With a river running through it, a quaint downtown, and some of the best restaurant patios in Ontario, it’s no surprise why Paris Ontario is said to be one of Canada’s prettiest small towns. It’s easily the crowning jewel in Brant County. There are a host of reasons that draw people to Paris. From those looking for adorable places in Ontario to explore to folks on the hunt for a slice of history, Paris has something for everyone. But beyond the incredible history and beautiful setting along the Grand River, there are a wealth of great restaurants in Paris Ontario.
Top Restaurants in Paris Ontario
Paris may be a small town at the fork of two rivers but there is no shortage of places to dine. So, make sure you have a hungry belly and let’s dive into where to eat in Paris ON!
The Edit Restaurant
One of the top Paris restaurants is The Edit Restaurant, located in the historic Arlington Hotel. The Edit Restaurant offers up amazing cuisine that’s ever evolving based on the season. The executive chef and Chopped Canada winner, Matt Kershaw, is dedicated to serving up inspiring dishes with the freshest ingredients. It’s the ideal place to enjoy fine dining in a casual atmosphere without the high price tag!
The restaurant’s name reflects the Arlington Hotel’s fun and creative rooms, each paying homage to iconic authors and other creative minds like J.R.R. Tolkien and Sigmund Freud. Fun fact: Edit is also an acronym for eat drink indulge together! A few of the top choices for meals include their mouth-watering smoked salmon and their mushroom gnocchi. However, they have a varying menu that will suit anyone’s taste buds and preferences. There’s everything from chicken wings to lamb shank and also a few vegan options like their vegan Moroccan stew and Beyond Meat burger.
You’ll feel welcome the moment you step into their colourful and lively dining room. Also, their grape vine covered patio is easily one of the best places to eat in Paris in the summer! So, whether you’re looking for great places to eat or the perfect place to stay in Paris, the Arlington is a solid win for both!
The Edit Restaurant Information
Address:106 Grand River St N, Paris, ON N3L 2M5
Hours: Mon & Tues: Closed Wed-Fri: 12PM – 8PM Sat & Sun: 9AM – 8PM (9am – 3pm Brunch)
Take Out: Yes, call (226) 227-1767 or check them out on Instagram
Reservations: (226) 227-1767 or online
Average Price per Person: $15 – $50
Cobblestone Public House
If you’re anything like me and crave some solid pub grub while travelling then you’ll love The Cobblestone Public House in Paris. Located across from the Arlington Hotel in downtown Paris, The Cobblestone Public House has over 15 beers from across the globe. They also pride themselves on using only the freshest of food, with produce delivered fresh from Fortes Market in Brantford daily, chicken from Southern Pride Poultry in St. George, and their beef from Norwich.
For those craving a classic pub menu the Cobblestone Public House is one of the best restaurants in Paris. They have everything from homemade burgers to fresh cut French fries, as well as kid-friendly, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. Personally, two of my favourites are the chicken strips and the double-layered nachos that are full of crispy chips, loaded with cheese and all the best toppings.
Walking into Cobblestone’s you’ll feel the warmth of locals welcoming you in, whether you decide to pull up a chair at the bar or sit at one of the table’s inside. In the summer, soak in the sun on the back patio overlooking the beautiful Grand River. No matter where you sit, come in hungry and you’ll leave full and satisfied. Especially knowing that it doesn’t get more local than at Cobblestone Public House, with a menu full of Ontario grown produce and meats!
Cobblestone Public House Information
Address: 111 Grand River St N, Paris, ON N3L 1L3
Hours: Monday to Sunday 11am – 10pm
Take Out: Yes, call (519) 442-1820
Reservations: Yes, call (519) 442-1820 or online
Average Price per Person: $15 – $30
Stillwaters Plate & Pour
Another one of the best restaurants in Paris Ontario is Stillwaters Plate & Pour. You might recognize the owners, Matt Cummings and Chef William Thompson as Matt is the owner of The Cobblestone Public House and Chef Thompson is one of the competitors on the Food Network’s Top Chef Canada. Together, these two culinary minds have created one of the best places in Paris to eat!
