While the fad may have started pre-‘rona, one of the silver linings of these past few turbulent years is that dining in a dome or igloo has become a fad! How can it not – an adorable set up for a romantic dinner or a snazzy girls’ date? Count us in! Luckily there are a number of places for dome dining in Ontario. If you’re looking for a special spot for your next dinner out, here are some fantastic suggestions across the province.
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Top Spots for Dome Dining in Ontario
Whether you call it a dome, igloo or snow globe, there’s no denying these spots are incredibly charming. Be sure to take note of these top spots for dome dining in Ontario!
The Daventry Kitchen & Bar in Sudbury
Not only is The Daventry one of the best restaurants in Sudbury but it’s the only place in town where you can dine in a snow globe come winter!
You’ll be nice and cozy as each globe has a portable heater as well as blankets to keep you nice and cozy throughout your meal. However, you’ll still want to dress warmly as the temperatures can drop in Northern Ontario, especially once the sun sets. Twinkling lights add to the ambiance to make this the perfect spot for a night out with the girls or a date night adventure!
Sink your teeth into a variety of eats from the numerous dishes you’ll find on The Daventry’s menu. From pub grub like fish and chips to healthier options such as their Tuna Nicoise salad, there’s something for everyone. Though we have to mention that their tater tots and yam fries are out of this world!
The Daventry Kitchen & Bar Information
Address: 1500 Regent St, Greater Sudbury, ON P3E 3Z6
Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Fridays & Saturdays from 11:30 am to midnight, Sundays from 11:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Reservations: Recommended and $20 fee applies
Friday Harbour Resort in Innisfil
With the slogan “Live every day like it’s Friday”, Friday Harbour Resort is looking to bring upscale resort vibes to Ontario. Located along the shores of Lake Simcoe, it’s a destination for all seasons with plenty of activities, beautiful scenery and wonderful amenities.
Head to the Promenade where you’ll find Friday Harbour’s collection of igloos. They’re available on a first-come, first-served basis and are self-serve. Close by you’ll find restaurants and coffee shops where you can grab some take-out to enjoy inside your igloo. Enjoying a full meal might be tricky but it’s a great spot to enjoy a hot beverage and a treat!
While you’re there, stop by and enjoy a cozy campfire at the beach on Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm (s’mores kits are available for purchase!) or explore the nature reserve and outdoor adventure centre.
Friday Harbour Resort Information
Address: 3999 Friday Dr, Innisfil, ON L9S 0J7
Hours of Operation: Varies
Reservations: No, reservations are not available
The Sunken Ship in Orillia
Recognizing that connecting with customers is as important as serving up great eats, The Sunken Ship aims to make you feel like family. They bring a unique vibe to this Simcoe County city and it’s quickly becoming one of the top restaurants in Orillia. It may be a tropical oasis inside all year round but come winter the place transforms into nothing short of a winter wonderland.
Guests will be treated to a set snow globe dining menu for both lunch and dinner. Their lunch deal is $20 and you’ll enjoy an appetizer as well as a main course. Dinner is a three course meal (appetizer, main and dessert) and is priced at $45. Take a look at their menu options here and be prepared to pay in advance for your meal when you make your reservation. Oh, make sure your phone is fully charged – not just for photos but so you can be your own DJ as each snow globe comes with a personal speaker!
The Sunken Ship Information
Address: 83 Mississaga St W, Orillia, ON L3V 3A9
Hours of Operation: Wednesday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Reservations: Reservations are required, please call 705.325.8612 to reserve
Trestle Brewing Company in Parry Sound
Head to where the Seguin River meets Georgian Bay in Parry Sound for a legendary brewery experience! What was once one of the largest train stations in Northern Ontario, Trestle Brewing Company has transformed it into a beer lover’s dream as well as a culinary destination. Their food menu may be small but they focus on delivering quality eats with their seasonal menus. Trestle is proudly FeastON certified and everything is made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. It’s also quite common to see their beer infused in these culinary delights to ensure visitors enjoy a taste you won’t find elsewhere!
Surrounded by gorgeous views and historic sites like the iconic CPR Trestle bridge, settle into one of their adorable bubbles as you enjoy their great eats and fantastic beer. Whether you’re looking for a cozy date night dinner or to grab a few pints with some buddies, you can’t go wrong with one of the bubbles at Trestle Brewing Company!
