You may not think Northern Ontario would have a plethora of foodie destinations but “The Soo” is certainly one of them. While many visit Sault Ste Marie for the incredible natural wonders, iconic experiences like the Agawa Canyon Tour Train and its rich Indigenous culture, more and more are heading north to sink their teeth into the good food you’ll find here. Next time you find yourself trekking along the Trans Canada Highway, do yourself a favour and visit one of these best restaurants in Sault Ste Marie Ontario for a true taste of the city!
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The Breakfast Pig
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and if you want to start your day off right – go to The Breakfast Pig.
On the menu, you’ll find unique yet hearty eats that are bursting with flavour. While you can get your classic eggs and bacon, do yourself a favour and diversify. Their wide range of eggs benedicts are all incredible and offer a variety of spins from The Great Lakes which has fish cakes sourced from the Agawa Fishery to the Adonis with its Greek-style spin. Then there are pancakes, waffles, french toast, crepes and of course, those “Distinctively Piggy” dishes like The Angela or the Benny Poutine… let’s just say there is a wide range of flavours to satisfy any appetite.
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If you find yourself visiting around Thanksgiving or Christmas, keep an eye out for their seasonal specials that include their stuffing waffles like the Thanksgiving Eggs Benny. It’ll blow your mind.
Owner Angela Caputo is the embodiment of Northern Ontario hospitality. Her strong sense of community is one of the things that makes The Breakfast Pig so special. She and her team are committed to bringing you the best food and experience possible, and it shows. The Pig is FeastON Certified as they source as many of their ingredients from local farmers and businesses as much as possible. This combined with the incredible foodie flavours you’ll find on the menu make The Breakfast Pig the place to go for the best breakfast in Sault Ste Marie.
The Breakfast Pig Information
Address: 265 Bruce St, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 1P5
Hours of Operation: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Daily
Take Out: Yes, take out is available
Reservations: No, reservations are not available
Average Price per Person: $20 – $30
Ernie’s Coffee Shop
While its iconic neon sign and diner decor have been a Sault staple since 1971, Ernie’s Coffee Shop is much more than what the name suggests. Owned and operated by its namesake Ernie Febbraro, it was sold in January of 2020 to current owner John Armstrong. This Sault native has come back to his hometown, bringing with him some of the big city flair he’s learned from being chef of establishments like Union Restaurant in Toronto.
Those who have frequented Ernie’s Coffee Shop in the early days will still see the iconic staples like the Ernie burger and the classic chicken sandwich. However, John now has a heavy focus on keeping the menu as local as possible and caters to what’s in season. If he can’t source ingredients from the Algoma Region, he looks to Ontario and then finally Canada. Though if items aren’t in season, you won’t see them on the menu. This way, you’ll always get the freshest quality food and therefore the best experience possible. Plus they make everything in-house as much as they can including bread, pickles, sauces and more!
Settle into one of their diner booths or pull up a stool at the bar and get ready to dig in. It’s best to go with a partner in crime who loves to share so that you can indulge in as many of their menu items as possible. A fan favourite is Ernie’s rib and chicken combo and their Caesar salad is one of the best you’ll ever sink your teeth into. Whatever you choose to eat… make sure you bring stretchy pants.
Ernie’s Coffee Shop Information
Address: 13 Queen St E, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1Y4
Hours of Operation: Wednesdays & Thursdays from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, Fridays & Saturdays from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, Sundays from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Take Out: Yes, take out is available
Reservations: Yes, reservations are available
Average Price per Person: $15 – $35
Ember’s on the Ridge
For some classy eats without the pretentiousness, Ember’s on the Ridge is the perfect spot to go for fine dining in Sault Ste Marie. Located on the Crimson Ridge Golf Course, this stunning restaurant is elegant yet still has that cozy Northern vibe that draws so many people to the city. In the summer months, you can enjoy the brilliant views from their seasonal patio as you overlook the lush greens surrounding the restaurant.
The folks at Ember’s pride themselves on their Farm to Table concept as they source their meat and ingredients as locally as possible. You’ll see local names like Penokean Farms, the Plant Farm Co, Salamander Ridge and more proudly displayed right on their menu! Plus everything is made to order to ensure your food is as fresh and delicious as possible.
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If you’d like to eat at Ember’s but are on a budget, their lunch menu is very reasonably priced!
