From British Columbia to Prince Edward Island, Canada has an overwhelming number of award winning restaurants to satisfy any culinary taste. But, it can seem daunting to try a new dining destination. The following six restaurants have made headlines this past year for their creative menus, talented kitchen team and fun dining rooms. With everything from Spanish tapas to raw veggie dishes, these eateries will have you begging for seconds.
Bar Isabel
797 College St, Toronto, ON
416–532-2222
http://barisabel.com
Craving Spanish? Head to Toronto’s Bar Isabel where chef Grant van Gameren (of Black Hoof fame) serves whole fish ceviche, grilled lobster and a selection of cheese and cured meats. Bar Isabel won first place in Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2013 competition and will make you feel as if you were transported to a different time and place.
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Supply and Demand
1335 Wellington St W, Ottawa, ON
613-680-2949
http://www.supplyanddemandfoods.ca
Husband and wife duo Steve and Jennifer Wall are helping to revive the Ottawa restaurant scene with their take on “from-scratch”. From the seahorse wallpaper to the flavour-bursting menu items, Supply and Demand screams fun and whimsical. Steve Wall rose to fame in the local foodie scene in the kitchens at The Whalesbone and Town Gastropub.
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The Acorn
3995 Main St, Vancouver, BC
604-566-9001
http://www.theacornrestaurant.ca
Chef Brian Skinner and the rest of the Acorn team have won several accolades for their vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes. More upscale than cross-city veggie favourite The Naam, The Acorn’s only downside is the long line.
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downtownfood
628 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
587-353-3474
http://downtownfood.ca
Calgary’s downtownfood features a seasonal menu that changes weekly. The restaurant operates its own fully integrated rooftop ecosystem that chef Darren MacLean uses to source his vegetables, fruit, herbs and honey.
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Canteen
10522 124 St, Edmonton, AB
780-485-6125
http://canteenyeg.ca
The owners of Edmonton’s beloved Red Fox Inn have done it again with their newest restaurant. With a more casual ambience, Canteen’s menu features their now famous corn fritters with house-smoked maple syrup. The cauliflower puree is another fan favourite.
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Maison Publique
4720 Rue Marquette, Montreal, QC
514-507-0555
http://www.maisonpublique.com
Chef Derek Dammann has teamed up with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver (who was once his mentor) to create Maison Publique, their take on Canadian pub style. Dammann’s Canadian style menu changes regularly, and features ingredients found coast to coast.
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