Looking to dine out at the best Oakville restaurants?
Our comprehensive culinary guide to the Oakville restaurant scene features the best fine dining rooms, cafes, bakeries, vegan eateries, ice cream parlours, pubs and cocktail bars.
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Best Oakville Restaurants
In August, 1998 my family moved from Markham to Oakville. I was just starting high school when we moved to “Ontario’s little town on the lake.”
My fondest memory of moving to Oakville was my family’s enthusiasm for sampling our new home’s enviable restaurant scene. And while many popular Oakville restaurants have come and gone, the city’s foodie experiences are thriving.
While Oakville’s penchant for castle-inspired mansions give the town a posh air, the city stretches far and offers excellent meals at many price points. Explore the best Oakville restaurants and you’ll find yourself on a road trip from Glen Abbey to Bronte, Erin Mills to the town’s historic downtown strip.
If you’re keen to visit Oakville for a culinary getaway we suggest parking your car and enjoying a pedestrian dine around along Lakeshore Road. Some of the best Oakville restaurants are located a short walk from Town Square. You’ll want to dress to impress at the glamorous dining rooms at Hexagon and Oliver’s.
After eating ourselves silly at the best Oakville restaurants it became clear that the city has a love for fancy interpretations of Italian. Almost every Oakville restaurant menu features a bowl of comforting gnocchi, and I’m not complaining!
Some of our favourite Oakville restaurants have been around for ages. They’re best kept secrets for locals in the know. Enjoy tried, tested and true menus at local favourites like Paradiso, Agabi, Patisserie D’or and The King’s Arms.
Symposium Cafe Restaurant Oakville
1500 Upper Middle Rd W, 905-847-2200
Symposium Cafe is a family-friendly restaurant located in Oakville’s Glen Abbey neighbourhood, which first opened its doors in 2012.
The casual culinary concept first launched in 1996 and now boasts 24 locations across Ontario. Brothers Terry and Bill Argo are the founders of Symposium Cafe and share a long history in the restaurant business.
Bill shared, “We designed the restaurants ourselves, built around the idea of Raphael’s famous painting, The School of Athens. It is a central artwork in all our locations. A group of ancient philosophers are depicted exchanging ideas. Today, we do that in cafes and restaurants like Symposium.”
Visit Symposium Restaurant in Oakville and you’ll find an art adorned dining room with seating for 95 guests. The interior features a cafe complete with a mouth-watering display case of towering cake slices, chic cocktail bar, comfy booth seating and decorative elements like birch tree walls and fern foliage.
In the warm summer months local foodies gather on the restaurants spacious 40-seat outdoor patio to sip fine wine and cheers with an ice-cold craft beer.
Symposium Cafe Oakville is open 7 days a week from early morning to late at night. It’s one of the best Oakville restaurants for brunch lovers as it offers a comprehensive menu featuring all or your breakfast favourites.
We enjoyed a frothy cappuccino and vanilla latte topped with a whisper of whipped cream while indulging in decadent banana caramel French Toast, fried chicken and waffles and a smoked salmon adorned Eggs Benedict.
Symposium Cafe also offers great weekly specials, which you can take advantage of during lunch or dinner. You’ll find weekly specials that offer great discounts on everything from mussels to pasta, cake and vegetarian dishes…as well as a 3-6pm happy hour at the bar.
Our favourite items on the lunch and diner menu include chicken wings, bacon and onion pierogies, butter chicken poutine, teriyaki salmon salad, Fettucine Alfredo, fire grilled Jack Daniel’s Petit Filet, and Mussels Marinara.
The Symposium Cafe’s Oakville menu also features plenty of healthy options for vegetarians and vegans like the chefs eye-popping Mediterranean Zucchini Bowl.
Since Symposium started off as a dessert concept we recommend making room for a slice of cake. The pastry chefs signature Carrot Cake is a top seller but we loved the mile-high Hummingbird Cake, perfect for sharing with friends at the table.
Hexagon
210 Lakeshore Rd E, 905-844-1286
Located in the heart of downtown Oakville, Hexagon Restaurant is the city’s, if not the province’s or country’s, most lauded restaurant. The chic fine dining restaurant is located within scenic Oakville Towne Square beside Soontorn Bahn Thai on Lakeshore Road.
Hexagon is a modern French restaurant, offering a tasting menu for dinner and a la carte menu for lunch and Sunday brunch service. The 48-seat space, which is named after France’s hexagonal shape, features a semi-private dining room next to a lively open kitchen. In the warmer months, a patio overlooks the city’s square and can accommodate up to 20 diners.
The kitchen is managed by award winning Executive Chef Rafael Covarrubias. Born in Mexico, Covarrubias first brought his culinary talents to Canada via MARKET Restaurant in Calgary. He helped launch Hexagon in downtown Oakville in February, 2017.
Covarrubias was the winner of the North American San Pellegrino Young Chef Competition in New York City in November, 2019. Internationally considered the most prestigious competition for young chefs, the San Pellegrino Young Chef Awards celebrate the future of gastronomy.
Skip inside Hexagon Restaurant and you’ll find a glitzy bar offering fine French wines and craft cocktails. Wag your finger down the Hexagon menu and you’ll find French classics with a twist. Instagram-worthy dishes that appear like modern art on the plate include Hamachi Crudo, Beef Tartare, Truffle Shallot Agnolotti, Foie Gras Gateau and Aged Muscovy Duck.
Sotto Sotto
139 Trafalgar Rd, 905-844-5545
For almost 30 years Sotto Sotto has been considered one of Toronto’s best Italian restaurants. The Yorkville restaurant on Avenue Road is most famous for hosting some of the world’s top A-list celebrities at swanky parties during the Toronto International Film Festival.
After 26 years serving pretty pastas and perfectly poached lobster to Toronto’s social elite, Sotto Sotto opened a sister property in downtown Oakville.
The elegant Italian dining room first opened its doors on Trafalgar Road in 2019 on the main floor of the luxurious Randall Residences.
The Sotto Sotto menu features an extensive wine list and craft cocktails perfect for aperitivo hour. The menu features freshly made soups, antipasti, salads, handmade pasta, seafood & meat, classic thin crust pizzas and liquor soaked tiramisu for dessert.
Oliver’s Steakhouse
141 Lakeshore Rd E, 905-845-9391
Oliver’s Steakhouse is an Oakville landmark, which has been family-run since 1969. In 2018 the restaurant in downtown Oakville was rejuvenated by Michael Dabic and Chef Derek von Raesfeld. The duo are also behind the popular Toronto steakhouse, Michael’s on Simcoe.
The 110-seat restaurant is ranked as one of the most romantic restaurants in downtown Oakville. Its elegant interior is one of the most popular dining room’s in town to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and Father’s Day.