You’ll find a wide variety of steakhouse classics on the menu along with fantastic pasta dishes, salads, pizzas and more. Reviewers rave about their bacon-wrapped smoked meatloaf as well as their steaks and seafood. Though what’s really unique about Ember’s is that they often feature wild game when it’s available. You’ll need a bit of luck with this one but if you go and they have kangaroo on the menu, order it!
Whether you’re looking for a wonderful date night spot in Sault Ste Marie or are stopping in as you pass through on a road trip, Ember’s will happily welcome you. While it is more a fine dining spot, they will certainly make you feel welcome if you’re dressed down!
Embers on the Ridge Information
Address: 418 Fourth Line W, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5K8
Hours of Operation: Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Closed Mondays
Take Out: Yes, take out is available
Reservations: Yes, reservations are available
Average Price per Person: $25 – $60
Georgie’s Shawarma
You probably wouldn’t expect to find authentic Syrian cuisine in Sault Ste Marie, but the incredible flavours you’ll enjoy at Georgie’s Shawarma just add to the foodie fabric of the city.
Owner George Al Khoury’s passion for food and people shows with every interaction. Born in Syria, he returned to not only take care of his ailing father but also work in Lebanon with the United Nations in food security. Here, he helped fellow Syrians fleeing the war as he spent weeks sharing his cooking and upbeat spirit with those in the camps. Later, he realized he needed to find a place to put down roots and thanks to the kindness of a close friend, he was able to immigrate to Sault Ste Marie!
Georgie’s easily has the best hummus in the city along with plenty more scrumptious eats. Pop in for a warm welcome and to indulge in some of the fine flavours of the Middle East. As it’s their namesake, the chicken shawarma is a must and has become a huge hit with the folks in Sault Ste Marie. Though their menu offers appetizers like baba ghanoush, tasty salads and more. I personally loved their yellow rice which you can also get as an option with the chicken shawarma. Trust me, this dish is bursting with flavour and it will have you hooked on Georgie’s!
Georgie’s Shawarma Information
Address: 75 Elgin St, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2Y4
Hours of Operation: Wednesdays & Thursdays from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, Fridays & Saturdays from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, Sundays from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Take Out: Yes, take out is available
Reservations: Yes, reservations are available
Average Price per Person: $15 – $35
Lychee Thai Restaurant
Next, enjoy a taste of the tropics with some delicious Thai cuisine. Owned and operated by Tan and Carmine, they love sharing a taste of Thailand with Northern Ontario. Tan owned and operated a number of Thai restaurants in Toronto and a restaurant in Belize before that, but wanted to bring these delicious flavours to Sault Ste Marie after first visiting the city over a decade ago.
On the menu, you’ll find a variety of eats from appetizers like Thai spring rolls to curries, rice and noodle dishes. Many rave about their Bangkok Street Style Pad Thai as it’s bursting with flavour. Some even say it alone is worth making a stop at Lychee Thai! Whether you opt for some Pad Thai, curry or one of their other meals, you can ensure your food will be fresh. While many of the ingredients they use are specialized so they need to be sourced from Toronto, Tan gets his fresh produce locally to ensure he only uses the best around.
Lychee Thai Restaurant Information
Address: 280 Queen St E, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1Y7
Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, Closed Sundays
Take Out: Yes, take out is available
Reservations: No, in-person dining is not available right now
Average Price per Person: $20 – $30
Whiskey Barrel
Continue to travel around the world with another fantastic restaurant in Sault Ste Marie. At the Whiskey Barrel, you’ll enjoy a taste of Scotland as owner Melissa Thompson and her husband Dunbar were enamoured with the country and needed to bring it back with them. Much to the city’s enjoyment, they’re sharing this fervour with locals and visitors alike!
On the menu, you’ll find iconic dishes like shepherd’s pie, leek and tattie soup and bangers and mash… yes, they even have haggis! I’m personally not a fan but I know it’s a hard dish to come by and will certainly tickle some of your fancies. Though I have to say I loved their beer battered fish wrap – it’s light, flakey and full of flavour. Whether you pop in for lunch or dinner, you’ll enjoy a taste of Scotland without having to leave Canada.
