locals recommend
My Place Bar & Grill
20 Hwy 20 EToronto-style bar and restaurant with outdoor patio. The food is excellent. It's in a plaza so there is plenty of free parking.
Great house band and great house beer. Traditional Irish Fare. Great place to hang out.
37 locals recommend
The Irish Harp Pub
245 King StGreat house band and great house beer. Traditional Irish Fare. Great place to hang out.
In the heart of downtown Niagara Falls...I love crepes! ...and occasionally The Shea D Duo/Juliet Dunn Jazz will sing here ;)
58 locals recommend
Paris Crêpes Café
4613 Queen StIn the heart of downtown Niagara Falls...I love crepes! ...and occasionally The Shea D Duo/Juliet Dunn Jazz will sing here ;)
If you're heading to PAC (Performing Arts Centre) or just checking out downtown St. Catharines, give this place a go-see.
20 locals recommend
Mahtay Café & Lounge
241 St Paul StIf you're heading to PAC (Performing Arts Centre) or just checking out downtown St. Catharines, give this place a go-see.
Vegan doughnuts to die for.....usually a line up but worth the wait
40 locals recommend
Beechwood Doughnuts
165 St Paul StVegan doughnuts to die for.....usually a line up but worth the wait
I keep coming back to this place. Fun, cozy with a tiny outdoor patio directly across from PAC (The Performing Arts Centre) - giant burgers, great fries - there are still things on the menu I want to try.
15 locals recommend
Hambrgr
233 St Paul StI keep coming back to this place. Fun, cozy with a tiny outdoor patio directly across from PAC (The Performing Arts Centre) - giant burgers, great fries - there are still things on the menu I want to try.
Family run restaurant right at the Allanburg Bridge (Bridge 11) and on the Greater Niagara Circle Route. Plenty of parking. Made to order so you will have to wait. Just order the Lunch Plate. The samosas are yum.
Indian Flame Bar & Grill
13330 Lundy's LnFamily run restaurant right at the Allanburg Bridge (Bridge 11) and on the Greater Niagara Circle Route. Plenty of parking. Made to order so you will have to wait. Just order the Lunch Plate. The samosas are yum.
Full disclosure - I work for Niagara College - but I have had Benchmark food at breakfast meetings and I have attended some CFWI events. The food and the wines are excellent. The campus is beautiful with a conservation area, ponds and trails, retail greenhouse, retail brewery store, winery, and Benchmark Restaurant. Give it a try!
6 locals recommend
Benchmark
135 Taylor RdFull disclosure - I work for Niagara College - but I have had Benchmark food at breakfast meetings and I have attended some CFWI events. The food and the wines are excellent. The campus is beautiful with a conservation area, ponds and trails, retail greenhouse, retail brewery store, winery, and Benchmark Restaurant. Give it a try!
Amazing - pop by for lunch, grab some baked goods on your way out for later. Located in a house, you can sit indoors or on the porch. Parking available.
47 locals recommend
The Pie Plate
1607 Niagara Stone RdAmazing - pop by for lunch, grab some baked goods on your way out for later. Located in a house, you can sit indoors or on the porch. Parking available.
Popular with locals and wedding parties - there is an oyster bar at the back. This is a converted church and a lovely place. I've been for a Christmas reading of the Mistletoe Bride presented by The Shaw. Great to visit in all seasons.
87 locals recommend
Silversmith Brewing Company
1523 Niagara Stone RdPopular with locals and wedding parties - there is an oyster bar at the back. This is a converted church and a lovely place. I've been for a Christmas reading of the Mistletoe Bride presented by The Shaw. Great to visit in all seasons.
Great views! Sit on the patio and listen to a guitarist strum and smell the barbecue cooking up something delicious. Chat with your partner or stare out over the Niagara River and watch the sailboats. Plenty of indoor seating as well. There is some free parking if you're lucky. This place usually closes up at 9pm. Great food here!
51 locals recommend
Niagara Golf Club
143 Front StreetGreat views! Sit on the patio and listen to a guitarist strum and smell the barbecue cooking up something delicious. Chat with your partner or stare out over the Niagara River and watch the sailboats. Plenty of indoor seating as well. There is some free parking if you're lucky. This place usually closes up at 9pm. Great food here!
Fun place that usually has music. Nice atmosphere. Plenty of free parking.
42 locals recommend
The Old Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
2228 Niagara Stone RdFun place that usually has music. Nice atmosphere. Plenty of free parking.
I don't know what most of the menu tastes like because I ALWAYS order the Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger. Historic Inn - cozy - Bands Thursday - Sunday.
