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Must-Try Food and Drink Destinations Outside the GTA
Written By
Posted Jul 20, 2021
Must-Try Food and Drink Destinations Outside the GTA
Written By
Posted Jul 20, 2021
The best day-trip destinations from Toronto offer an escape from the everyday along with enough bites and bevvies to make the outing feel special. Whether you love the feeling of hours at the wheel or prefer to reach your destination sooner, there are options here for you.
Each of these stops offers entertainment beyond food for those who need adventure, shopping, natural wonders and more in their lives. Still, when it comes to eating and drinking, they've also got you covered. From the chicest tables to casual patios offering top-notch fare, these places are your best bets for destination dining.
Even if your summer plans are devoid of exotic escapes, there are still ways to seize the season here at home. Friends or family in tow, hop in a car and focus on nothing but the open road, the glowing summer sun, and the destination ahead. The best day trip destinations for food lovers are bound to surprise, with new sights, new tastes and, most importantly, new experiences you're sure to cherish all season long.
Drake Devonshire
Located just under 3 hours from Toronto, head to Prince Edward County for a relaxing weekend filled with wine tours, brewery visits and, of course, plenty of delicious food. One of the more popular destinations to stay, the Drake Devonshire Inn also boasts a fantastic restaurant overlooking the lake.
Drake Devonshire
Located just under 3 hours from Toronto, head to Prince Edward County for a relaxing weekend filled with wine tours, brewery visits and, of course, plenty of delicious food. One of the more popular destinations to stay, the Drake Devonshire Inn also boasts a fantastic restaurant overlooking the lake.
St. Jacobs Farmers' Market
Canada's largest year-round farmers' market is most definitely worth the drive to Waterloo. Visit the multitude of food stalls, produce stands, butchers and more!
St. Jacobs Farmers' Market
Canada's largest year-round farmers' market is most definitely worth the drive to Waterloo. Visit the multitude of food stalls, produce stands, butchers and more!
Castelli Cucina
Italian
Located on the bustling James Street in Hamilton, Ontario, Castelli Cucina is the destination for incredible Italian fare. Find a selection of pasta, pizza, appetizers and a great selection of wines.
Castelli Cucina
Located on the bustling James Street in Hamilton, Ontario, Castelli Cucina is the destination for incredible Italian fare. Find a selection of pasta, pizza, appetizers and a great selection of wines.
Italian
The Restaurant at Pearl Morissette
Canadian
Located on the renowned Pearl Morissette property, The Restaurant at Pearl Morissette is the epitome of destination dining. Touted as one of the best restaurants in Canada, coming in at No. 14 on Canada's 100 Best list, Pearl Morissette offers a tasting menu rooted in French techniques but uses seasonal and often foraged ingredients.
The Restaurant at Pearl Morissette
Located on the renowned Pearl Morissette property, The Restaurant at Pearl Morissette is the epitome of destination dining. Touted as one of the best restaurants in Canada, coming in at No. 14 on Canada's 100 Best list, Pearl Morissette offers a tasting menu rooted in French techniques but uses seasonal and often foraged ingredients.
Canadian
The Prune Restaurant
Opened in 1977, The Prune is one of Stratford's most beloved eateries. The perfect après-theatre spot, this storied restaurant, now with indoor dining and a not-so-secret, "Secret Garden Patio," is the place to toast your reclaimed freedom over creative plates inspired by the local bounty and infused with global flavours.
The Prune Restaurant
Opened in 1977, The Prune is one of Stratford's most beloved eateries. The perfect après-theatre spot, this storied restaurant, now with indoor dining and a not-so-secret, "Secret Garden Patio," is the place to toast your reclaimed freedom over creative plates inspired by the local bounty and infused with global flavours.
Spencer’s At The Waterfront
For less adventurous days, a trip to Burlington is enough to provide the change of scenery you crave. Settle in on Spencer's terrace and bask in stunning views of Lake Ontario. Then, order from a menu of comforting, sophisticated dishes crafted from local, seasonal ingredients and toast to the short drive home.
Spencer’s At The Waterfront
For less adventurous days, a trip to Burlington is enough to provide the change of scenery you crave. Settle in on Spencer's terrace and bask in stunning views of Lake Ontario. Then, order from a menu of comforting, sophisticated dishes crafted from local, seasonal ingredients and toast to the short drive home.
Redstone Winery
Owned by Moray Tawse of Tawse Winery, Redstone has been creating wines with a unique terroir, thanks to the area's intensely red clay soil, since 2010. The sprawling space boasts a patio, picnic area and 80-seat restaurant where striking dishes -- from lamb burgers to hand-cut beef tartare -- are served alongside glasses, tasting flights and bottles of award-winning Redstone wines.
Redstone Winery
Owned by Moray Tawse of Tawse Winery, Redstone has been creating wines with a unique terroir, thanks to the area's intensely red clay soil, since 2010. The sprawling space boasts a patio, picnic area and 80-seat restaurant where striking dishes -- from lamb burgers to hand-cut beef tartare -- are served alongside glasses, tasting flights and bottles of award-winning Redstone wines.
Ravine Winery
Taste your way around Niagara, then find your way to Ravine for a feast framed by the land, family legacy and a commitment to organic, sustainable farming and agriculture. From award-winning wines to a menu of deftly-prepared, unfussy dishes, a visit to Ravine is the perfect way to cap off any Niagara tour.
Ravine Winery
Taste your way around Niagara, then find your way to Ravine for a feast framed by the land, family legacy and a commitment to organic, sustainable farming and agriculture. From award-winning wines to a menu of deftly-prepared, unfussy dishes, a visit to Ravine is the perfect way to cap off any Niagara tour.