INSIDER TIP:
If you wear a tartan on Tuesdays, you’ll enjoy half-price Scotch Eggs, Scotch Canadians or Scotch Pies!
Scottish eats aren’t the only focus as you can probably guess by the name. At the Whiskey Barrel, you’ll find over 20 whiskey varieties to indulge in. Snag a flight and taste a few on the rocks, neat or give a whiskey cocktail a go! They also have 12 beers on tap with a mix of local craft brews and Scottish imports making it the perfect spot to grab a pint in town.
Whiskey Barrel Information
Address: 113 Gore St, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1L9
Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 am to Midnight, Fridays from 11:00 am to 2:00pm, Saturdays from 4:00 pm to 2:00 am, Closed Sundays & Mondays
Take Out: Yes, take out is available
Reservations: Yes, reservations are available
Average Price per Person: $15 – $35
Big Lake Cabin
While Big Lake Cabin doesn’t look like much of a cabin inside, their bright and welcoming interior paired with their tasty eats embodies the cozy vibe of cabin life.
That vibe doesn’t end at their decor though as they utilize local ingredients that are grown and cultivated in the region. Maple syrup from Hogan’s Homestead, mushrooms from Findlay’s Fungus, sausages from City Meat Market… and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! You’ll also be thrilled to find Big Lake Cabin has something for every dietary restriction. Whether you yourself are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, etc or you’re with someone who is, you can enjoy a great taste of the Soo.
As for recommendations of what to eat, their Cubano sandwich has been a hit since they opened – and for good reason. This sandwich is next level as roasted pork shoulder is piled high on top of a Home Bakery bun along with prosciutto, cilantro aioli, melted cheddar, grainy mustard and pickles. Best enjoyed with one of their specialty coffees, it’s the perfect lunch spot in downtown Sault Ste Marie. They also have some fantastic sweet treats like their cream puffs which are a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations!
Big Lake Cabin Information
Address: 765 Queen St E, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2A8
Hours of Operation: Monday to Wednesday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Thursdays & Fridays from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturdays from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Closed Sundays
Take Out: Yes, take out is available
Reservations: Unsure, please contact the restaurant to confirm
Average Price per Person: $20 – $40
Arturo Ristorante
If you’re looking for fine dining in downtown Sault Ste Marie, Arturo Ristorante will be your top contender. Here you’ll find authentic Italian cuisine that is the embodiment of owners Chris and Tom Comegna’s passion for food. They had big shoes to fill after purchasing the restaurant from their father, Arturo, a decade ago but they have continued to impress patrons over and over again.
The menu at Arturo Ristorante is on the smaller side, however that’s to ensure everything is the best quality. They only use real ingredients and will take the extra steps to ensure everything is flavourful. You won’t find commercial tomato paste in their sauce! Ingredients are sourced as locally as possible from the fine folks at Jardin Farm, Agawa Fishery, various vendors from the Mill Market and more.
While it is one of the most expensive restaurants in Sault Ste Marie, you 100% get what you pay for. Whether you indulge in one of their freshly made pasta dishes or iconic Italian house specialties, you will be blown away by your meal. This is the place to go to treat yourself or celebrate a special occasion!
Arturo Ristorante Information
Address: 515 Queen St E, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2A2
Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Closed Sundays & Mondays
Take Out: Yes, take out is available
Reservations: Yes, reservations are available
Average Price per Person: $40 – $80
The Boiler Room at The Machine Shop
Step inside a big piece of Sault Ste Marie’s history with a visit to The Machine Shop. Dating back to 1899, this complex was once home to Francis H. Clergue’s paper mill. It now has been revitalized to become a collection of fantastic restaurants, an event venue and most recently, the station for the iconic Agawa Canyon Tour Train.
The Boiler Room is one of the few places in Sault Ste Marie for some top-notch wood-fired pizza. Each one is made fresh to order with delicious combinations like their charcuterie pizza with prosciutto, salami, mozzarella, shaved parmesan, olives, artichokes and arugula on top of their San Marzano tomato sauce, drizzled with balsamic glaze. They also have weekly specials that feature unique flavour profiles you won’t see elsewhere. If you’re not feeling pizza – not to worry as The Boiler Room has a number of other delectable options including a variety of burgers, poutines, wings and even deep-fried cheese curds.
