Prepare to be swept away to an idyllic city full of small town charm that’s reminiscent of its namesake across the seas. With the Avon River running through it, hints of Shakespeare around every bend and an unparalleled art scene, Stratford is Ontario’s very own slice of England. While the biggest draw is the Stratford Festival, one of the largest theatre festivals in the world, there are endless reasons to visit Stratford Ontario! One is the wealth of incredible restaurants in Stratford. After countless visits, we’ve done all the gut research for you!
Don’t Miss These 10 Top Stratford Restaurants
If you’re a foodie, then you will absolutely love exploring Stratford. The city has a wide variety of cuisines to satisfy any craving you may have! Let’s check out some of the top restaurants in Stratford for some tasty eats.
Braai House
Sister restaurant to the Keystone Alley located below, Braai House brings a taste of South Africa to Stratford. Their focus is on open-fire cooking and how the flame itself can connect people with family, friends, food and the outdoors. Braai House aims to make patrons feel right at home in a natural setting, similar to how a South African braai does.
On the menu, you’ll find a taste of African cuisine but with a modern twist. Be sure to enjoy an appetizer like their bobotie that’s similar to Shepherd’s Pie but with curry-like spices in samosa form. Their main dishes are substantial with fall-off-the-bone ribs, lamb, duck and more. Braai House’s pizzas are also incredible with unique toppings such as boerewors, a South African style of sausage.
Braai House is arguably one of the best restaurants in Stratford and as such, it’s a popular spot for dinner. We highly recommend making a reservation!
Braai House Information
Address: 34 Brunswick St Second Floor, Stratford, ON N5A 3L8
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Thursday from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Fridays & Saturdays from 4:00pm to 10:00pm, Closed Sundays & Mondays
Take Out: Yes – place your order online here
Reservations: Yes – book your table online here
Average Price per Person: $35 – $50
Pazzo Stratford
When it comes to great eats, Italian is never a bad idea. Head to the corner of Ontario and Downie where you’ll find the adorable Pazzo Pizzeria. Step inside where you’ll be dining in one of Stratford’s most historic cellars! It’ll give you a taste of Europe right here in Ontario.
While Pazzo has an emphasis on pizza, there’s more than that on the menu! They make their pasta in-house and also have tasty appetizers like mussels, burrata and more. Pazzo focuses on using fresh ingredients as well as sourcing their meat locally from the fine folks at McIntosh Farms in Listowel.
If you’re a fan of sitting outside, Pazzo has one of the cutest restaurant patios in Stratford. Seating is limited though so if you’re dead set on enjoying your meal on it, be sure to make a reservation!
Pazzo Stratford Information
Address: 70 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A 3H2
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Thursday & Sundays from 11:30am to 8:00pm, Fridays & Saturdays from 11:30am to 9:00pm, Closed Mondays
Take Out: Yes – place your order online here
Reservations: Yes – book your table online here
Average Price per Person: $25 – $40
Bijou Restaurant
Stratford is known for its diverse range of restaurants, from classic Canadian pub grub to international cuisine. Bijou is one of the top Stratford restaurants that will take your taste buds on a journey across the ocean. This culinary jewel showcases French bistro cuisine with an artful presentation. With sleek furnishings juxtaposed to an exposed brick wall and a scattering of antiques, Bijou’s dining room is a mix of modern and old-world charm.
For over twenty years Bijou Restaurant has been working with local Ontario farms, like Boone Run Farms, McIntosh Farms and Oak Manor. In turn, they’ve mastered the art of farm-to-table dining. Their celebrated Blackboard menu is always changing thanks to the seasons and innovative chefs. Everything on the menu is both delicious and served as a piece of art. A couple of must-have favourites of ours include their sharable Local Artisan Cheese Plate and their Asian Beef Bowl.
Bijou also offers a three-course prix fixe menu that includes the choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert for $44. Please note that the dining room is small so we highly recommend making a reservation so you can indulge in this Stratford gem!
Bijou Restaurant Information
Address: 74 Wellington Street
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 4:30 – 8:45pm Sunday – Tuesday – Closed
Take Out: Not currently
Reservations: Yes, reserve your table here or call (519) 273-5000
Average Price per Person: $35 – $50
Revival House
One of the dreamiest restaurants in Stratford can be found in a converted old church. The Revival House from the outside looks like a quaint old church with spectacular gardens surrounding it. As soon as you enter you’ll be in awe as they’ve masterfully maintained much of the church interior but blended in restaurant seating. With vaulted ceilings, dark-wood organ pipes behind the bar and stain-glassed windows the main dining room is one of the most romantic places to eat in Stratford.
