In addition to being home to some of the country’s most buzzed-about wine country and farm-to-table cuisine, Niagara boasts an eclectic collection of off-the-beaten-path restaurants dishing up incredible globally inspired fare. If you find yourself craving flavours from afar on your next Niagara getaway, here are a dozen restaurants guaranteed to deliver!
Craving Indian Food?
Located right on the Niagara Wine Route, Touch of India has been a Downtown St. Catharines fixture for three decades. Lunch and dinner specials make it easy and affordable to try a variety of the restaurant’s excellent Northern Indian dishes, including dal soup, shrimp and chicken tandoori, sheesh kabob, samosa, onion bhaji, chicken tikka, and butter chicken. The kitchen staff is happy to accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan guests, and the Touch of India’s wine list includes a broad selection of options from local wineries.
Craving Mexican Food?
Eh José Taqueria entered the Niagara food scene as a food truck that quickly garnered a passionate following of local foodies. Today, Eh José has a permanent home on James Street in Downtown St. Catharines. Owners, Jesse and José, work tirelessly to recreate the authentic Mexican flavours of their homeland using the highest quality local ingredients in authentic dishes packed with fresh, bright flavours. In addition to an extensive selection of tacos, the menu features quesadillas, tortas, huevos rancheros and more. The beverage menu features tequila and mezcal margaritas, micheladas and palomas, as well as interesting non-alcoholic options like horchata and hibiscus waters.
Craving Greek Food?
If you’d like your Niagara visit to include some delicious Greek food enjoyed while watching a ship, make its way along the Welland Canal, add George’s Greek Village to your itinerary. Dig into generous servings of Greek favourites like mousaka, roast lamb, tiropita, dolmades, gyro, spanokopita, and more. With its excellent food, local wine and beer, outstanding view, friendly service and great prices, you’ll quickly discover why George’s Greek Village is recognized as one of Niagara’s best Greek restaurants.
Craving Spanish Food?
Want an inside tip on how to know if a restaurant’s paella is authentic? Ask how long it will take to get to your table! Port Dalhousie’s Patio Andaluz asks diners to order the massive pan of paella as soon as they arrive, as it can take up to 45 minutes to prepare. The restaurant’s use of time-honoured (and sometimes time-consuming) techniques in the kitchen reflects the owners’ commitment to only serving dishes they would offer proudly to their Spanish and Mexican relatives. A delicious selection of tapas makes any wait for paella a delicious one! In addition to Spanish favourites, Patio Andaluz serves incredible Mexican too, including tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and fajitas.
Craving Vietnamese Food?
An unassuming restaurant in Downtown St. Catharines, Pho Dau Bo delivers on its mission of serving delicious, affordable food that guests will want to return to week after week. With close to three dozen varieties of pho on the menu, an extensive selection of other noodle and rice dishes, excellent vegetarian options, and Vietnamese-inspired drinks and milkshakes, deciding what to order can be a challenge!
Craving Korean Food?
At Korean BBQ Town in Downtown St. Catharines, diners are encouraged to become the Grill Masters. In addition to an all-you-can-eat Korean table BBQ experience, the restaurant has a solid a la carte menu featuring Korean-inspired favourites like rice gnocchi, beef bulgogi, fried chicken and kimchi fried rice.
Craving Caribbean Food?
Enjoy treasured Caribbean flavours in classic dishes or with a tasty twist at 7 Mile Bistro in Downtown St. Catharines. Traditionalists can opt for favourites like jerk chicken and curried goat roti, while those looking to broaden their horizons can dig into delicious options like Rasta pasta and oxtail poutine. Excellent breakfast and brunch options and its convenient location right on the Niagara Wine Route make this restaurant a perfect place to fuel up for a day of touring and tasting.
Craving Thai Food?
Sahla Thai, also located right on the Niagara Wine Route, serves up fresh, authentic Thai favourites, like tom kha gai, pad thai, and a broad selection of tasty curries. The restaurant’s well-priced lunch specials are a long-time favourite with locals and are a perfect option for travelers looking to fuel up with a delicious, affordable mid-day meal that will keep them going until dinner time. Sahla Thai’s proximity to the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre also makes it a great option for a pre- or post-matinee meal!
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