72 locals recommend
The Olde Angel Inn
224 Regent StI don't know what most of the menu tastes like because I ALWAYS order the Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger. Historic Inn - cozy - Bands Thursday - Sunday.
Lock Street Brewing Company
15 Lock StIf you're in Port Dalhousie, check out this gem.
The place to go for some pizza, beer and wings. Play trivia online for free - just ask your server. Great location in charming Port Dalhousie.
12 locals recommend
Scorecard Harry's Inc
17 Lock StThe place to go for some pizza, beer and wings. Play trivia online for free - just ask your server. Great location in charming Port Dalhousie.
Ludology Boardgame Cafe
52 St Paul StSnacks and board games! Fee to play. Great service.
frescos
100 Fourth AvenueThis place has been around a long time - I love the pizza and bruschetta.
The best Mandarin in the Region. Fresh and so many choices. Friendly staff. It is in a mall on the outskirts of Niagara Falls with access from the parking lot. Plenty of free parking and Cineplex nearby if you feel like catching a flick after.
32 locals recommend
Mandarin Restaurant
7555 Montrose RoadThe best Mandarin in the Region. Fresh and so many choices. Friendly staff. It is in a mall on the outskirts of Niagara Falls with access from the parking lot. Plenty of free parking and Cineplex nearby if you feel like catching a flick after.
Long wait but everything you could want and great service. This is the place we celebrate birthdays - more bang for your buck and you always meet interesting people in line. Second only to Borgata in Atlantic City (but I haven't been to many casinos so let me know what you think)
Grand Buffet
6380 Fallsview BlvdLong wait but everything you could want and great service. This is the place we celebrate birthdays - more bang for your buck and you always meet interesting people in line. Second only to Borgata in Atlantic City (but I haven't been to many casinos so let me know what you think)
Up-scale bar in Fallsview Casino Resort located upstairs - indoor couch and bar seating, outdoor seating. Great drinks and snacks.
9 locals recommend
R5
6380 Fallsview BoulevardUp-scale bar in Fallsview Casino Resort located upstairs - indoor couch and bar seating, outdoor seating. Great drinks and snacks.
If you like meat, you've come to the right place. I was here for a birthday celebration. Had a blast. Great mojitos!
36 locals recommend
Copacabana Brazilian Steakhouse - Niagara
6671 Fallsview BlvdIf you like meat, you've come to the right place. I was here for a birthday celebration. Had a blast. Great mojitos!
Sheraton on the Falls Hotel
5875 Falls AveGreat buffet!! Great views!!
Right on the Welland Canal at Bridge 13. Outdoor patio available all seasons - in the winter they have bubble pods (igloos), blankets and heaters. Great food and a nice atmosphere. Washrooms are down a set of stairs. Parking is just off Niagara Street at the start of the Division Street Bridge.
28 locals recommend
Taris on the Water
25 W Main StRight on the Welland Canal at Bridge 13. Outdoor patio available all seasons - in the winter they have bubble pods (igloos), blankets and heaters. Great food and a nice atmosphere. Washrooms are down a set of stairs. Parking is just off Niagara Street at the start of the Division Street Bridge.
Amazing! Vibrant restaurant right on the corner of St. Paul St. and Carlisle, and across from Performing Arts Centre. Fantastic tacos and great service. Tip: enter through the patio
11 locals recommend
Lost + Found
EastAmazing! Vibrant restaurant right on the corner of St. Paul St. and Carlisle, and across from Performing Arts Centre. Fantastic tacos and great service. Tip: enter through the patio
Seriously good pizza. Hang out with friends on the patio. Great spot to be during street festivals.
44 locals recommend
Grand Central Niagara
4573 Queen StSeriously good pizza. Hang out with friends on the patio. Great spot to be during street festivals.
Weinkeller
5633 Victoria AveLovely spot in the heart of the tourist area - make a reservation!
Spas
Here is a list of spas in the Niagara Region with recommendations from friends . Please let me know if you've tried one not on the list (there are so many!) and whether you had a good experience or not. Thanks!
This spa has top ratings from my friends and spot on inspections from the Niagara Region. It is in Welland. Free street parking beside the building.
Elan Vitale Salon and Day Spa
172 W Main StThis spa has top ratings from my friends and spot on inspections from the Niagara Region. It is in Welland. Free street parking beside the building.
