21 Dining Gems for Festive Celebrations
The holidays are special – and your dining should be too! If you’re looking to add some sparkle to your holiday dining this season, maybe to impress your guests, get on the good side of your mother-in-law or just treat your loved ones, we’ve rounded up 21 high-end places to nosh across South Eastern Ontario over the holidays. Bon appetit!
Celebrate the season in the Bay of Quinte
1. Tomasso’s Italian Grille
Known for delicious food, excellent service, stunning river views, fresh greens, local ingredients and all around great experiences, Tomasso’s is a favourite place to celebrate in Trenton.
2. The Lark
Timeless dishes with unique spirits – literally. This gem has a fabulous wine and cocktail bar. The Lark is a family-owned restaurant that offers an elevated dining experience, which includes delicious food and beverages.
3. The Local Social House
The Local Social House, everything served is made from scratch, right in the kitchen! From sauces and dressings to every side and dessert, each dish is crafted with care – all looking out over the water.
4. Capers
Seasonally-minded meat and fish entrees, craft beers, a fixed-price menu option and loads of ambiance. Need we say more?
Elegant holiday dining spots in Prince Edward County
5. Bocado Restaurant
Lively restaurant for good reason: exceptional Spanish-inspired food, top notch service and wonderfully warm atmosphere. Think croquetas de jambon, paella pollo, pan con, Galician-style octopus and all around amazing tapas. Incredible flavour combinations are cultivated here.
6. Fire + Smith
This exciting restaurant in Bloomfield celebrates the allure of wood fire cooking – and wow, do they do it well. It’s a local favourite in The County, it’s inviting, and it’s oh-so-good.
7. Gather at Wander the Resort
Wander in, wander out to Gather. This restaurant fosters shared experiences, connecting people over good food alongside Lake Ontario. Seasonal menus tie together international inspirations with the local flare that The County is known for.
Indulge in seasonal flavours in L&A County
8. Waterfront River Pub and Terrace
A limestone pub on the river with a cutting edge culinary team and lots of great bevvies. Beautiful atmosphere, great water views and friendly service. Look here for outdoor domes in the cooler months as well – to add some private wintry sparkle to your meal!
Enjoy a festive feast in 1000 Islands Gananoque
9. Riva
This is the meeting point of historic charm and exceptional cuisine – enjoy dinner by the grand fireplace in this fine dining room and cozy bar area nestled in Gananoque. Want to try something new? Look here for cooking classes on Monday evenings and weekly date nights that will make you drool.
10. Graydon’s Restaurant
Featuring restaurant everything from mouth-watering steaks to braised lamb to pan-seared pickerel, Graydon’s is tucked inside the Woodview Inn in Gananoque but big on flavour. Their Sunday brunches are back again, too, and we hear they are the best way to start a memorable Sunday in the 1000 Islands.
A taste of the holidays in Kingston
11. Bar Mayla
Want to impress? Bar Mayla on King Street in Kingston is where it’s at. Fabulous small plates big on flavour, signature cocktails and a curated wine list, making eating an experience. This casual bar lounge offers gourmet tapas that will make you fall in love with fine dining. Bar Mayla is a sunshine-on-the-soul kind of place!
12. The Bank at Frontenac Club
Upscale lounge – we hear the charcuteries are a hot commodity! Look also for Bison sirloin, roasted squash gnocchi and unique dishes that are as authentic as the heritage building. You can even request a personalized tour of the beautifully-designed Frontenac Club! Perfect for entertaining your visitors.
13. HEIST Restaurant
Steal moments here! From crispy pork belly to wild pizzas HEIST is ready to enjoy high-end food with friends or family over the holidays.
Dine in style in Brockville
14. The Mill Restaurant
Old world charm meets delicious foodie flare at this 1850s grist mill turned restaurant. We hear the Red Snapper is top notch and the service is attentive and knowledgeable. Don’t skimp out on dessert here – savour or share!
Unwrap culinary delights in Rideau Canal 1000 Islands Waterways
15. Z’Amoré in Kemptville
A modern vibe in Old Downtown Kemptville, accented by chic industrial décor, the menu mixes classic Italian dishes with comfort food. Perfect for intimate special dinners out! Watch for wine and dine events here, too – a tasting of four Italian wines paired expertly with trad Italian fare.
17. The Ivy
This is a food destination on the banks of the St. Lawrence River near Lansdowne. The beautiful main dining room and spacious veranda offer a fine dining menu with bold flavours focused on steak, seafood and local produce. Intimate yet elevated aesthetic, bringing a whole new family vibe to a brilliant evening around the table.
Your festive table awaits in SDG counties
18. Nautica Grill & Wine
Offering a modern approach to comfort food with Mediterranean inspiration, Nautica plates more than just a wholesome meal. Located at the Long Sault Marina, the captivating scenery combined with a rustic, laid back atmosphere and friendly staff will have you stopping by every time you’re in town. We hear the breakfast here is next level, too!
Savour the season in Cornwall
19. Tauro
Prime steaks, savoury seafood and fusion flavours all cooked to perfection. Do we have your attention? Tauro is known for its culinary artistry and high-quality menu items crafted by Chef Ahmad. The restaurant takes it a step further with sophisticated atmosphere. The staff is also ready to serve you top-shelf spirits, vintage wines, and cold martinis all in the heart of Cornwall.
20. Birchwood Restaurant and Bar
Beautifully prepared, delicious dishes. We hear this is truly fine dining in Cornwall – a warm welcome leads into memorable meals with professional service. Look for wine nights and scotch tastings here, too!
21. Casa Paolo
Classy, warm ambiance paired with homemade Italian cuisine, succulent steaks, milk-fed veal, chicken and seafood. It’s more than a restaurant, it’s steeped in tradition.
What’s your favourite fine dining gem in South Eastern Ontario to impress guests?