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10 Restaurants Worth Driving Out of Toronto For

Julie Tang

over 3 years ago

10 Restaurants Worth Driving Out of Toronto For

Toronto has an abundance of great restaurants -- that would require a lifetime to try every single one -- so why should you bother driving out of the city for your next meal? In our eyes, these restaurants are worth venturing beyond the city limits for their impeccable food, memorable atmosphere and exquisite interiors.

10

3953 Jordan Rd

The Restaurant at Pearl Morissette

In 2018, The Restaurant at Pearl Morissette was crowned 'Canada's Best New Restaurant' by Air Canada's enRoute magazine and has since made the list as one of the top restaurants in the country. Located at Jordan Station in Lincoln, Ontario, it's over an hour's drive from Toronto but is definitely worth the journey.

With large floor-to-ceiling windows, the stark contemporary barn overlooks the surrounding vineyard. Pearl Morissette has also made quite a name for itself within the natural wine movement, as its small produced bottles are found throughout bars in the city and beyond. Headed by co-chefs Daniel Hadida and Eric Robertson -- who have both worked at Michelin-starred restaurants -- the food is driven by local Ontario produce.

9

31 King William St

Berkeley North

Berkeley North is a West Coast-inspired restaurant located on the historic King William Street in downtown Hamilton. Listed as one of the best Southern Ontario restaurants by Open Table, Berkeley North is a great place to celebrate a special occasion. This farm-to-table restaurant offers a unique dining experience that is both vibrant and reflective of the kitchen staff's creativity. Try their 5-course sharing menu that highlights the dynamic nature of the menu.

8

137 Locke St S

Brux House

Brux House, located on Hamilton's bustling Locke Street, is inspired by the European beer belt and boasts the best of craft beer, cider, cocktails and wine. Chef Fraser Macfarlane, who is also the co-founder of Quatrefoil, takes quality and local ingredients to create classic cuisine with his own culinary flair. You can choose from an extensive bottle and on-tap list of local and imported brews to pair with your elevated pub food.

7

548 Old Dundas Rd

Ancaster Mill

Located in a refurbished stone mill that dates back to 1850, the Ancaster Mill sits next to a raging stream in the Niagara Escarpment. The idyllic location, partnered with a seasonally driven restaurant, has put this farm-to-table spot on our map.

6

240 John St E

Kitchen 76 at Two Sisters Vineyards

What follows good wine, more often than not, are great restaurants. Niagra is no exception. Kitchen 76 at the Two Sisters Vineyards owned by Angela Marotta and Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli offers authentic Italian cuisine with seasonal ingredients.

5

16 Sydenham St

Quatrefoil

Quatrefoil is headed by a husband and wife duo who met in the kitchen of Toronto's Scaramouche Restaurant. Together, the pair have cooked in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe and are bringing their skills to the kitchen of Quatrefoil. Its French cuisine is both elegant and inventive, without the pretentious atmosphere.

4

24 Wharf St

Drake Devonshire Inn

The Drake Devonshire Inn -- located in the small town of Wellington -- is an odd yet beautiful combination of both artsy and woodsy elements. Although the inn's interiors alone justify a trip, the restaurant is worth planning a weekend getaway around. The restaurant is headed by chef Alexandra Feswick, who previously helmed the Drake's Queen West flagship. Offering seasonal and inventive fare, the Drake Devonshire Inn will imbue patrons with a meal to remember.

3

1 Langdon Dr

Langdon Hall

Langdon Hall is not only a coveted spot for weddings but is the home to a restaurant listed in Canada's 100 Best. There is a dress code to dine at Langdon Hall and it is located out of the city but we promise the experience will be worth the extra effort. The kitchen relies on local farmers and foragers to create its modern seasonal menu.

2

62 Sparks St.

Riviera

Riviera is located in Ottawa's former main branch of the Imperial Bank of Canada -- a Class One Heritage building constructed in 1936-37. Not only recognized for unparalleled interiors -- Riviera has also claimed a spot as one of Canada's best new restaurants by Air Canada's enRoute magazine in 2018. Riveria offers an Italian inspired menu showcasing local growers and boasts one of the best bars in Ottawa, with both a seasonal and curated menu by the master bartender, Stephen Flood.

1

540 Rochester St

Atelier

Chef Marc Lepine, the owner of Atelier, was awarded 'Most Innovative Chef' in 2018 by Canada's 100 Best Restaurants. Atelier -- which only seats 22 guests -- serves a 12-course tasting menu that enraptures its guests with visually eyecatching and boundary-pushing dishes.

Dining at Atelier is the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway to Ottawa and well worth the drive.