Trestle Brewing Company Information
Address: 9 Great North Rd, Parry Sound, ON P2A 2X8
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm, Friday & Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Sundays from 10:00 am to 3:00pm, Closed Mondays
Reservations: Reservations are required and can be booked here
The Village Biergarten in St Jacob’s
Enjoy a taste of a German beer garden in the heart of St Jacob’s! Since 2019, the Village Biergarten has offered locals and visitors to Waterloo Region a beautiful spot to enjoy a meal and a brew inside their adorable restaurant or on one of the region’s largest patios. While the Village Biergarten embraces the German beer garden vibe, their menu offerings aren’t limited to that with a variety of items that dabble in a number of cuisines.
While most of the dome dining options on this list seat six, these domes in St Jacob’s can accommodate up to eight people making it great for folks with larger families or a bigger group of friends. The Village Biergarten is a popular spot in town already (especially on weekends) so if you’re dead set on enjoying one of their domes, reservations are encouraged.
As of right now, The Village Biergarten’s domes aren’t open but we’re hoping this will change soon. They still have an outdoor patio with fires to keep you cozy and a limited menu to enjoy with your beer!
The Village Biergarten Information
Address: 1381 King St N, St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0
Hours of Operation: Fridays from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Saturdays from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sundays from 12:00pm – 6:00 pm, Closed Monday to Thursday
Reservations: Reservations are recommended and can be booked via their website
Hockley Valley Resort in Mono
If you’re looking for the premiere dome dining experience in Ontario, Hockley Valley is the place to go. Hockley Valley Resort is already known for its slick slopes in the winter, outstanding golf course in the summer months and remarkable spa services. It’s not surprising that they’ve added such an iconic winter experience to their line-up!
Each of their snow globes seats up to six people and patrons will enjoy a five course meal complete with wine pairings from the neighbouring Adamo Estate Winery. The menu changes weekly but you’ll always enjoy an incredible farm-to-table dining experience! With charming twinkling lights to set the mood, warm faux fur throws to snuggle up in and the ability to be your own DJ, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or a wonderful date night out.
Hockley Valley Resort Information
Address: 793522 Mono 3rd Line, Mono, ON L9W 5X7
Hours of Operation: Times Vary from Thursday through Sunday
Reservations: Reservations are required, book online here
Adamo Estate Winery in Mono
If you can’t get a snow globe reservation at Hockley Valley, never fear because there are some right next door at Adamo Estate Winery! And
For 2024, Admo Estate Winery presents Uncorked, an upscale winter dining experience that you’ll never forget. Guests will enjoy a delicious journey as you indulge in a cicchetti-style dinner. Savour classic Italian flavours including focaccia, bruschetta, lasagna and more before indulging in the Chef’s mains for the night based on what’s available locally and seasonally. Not to mention it includes a flight of three wines!
Be sure to dress warmly though each snow globe has faux fur throws to keep guests nice and cozy as well as a personal heater to cut the chill. With incredible views overlooking the vineyards from your private dome, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic date night. Visit their website for full details.
Hockley Valley Resort Information
Address: 793366 3rd Line EHS, Mono, ON L9W 5X7
Hours of Operation: Times Vary from Thursday through Saturday
Reservations: Reservations are required, book online here
Fielding Estate Winery in Beamsville
Situated in the largest wine-producing region in Ontario, Fielding Estate Winery is a must-stop spot for wine touring in the Niagara Region. They’ve been a top wine producer in the Beamsville Bench for over 15 years, taking home 20 medals in the 2021 National Wine Awards alone! Their gorgeous building offers wine drinkers brilliant views across Lake Ontario. You can even see as far as Toronto on a clear day!
Fielding Estate Winery is the only winery in Niagara offering the opportunity to wine and dine in their adorable domes. Seating up to six people, folks can enjoy Fielding’s stellar selection of wines with flights or by the glass as well as their delicious craft ciders. You won’t find a full menu here so it may not be the best place to go if you’re looking for a solid dinner, but they do have cheese and charcuterie plates perfect for grazing as you indulge. There is a $20 reservation fee for the wine dome experience. For more details, check out this great article summarizing the experience!