Quatrefoil
French
If city life is running you ragged, head to Dundas, Ontario, where the small-town aura will calm you from head to toe. After strolling downtown, settle in for a leisurely lunch at Quatrefoil, where a series of refined, contemporary French plates never fails to impress.
Quatrefoil
If city life is running you ragged, head to Dundas, Ontario, where the small-town aura will calm you from head to toe. After strolling downtown, settle in for a leisurely lunch at Quatrefoil, where a series of refined, contemporary French plates never fails to impress.
French
Matty Matheson's Meat and Three
For a Niagara jaunt that's not too posh, Matty Matheson has you covered. Located in Fort Erie, Matty Matheson's Meat and Three serves up all manner of tempting barbecue, from pork butt to brisket, with fried chicken thrown in for good measure.
Matty Matheson's Meat and Three
For a Niagara jaunt that's not too posh, Matty Matheson has you covered. Located in Fort Erie, Matty Matheson's Meat and Three serves up all manner of tempting barbecue, from pork butt to brisket, with fried chicken thrown in for good measure.
Langdon Hall Country House Hotel and Spa
This is the summer to go big. A stop at Langdon Hall, a Relais & Chateaux property, is a must for the ultimate in lavish living. Nestled in the Cambridge countryside, this 75-acre modern country estate is the place to relax with a cocktail, linger over afternoon tea, or revel in every dish created by executive chef Jason Bangerter.
Langdon Hall Country House Hotel and Spa
This is the summer to go big. A stop at Langdon Hall, a Relais & Chateaux property, is a must for the ultimate in lavish living. Nestled in the Cambridge countryside, this 75-acre modern country estate is the place to relax with a cocktail, linger over afternoon tea, or revel in every dish created by executive chef Jason Bangerter.
Lake on the Mountain Resort
A tad off the beaten path, this cozy Prince Edward Island spot is worth seeking out for a host of reasons, from impressive views to an on-site brewery, two eateries, and more. Located on the shores of the area's mysterious Lake on the Mountain, 62-metres above Lake Ontario, this unique destination is one of PEC's top hidden gems.
Lake on the Mountain Resort
A tad off the beaten path, this cozy Prince Edward Island spot is worth seeking out for a host of reasons, from impressive views to an on-site brewery, two eateries, and more. Located on the shores of the area's mysterious Lake on the Mountain, 62-metres above Lake Ontario, this unique destination is one of PEC's top hidden gems.
Hearts
From the team behind Ossington's Côte de Boeuf and Union comes Hearts, the new "it" spot in Grey Bruce. With a menu of locally-sourced, impeccable dishes -- from the justifiably famous Union salad to French hen with crispy fries -- a bottle shop and butchery, a stop at Hearts buoys any trip to the scenic Beaver Valley.
Hearts
From the team behind Ossington's Côte de Boeuf and Union comes Hearts, the new "it" spot in Grey Bruce. With a menu of locally-sourced, impeccable dishes -- from the justifiably famous Union salad to French hen with crispy fries -- a bottle shop and butchery, a stop at Hearts buoys any trip to the scenic Beaver Valley.
Elora Mill Hotel and Spa
Head to Elora, about 2 hours northwest of Toronto, for shopping, to explore the impressive gorge, and to dine at the Elora Mill's sublime restaurant. The best part? If you overindulge, the hotel offers the area's most luxurious accommodations.
Elora Mill Hotel and Spa
Head to Elora, about 2 hours northwest of Toronto, for shopping, to explore the impressive gorge, and to dine at the Elora Mill's sublime restaurant. The best part? If you overindulge, the hotel offers the area's most luxurious accommodations.
Eigensinn Farm
One of Ontario's original farm-to-table chefs, Michael Stadtländer, is a legend whose cuisine and unique presentations create synergy between guests and the land. Reopening on August 20, Eigensinn Farm in Singhampton will once again be offering multi-course meals where guests marvel at every morsel.
Eigensinn Farm
One of Ontario's original farm-to-table chefs, Michael Stadtländer, is a legend whose cuisine and unique presentations create synergy between guests and the land. Reopening on August 20, Eigensinn Farm in Singhampton will once again be offering multi-course meals where guests marvel at every morsel.
Cowbell Brewing Co.
Theatre buffs will want to head to Blyth for the 2021 season of the Blyth Festival, moving outdoors for the first time in its 46-year history. After the show, Cowbell Brewing Co. is the place to wet your whistle and tuck into a varied menu of pub-worthy bites. With a patio, spacious restaurant and beer garden, there's enough space for you, your crew, and any dramatic scenes that ensue.
Cowbell Brewing Co.
Theatre buffs will want to head to Blyth for the 2021 season of the Blyth Festival, moving outdoors for the first time in its 46-year history. After the show, Cowbell Brewing Co. is the place to wet your whistle and tuck into a varied menu of pub-worthy bites. With a patio, spacious restaurant and beer garden, there's enough space for you, your crew, and any dramatic scenes that ensue.
Cambridge Mill
Located on the Grand River near Galt, one of Cambridge's most charming neighbourhoods, the Cambridge Mill combines gorgeous views with an elegant menu, replete with locally-sourced ingredients.
Cambridge Mill
Located on the Grand River near Galt, one of Cambridge's most charming neighbourhoods, the Cambridge Mill combines gorgeous views with an elegant menu, replete with locally-sourced ingredients.
Bench Brewing
With a huge patio, an appealing menu of Bench Bites, traditional as well as funky and sour beers imbued with Niagara terroir, Bench Brewing in Beamsville, Ontario, is a unique Niagara stop that wine-weary beer enthusiasts won't want to miss.
Bench Brewing
With a huge patio, an appealing menu of Bench Bites, traditional as well as funky and sour beers imbued with Niagara terroir, Bench Brewing in Beamsville, Ontario, is a unique Niagara stop that wine-weary beer enthusiasts won't want to miss.