Nestled in the heart of Ontario, Kitchener is a city with a thriving culinary scene that caters to a diverse array of tastes and preferences. You won’t want to miss these best places to eat when you’re visiting Kitchener!
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Whether you’re a local resident, as I am, or a visitor passing through the region, Kitchener offers an enticing array of dining options that are sure to satisfy any palate. From charming, family-owned bistros to trendy, urban eateries, this city boasts a rich tapestry of flavors that reflect its multicultural heritage.
Best Restaurants In Kitchener To Eat
In this guide, I will take you on a journey to some of my favourite places to eat in Kitchener, Ontario, showcasing the culinary delights that make this city a food lover’s paradise.
Whether you’re in the mood for international cuisine, local favourites, or fine dining experiences, Kitchener has it all, waiting to be savored by discerning food enthusiasts.
So, let’s explore the culinary gems that define Kitchener’s vibrant food culture.
Best Restaurants For Pub Food In Kitchener
As I frequently dine out on my own, I feel most comfortable visiting restaurants with a casual, laid-back atmosphere, so we’ll begin with my favourite restaurants to eat that serve up typical pub food and are reasonably priced.
Casey’s Grill Bar
Location: 1120 Victoria Street North, Kitchener, Ontario
Casey’s Restaurant in Kitchener is my number one go-to restaurant when I’m in need of comfort food, as it’s quite close to my home. It’s a great place for either lunch or dinner and it’s known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Casey’s offers a diverse selection of classic comfort food, from hearty burgers and sandwiches to well-prepared salads and satisfying pasta dishes. The restaurant’s friendly staff and cozy ambiance make it an ideal spot for family gatherings, casual lunches, or a night out with friends. Casey’s is also a comfortable spot to sit back and enjoy a beer while taking in a sporting event on the T.V.
Just One Recommendation: I LOVE the clubhouse sandwich, fish and chips, and the chicken alfredo. The burgers are always good as well.
The Lancaster Smokehouse
Location: 574 Lancaster Street West, Kitchener, Ontario
The Lancaster Smokehouse is one of Kitchener’s gems that transports visitors to the heart of Southern BBQ culture. With its rustic and inviting atmosphere, this smokehouse is renowned for its mouthwatering, slow-cooked meats that are smoked to perfection.
Whether you’re craving a tender brisket, succulent ribs, or savory pulled pork, you will be sure to find it at the Lancaster Smokehouse.
In addition, with the wide range of homemade sides and selection of craft beers offered at the Lancaster Smokehouse, BBQ enthusiasts will fall in love with this restaurant located right in the heart of Kitchener.
The Lancaster Smokehouse is one of Kitchener’s hot spots to eat, so be sure to get there early, or better yet, reserve your spot in advance.
Just One Recommendation: The Lancaster Smokehouse is well-known Province wide for its delectable smoked ribs, however, I highly recommend the brisket!
Martini’s Bar & Patio
Location: 2980 King Street East, Kitchener, Ontario (inside Charcoal Steakhouse)
Martini’s Bar & Patio is a sophisticated and trendy establishment known for its exceptional cocktails and upscale pub atmosphere. Martini’s offers a chic and contemporary setting, making it a popular destination for those seeking a stylish night out or a fancier restaurant to relax for an enjoyable lunch.
The bar’s skilled mixologists craft a diverse array of martinis, cocktails, and fine wines, ensuring an extensive drink menu that caters to various tastes. The inviting patio area provides a perfect spot to enjoy a meal during warmer months.
Just One Recommendation: You can never go wrong with a burger, and Martini’s is no exception. I highly recommend cozying up to the bar with a burger and Martini’s signature caesar.
Borealis Bar & Grill
Location: 4336 King Street East, Kitchener, Ontario
Borealis is a culinary delight that celebrates the flavors of Ontario and Canada. With a commitment to sourcing locally and sustainably, this restaurant offers a farm-to-table dining experience like no other.
The menu at Borealis features an array of dishes that showcase the region’s bountiful ingredients, from fresh seafood to prime cuts of meat and a variety of vegetarian options. The restaurant’s warm and inviting ambiance, adorned with rustic Canadian decor, and friendly staff, creates an atmosphere that perfectly complements the wholesome and delectable food.
Just One Recommendation: I frequently order the fish and chips when eating at Borealis, however, the chicken supreme is amazing!
My Favourite Casual Fine Dining Restaurants In Kitchener
Like any other girl on the face of the planet, there are occasions that I crave the finer things in life. When the mood strikes for a more upscale meal, I don’t hesitate to visit one of these casual fine diners on my own.
While these restaurants are still casual, the food is more upscale than your typical pub food. Let’s dive in!