Skip inside Olivers restaurant and you’ll find glowing chandeliers, framed black and white vintage photographs and glowing, temperature-controlled wine racks.
Of all the Oakville restaurants, Oliver’s takes top prize as best steakhouse. Chef Derek Von Raesfeld’s approach to cuisine is steeped in procuring the finest quality seasonal ingredients and applying skillful traditional and modern techniques that provide clean and rich flavours.
The decadent menu stands out among Oakville’s best steakhouses for its popular handmade pastas. Oliver’s offers Oakville’s best steaks, which are best paired with the chef’s plump pastas and luxurious seafood platters.
- Wedge Salad: iceberg lettuce, apple, blue cheese, walnut, bacon, chive, buttermilk dressing
- Steak Tartare: tenderloin, horseradish, spiced dressing, hen yolk, onion ring
- Agnolotti del Plin: squash and ricotta, sage, brown butter, chickpea stock, parmigiano, truffle
- Smoked Trout Carpaccio: steel head trout, almonds, apple, mustard seed dressing, pickled onions, herbs
- Surf & Turf: 6oz tenderloin, lobster, shrimp, mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, veal reduction, herbs
Laylak Oakville
515 Rebecca St #19, 905-465-2359
Laylak restaurant first opened its doors in Oakville’s west end in November, 2023. It’s the sister property to the popular fine dining Middle Eastern restaurant concept, which first launched in downtown Toronto.
Laylak Oakville owners Youssef Harb and Hashem Almasri shared, “The name Laylak is both a colour and a type of flower in Lebanese culture, we thought that bringing the fusion of the beauty and grace of the flower represented the interior and the flavours of the cuisine.”
Skip inside the eye-popping white-washed dining room and you’ll find seating for 150 guests, including an open concept kitchen, cocktail bar and private dining room.
Laylak Oakville’s interior designer Suzi Kaloti from Lavish Design added, “We have used many natural materials such as bamboo wood on the ceiling as well as the oak furniture and bar design. The natural rope bar pendants add a bohemian beach feel. The linen textiles and the textured walls embrace the natural look.”
Wag your finger down Chef Hazem Al Hamwi’s menu and you’ll find classic Middle Eastern fare alongside innovative culinary delights. “We love combining a fusion of farm to table for the freshest ingredients and unique products from Lebanon. We receive all our cheese and dairy from Green World Food Company, which specializes in Lebanese foods, which are all made locally,” said Chef Hamwi.
We suggest starting the evening by sipping a few fresh orchid and dehydrated lime wheel adorned cocktails while nibbling through sweet honey glazed phyllo halloumi cheese rolls (they’re very addictive).
You can’t go wrong with a selection of dips (hummus, baba ghanoug, mohamarah) served with warm pita bread, beef-stuffed kibbeh is perfectly spiced treat while platters of grilled Kefta and Chicken Tawouk dipped garlic toum round out a memorable meal.
Beacon Social House
305 Lakeshore Rd E, 905-337-3777
Beacon Social House opened in April, 2022 in the former home of Corks Restaurant in downtown Oakville.
It’s the first Oakville culinary concept by Toronto-based restaurant group Aidan Hospitality (Folly Brewpub).
The owner always wanted to open up a restaurant in Oakville. His family frequently visit Oakville on the weekends or have extended stays here because it’s so beautiful.
The 110 capacity fine dining restaurant in downtown Oakville offers a chic interior with a large cocktail bar, curtain wrapped intimate dining nooks and an outdoor patio overlooking Lakeshore Avenue.
Beacon Social House’s Chef Raj has worked with the group at different locations for many years, most notably at The Wallace Gastropub in Midtown where he was the chef for 10 years.
Signature dishes on Beacon Oakville’s menu include a selection of mussel bowls, crispy arancini, veal schnitzel and impressive cowboy steak.
Wag your finger down the drinks list and you’ll find craft beer made by the groups sister restaurant in Toronto, Folly Brewpub. Local oenophiles rave for the sommelier’s selection of unique consignment wines and the cocktail program serves up some of the most meticulously crafted mixed drinks in downtown Oakville.
Ce Soir Brasserie
134 Lakeshore Rd E, 905-844-0676
Looking to enjoy a classical French feast at a restaurant in downtown Oakville? Ce Soir Brasserie sits conveniently in the heart of Oakville’s downtown on Lakeshore, directly across from Paradiso near the library.
After the success of Beacon Social House, Aidan Hospitality launched Ce Soir Brasserie in April, 2023.
The historic building dates back to the late 1800s when it housed the Anderson Bank. In the 1950s it became the Town Clerk’s Office and local Police Station, the original cells of which are still located in the wine cellar. In its last iteration, the space was home to the popular Seasons Restaurant.
Ce Soir co-owner George Gill shared, “The name came from a lot of back and forth within our company, but ultimately, we landed on Ce Soir because we want to focus on tonight, (“This Evening” the English meaning of the French words Ce Soir). We wanted to have a spot that anyone would enjoy going to tonight, a venue that is welcoming to all, has a variety of craft cocktails, delectable food and amazing wine lists.”
The popular French restaurant in Oakville features a large outdoor patio overlooking Lakeshore, perfect for a sun-soaked lunch in the summer. Skip inside the chic brasserie and you’ll find a massive cocktail bar and two separate dining rooms.
Downstairs in the cellar guests can enjoy a private dining experience for up to 20 people. Skip up the stairs and you’ll find two event spaces with a combined capacity for 120 guests.
Highlights from the Ce Soir Oakville menu include USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, escargot bone marrow, rack of lamb and Chilean sea bass. Consult the friendly sommelier to tap into the restaurants excellent wine program.
Ritorno Restaurant
261 Oak Walk Dr Unit #8, 905-257-5881
Ritorno is a fine dining Italian restaurant located in a plaza at Trafalgar Road and Dundas Street East in north Oakville.
Owner Julia Hanna launched the Oakville restaurant in 2008. Its spacious dining room seats 70 guests.
Ritorno means “to return to,” in Italian. Hanna shared, “We want all our guests to return to the table, in the Italian way.”
Skip inside Ritorno and you’ll find a charming Nonna Wall. Hanna added, “The wall honours the women in our lives, our mothers and grandmothers, who fed us and nurtured us, putting their own wants and needs aside. We invite all our guests to bring a framed photo of that special woman so that we can proudly display her picture. My Nonna Maria would be thrilled to know that her picture hangs on the Nonna Wall with so many remarkable women.”
Hanna’s son, Matthew, the General Manager of Ritorno has developed the restaurants wine program. Ritorno’s extensive list features international wines as well as local bottles from Beamsville Bench to Niagara. You’ll also find local Ontario craft beer by Muskoka Brewery. In the summer the restaurants most popular drink is its signature sangria.