This is a great spot for a low-key night with some buds to catch the game or a bite to eat after a show. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, you can always check out the Mill Steakhouse + Wine Bar just next door.
The Boiler Room Information
Address: x
Hours of Operation: Monday to Thursday from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm, Fridays & Saturdays from 11:30am to Midnight, Sundays from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm
Take Out: Yes, take out is available
Reservations: Unsure, please contact the restaurant to confirm
Average Price per Person: $20 – $35
Chummy’s Grill
If you’re a fan of big portions and wholesome eats that will fill your belly and your soul, head to Batchewana First Nation for a meal at Chummy’s Grill.
You’ll find a wide variety of options on their menu including all-day breakfast, sandwiches, salads, poutine and more. What I love about Chummy’s Grill is that you can enjoy some traditional Indigenous delicacies. Try some fried klik on bannock (aka a scone) or indulge in an Indian Taco. If you’ve ever been to a Pow Wow and had one, you’ll know how good they are. Though my favourite item on the menu has to be their growling grizzly burger. Their patties are made in-house and this one has mozzarella, caramelized bacon and onions woven in, along with a deliciously sweet maple sauce. Order it on a scone and you’ll see why it’s one of the best burgers around!
Not only is the food fantastic and reasonably priced, but the decor is gorgeous. You’ll be blown away by the intricate wood carvings throughout the restaurant. Plus the homey vibe will make you feel right at home when dining in!
Chummy’s Grill Information
Address: 262 Frontenac St, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5K9
Hours of Operation: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm daily
Take Out: Yes, take out is available
Reservations: Unsure, please call the restaurant to confirm
Average Price per Person: $15 – $20
More Top Restaurants in Sault Ste Marie Ontario
Still unsure of where to eat in the city? No worries, there are plenty of other great Sault Ste Marie restaurants to sink your teeth into. Check out these options to see if they tickle your fancy!
Sunset Noodle House – If you’re looking for fantastic Vietnamese cuisine in Sault Ste Marie, there’s no better spot than Sunset! They pride themselves on sharing authentic flavours and dishes including pho, bahn mi and more. I highly recommend their vermicelli bowl with chicken (pictured above). I couldn’t get enough of their delicious sunset sauce!
Broers Jansen – This is a great spot for a romantic date or girls’ night out. While their focus is on adult beverages with housemade wines, Scotch, Whiskey and more, their forever changing ‘Bro’cuterie’ Boards will open you up to new eats locally and around the world. Though if you visit and their mulled wine is available, be sure to grab a glass!
Fratelli’s – With a large Italian population thanks to an immigration boom in the post-war years, Sault Ste Marie is no stranger to Italian cuisine. Fratelli’s has been a top destination for Italian food in Sault Ste Marie for almost two decades now with family recipes for pizza, pasta and more that have been passed down by the Cavaliere family.
Home Bakehouse Cafe & Outspoken Brewery – Home is one cool spot as craft store meets yarn shop meets cafe but above all, it’s a space for any and all are welcome. Bring your knitting or learn at one of their events, sink into one of their comfy seats and unleash your inner crafter as you indulge in some tasty lattes and home-cooked eats. You can also enjoy some of their menu items at Outspoken next door and let me tell you, their nachos and pretzel bites definitely pair well with Outspoken’s craft brews!
Soup Witch – One of the newer faces in Sault Ste Marie’s restaurant scene, the Soup Witch plays on your typical soup and sandwich combo. However, they put a fantastic feminine spin on it like their Lady Reuben or BLTease! They have a variety of options (yes, that includes vegan/vegetarian and gluten-free items) on their rotating menu as they pride themselves on having something for everyone. It’s a popular spot for those looking to grab n’ go!
Quattro Vinotecca – While it’s located inside the Quattro Hotel and Conference Centre, this is not your ordinary hotel restaurant. Quattro Vinotecca offers top-notch eats and a chic vibe. Whether you’re in town for a business meeting or looking for a great dinner date spot, you can’t go wrong here. Make sure you save room for their deep-fried butter tart for dessert!
The Taj Indian Cuisine – Biriyani, Tandoori, Dosa – you name it, Taj Indian Cuisine has got it! This is the top Indian restaurant in Sault Ste Marie. If you want a true taste of their quality eats, reserve the Chef’s Table experience and enjoy a seven-course meal that’s inspired by the season.