You’ll find a wide variety of dishes at Stillwaters, with vegan and gluten-free choices. The menu features a ton of tasty meals ranging from salads to wraps and pasta to pickerel. They also strive to source as many ingredients locally as possible, like their Ontario Great Lake pickerel. A few fan favourites are Charcuterie & Local Cheese Plate, Chef Will’s Panzerotti, and my favourite – the Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken & Forest Mushroom Alfredo.
What pairs well with great food? A great patio! Stillwaters easily has the best rooftop patio in Paris. Perched high above the Grand River you’ll love summers in Paris on Stillwater’s patio with sweeping views of the river, town, and beyond. And for the caffeine minded traveller, don’t forget to try their Stillwaters! Fresh Ground Coffee.
Stillwaters Plate & Pour Information
Address: 61 Grand River St N, Paris, ON N3L 2M2
Hours: Sunday – Saturday 11am – 10pm
Take Out: Yes, call (519) 302-3000
Reservations: Yes, call (519) 302-3000 or online
Average Price per Person: $20 – $50
2 Rivers
Paris may be a small town but what it lacks for in size it makes up for in taste! Another of the best restaurants in Paris is 2 Rivers Restaurant. Also located downtown, 2 Rivers is the perfect spot to pop into at any time of day. With a relaxed vibe, budget-friendly prices, and outstanding food to fuel your adventures, 2 Rivers is a great place to feed your growling stomach.
The depth of menu items at 2 Rivers restaurant will wow both meat eaters and vegetarians alike. Start your morning right with one of their delicious breakfasts. You can try one of their fun options like Apple Pie French Toast or opt for one of the more traditional choices. A favourite lunch option is the Veggie Quesadilla, but there’s a whole host of vegetarian meals like veggie burgers, lasagna, shepherd’s pie, and more.
Weekends at 2 Rivers restaurant is the place to be! Every Friday and Saturday night from 6:00-8:00 pm you can enjoy live music with your dinner. They also offer a selection of drinks as well as a rotating lineup of micro brews. And in true Paris fashion, they also have a fabulous patio overlooking the river. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast spot or a fun night out, be sure to try 2 Rivers restaurant in Paris.
2 Rivers Information
Address: 25 Grand River St N, Paris, ON N3L 2L9
Hours: Monday & Tuesday – closed Wednesday, Thursday – 11:30am – 3 pm Friday – 11:30 am – 8 pm Saturday – 9am – 8 pm Sunday – 9am – 3 pm
Reservations: 519 – 442 – 3233
Take Out: Yes, call (519) 442-3233
Reservations: Yes, call (519) 442-3233
Average Price per Person: $15 – $30
Paris Inn
Formerly the Paris Surf, the Paris Inn was and still is one of the coolest restaurants in Paris. With a quirky interior starring Billy the Stuffed Buffalo Head, a white tiled kitchen, and massive woodfire oven, it’s the best place to get pizza in Paris Ontario.
Paris Inn has a wide range of pizzas brimming with pizazz! They’ve got all your favourite traditional pizza varieties as well as a plethora of speciality pizzas. One of the best is the Cal-Piza with a crust that’s stuffed with asiago cheese and spinach, and topped with Italian sausage, caramelized onions, roasted red bell peppers, four cheeses, and more! If you want to add more to your order, try the Greek or Caprese salad and garlic bread. Looking to whet your whistle? Opt for coffee or tea, or if you need a little something more they also serve a selection of craft beer and local wine.
Paris Inn Information
Address: 24 Mechanic St, Paris, ON N3L 1J9
Hours: Currently closed
Take Out: No
Reservations: No
Average Price per Person: $10 – $20
Juniper Dining Co
If you’re looking for fine dining in a casual atmosphere or you’re a fan of French cuisine, Juniper Dining is the Paris restaurant for you. Chef Andrea Legacey along with her husband Brandon are bringing a taste of France to Paris Ontario as they specialize in Lyonnaise Bouchon cuisine.