If it’s your first time dining at Ritorno Hanna suggests ordering a bowl of their famous gnocchi. For over 35 years, Nonna Jenny, Hanna’s mother, has been making gnocchi at her restaurants. At 82 years of age, Ritorno’s Nonna continues to take joy in knowing guests gobble up her signature handmade pasta with glee!
- Caprese Salad: fior di latte, roma tomato, basil, balsamic reduction, sea salt
- Linguine Carbonara: prosciutto, alfredo sauce, peas
- Veal Parmigiana: breaded veal, tomato sauce, mozzarella, spaghetti pomodoro
- Salmon Gremolata: garlic lemon parsley basil, broccolini, roasted potatoes
- Tiramisu: espresso marsala soaked ladyfinger cookies, mascarpone cheese mousse
Shanghai Alley Gourmet
191 Lakeshore Rd E, 416-668-1818
Lan Sun is the owner of Shanghai Alley Gourmet in Downtown Oakville, which opened in April 2021.
Sun shared, “When I moved to Oakville four years ago, I discovered there were no Chinese restaurants downtown. I grew up in Shanghai surrounded by lane house, which are similar in structure to what our restaurant looks like.
Shanghai Alley offers those in Halton an opportunity to sample unique regional dishes indigenous to Shanghai.
One of China’s most populated cities, Shanghai cuisine emphasizes the use of condiments while retaining the original flavours of raw ingredients. Dishes usually appear red and shiny because they are often pickled in wine. Our favourite Shanghai recipe is Xialongbao, also known as soup dumplings.
The Shanghai Alley dining room can seat up to 30 guests and in the warmer months of the year features a pretty outdoor patio.
Sun added, “I use lots of natural colour when making dim sum dumplings, for example I use green spinach, yellow pumpkin as well as red and purple beets to make doughs that look interesting.”
Shanghai Alley’s Chef Yanpeng’s path to culinary success started from very humble beginnings in China. Every morning he would rise at 6 AM to accompany his mother to the farmers market to select the best meats, seafood, and vegetables. He moved to New Zealand when he was 18 and landed in Canada when he was 20 and has 10 years of experience working in professional kitchens.
Sun explained, “Chef Yanpeng portrays local flavours in an original style by making traditional Shanghainese dishes innovative. The menu is meant to be served family-style as shared plates.”
If it’s your first visit to Shanghai Alley Sun suggests ordering Chef Yanpeng’s signature dishes such as Sangjibao, Xiaolongbao, Ginger Beef, Shanghai Noodles, and Yangzhou Special Fried Rice.
Por Vida Restaurant
2330 Lakeshore Rd W, 289-815-8432
If you’re a fan of tacos and tequila Por Vida is the best Mexican restaurant in Oakville. It first opened in the Bronte neighbourhood in December, 2019.
Step inside the popular Mexican restaurant in Oakville and you’ll find a colourful dining room that seats 74. During the warmer months of the year up to 40 guests can enjoy margaritas in the sun on the restaurant’s outdoor patio.
The Laundry Design firm outfitted the restaurant’s eye-popping interior, which features photographs of Mexican markets, hand woven blankets, and traditional Day of the Dead painted skulls. One wall inside the restaurant houses at 12 x 9 stained glass window, which was painstakingly restored and comes from a church in High Park, Toronto.
Chef Juarez’s father is from Tampico and mother is from Guadalajara. His unique family history and cultural background played a significant role in shaping his cooking style and the dishes that he creates in the Por Vida kitchen.
The Por Vida Oakville menu serves Mexican restaurant classics like guacamole and tacos as well as culinary creative entrees like roast chicken covered in mole and our favourite pork hock perched over creamy hominy puree.
Kibo Sushi
221 Lakeshore Rd E, 905-842-1196
Alvin Lee and Jeff Chen opened Kibo Sushi in downtown Oakville in October, 2021.
Kibo Sushi House is a franchise that is growing with over 30 locations across the GTA. Jeff and Alvin are originally members from the Kibo Sushi House in Liberty Village. When Alvin ended up moving to Oakville from they thought it was a great opportunity to expand to another location in Oakville.
Skip inside Kibo Sushi Oakville on Lakeshore Road and you’ll find a dining room with seating for 40 and spacious patio available during the warmer months of the year for al fresco Japanese dining.
Alvin shared, “Jeff Chen was one of the first sushi chef’s who started out at Kibo. Jeff implemented many of his creative ideas in the menu of the franchise. He is also the head Chef at the Liberty Village location. He has had experience as a sushi chef since the young age of 16.”
If it’s your first time eating at Kibo Sushi Oakville be sure to order their signature dish, aptly named the Kibo Signature, which is a California Roll with scallop and salmon torched on top.
What we love most about Kibo Sushi’s menu is it’s extensive offering that includes sashimi platters, inventive sushi maki rolls, healthy salads and soups, tataki, tartar, tempura, sushi pizza, dumplings, bento boxes, donburi bowls and udon noodles.
Pilot Coffee Roasters Oakville
251 Lakeshore Rd E, 905-842-9266
Andy Wilkin and Jessie Holmes are the founders of Toronto-based Pilot Coffee Roasters.
The premium coffee roaster opened a location in Downtown Oakville in June, 2022.
Trevor Walsh, Marketing Manager at Pilot Coffee Roasters shared, “Our CEO, Bruce Miller happens to be an Oakville resident and knows how vibrant the town is. The community has a taste for specialty, and our passion for great coffee and specialty cafe experience is one that Oakville can appreciate.
Skip inside the Oakville coffee shop and you’ll find seating for 22 guests. All Pilot Coffee Roasters locations are inspired by Scandinavian interior design. At the Oakville location you’ll find mahogany wall panels and shelving, solid red oak trip and seam details, brushed stainless steel countertops and polished concrete floors.
While java junkies can nerd out on their favourite bean at Pilot Coffee Roasters you’ll also find fresh baked goods such as popular sea salt chocolate chip cookies, earl grey oatmeal sconces and vegan energy balls.
So what makes this Oakville cafe unique? “The Pilot Coffee Roaster program is built on a Direct Trade sourcing philosophy. That means we work closely with our coffee producing partners, visit their farms regularly, and ensure the premium prices we pay go straight into their hands. All the coffees we roast are available at our cafes,” explained Walsh.
August 8
280 North Service Rd W, 905-338-6228
August 8 is a popular local chain restaurant offering all-you-can-eat sushi & Cantonese-style dim sum in Oakville. The brand also operates restaurants in Toronto, Brampton, Burlington and Hamilton.
August 8 Oakville is conveniently located within the plaza at Dorval and the QEW. It’s neighbours include a Metro, Boston Pizza, Marshalls, Staples, Kenzo Ramen and LCBO.
August 8 Restaurant was originally established in 2008 where its first location opened in downtown Hamilton. As a new concept of dining, it was recognized as the first restaurant of its kind in the area to bring the finest aspects of both Cantonese-style dim sum & Japanese cuisine.