Aurora’s – Aurora’s has been a Sault Ste Marie staple for 70 years and counting. Whether you visit their take-out only Hillside location or enjoy a sit-down meal at their Westside location, you’ll be treated to tasty Italian eats made from scratch. If you’re looking for a home-cooked meal, they’re the real deal!
Low & Slow Fusion Barbeque – Are you a carnivore? Love some good southern cooking? Head to Low & Slow Fusion Barbeque for pulled pork, brisket, shrimp and grits, Jambalaya and more great eats. You’ll definitely get your daily (or possibly weekly) dose of protein with these meaty eats.
Tempo Modern Mediterranean – Head to the Marconi Cultural Centre where you’ll find a taste of the Mediterranean. This newest Sault Ste Marie restaurant offers elegant ‘pod’ dining to create an intimate experience as you indulge in their delicious eats and treats.
Voyageur’s Lodge & Cookhouse – This one’s a little outside Sault Ste Marie along the Trans Canada Highway but well worth the 45 minute trek to get there! Step inside this cozy lodge cabin for eats that’ll fuel your soul like their bannock and beans, three sisters soup or their delectable whitefish dinners. Be warned though, they often sell out of the whitefish so keep your fingers crossed that you can snag a bite!
Things to Do in Sault Ste Marie Ontario
A nature lover’s paradise, Sault Ste Marie is a great spot to get out and enjoy the natural wonders of Algoma Country. However, that’s not all it has to offer! Check out some of these top things to do in Sault Ste Marie to help you make room for more of the great eats in this post.
- Go for a meander downtown as you’ll find a number of beautiful murals that add an extra splash of colour to the core of the city
- The shipping industry has a heavy presence in the city to this day so learn about the importance of the waterways with a visit to the Sault Ste Marie Canal National Historic Site
- While you’re there, head across the locks and enjoy a walk on Whitefish Island where you’ll find interpretive signs about some of the Indigenous history of this area and great views of the St Mary’s River
- Learn about the evolution of the bushplane, its importance to Northern Ontario and stare in awe at the restored aircrafts with a visit to the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
- Admire the works of Northern Ontario artists and explore the outdoor sculpture gallery at the Algoma Art Gallery
- In the warmer months, don’t miss grabbing your tickets for the Agawa Canyon Tour Train, one of Canada’s signature attractions
- Jump in your car and take off north along the Trans Canada Highway to experience the beauty of the Lake Superior coastal drive from Sault Ste Marie to Wawa
- Stretch your legs and admire the beauty of Crystal Falls with a hike in the Hiawatha Highlands
- Learn about a dark part of what is now Canada on a tour of Shingwauk Hall, a former residential school that has been transformed into a place of education
Where to Stay in Sault Ste Marie
There are a number of great options for hotels in Sault Ste Marie, many of which are in the heart of downtown. This is always a perk as it means you’ll be walking distance to a number of the restaurants in Sault Ste Marie on this list! Here are some recommendations on where to stay when in the city.
Delta Sault Ste Marie – Enjoy the incredible views of the St Mary’s River from Sault Ste Marie’s only waterfront hotel. Located along The Hub Trail, it’s a great spot for a walk or run off all the food you’ll eat as you follow the river to and from the heart of downtown. The hotel itself also features a pool, fitness centre and on-site restaurant. Click here to book your stay!
Days Inn & Suites Sault Ste Marie – While the hotel itself is pretty much your run of the mill hotel, the Days In & Suites have a handful of amazing two-floor suites that feel like a small home! You’ll have a full kitchen, two bathrooms and plenty of room, making it a great spot to call home if you’ll be in Sault Ste Marie for an extended period of time. The icing on the cake? Breakfast is included as well! Click here to book your room.
Holiday Inn Express Sault Ste Marie – The Holiday Inn Express is one of the nicest hotels in the heart of downtown Sault Ste Marie. They’ve recently been renovated and the hotel itself is clean, bright and inviting. You’ll feel right at home as soon as you step in the front doors! Like the Days Inn & Suites, breakfast is also included but it has the additional perk of fresh cinnamon buns each morning… you’re welcome. Click to book your room now!
If the above accommodation options aren’t available, take a look at the map of Sault Ste Marie Ontario below for some more great places to stay in the city.
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