Food at Revival House is a fine crafted mix of Canadian and Thai-fusion dishes that use local and sustainable ingredients. They have vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. You’ll find a long list of fun and fabulous pizzas with the dough made fresh in-house. But a few menu items that should be on your must-eat list include their Ribeye Steak, Traditional Laotian Nam Khao and the Bison Burger. And don’t forget to round off your meal with one of their fabulous desserts, like the Panna Cotta that’s served in a reusable stemless wine tumbler.
Revival House has a dreamy and flower-filled patio as well as an upstairs colourful and chic dining room known as The Belfry. This incredible Stratford restaurant is known for celebrating the best of life, whether it’s through food, live entertainment or as a wedding venue. So, if you’d like to experience this restaurant during your visit to Stratford be sure to make a reservation.
Revival House Information
Address: 70 Brunswick Street
Hours: Monday – Wednesday Closed Thursday – Sunday 11:30am to 9pm
Take out: Yes, find their menu here
Reservations: Yes, call (519) 273-3424 or reserve your table here
Average Price per Person: $30 – $45
Mercer Kitchen
Inside one of Stratford’s fantastic accommodations, the Mercer Hotel, you’ll find their restaurant – the Mercer Kitchen and Beer Hall. This Izakaya-style restaurant offers a casual yet lively vibe in the heart of town.
Take a peek at their menu and you’ll find an eclectic menu of Japanese-inspired eats. When their motto is “we make food we want to eat”, then you know it’s going to be good. Whether you’re looking for something a little bit lighter, a variety of appetizers to share, or a filling meal, Mercer Kitchen has you covered. Their menu also includes gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options for those who have dietary restrictions.
Oh, and we’d be amiss not to mention that they proclaim they have Stratford’s best craft beer list… but we’ll let you be the judges of that!
Mercer Kitchen Information
Address: 108 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A 3H2
Hours of Operation: Sunday to Wednesday from 11:00am to 10:00pm, Thursday to Saturday from 11:00am to 11:00pm
Take Out: Yes – place your order online here
Reservations: Yes – book your table online here
Average Price per Person: $25 – $50
Bentley’s Bar Inn & Restaurant
One of the most popular restaurants in Stratford, for locals and visitors alike, is Bentley’s Bar Inn & Restaurant. Located right downtown, Bentley’s has it all! You can stay in one of their luxurious loft-style suites and then head downstairs for a fabulous meal and drinks at their restaurant. With an upscale pub-like atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to eat before the theatre or go for drinks afterwards.
Bentley’s Bar Inn & Restaurant mixes traditional pub fare with fabulous and locally inspired dishes. A few favourite go-to menu items include the Perth County Pulled Pork Quesadilla, the Salmon & Crab Cakes and their Five Cheese Macaroni. You’ll also love their home-made burgers and house-made desserts. Be sure to pair your meal with one of their fine beverages. Bentley’s Bar serves up a range of local craft beers as well as classic cocktails and a few fun ones like The Green-Eyed Monster.
Bentley’s Bar Inn & Restaurant Information
Address: 99 Ontario Street
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11:30 – 10pm Friday – Saturday 11:30am – 11pm
Take Out: Yes, check out their menu and order here
Reservations: Yes, call (519) 271-1121
Average Price per Person: $20 – $30
Red Rabbit Stratford
Red Rabbit is a very unique restaurant in many ways. It’s about as local as you can get – locally sourced ingredients, run by locals, owned by those locals and shared by the community. Red Rabbit’s vision was brought to life using a spin-off model from community-supported agriculture (CSA) and they’ve been thriving ever since! This is just one of the many reasons why it’s one of the best places to eat in Stratford.
INSIDER TIP:
When you visit, ask for a Rabbit Passport. You’ll earn a stamp for any food item, cocktail, or bottle of wine, and will be entered into a draw for prizes each month!
The menu at Red Rabbit focuses on the idea of being ingredient-driven. It’s all about the flavour first, with a heavy emphasis on sourcing from businesses in Perth County such as Church Hill Farm, Perth County Pork Products, McIntosh Farms, and Soiled Reputation. Offerings are constantly changing with delicious themes such as Asian Night Market and Rediterranean Cruise. You’ll be blown away by the versatility of Red Rabbit’s kitchen staff and all the incredible flavours they come up with. Plus, it’s an easy way for your taste buds to travel when you’re grounded!
Red Rabbit Stratford Information
Address: 64 Wellington St, Stratford, ON N5A 2L2
Hours of Operation: Thursdays & Sundays from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Fridays & Saturdays from 2:00pm to 9:00pm, Closed Monday through Wednesday
Take Out: Yes – place your order online here
Reservations: Yes – book your table online here
Average Price per Person: $35 – $50
Raja Fine Indian Cuisine
The diversity in Stratford restaurants is vast! There’s something to suit everyone’s appetite. If you’re looking for the best Indian food in Stratford you’ll want to try Raja Fine Indian Cuisine. With authentic Indian food that’s made from fresh ingredients and spiced to perfection, it’s no surprise they were voted Best Ethnic Restaurant by readers of the Stratford Gazette.