The name “August” represented a new restaurant concept for its time and expressed the future vision of the company; the “8” next to August was simply the brand logo (a reinterpretation of “August” in Chinese characters).
August 8’s delectable dishes are a culinary delight. From savoury and sweet dishes that invigorate the palate, to a warm and inviting chic atmosphere, August 8 is a culinary encounter that is truly unique.
Guests can enjoy dishes from the teppanyaki grill and dim sum menu, or savour fresh sushi & sashimi.
- Salmon Sushi Bowl: salmon sashimi, tobiko, spicy mayo
- Dynamite Shrimp Taco: shrimp tempura, spicy mayo, crunchy taco shell, avocado, cucumber
- Chicken Katsu: deep fried breaded chicken, fried vegetables, miso soup, steamed rice
- Touched Scallop Oshizushi: pressed & torched scallop sushi with smoked salmon
- Unagi Black Dragon Roll: avocado, cucumber, shrimp tempura, tobiko, eel
Maro’s Bistro
135 Kerr St, 289-837-2389
Maro’s Bistro is a family-friendly restaurant located just north of Lakeshore Road on Kerr Street.
Owner, Maro Al Chamaa, originally from Lebanon, became a Canadian citizen in 2016. Look above the restaurant’s back counter on the wall and you’ll find his favourite quote, “The food is soon gone, but the memories last forever. Don’t just go out to eat, come home for dinner.”
Ranked as one of the best Middle Eastern Oakville restaurants, Maro’s specializes in grilled meats, healthy salads, crispy flatbread and fragrant seafood. The Kerr Street restaurant also offers plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes such as spiced eggplant, hummus and tahini.
Skip inside Maro’s Bistro and you’ll find a cozy dining room and open kitchen in the back. Walls are covered in powerful pop art by Middle Eastern artists. Wooden stools are tucked under a lively bar that separates the dining room from the kitchen. In the warm summer months, guests can enjoy Maro’s outdoor patio.
If you’ve traveled to Dubai, Israel, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan or Turkey you’ll find familiar flavours from the Mediterranean. Maro’s Bistro also uniquely offers some of Oakville’s best Persian fare. Be sure to finish your meal with a glass of Turkish coffee or Persian tea while nibble on a flaky slice of baklava.
- Samson and Delilah Salad: avocados, kale, cracked wheat berry, vermicelli, red cabbage, caramelized, white onions, mixed peppers, cucumbers, sumac vinaigrette
- Lunch in Beirut: chicken or beef shawarma, onions, peppers, hummus, beets, cucumbers
- Soultan: marinated shrimp, onions, mixed peppers, garlic potato, hummus, grilled lemon
- Les Raheb: smoked eggplant, lima beans, coriander vinaigrette, cracked wheat berry, caramelized onions
- The Veggie Tower: moroccan couscous, cracked wheat berry, seasonal grilled vegetables, dried apricots, prunes, hummus, avocado
Stoney’s Bread Company
325 Kerr St, 905-849-3627
Stoney’s Bread Company is one of the best Oakville restaurants in Kerr Street Village. The casual family-friendly restaurant serves familiar classics with a modern twist.
Friends and co-owners Steve Chabot and Blake Stoneburgh first opened Stoney’s Bread Company in 2004. The name of the restaurant was inspired by the football career of Blake’s Dad, Norm Stoneburgh. During his 13 seasons with the Toronto Argonauts he was famously known as ‘Stoney’.
Skip inside Stoneys Bread Company and you’ll find ample natural light thanks to floor to ceiling windows. The open concept dining room offers booth and wooden-tabletop seating. Black and white vintage portraits hang on cream coloured walls while vintage lamps dangle from the ceiling.
The popular Kerr Street eatery is a neighbourhood favourite, ranked as one of the best brunch restaurants in Oakville. The menu features homemade soups, fresh salads, creative pasta bowls, thin-crust pizzas and a slew of mouth-watering sandwiches.
- Maple Glazed Salmon Salad: new potato, bacon, green beans, onions, tomato, champagne vinaigrette
- Giuseppe’s Pizza: pepperoni, calabrese, capicola, bacon, mozzarella, fire roasted tomato sauce
- Jambalaya Linguine: grilled chorizo sausage, grilled chicken, shrimp, creole tomato sauce
- Rosemary Pork Loin Sandwich: sweet onion, tomato confit, asiago, spinach, three mustard aioli, swiss panini
- Alsacian Chicken Sandwich: brie, apple onion confit and garlic aioli, ciabatta
Blondies
499 Cornwall Rd, 437-341-1555
Blondies Pizza is a Toronto pizza chain from the Food Dudes, the same folks behind Sara and OMAW.
In November, 2010 Blondies opened a franchise in Oakville. It’s located in the Longo’s plaza on Cornwall Road.
The pizza shop is kind of named after chef Matt Blondin, but their from scratch-made pies are also divided into red and blonde rather than red and white categories.
Local high protein all-purpose Arva flour is used for Blondies hand-stretched dough. This helps to retain hydration for a desirable chewy and foldable crust.
Red sauced pies are prepare with Bianca di Napoli tomatoes from California while white sauced pies use an alfredo-style sauce blended with ricotta.
Blonies is known for having one off the best pepperoni pizzas in Toronto (and lucky us now Oakville) featuring Ezzo pepperoni, oregano, jalapeno and sweet honey drizzle.
Soontorn Bahn Thai
210 Lakeshore Rd E, 905-815-8488
Ranked as one of the best Oakville restaurants for an authentic taste of Thailand, Soontorn Bahn Thai is located within the downtown’s Towne Square.
Step into Soontorn Bahn Thai and you’ll find a wide, wooden door and velvet curtains. Once inside, the chic dining room offers a modern and sexy vibe featuring hot pink lighting, dimly lit circular booth seating and traditional Thai triangular pillows.
Wag your finger down the Royal Thai cuisine inspired menu and you’ll find plenty of contemporary Thai dishes. The chef cooks similar Royal Thai dishes that you might have seen at popular Toronto Thai restaurants Mengrai Thai and Kiin.
The Soontorn Bahn Thai menu features Thai Salads, savoury soups, curries, fresh seafood, stir-fried dishes, smokey barbecue, noodles, rice bowls and coconut and mango desserts. Vegetarians and vegans will find happiness in the Oakville restaurants vegetable dish offerings such as Eggplant Delight and Thai Snow Peas, Carrots and Baby Corn.