Every bite you sink your teeth into is made with quality local ingredients seasoned to perfection. Even their crostinis are made in house! Their oysters are impeccable and you can’t go wrong with any of their main dishes, though their rack of lamb is seriously next level. And if you’re a fan of gin, you need to plan a visit and try one of their cocktails.
With an incredible wine list, inventive cocktails and a number of local beers, Juniper creates memorable experiences that you’ll enjoy time and time again. You’ll enjoy truly fine dining without the pretentious atmosphere!
Juniper Dining Co Information
Address: 3 Elm St #4, Paris, ON N3L 2L6
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 5pm – 10pm, Closed Mondays
Take Out: Yes, call (519) 302-2200
Reservations: Yes, call 519.302.2200, email dine@juniperdiningco.ca or book online
Average Price per Person: $40-$60
More Places to Eat in Paris ON
If you’re looking for other ideas for where to eat in Paris ON then we have a few more options, all with their own flavour!
Capeesh Kitchen and Cellar – This Italian restaurant offers a fabulous assortment of appetizers, as well as pasta dishes and pizzas. Capeesh also gets bonus points for having a great patio!
Jade’s of Paris – For a taste of the best Chinese food in the area, head to Jade’s of Paris. This Paris restaurant has a large Chinese menu with a few Canadian dishes too. You can find them located along the main downtown strip and pop in for dine in or take out.
Grand Bayou Cajun Kitchen – Located just outside of downtown Paris, Grand Bayou Cajun Kitchen is a perfect option for fast food that’s local. With a blend of Cajun and Canadian cuisine made with locally sourced food, this kitchen serves up a range of pub grub with a twist, as well as pizzas, and more. Check them out for dine in or take out and don’t forget to ask for their specials.
Things to do in Paris Between Bites
Paris is a perfect road trip destination in Ontario or a weekend getaway. There are a wealth of things to do in Paris in between feeding your face, from exploring its architecture to enjoying the great outdoors!
- Grab your walking shoes and enjoy a self-guided tour of the awesome cobblestone buildings in Paris. Noted as the Cobblestone Capital of Canada, Paris is home to over a dozen cobblestone buildings that were built around the mid-1800s and made of cobblestones pulled from the Grand and Nith Rivers.
- For those looking for a little adventure be sure to pack your swimsuit and arm strength for a fun day of rafting with Grand River Rafting. This incredible watershed is home to both fast and slow currents, making it perfect for those wanting to enjoy a leisurely canoe ride or go full throttle through the rapids on a raft.
- How about working off some of that incredible food by taking a hike? There are plenty of parks and trails around the Paris area, including Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area and the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail that run right through town.
- Can’t get enough of the food in Paris? Consider jumping on board one of the Tasty Road Trips. These guided and self-guided tours offer stops in town and the area, from restaurants to shops, where you can get a true taste – both literally and figuratively, of the best of Paris.
- Still hungry? Or maybe looking to bring some goodies home? If you’re looking for where to eat in Paris ON beyond the restaurants be sure to pop into Chocolate Sensations for all your pure chocolate dreams, the Paris Bakery for all the best baked goods, and Elberta Farms Country Market for local produce, preservatives, apple cider, and more!
Make it a Weekend in Paris
With all these places to eat at, you’ll need at least a full weekend to explore this mighty small town! If you’re looking for Paris hotels to book for your weekend in Paris then opt for the best hotel in town, the Arlington Hotel. This boutique hotel has fabulous and quirky rooms each with their own theme, from Lord of the Rings to something out of a Jane Austen novel.
It’s not the only fantastic hotel in Paris, though! Take a look at this map of Paris below and see what accommodation suits your trip best.
Ready to take a bite out of this charming small town? Whether you’re planning on a day trip to Paris or looking to spend a weekend exploring the area, be sure to give one or more of these great local restaurants in Paris a taste!
While we do our best to keep the information on Eat Local Ontario up to date, we sometimes miss things. If you notice something that needs to be updated, please comment or send us an email at eatlocalontario[at]gmail.com and we’ll look into it as soon as we can. Thank you!
