Our Editors Reveal Their Bucket List Restaurants Across Canada
When it comes to dining out, we all have our must-try spots to indulge. If you're curious where the Food Network Canada editors love to nosh when they're outside the office, look no further. From Toronto to Halifax and Vancouver to Prince Edward Island, we weighed in on our favourite restaurants from across Canada.
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Toronto, ON: Antler Kitchen & Bar
<p> Located on Dundas St. West in Toronto, <a href="http://www.antlerkitchenbar.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antler</a> embraces regional ingredients and highlights Canadian cuisine through local seasonal and wild foods. </p> <p> "I'm a fan of wild game meat. No surprise, I really enjoy Antler restaurant. Every dish that comes out is an experience unto itself. Each bite tastes of the woods – including their smokey desserts." – <em>Dragana K., assistant editor, Slice, History and Shaw Connect</em> </p> -
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Halifax, NS: The Press Gang
<p> For a formal formal dining experience in Halifax, <a href="http://www.thepressgang.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Press Gang</a> offers diverse menu for every palate. Don't forget to order a drink from their wide selection of wines, single malt whiskies and signature cocktails. </p> <p> "I'm obsessed with seafood, especially oysters, so it should come as no surprise to those who know me that one of my top restaurant picks would be The Press Gang. Mouth-watering lobster and Digby scallops and a fresh, diverse selection of oysters? Yes, please! In addition, the history nerd in me loves that it's in one of the oldest stone structures in the city, dating back to 1759." – <em>Laura G., assistant editor, Food Network Canada and HGTV Canada</em> </p> -
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Galiano Island, BC: Pilgrimme Restaurant
<p> Just a short trip from the coast of Vancouver and Victoria, Galiano Island has plenty of farmers and artisans that call it home. <a href="http://pilgrimme.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pilgrimme Restaurant</a>, which is nestled in a quiet forested area, prepares locally-sourced dishes that "highlight the harmony" between its various ingredients. </p> <p> "It's a brilliant culinary adventure and an experience that I've remembered for years after eating there. It serves ethical, locally-grown or foraged ingredients. The menu changes from season to season and it offers food you won't get anywhere else." – <em>Frank P., producer, HGTV Canada</em> </p> -
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Toronto, ON: Byblos
<p> This restaurant, with locations in Toronto and Miami, blends Eastern Mediterranean cuisine with both traditional and local ingredients. The menu has been touted as providing a "true coastal and cultural mosaic." </p> <p> "In Toronto, my favourite restaurant for special occasions is <a href="https://byblosdowntown.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Byblos</a>. I'm all about Mediterranean cuisine, and this modern gem does it best. Plus, the menu is designed for sharing, so you're able to taste a bit of everything. I recommend sinking your teeth into the Turkish manti dumplings and mejadra rice." – <em>Brittany D., editor, Food Network Canada</em> </p> -
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Pickering, ON: Chúuk
<p> A traditional Mexican restaurant on Pickering's waterfront, <a href="https://www.chuuk.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chúuk</a>'s is a creative and cultural hub that uses local and international ingredients to craft their dishes. </p> <p> "Instead of waiting for a table, I head to the bar and order a glass of wine with their classic guac and homemade tortilla chips. They have their tequilas on full display, so if you're tempted, take a shot and head to the dance floor which opens up around 10 PM where you can salsa the night away." – <em>Tracey M., producer, Slice</em> </p> -
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Lake Louise, AB: Lake Louise Railway Station & Restaurant
<p> This stunning historic restaurant is surrounded by trees, mountains and wildlife. For those travelling through Alberta, Lake Louise's <a href="http://www.lakelouisestation.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Station Restaurant</a> is a must-try. </p> <p> "This restaurant lives in the old railroad station in Lake Louise. The steak [is] delicious, the wine menu was on-point and they amended the dessert for my son who is only a fan of vanilla ice cream. After dinner we toured the restaurant, went to the gift shop and visited the old train cars that are just outside the building. Very quaint and picturesque! I would definitely return." - <em>Heather M., producer, History</em> </p> -
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Toronto, ON: Rosewood Asian Cuisine