- Thai Salad: tiger shrimps, chicken, cucumber, onion, lettuce, cashew nuts, Thai dressing
- Coconut Chicken Soup: chicken breast, coconut broth, lime juice, lemongrass, galangga
- Red Curry Beef: tender beef, red curry sauce, bamboo shoots, Thai basil, coconut cream
- Cashew Chicken: chicken breast, cashews, sweet peppers, onions
- Pad Thai with Shrimp: rice noodles, chicken, bean sprouts, ground peanuts, egg, tamarind sauce
La Dolce Vita
22 Lakeshore Rd W, 905-849-1555
Looking for the best gelato and ice cream shop in Oakville? Prepare to patiently wait at La Dolce Vita, which regularly has a long line snaking down Lakeshore Road. Local dessert fans in the know will tell you, “it’s well worth the wait!”
Located steps from beautiful Oakville harbour, La Dolce Vita offers a unique Italian eating experience. Indulge in a wide variety of artisanal gelato made on site as well as Italian desserts and high quality espresso.
La Dolce Vita Oakville produces traditional gelato flavours such as lemon, chocolate, pistachio, and hazelnut. They also craft non-traditional flavours such as chocolate pretzel, smore’s, and Twizzlers.
You can savour your cone or cup on a seat around one of the tables inside, or on a sunny day there’s a patio along the side of the building. The new Tannery Park at Oakville Harbour is a short 5 minute walk away and worth a scenic ice cream stroll.
La Dolce Vita is a seasonal Oakville restaurant, open in the warmer months of the year from the late Spring to early Fall.
Cucci
119 Jones St, 905-469-1811
Cucci is an upscale Italian restaurant in Oakville’s Bronte neighbourhood. It’s owned by Catch Hospitality Inc, who also run Oakville’s popular culinary concepts Plank Restobar, The Firehall, Tavolo, Bronte Boathouse, Por Vida Mezcal & Mexican and Duckies Ice Cream Bar.
Cucci first opened in Oakville in December, 2007. Catch Hospitality President Doug Greco shared, “We wanted to elevate the dining available west of downtown Oakville. The name was inspired by my father, a second generation Italian. My father was raised by a strong French mother and as they grew up in Sudbury French was the first language spoken in the house. He strangely believed the term Cucci Coo meant something in Italian.”
Cucci Oakville seats 90 people in the dining room, with an additional 30 seat outdoor patio. There are also two chic private dining rooms that can seat 30 each or a combined 60-70 guests.
Cucci’s Chef Callen Clancy has formerly worked at Toronto’s Oliver & Bonacini restaurants and Four Seasons Hotels. Chef Clancy’s menu focuses on showcasing fresh Canadian ingredients with classic Italian sensibilities.
- Foie Gras: torchon, leeks, shaved duck confit, sourdough
- Mushroom and Squash Pappardelle: foraged mushrooms, grilled summer squash, soft herb pesto, pickled pearl onions, smoked goat cheddar
- Gnocchi: black truffle, parmesan fondue, potato dumplings
- Rose Veal: buttermilk poached loin, grilled corn & heirloom tomato polenta, gremolata
- Quebec Duck: seared duck breast, duck confit & summer squash bread pudding, watercress, radish, grilled zucchini, sauce robert
Borgo Antico Cucina Bar
266 Lakeshore Rd E, 905-845-6565
Borgo Antico Cucina Bar is located in the heart of downtown Oakville on Lakeshore Road.
Owners Enzo and Aldo Campisi are originally from a little town in southern Italy. The Campisi brothers worked in Germany before moving to Toronto where they worked at Italian concepts Oro, Aria and Church Apperitivo.
Step inside Borgo Antico’s dining room and you’ll find modern minimalism contrasts with a chalkboard back wall. Framed photographs, sent from family in Italy can be found clustered on white walls. The restaurant’s uncluttered interior complements the simplicity of Borgo Antico’s traditional Italian home cooking with a twist.
The Borogo Antico menu is organized into antipasto, pasta, secondi, sides and dolce. The Oakville restaurant’s chef prepares traditional handmade pastas, seasonal cuisine with locally procured produce, seafood and meat and an extensive list of fine wine, craft beer and specialty cocktails.
- Insalata Siciliana: arugula, fennel, orange, saffron potato dried olives, pistachio, chili limoncello avocado oil
- Pappardelle Funghi: pancetta, mixed mushroom, truffle, porcini jus
- Polipo: octopus, saffron potato black olive, roasted tomato, caper berries salsa verde
- Veal Marsala: mix mushroom, green beans, celery mash
- Bistecca: bone in rib eye, roasted patato, sauteed mushroom, fried onion
Chop Steakhouse
3451 South Service Rd W, 289-881-7250
Ontario’s first Chop Steakhouse opened near Toronto’s Pearson International Airport in 2012.
The steak and seafood restaurant concept is an Alberta import, with locations found across British Colombia, Alberta and Manitoba. Within Ontario, Chop Steakhouse locations have popped up in Oakville, Ottawa, London and beyond.
The Chop Steakhouse on the border of Oakville and Burlington features an interior that offers a masculine British vibe. A large portrait of a stallion hangs in the main dining room and what appears to be floating top hats create a playful take on the lamp shade.
Available steak cuts include prime rib, top sirloin, filet mignon, new york striploin and bone-in ribeye.
Popular steak side dishes at Chop Steakhouse Oakville include wild rice pilaf, truffle scalloped potatoes, sweet potato fries, sautéed mushrooms, roasted pesto tomatoes, parmesan chive mashed tomatoes, baked potato and garlic toast.
- Ahi Tuna Tataki: wasabi aioli, togarashi, daikon radish, fresh chilies, edamame soy garlic lime vinaigrette
- Blue Wedge Salad: iceberg lettuce, crumbled bacon, blue cheese dressing
- Lobster, Scallop, Gorgonzola Dip: mushrooms, roasted tomato sauce, crostini
- Sirloin Oscar: shrimp, roasted peppers, sliced asparagus, béarnaise sauce
- Steak & Atlantic Lobster: top sirloin, lobster tails, garlic butter
Plank Restaurant
67 Bronte Rd, 905-465-1002
Plank is ranked as one of the best Oakville restaurants in Bronte. The casual restobar offers creative Asian-inspired comfort food such as duck poutine, tandoori chicken momo, and pumpkin laksa.
The popular Bronte, Oakville restaurant is owned by Doug Greco, David Bowker and Robert Lush, of the Catch Hospitality Group. Previously the home of The Twisted Fork, Plank restaurant features an open kitchen and a wee bar with stool side seating. Its intimate bar is a perfect spot to sip while waiting for a table in the dining room to free up.
The restaurant’s name is reflective of the abundance of reclaimed wood found throughout the dining room. You’ll find 100-year-old floors, oak wine barrels and the original doors from the entrance to the CNE’s horse pavilion. The inspiration for Plank’s design comes from Longman & Eagle, a popular restaurant in Chicago.