Fielding Estate Winery Information
Address: 4020 Locust Ln, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B2
Hours of Operation: Thursday through Sunday from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Reservations: Reservations are required, book online here
Old Stone Inn in Niagara Falls
The Flour Mill Scratch Kitchen, located inside the Old Stone Inn, is a lesser-known gem in Niagara Falls. As the only historic restaurant in the city at over 100 years old, you’ll love the contrast of rustic stone and earthy wood elements with the modern decor. Feast ON certified, quality is not compromised as the menu utilizes locally sourced ingredients to bring you the best flavours in the area.
As one of the top restaurants in Niagara Falls, your dining experience will be taken to the next level inside of their domes. Settle in for your private dining experience with impeccable service and scrumptious eats. The enchanting lights and faux fur throws complete the experience! Reservations are encouraged (though walk-ins may be available) and you’ll be required to pay a $50 deposit to reserve your dome – but this fee will be applied to your bill.
INSIDER TIP:
If you’re looking for a less expensive way to enjoy this Ontario restaurant, plan a midday visit for their afternoon tea experience!
Flour Mill Scratch Kitchen Information
Address: 6080 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V5
Hours of Operation: Thursday through Sunday from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Reservations: Reservations are required, book online here
More Spots For Unique Outdoor Dining in Ontario
Dining in a dome is fun and all but some folks across the province are getting even more creative! For more fun ways to enjoy winter outdoor dining in Ontario, check out these restaurants.
The Greenhouses at Casa Toscana in Niagara
Looking for a little taste of Tuscany in Ontario? You’ll find exactly that at Casa Toscana in Beamsville! With direct connections to Italy, it’s the best spot in the region for gourmet products from the country. Casa Toscana brings a taste of Europe without boarding a flight!
Located in an elegant heritage home, Casa Toscana is a fantastic spot for a bite to eat in Niagara. However, they’ve recently added adorable greenhouses that customers can wine and dine in on their patio! There is a $25 booking fee to reserve a greenhouse but 50% of that fee is donated to a local charity.
Casa Toscana Information
Address: 22 Main St W, Grimsby, ON L3M 1R4
Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, Sundays from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Closed Mondays
Reservations: Reservations are required, please call and 289.235.8888
The Yurt at Trestle Brewing Company in Parry Sound
Camping, or rather glamping in a yurt has become a top activity for many over the past few years. However, have you ever heard of dining in a yurt? How about an authentic Mongolian yurt? You can enjoy this unique experience only at Trestle Brewing Company! Produced by Groovy Yurts, the company works alongside rural Mongolian families to support their communities as a source of income. The story is quite remarkable and will warm your heart. Seating up to ten people, it’s a fantastic way to get out for some beers with your buds.
Trestle Brewing Company Information
Address: 9 Great North Rd, Parry Sound, ON P2A 2X8
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm, Friday & Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Sundays from 10:00 am to 3:00pm, Closed Mondays
Reservations: Reservations are required and can be booked here
The Cabins at the Old Stone Inn in Niagara Falls
Looking for some northern vibes but don’t want to make the drive? Enjoy dinner in a cabin at the Flour Mill Scratch Kitchen! Similar to their domes, each cabin is complete with a heater to help patrons stay warm as well as a private speaker so you can be your own DJ. You can expect the same level of service as you would inside the restaurant or with the globes, just with a little dose of country charm!
Flour Mill Scratch Kitchen Information
Address: 6080 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V5
Hours of Operation: Thursday through Sunday from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Reservations: Reservations are required, book online here
Things to Know For Your Ontario Dome Dining Experience
Dome dining may be one of the newer dining trends out there, but I think it’s safe to say that it’s something you need to do a little bit of prep work for. For one, it’s winter out there so temperatures can fluctuate with the possibility of it getting quite cold – especially at night. Be prepared with lots of layers including some thermal base layers to keep yourself warm. Bringing a blanket along isn’t a bad idea either to ensure you stay cozy!
Also, dates, times and requirements fluctuate based on the location. Restaurants may close due to inclement weather. Some are requiring you have an up-to-date vaccine passport as well in order to enjoy the experience so please do your research before making a reservation if this applies to you.
So, who’s ready for a dome dining experience in Ontario? If you know of another spot offering winter dome dining, let us know in a comment below and we’ll update the article!
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!
