Best Restaurants in Canada 2026

Poutine

Quebec's greatest culinary export: crispy fries topped with fresh squeaky cheese curds and rich brown gravy. Originally from rural Quebec, now available nationwide but best in Montreal (La Banquise, Poutinerie Morasse) and Quebec City.

Where to try: La Banquise, Montreal; Poutinerie Morasse, Quebec City; Smoke's Poutinerie nationwide

Price: CAD $10-18

Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich

Brisket cured for 10 days in a Montreal secret spice blend, hand-sliced and piled high on rye bread with yellow mustard. An institution at Schwartz's Hebrew Delicatessen since 1928.

Where to try: Schwartz's Hebrew Deli, 3895 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montreal

Price: CAD $12-16

BeaverTails

Fried dough pastry shaped like a beaver tail, topped with butter and cinnamon sugar or chocolate hazelnut spread. A Canadian street food institution especially popular at winter festivals and the Ottawa Rideau Canal skateway.

Where to try: BeaverTails kiosks in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, and tourist areas

Price: CAD $6-10

Atlantic Lobster

The Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland) produce some of the world's finest cold-water Atlantic lobster. In season (May-June and November-December), lobster suppers in PEI are legendary community events.

Where to try: New Glasgow Lobster Suppers, PEI; Salty's Waterfront Restaurant, Halifax; fish markets in Lunenburg NS

Price: CAD $35-60/lobster

Butter Tart

Ontario's beloved pastry — a sweet, flaky pastry shell filled with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, eggs, and syrup. Whether runny or firm, with or without raisins, the butter tart debate is a source of genuine Ontario regional pride.

Where to try: Pie Squared, Toronto; farmers markets across Ontario; bakeries throughout the province

Price: CAD $3-5

Nanaimo Bar

British Columbia's no-bake layered dessert bar with a chocolate wafer and coconut base, custard buttercream middle, and chocolate ganache top. Named after Nanaimo, BC, these are found in every bakery and café in the province.

Where to try: Any BC bakery or café; The Nanaimo Bar Trail in Nanaimo, BC features 40+ versions

Price: CAD $3-5

Alo

Canada's #1 restaurant for seven years running offers exquisite tasting menus in an elegant setting. Chef Patrick Kriss creates artful French-inspired cuisine with impeccable technique. Reservations extremely difficult to obtain.

163 Spadina Ave, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 2L6

Pai Northern Thai Kitchen

Toronto's beloved Thai restaurant serving authentic northern Thai cuisine in vibrant atmosphere. Known for khao soi, pad thai, and boat noodles. Often has lineups but worth the wait.

18 Duncan St, Toronto, ON M5H 3G8

Tim Hortons

Iconic Canadian coffee and donut chain serving Timbits, coffee, sandwiches, and breakfast all day. Essential Canadian experience with locations everywhere.

Multiple locations nationwide

Granville Island Public Market

Vancouver's famous market featuring fresh produce, artisan foods, bakeries, and ready-to-eat options. Browse vendors for local specialties and waterfront dining.

1661 Duranleau St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S3

Café Olimpico

Montreal's legendary Mile End espresso bar serving since 1970. Simple menu of perfect espresso, cappuccinos, and gelato. Local institution with sidewalk seating.

124 Rue Saint-Viateur Ouest, Montreal, QC H2T 2L1

Hawksworth Restaurant

Vancouver's premier fine dining destination in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Chef David Hawksworth showcases Pacific Northwest ingredients with refined technique and elegant presentation.

801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7

St. Lawrence Restaurant

Vancouver restaurant celebrating Quebec culinary traditions with tourtière, pâté, and maple-inspired dishes. Cozy atmosphere with extensive wine list and Sunday brunch.

269 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1G3

La Banquise

Montreal's 24-hour poutine institution offering over 30 varieties. Classic Quebec comfort food in casual diner atmosphere. Always busy but worth it.

994 Rue Rachel E, Montreal, QC H2J 2J3

Montreal-style Bagel

Hand-rolled, honey-sweetened, and baked in a wood-fired oven, Montreal bagels are denser and crustier than New York style. Available at Fairmount Bagel (open 24 hours) and St-Viateur Bagel in Montreal.

Find it at: Fairmount Bagel (74 Ave Fairmount O, Montreal); St-Viateur Bagel (263 Ave Saint-Viateur O, Montreal)

Jerk Chicken (Toronto)

Toronto's large Jamaican-Canadian community makes the city's Scarborough and Kensington neighbourhoods home to some of North America's finest authentic jerk chicken, cooked over pimento wood in backyard barrel smokers.

Find it at: Kensington Market and Scarborough neighbourhoods, Toronto

Fish and Chips

A Maritime staple with fresh Atlantic haddock or cod in a crispy batter, served with hand-cut fries and vinegar. Best eaten on the waterfront in Halifax, Lunenburg, or St. John's Newfoundland.

Find it at: The Carleton Fish & Chips, Halifax; Leo's Fish and Chips, Ottawa; waterfront stands in St. John's NL

St. Lawrence Market

Toronto's 200-year-old market institution with over 120 vendors selling fresh produce, artisan cheese, cured meats, and prepared foods. Saturday market from 5 AM is a Toronto tradition attracting chefs and foodies.

Hours: Tue-Sat; Sat from 5 AM

Jean-Talon Market

Montreal's largest open-air market in Little Italy overflows with Quebec produce, heritage tomatoes, and artisan food vendors from June to October. Canada's most beautiful food market atmosphere.

Hours: Daily, reduced winter hours

Granville Island Public Market

Vancouver's beloved indoor market under the Granville Bridge with fresh Pacific seafood, artisan breads, local BC produce, and prepared foods from over 50 permanent vendors.

Hours: Daily 9 AM-7 PM