Chef Eduardo Juarez manages the kitchen, crafting a creative comfort food menu showcasing an enthusiasm for regional fare. The Plank menu regularly changes based on what local ingredients are in season while its beverage offering highlights local microbreweries and Ontario wines from Beamsville, Niagara on the Lake and Prince Edward County.
- Duck Poutine: Slow braised Ontario duck, foie gras gravy, Quebec cheese curds, house cut fries
- Halloumi Fries: Crispy fried cheese, pomegranate molasses, za’atar yogurt, sumac, mint & wild flower honey
- The Big Macka: Crispy risotto balls stuffed with ground beef, american cheese, special sauce, sesame seed
- Chicken & Waffles: Chicken skewers wrapped in warm waffle, jalapeno, vanilla maple glaze
- Tandoori Chicken Momo: Minted tandoori yogurt, pickled onion, Momo chutney
Asian Fusion 168
2318 Royal Windsor Dr, 905-337-8888
Asian Fusion 168 is one of the best Thai and Chinese takeout restaurants in Oakville.
The casual restaurant features a friendly dining room at the plaza on the corner of Ford Drive and Royal Windsor Drive. Step inside and you’ll find framed landscapes on the wall, glowing overhead lamps and comfy bench seating.
Asian Fusion 168 specializes in serving authentic Thai dishes alongside Hakka Chinese cuisine favourites like Chile Chicken and Hakka Noodles.
The Oakville takeout restaurant offers affordable lunch menus Monday to Friday 11am-3pm. For $10.99 choose from a list of Asian entrees paired with spring rolls, pop or soup with a choice of steamed rice, fried rice or rice noodles.
- Hakka Noodles with chicken, beef and shrimp
- Manchurian Beef Fried Rice
- Sweet and Sour Prawns
- Spicy Hakka Chili Chicken
- Thai Cashew Chicken
Noble Bistro
218 Lakeshore Rd E, 289-837-3108
Owners Augi De Oliveira and James Baker opened Noble Bistro in downtown Oakville in 2016.
Skip inside Noble Bistro and you’ll find live edge wooden tables and bar that evoke a rustic farm vibe in the popular Oakville restaurants dining room. Chef Adam Lafleur’s own film photography can be found framed in the hallways towards the washrooms. Chef Lafleur shares, “I think it adds a nice personal touch to have photos that I shot during my travels hanging in the restaurant.”
Noble Bistro’s chef describes his favourite style of cooking, “Seasonally focused tasting menus, with most of my experience in this area coming from being part of the opening team at Hexagon.”
Chef Lafleur adds, “While I love cooking with esoteric ingredients and fiddling around with microgreens and tweezers, my goal at Noble Bistro is to cook approachable and delicious food. Most of my dishes have 4-5 components, allowing the quality of the ingredients to really shine. Every component is made in-house, from the bread to the ratatouille, right down to the ketchup served with our house-cut fries. I also bring all my fish and meat in whole, filleting and butchering it myself. I utilize the bones and trim for soups, stocks, and oils.”
Noble Bistro’s signature dish is its Scallops and Short Ribs, which has been on the menu since day one. For adventurous diners we suggest ordering Noble Bistro’s 3-5 course tasting menu. It features off-menu items and changes day-to-day depending on what produce and proteins are fresh and in season.
- Tomato Stone Fruit Salad: heirloom tomato, seasonal stone fruit, mint, savoury vinaigrette, pecorino
- Parisian Gnocchi: oyster mushrooms, aged gruyère, porcini nutter, greens
- Noble Cheeseburger: roasted tomato jam, honey candied bacon, cheddar, garlic aioli, pomme frites
- Braised Short Ribs and Scallops: brown butter carrot purée, summer bean cassoulet
- Lake Huron Trout: ratatouille, potato chips, marjoram pistou
Riyasat Indian Restaurant
263 Lakeshore Rd E, 905-844-5344
Looking to be transported to a fragrant kitchen in India? Riyasat is downtown Oakville’s best Indian restaurant, sitting perched over Lakeshore Road.
The popular Indian restaurant first opened its doors in April 2019, offering local foodies an upscale fine dining room serving perfumed masala and steaming biryani.
Skip inside Riyasat in downtown Oakville and you’ll find colourful murals, portraits of historical Indian figures, iconic landmarks and a ceiling twinkling with the night sky.
Riyasat’s owner Mukesh Sharma is originally from Brampton but was keen to open his next restaurant in Oakville’s bustling downtown shopping and dining district. The restaurants name translates to kingdom or throne, “as thrones are passed on from generation to generation so does our food,” says Sharma.
Skip inside the Riyasat kitchen and you’ll find Chef Singh in charge of the curry station and Chef Kaushal taming the tandoor. You won’t find North American Indian dishes like samosa or Butter Chicken on the restaurants massive menu. Instead the chefs focus on serving traditional dishes from India’s north, taking you on a culinary escape from Delhi to Agra.
- Stuffed Aloo Tikki: deep fried potato patty stuffed with cottage cheese
- Jheenga Hara Payaaz: jumbo prawns with onion, tomatoes and spring onions
- Chicken Tikka Masala: tandoor cooked chicken in spicy onion and tomato gravy with bell peppers
- Kadahi Kebab: chicken kebab in a spicy onion and tomato gravy with bell peppers
- Baingan Mirch Ka Salam: baby eggplant, jalapeno, onion and tomato gravy
Salad Thai
398 Kerr St, 905-849-5961
Salad Thai is a cute and cozy family-run Asian restaurant in Oakville’s Kerr Street Village.
Over 20 years ago, Sean and Lee Chong opened Salad Thai Restaurant. To date, it has won numerous awards by the readers of the local Oakville Beaver for serving the city’s best “Thai Food” and “Spicy Food.”
Skip inside the little cottage on the corner of Kerr and Stewart Streets serving authentic Thai food and you’ll find an intimate dining room and bustling take out counter.
Salad Thai’s interior design features bright green and white washed walls, framed photos of Thailand’s Royal Family and arts & crafts inspired by the ancient Kingdom of Siam.
Mango salad, Chicken with Cashews, Thai Lemon Soup and Pad Thai are just a few of the many house favourites enjoyed by loyal customers.
Salad Thai is open 6 days a week for lunch and dinner.
- Thai Coconut Soup: shrimp, coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, mushrooms, chili and coriander.
- Mango Salad: green mango, green and red pepper, mixed onions, carrots, chopped peanuts.
- Pad Thai Chicken & Shrimp: stir-fried rice noodle, egg, tofu, green onions, peanut, beansprouts.
- Green Curry: chicken, beef or pork curry with eggplant, peas, bamboo, green and red peppers, basil leaves and coconut milk.
- Cashew Chicken: stir-fried chicken, cashews, green and red peppers, onions and mushrooms in Thai chilli sauce.