Charcoal Steakhouse
2980 King St E, Kitchener, Ontario
The Charcoal Steakhouse boasts a sophisticated ambiance, combining contemporary design with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The restaurant is renowned for its exceptional cuts of steak, expertly prepared over a charcoal grill to achieve the perfect balance of smokiness and tenderness. The menu features a diverse selection of premium meats, including prime rib, filet mignon, and ribeye, ensuring a memorable dining experience for steak enthusiasts.
The combination of the extensive menu and top-notch food, makes it one of Kitchener’s number one places to eat when you’re looking for a finer dining experience.
Just One Tip: If you have your heart set on eating Charcoal’s amazing prime rib, it’s important to note that it’s not served during the week nights.
Golf’s Steak House & Seafood
598 Lancaster St W, Kitchener, Ontario
Golf’s Steak House & Seafood is a beloved establishment of Kitchener renowned for its commitment to delivering an exceptional dining experience. Boasting a classic and cozy ambiance, the restaurant has been a local favorite for decades.
Golf’s is celebrated for its emphasis on high-quality steaks, expertly prepared and grilled to perfection. The menu showcases a diverse array of cuts, ranging from the rich flavor of a New York strip to the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of a filet mignon. The attentive and friendly staff, coupled with a selection of fine wines and cocktails, contributes to the overall inviting atmosphere.
For all of your favourite dishes, I recommend reserving a table for the Sunday brunch which runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Believe me when I say that you won’t want to miss it! Golf’s is definitely at the top of my list as one of the top-notch dining experiences in Kitchener.
Just One Tip: When reserving your spot for an amazing weekend brunch or evening dinner, request a seat in the solariam.
Rustico Kitchen and Bar
907 Victoria St N, Kitchener, Ontario
Italian food lover’s will delight when sinking their teeth into the Italian cuisine found at Rustico Kitchen and Bar. Whether it’s pizza or pasta you will find it all at this Kitchener hidden gem, and it’s all homemade.
The casual Italian atmosphere will have you feeling right at home in no time at all. Or in the warmer months, you can opt to eat on the magically lit patio. Rustico’s is truly one of Kitchener’s hidden culinary treasurers that you won’t want to miss.
Just One Tip: Jeans are allowed 🙂
Best Ethnic Restaurants In Kitchener
While I admit that I haven’t been to many different ethnic restaurants since living in Kitchener, there is currently one restaurant that stands out above all of the rest.
Arabesque Family Restaurant
869 Victoria Street North
Arabesque is a well-known family run restaurant located not too far from the downtown core. I had never tasted Lebanese food before, but once eating at Arabesque, I was hooked.
It’s a popular spot for both dine-in and takeout, catering to families and individuals looking for flavorful and satisfying meals. The restaurant prepares its food with fresh ingredients and uses traditional cooking methods, specializing in kebabs, shawarma, falafel, and various meze plates.
Best Pizza in Kitchener
Waterloo Brewing
400 Bingemans Centre Drive
I couldn’t write a post about the best places to eat without mentioning Waterloo Brewing. It’s not only a great spot for beer tasting, but it also serves up the best pizza in the city.
Waterloo Brewing had been my go-to spot when I want to enjoy a flight or glass of beer. However, once I tried the pizza I was hooked. By far the best pizza I’ve ever had. On subsequent visits, I’ve also had the veggie and hummus, as well as the nachos. Both were extremely good!
You might want to read more about the Waterloo Region before making your trip to Kitchener. All written by a local:
- A Solo Weekend In Kitchener
- Best Coffee Shops In Waterloo Region
- Best Hiking Trails In Waterloo Region For Beginners
- 2 Day Solo Getaway To St. Jacobs
- A Magical Staycation In St. Jacobs
- West Montrose Kissing Bridge
- A Hot Air Balloon Adventure
- One Memorable Day In Elora
- Traditional Canadian Food You Need To Try
- Best Places To Eat And Drink In Oxford County
- Walking With Alpacas: Udderly Ridiculous
- Oxford County Cheese Trail
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Best Places To Eat In Kitchener: In Conclusion …
In conclusion, Kitchener boasts a vibrant culinary scene with a diverse array of exceptional restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences. From the upscale elegance to the everyday standard pub fare, these establishments collectively contribute to the city’s rich gastronomic landscape.
Kitchener’s dining scene continues to evolve, making it a destination for food enthusiasts seeking both tradition and innovation on their culinary adventures. Continue to check back in for further updates as I continue to taste my way around my hometown of Kitchener.
Bon Apetit 🙂
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SAVE THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN KITCHENER FOR YOUR VISIT!
I started wondering if the city is called Kitchener because of its culinary scene. All the stuff look amazing! 🙂
hahaha. I never thought about it that way, but there are definitely a lot of great restaurants here.
I appreciate the recommendations, can’t wait to try them out!
Thank you! They’re all great! Judging from your user name it appears that you are a sports lover. Casey’s has many t.v.’s scattered throughout the restaurant which all have various sporting events on.