Raja Fine Indian Cuisine has a bright dining room with white linen tables and a warm and inviting staff. You’ll enjoy fine dining with a casual atmosphere. Popular menu items include Tikka Masala, King Prawn Jhalfrezi and Paneer Makhani. Each dish has a unique flavour profile and you’ll want to go hungry to try as many things as your stomach can take. If you’d like to enjoy eating Al Fresco be sure to check out their appetizer, lunch and dinner patio specials.
Raja Fine Indian Cuisine Information
Address: 10 George Street West
Hours: Monday – Sunday 12pm – 11pm
Take Out: Yes, order here
Reservations: Yes, reserve your table here or call (519) 271-3271
Average Price per Person: $15 – $25
Madelyn’s Diner
Just west of downtown Stratford you’ll find one of the warmest, welcoming and greatest little diners in Ontario! Madelyn’s Diner is one of the top places to eat in Stratford! If you don’t belieb us maybe you’ll belieb Justin Bieber! Madelyn’s Diner has been a staple in Stratford for over 35 years and Justin and family spent many a meals there. This family owned and operated restaurant has three generations working together to bring you the best meal.
Madelyn’s Diner prides themselves in community and as with many restaurants in Stratford, they use locally sourced food from local farmers and producers. They serve up some of the best home-style cooking in Stratford, you can taste the love! Some of their popular dishes include the fish and chips, banquet burger, grilled chicken club and their all-day breakfast. And for dessert, or just worth the visit themselves, you’ve got to try their famous butter tarts. Dare I say, they are the best butter tarts in Ontario!
Breakfast, lunch or dinner, Madelyn’s Diner will make you feel like part of the family. Their soups are made daily and their fries are cut fresh from real potatoes. With award-winning food, a passion for community and fresh home-cooked meals, you’ll want to add Madelyn’s Diner to your list while in Stratford.
Madelyn’s Diner Information
Address: 377 Huron Street
Hours: Sunday & Monday Closed Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 7 pm
Take Out: Yes, call (519) 273-5296
Reservations: No
Average Price per Person: $15 – $20
The Planet Diner
Many restaurants in Stratford cater to a wide variety of diets but one of the best plant-based menus can be found at The Planet Diner. This fun, retro diner with classic red booths has a menu that is ninety percent plant-based and even a few meat options. It all goes towards, owner Dee Christensen’s mantra for The Planet Diner, “where herbivores can bring their carnivores.”
The Planet Diner is all about creating your comfort food favourites with plant-based ingredients. All sauces, from gravy to sour cream, are made in house. With their own herb garden and partnership with local farmers, you’re guaranteed to get the freshest of food here. If your go-to brunch option is eggs benedict then you’ll love their Vegan Benny. A popular lunch choice is their Chick’Un Buffalo Burger.
Be sure to save room for a sweet dessert! The Planet Diner has transformed some classic desserts that you’ll want to try! Baked fresh daily, the Diner’s treats, everything from vegan donuts to Eat Your Feelings Banana Split are worth the visit all on their own! If you’re looking for an affordable, quirky and tasty place to eat in Stratford then head to The Planet Diner.
The Planet Diner Information
Address: 118 Downie Street
Hours: Monday – Wednesday Closed Thursday – Sunday 11:30am to 8pm
Take Out: Yes, call (519) 305-5888 and check out their take out menu here
Reservations: No
Average Price per Person: $15 – $20
More Restaurants in Stratford
With over 40 restaurants in the city alone, there is no shortage of amazing Stratford restaurants. If you’re looking for more places to eat in Stratford, here are a few more recommendations!
INSIDER TIP:
For the summer of 2021, some public areas and green spaces in Stratford’s downtown core are licensed! This means you can dine al fresco and enjoy an adult beverage along the river or in the market square as long as you have purchased food as well. Click here for more information.
Hub Pub & Patio – Attached to the Heritage Hops Brew Co, this three-floor restaurant is a mix of sports bar and beer hall. While inside you’ll find some large screen TVs perfect for catching the game, they also have Stratford’s only rooftop patio! You’ll find a range of food offerings including burgers, poutine and fish and chips. Though we were big fans of “funking up our fries” with unique poutines and flavour combos.