Vereda Central Coffee Roasters
310 Kerr St, 905-842-0887
Vereda Central was recently ranked the best coffee roaster and cafe in Oakville. The chic coffee shop is located on Kerr Street and features a roaster in the basement, cafe on the main floor and additional seating on the second floor.
Owners Juan Sarmiento and Laura Roa started working in the coffee industry in their native Colombia in 2012. Vereda Central initially purchased beans from local farmers, roasted them in Colombia and sold the beans for consumption within the country. The company received great response from local hotels and restaurants whose foreign and local patrons appreciated its high quality.
In 2017, the coffee loving couple decided to relocate to Canada from Bogota and now import Colombian beans and roast them right in the heart of Kerr Street Village. Skip inside Vereda Central Coffee Roasters in Oakville and you’ll find an espresso bar, fresh pastries and bags of Colombian coffee to brew at home.
Patisserie D’Or
1131 Nottinghill Gate, 905-815-8999
Patisserie D’Or is Oakville’s best French bakery and cafe. The popular shop was originally located in downtown Oakville but has since moved to a new location in Glen Abbey.
Skip inside Patisserie D’Or and you’ll find a cozy cafe where locals gather to enjoy frothy lattes and flaky chocolate and almond stuffed croissants. If you’re looking to sit down and enjoy breakfast or lunch wag your finger down the deli menu. The French cafe serves cold and hot sandwiches, pot pies, quiches, crepes and homemade soups such as potato leek and butternut squash.
Visit the Patisserie D’Or bakeshop and you’ll find freshly baked baguette, croissants, danishes, turnovers, tarts, eclairs, macarons, meringues, chocolates and jellies. Patisserie D’Or is particularly popular during the holidays, offering elaborate seasonal cakes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Valentine’s Day.
Paradiso Restaurant
125 Lakeshore Rd E, 905-338-1594
Paradiso first opened in 1993 in the heart of downtown Oakville on Lakeshore Road. The popular upscale Mediterranean restaurant is located at an enviable address, overlooking the Oakville Public Library from its wrap around outdoor patio.
The restaurant was purchased in 2000 by Stephane Sauve, Kerry Campbell and Paul Asaris. The trio have expanded the Paradiso restaurant empire to include a sister concept in nearby Burlington.
Of all the Oakville restaurants, Paradiso can accomodate big crowds at dinner. The restaurant seats around 200 people and offers two fully private dining rooms for corporate events and special occasions.
Hop up at the bar and you’ll find a selection of suds from Ontario craft breweries such as Beau’s, Side Launch and Sawdust City. The Paradiso wine list is 85% consignment, offering oenophiles an opportunity to sip through bottles that aren’t available at the LCBO.
Chef Adam can be found working away in the restaurant’s open concept kitchen. The restaurant’s menu draws inspiration from classic Mediterranean dishes and gets a revamp twice a year to reflect what’s in season.
Paradiso also offers corporate team building events, winemaker’s dinners and weekly hands-on cooking classes offered from September to November and January to May.
- Phyllo Baked Brie: black pepper honey, roma tomato jam, crostini
- Roasted Squash Risotto: caramelized onion and butternut squash risotto, apple compote, goat cheese, baby arugula
- Lamb Sugo Orecchiette: braised lamb shoulder, tomato ragout, toasted pecorino crumb, lemon-basil oil
- Pork Tenderloin: white bean cassoulet, white onion puree, pickled carrot
- Paradiso Burger: angus beef and chorizo sausage burger, smoked cheddar cheese, house made ketchup, smoked honey dijon mustard, sweet pickles, roasted mini red potatoes
Harpers Landing
481 Cornwall Rd, 905-338-0707
Harpers Landing Bar Grill Hub is a North American bistro, which opened in 2013 on Cornwall Road.
The popular restaurant in south east Oakville is most famous for its patio, which on a sunny day can seat 160 diners. Inside the sky high space you’ll find an industrial aesthetic where glass, metal, stone and wood create a sophisticated and relaxed vibe.
Harpers Landing features three distinct sections: a lounge with booming fireplace, a central bar surrounded by high tables and dining room offering families and couples intimate booths.
Chef Dennis Palma Cedeno’s menu spans from the popular weekend brunch hour through to weekday power lunches and romantic dinners. The Harpers Landing menu offers a little of something for everyone, from fish tacos to steak frites and pretty pizzas to juicy burgers.
On weekends Harpers Landing transforms into a late night sports bar, slinging massive Caesars and sophisticated cocktails until 2am.
- Palma Mushroom Arancini: aji amarillo cream, cumin spiked tomatoes, parmesan cheese
- Burrata and Prosciutto: cream filled fresh mozzarella, artisanal prosciutto, tomato jam, arugula, lava black salt, balsamic, garlic focaccia
- Duck Bolognese: duck ragu, san marzano tomatoes, lumachini noodles, parmesan
- The Boss Burger: beef chuck, panela cured bacon, jalapeño havarti cheese, caramelized red onions, sweet plantain, arugula, tomato
- Contadina Pizza: chorizo sausage, olives, roast peppers, spicy tomato sauce
Beertown
271 Cornwall Road, 365-331-2337
We first discovered Beertown in Cambridge on a culinary tour of Waterloo Region. The popular beer bar and restaurant has now expanded to include locations in Barrie, Guelph and London.
Beertown Oakville opened in July 2019 and is located on the corner of Trafalgar and Cornwall, across from Whole Foods. Skip inside Beertown and you’ll find a massive bar, spacious dining room and outdoor patio.
Sports fans should hop up on a stool at the bar to watch the game of the moment while wagging their fingers down a robust craft beer list. If a casual lunch or dinner is your mood of the moment grab a seat in a comfy blue leather chair to delight over weekend brunch or romantic sud-sloshed dinner.
Enjoy a pint of your favourite beer or order a pretty paddle to sample four brews in an attempt to find a new favourite. The kitchen offers a diverse menu featuring dishes that are perfect for pairing with a beer infused feast. Enjoy a hoppy IPA while dipping pretzels in warm cheese, chomping through tiny tuna tacos and nibbling finger-licking-good Southern fried chicken.
Of all the Oakville restaurants, Beertown is celebrated for having one of the best vegan menus in town. The kitchen offers a stand alone vegan brunch as well as a gluten-friendly menu.
