Today, VineRoutes.com proudly announces its list of 25 Top Restaurants in Ontario, just in time to kick off the holiday season. Curated exclusively by the VineRoutes editorial team and contributing panelists that include sommeliers, and self-proclaimed ‘foodies’, this list is comprised of restaurants from across the province representing major cities and exciting secondary markets, in celebration of the best of the best food and wine experiences. The hotly anticipated list is currently available online. Since launching in early 2020, VineRoutes offers an approach to wine culture that is both accessible and unpretentious, while highlighting world-class producers, innovative culinary talent and wine-related lifestyle and travel. Presented in a fun and contemporary format, VineRoutes is a resource for connoisseurs and novices alike in search of excellent food and drink.
From seasonal and sensory experiences to signature and traditional seafood and steak houses, this Ontario Top Restaurants list showcases unrivaled wine and dining experiences that span the province. The compilation features classic establishments offering a refined food and wine program and also sheds light on some of the rising stars, helping to put smaller area markets on the culinary map. Far beyond a tally of 25 restaurants, this list congratulates the dynamic people who make it all possible and push boundaries that are helping shape dining culture.
“Our ‘25 Top Restaurants in Ontario’ list has been such an exciting project to put together,” says Carmelo Giardina, Editorial Director and Founder of VineRoutes. “Both 2020 and 2021 presented, not just Ontario’s restaurants, but the restaurant world as a whole, with its most urgent challenge. So, this year we want to celebrate restaurants that not only survived but did so with integrity.” “From exceptional, innovative wine lists (that also place a heavy emphasis on supporting locally produced wines) to truly progressive cuisine, the talented chefs, sommeliers and beverage directors across Ontario continue to amaze us all and exceed expectations,” continued Giardina. Of the list of 25, just over half (13) are located within the city of Toronto and its downtown core. But in addition to Ontario’s largest populated city being well recognized, readers will find representation from Ottawa, Kingston, the Greater Hamilton Area and the Waterloo and Niagara regions. Perhaps surprisingly, smaller towns were truly heralded as culinary destinations, including spots in Prince Edward County, Grey County, Essex County, and Dundas, Ontario. “If we’ve been reminded of anything over the past couple of years, it’s that our favourite restaurants foster a sense of connection, community and discovery,” adds Giardina. From north to south, east to west, these are the Ontario-based restaurants that remind us that going out for a meal can be exciting, fun and fulfilling. View the entire list now by visiting www.vineroutes.com/ontario-top-restaurants.