El Cactus Taco Shop – One of the newest Stratford restaurants you should check out is El Cactus Taco Shop. This colourful and welcoming shop serves up traditional Mexican tacos made from local ingredients as well as some sweet desserts. Their tacos are all made with gluten-free corn tortillas and you can even substitute for a raw-keto friendly tortilla. Along with the range of tacos, burritos and light snacks, they also have a small drink menu that is great to enjoy at their Taco Bar or on their shared patio with The Relic Lobby Bar. Owner and chef, Alondra brings street food to Stratford that you’ve got to try!
Edison’s Café Bar – Whether you’re looking for something light, quick or just need your food to come with great coffee then you’re in luck! Stratford is home to a ton of great coffee shops that also serve delicious food. One of these great cafes in Stratford is Edison’s Café Bar. Located right below where the famous inventor lived while in Stratford, Edison’s Café Bar has an array of healthy food options. Many of their menu items are plant-based and their baked goods are dairy, grain and refined sugar-free. Pair one of their tasty sandwiches or other fare with their amazing coffee and you’re set for the day!
Stratford Thai Cuisine – Looking for authentic curry or Pad Thai in Stratford? You’ll find that and more at Stratford Thai Cuisine. What we absolutely loved about this restaurant is that they don’t skimp on the ingredients. The Pad Kee Mao or “drunken noodles” was bursting with vegetables, plenty of meat and had the perfect amount of heat! Don’t miss their midweek lunch specials for just $12 plus tax.
Features Restaurant – When it’s been voted the best breakfast spot in town for over a decade, you can bet your bottom dollar we’re intrigued. Features Restaurant is a no-frills diner with hearty eats like your typical breakfast combos, sandwiches and burgers. Though what blew us away was their eggs benedicts. These meals are MASSIVE, affordable and incredibly delicious – we’re looking at you, Swiss steak bruschetta benny.
Things to Do in Stratford Ontario
Unfortunately, we can only eat so much at one time – therefore, you’ll have some time to kill in between meals! Work up your appetite with some of these fantastic things to do in Stratford.
- As you can probably guess, the Stratford Festival is easily one of the best things to do in Stratford. For almost 70 years, people have flocked from all over to experience these incredible performances.
- If you have a sweet tooth, you do NOT want to miss out on Stratford’s Chocolate Trail! With over 20 businesses offering a variety of sweet treats, you won’t want to miss this ideal activity for chocolate lovers.
- Stratford is lucky in that the beautiful Avon River runs right through town. Enjoy one of the lovely walking trails along it or hop on a boat tour to see Stratford from the water!
- It’s no secret that Stratford is an artistic city so we certainly recommend visiting an art gallery as one of the top things to do in town! Gallery Stratford and Gallery Indigena are our favourites.
- Art isn’t only meant to be admired indoors! There is plenty of public art and murals to be found in Stratford so be sure to seek out some of these fine works as you explore.
- Learn about the history of Stratford and the surrounding Perth county at the Stratford Perth Museum. You’ll find a number of exhibits as well as trails behind the buildings that are accessible year-round.
- If you’re a fan of cooking, you may want to sign up for one of the classes at the Stratford Chefs School to take your culinary skills to the next level!
- Spend some time admiring the beautiful Shakespearean Gardens which have a heavy focus on plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays.
- The city of Stratford is adorably picturesque and their shops are just as cute! Treat yourself to some retail therapy at one of the local businesses such as Distill Gallery, Got it Made, Treasures and Bradshaws.
- If you don’t get to explore the Avon River during the day, take some time once the sun sets and enjoy the Lights ON Stratford displays along the water until the light festival is in full swing come December!
Where to Stay in Stratford
In a city so gorgeous, there are naturally a number of hotels that are just as stunning. If you’re looking to extend your stay so you can eat all of the yummy food in Stratford, here are some fantastic recommendations of where to rest your head!
Edison’s Inn & Perth County Inn – Six rooms spread across two buildings, these Stratford hotels are sure to make your stay unique. Each one is distinctly decorated with the cafe room along the shores of the Avon River (it connects directly to Edison’s Cafe – perfect for coffee lovers!), the music room where you can jam out on a guitar and lastly, there’s Edison’s Room where the inventor himself lived back in 1863! Click here to check availability and book your stay.
The Bruce Hotel – One of the best luxury Stratford hotels is The Bruce Hotel! Located close to the Festival Theatre, The Bruce has 25 beautiful rooms, a restaurant, indoor pool and plenty of fun experiences. If you’re looking for one of the best places to stay in Stratford that will make you feel like royalty, The Bruce Hotel is it! Click here to check availability and book your stay.
Best Western Plus The Arden Park Hotel – If you’re looking for a great hotel near the Festival Theatre another option is the Best Western Plus The Arden Park Hotel. Home to large, contemporary rooms, a range of amenities including a restaurant, this family-friendly hotel is a great fit. Click here to check availability and book your stay.
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