<p> If you're looking for a combination of contemporary Cantonese and Fuzhou-style dishes, look no further than <a href="http://rosewoodasiancuisine.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rosewood Asian Cuisine</a>. </p> <p> "[I'd recommend] Chinatown's Rosewood for the best dim sum in downtown Toronto." – <em>Chloe T., editor, Slice</em> </p> -
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New Glasgow, PEI: New Glasgow Lobster Suppers
<p>This family-owned restaurant has a rich history in serving lobster to New Glasgow patrons since 1958. </p> <p> "If you're going to be in PEI, go to <a href="https://peilobstersuppers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Glasgow Lobster Suppers</a>. It redefines the idea of all-you-can-eat. It's basically a large dining hall, full of people chowing down on delicious local seafood." – <em>Heather M., producer, History</em> </p> -
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Vancouver, BC: Nuba
<p> If you're looking for healthy, authentic Lebanese cuisine, look no further than this B.C. gem. They use only the freshest ingredients that are hand-picked daily, while a large portion of the menu is vegan and gluten-free.</p> <p> "I just moved back to Toronto after three-and-a-half years living in Vancouver. One of my favourite spots in Vancity is <a href="https://www.nuba.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nuba</a>. They have four locations, but I’m a fan of the Mount Pleasant locale, which was in my neighbourhood and was so cozy and cute. Their Najib’s Special (roasted cauliflower with lemon and sea salt) is quite possibly the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten." – <em>Jen. F, editor, HGTV Canada</em> </p> -
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Toronto: Sugo
<p> Who doesn't love a heaping plate of pasta? This Toronto gem also serves up Italian classics like hot sandwiches, salads and house-made desserts. </p> <p> "I have a pasta problem. Spot of choice? <a href="https://www.sugotoronto.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sugo</a> in Toronto. Try the platter with your favourite salad (I'm partial to Caprese) and the daily pasta and you'll soon be raving about this place too." – <em>Lydia H., producer, Food Network Canada </em></p> -
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Port Stanley, ON: Kettle Creek Inn
<p> If you find yourself in the quaint fishing village of Port Stanley, on the north shore of Lake Erie, check out this charming restaurant featuring English gardens and cozy dining rooms. </p> <p> "The <a href="https://www.kettlecreekinn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kettle Creek Inn</a> is a charming inn and restaurant located on the main street of Port Stanley. The food was great, the restaurant is family-friendly and the patio is gorgeous." – <em>Heather M., producer, History</em> </p> -
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Ottawa, ON: Wang's Noodle House
<p> At this snug, off-the-radar hot spot for Taiwanese food and bubble tea you can either dine in or do take-out. </p> <p> While Ottawa may be known for poutine and Beaver Tails, it's also home to some amazing Taiwanese food. Tucked away in the ByWard Market building, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wangs-Noodle-House/112559378823134" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wang’s Noodle House</a> serves up refreshing bubble tea, but the <em>real</em> specialty is it’s delicious pressure-cooked chicken. Slathered in a sticky-sweet sauce, the tender meat falls off the bone with the slightest touch, delivering mouth-watering chicken with every bite. Served with simple, sticky white rice, steamed veggies and bean sprouts, this comforting dish is a must-try in the heart of the capital." – <em>Jenny P., content strategist, Slice, History, Shaw Connect and NatGeo </em></p> -
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Hamilton, ON: Bread Bar
<p> With two Hamilton and one Guelph location, <a href="https://www.breadbar.ca/home" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bread Bar</a> boasts seasonally-inspired pizzas that will make you drool. </p> <p> Located in Hamilton is Bread Bar. It celebrates all things seasonal, and its creative, stone-baked pizzas are ridiculously good (like Mexican Street Corn and Millennial Falcon)." – <em>Brittany D., editor, Food Network Canada</em> </p> -
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Toronto, ON: Yummy Yummy Dumplings
<p> This Toronto staple has been celebrated for its outstanding Asian cuisine, especially its use of high-quality ingredients. </p> <p> "I love the underrated <a href="https://www.yummyyummydumplings.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yummy Yummy Dumpling</a>. It's all about the food, versus the ambiance and it has a family-run feel to it. There's also a window where you can watch people make dumplings." – <em>Chloe T., editor, Slice</em> </p