Great views! Hydrotherapy - Reiki - Reflexology - Hot Stone and Thai Hot Stem (yes stem) Massage, plus all the usual services.
Christienne Fallsview Spa
5875 Falls AveGreat views! Hydrotherapy - Reiki - Reflexology - Hot Stone and Thai Hot Stem (yes stem) Massage, plus all the usual services.
Great recommendations for this place from people I know. Clean inspection record. I've been here to eat (Play) and play raquetball. I like the atmosphere here. Located across from the Outlet Collection of Niagara, Niagara-on-the-Lake.
13 locals recommend
White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa
253 Taylor RdGreat recommendations for this place from people I know. Clean inspection record. I've been here to eat (Play) and play raquetball. I like the atmosphere here. Located across from the Outlet Collection of Niagara, Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Great salt water pool with small hot tub. I love the hotel and plenty of free parking. Services are the usual fare but I found everyone had their appointments at the same time so it seemed crowded and the therapists all said their goodbyes to each other while you tried to navigate around them to get back to the change rooms. My aunt thought it was too rustic and would have preferred a more modern setting. Just our personal opinions. There is also an outdoor heated grotto...it is okay.
24 locals recommend
Pillar and Post Inn & Spa
48 John St WGreat salt water pool with small hot tub. I love the hotel and plenty of free parking. Services are the usual fare but I found everyone had their appointments at the same time so it seemed crowded and the therapists all said their goodbyes to each other while you tried to navigate around them to get back to the change rooms. My aunt thought it was too rustic and would have preferred a more modern setting. Just our personal opinions. There is also an outdoor heated grotto...it is okay.
Niagara Falls & Region Attractions
Things to do in and around Niagara Falls
Previously called the Maid of the Mist - after the legend. Put on the supplied rain coat and get up close to the Falls. A must-do!
91 locals recommend
Hornblower Niagara Cruises
5920 Niagara PkwyPreviously called the Maid of the Mist - after the legend. Put on the supplied rain coat and get up close to the Falls. A must-do!
Journey Behind the Falls
6650 Niagara PkwyPart of the tourist experience of Niagara Falls
Floral Clock
Tourist stop along the Parkway
Beautiful gardens. Nice to wander here or have a picnic. The Butterfly Conservatory (fee) is located here.
86 locals recommend
Botanical Gardens
2565 Niagara PkwyBeautiful gardens. Nice to wander here or have a picnic. The Butterfly Conservatory (fee) is located here.
A summer staple when I was a kid. Built up now and popular. Wear proper hiking shoes and there are lots of stairs ....and the River IS dangerous so stay out.
124 locals recommend
Niagara Glen Nature Areas
3050 Niagara PkwyA summer staple when I was a kid. Built up now and popular. Wear proper hiking shoes and there are lots of stairs ....and the River IS dangerous so stay out.
The Hill - mini putt, museums, restaurants, etc etc. This place is the central tourist hot spot - great for families.
15 locals recommend
Clifton Hill Entertainment
4960 Clifton HillThe Hill - mini putt, museums, restaurants, etc etc. This place is the central tourist hot spot - great for families.
Love their escape rooms and I've tried many. Friendly staff. Also a great place to try games you may never have heard of.
The Crux Escape Rooms Niagara
5001 Victoria AveLove their escape rooms and I've tried many. Friendly staff. Also a great place to try games you may never have heard of.
If you like plays, then catch one at Shawfest. Visit their website to find out about "Today's Deal" and details on the next Jazz Speakeasy after-hours event. Don't forget to sign up for alerts for the next (shhh) Secret Theatre performance. That's all I can say!
148 locals recommend
Shaw Festival Theatre
10 Queen's ParadeIf you like plays, then catch one at Shawfest. Visit their website to find out about "Today's Deal" and details on the next Jazz Speakeasy after-hours event. Don't forget to sign up for alerts for the next (shhh) Secret Theatre performance. That's all I can say!
A nice place to have a picnic. Plenty of free parking.
47 locals recommend
Dufferin Islands Nature Area
6345 Dufferin Isle RdA nice place to have a picnic. Plenty of free parking.
Floral Showhouse
7145 Niagara PkwyBeautiful spot - cherry blossoms nearby
Great for history buffs. Also, the Friends of Fort George host Ghost Tours of the Fort.
88 locals recommend
Fort George National Historic Site
51 Queen's ParadeGreat for history buffs. Also, the Friends of Fort George host Ghost Tours of the Fort.