- Fish Tacos: beer battered Atlantic haddock, shredded cabbage, cilantro, pico de gallo, guacamole, chipotle aïoli, lime, scallions, hot sauce
- DIY Mahogany Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Korean slaw, peanuts, fried rice noodles, hoisin, Ponzu aïoli, Gochujang, cilantro, scallions, black sesame seeds
- Steak + Blue Salad: grilled flat iron steak, baby iceberg wedges, crumbled blue cheese dressing, diced tomatoes, croutons, Stemmler’s bacon, pickled red onions, cider vinaigrette
- Southern Fried Chicken: buttermilk brined boneless chicken, picnic potato salad, cottage dressing, big league mustard
- BBQ Brisket Burger: slow smoked brisket, fresh ground beef patty, Monterey Jack, coleslaw, chips, ancho BBQ sauce, chipotle aïoli, toasted sesame bun
Browns Socialhouse
2525 Hampshire Gate #2b, 905-829-2727
Browns Socialhouse is a premium casual west-coast restaurant concept by Vancouver restauranteur Scott Morison. The first Browns Socialhouse opened in 2004 and now features over 30 locations in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
In 2014, Browns Socialhouse opened its first concept in Ontario at Erin Mills in Oakville. The 4,100 square foot space features a masculine meets feminine interior. Skip through the dining room and you’ll find a central bar, spacious social eating tables, skull wall, ceramic tile inlay, dangling Edison bulbs and Vegas limestone archways.
Browns Socialhouse stands out for its unique promotions throughout the week. Takeout Tuesdays offer a 10% discount, discounted drinks at Social Hour between 2-5pm and Reverse Social Hour from 9pm-close when starters and shareables are $4 off.
The Browns Socialhouse menu offers a taste of trendy west coast cuisine. Classic North American staples like nachos and fettuccine alfredo are paired alongside Asian inspirations such as ahi tuna tacos, crispy fried chicken ramen and Szechuan beef noodle bowl.
- Ahi Tuna Tacos: ginger chili tuna, yuzu aioli, avocado, daikon sprouts, sushi rice
- Crispy Fried Chicken Ramen: katsu style chicken, miso double broth, molten egg, cilantro, fresno chili, furikake
- Howlin’ Hot Chicken Sandwich: bread & butter pickles, shaved coleslaw, comeback sauce, nashville seasoning
- Chicken Parmesan with Fettuccini Alfredo: crispy seasoned panko crust, house-made tomato sauce, bacon, mozzarella
- Smokehouse Burger: cheddar, bacon, caramelized onion, iceberg lettuce, pickle, bbq sauce, chipotle aioli
Cynthia’s Chinese Restaurant
2460 Neyagawa Blvd, 905-338-1818
Looking for the best Chinese restaurant in Oakville? Located just north of the Glen Abbey Golf Club, Cynthia’s Chinese Restaurant can be found in a plaza on Neyagawa Boulevard at Dundas Street West.
Cynthia’s Restaurant in Oakville is part of a family of three fine dining Chinese concepts. The other two locations can be found in Newmarket and Thornhill. Cynthia’s Oakville was the most recent restaurant to open its doors, first welcoming Chinese food fans in 2009.
Skip inside any Cynthia’s Restaurant in the GTA and you’ll find sumptuous interiors, which remind us of decadent dim sum brunches enjoyed in Taipei, Hong Kong, Vancouver and Markham.
Guests are greeted by staff dressed in traditional Imperial robes. Classical Chinese music plays throughout the space and authentic art and Asian potted plants help transport diners to ancient China.
The 150-seat Chinese restaurant serves a mouthwatering menu featuring traditional Cantonese appetizers, soups, beef, chicken, pork, duck, seafood, rice and noodles. The menu also features a few dishes from Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.
Highlights from the Cynthia’s Chinese Restaurant menu in Oakville include Crispy OK Beef, Honey Garlic Spare Rib, General Tao Chicken, Peking Duck and Shrimp Fried Rice.
Pasquales Trattoria
50 Lakeshore Rd W, 905-338-9090
Pasquales Trattoria is a family owned Italian restaurant that opened in 2009 on Lakeshore Road in Oakville.
Skip inside Pasquales Trattoria and you’ll find a casual dining room featuring overhead lamps and framed photographs of scenic destinations in Italy from Rome to Amalfi and Milan to Tuscany.
Pasquales Italian recipes are rooted in delicious dishes that go as far back as 1966, when Papa Calogero opened his first restaurant. Pasquales’ father ran Ristorante Pinocchio in Etobicoke for decades, which is where the restauranteur got his start washing dishes at age 12.
The Pasquales Trattoria menu reads like an old school Italian restaurant, featuring classics like risotto, fresh pasta and veal parmigiano.
- Sicilian Melanzane: breaded eggplant, provolone cheese, tomato sauce
- Risotto with Mushrooms: extra virgin olive oil, garlic, portobello, porcini, mushrooms
- Tagliatelle: pan seared chicken, pesto, mushrooms, baby arugula, parmesan
- Veal Parmigiano: breaded veal, mozzarella, tomato sauce
- Filet Sole: egg wash, white wine, lemon, parsley
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The Kings Arms
323 Church St, 905-845-1010
The Kings Arms is a popular pub in downtown Oakville owned by Rob O’Donovan and Angelo Triant.
Fifty years ago it was known as The Duke of Bedford, from there it was renamed to The Manchester Arms, then in 1993 it transformed into The Kings Arms.
O’Donovan shared, “The building that houses The Kings Arms is an Oakville historical site. Apparently the first settlers in Oakville lived here. Although different names and owners have been a part of this establishment, the inspiration to make The Kings Arms what it is today comes with the fast changing restaurant world and offering the customer a unique experience. “
Skip inside The Kings Arms and you’ll find a main floor dining room with seating for 120, a seasonal patio and upstairs private dining space called the Lion’s Den. O’Donovan added, “The main floor of the restaurant was completely renovated in 2014 and our second floor Lion’s Den was created in 2018. We used a lot street art, marble, subway tile, barn door and vintage photography while still keeping the cozy elements of a pub.”
You’ll find elevated pub grub at The Kings Arms with highlights including the restaurants parade of juicy burgers, fragrant curries and crispy wings.
- Ahi Tuna Wonton Nachos: asian slaw, wasabi mayo, sriracha, cilantro
- Carne Tacos: braised beef, bbq chipotle aioli, shredded cheese, tomato, lime avocado, lettuce
- Cantonese Sweet & Sour Chicken: fried chicken, stir-fry vegetables, basmati, sesame
- OMG Burger: braised beef, swiss, sauteed onion, sauteed mushrooms, beer battered onion ring, tomato, lettuce
- Linguine Asiago: grilled chicken, thyme, spinach, mushrooms, white wine, pesto, marinara, rose sauce
One Five One Social
151 Lakeshore Rd E, 905-339-1151
One Five One Social is a wine bar and playful Italian restaurant in downtown Oakville. The owners of Buca di Bacco, Anthony, Vince and Lucio, opened the restaurant in November, 2018.
Anthony explained, “We loved the location and wanted to do something that downtown Oakville was missing; rotating chalkboard menu that gets changed each week. Wild game, vegan, pasta, oysters and charcuterie. Signature cocktails and wine.”
The restaurant has an unassuming entrance on Lakeshore Road. Once guests pass through the front door they stroll down a slender hallway and arrive to find a trendy interior. The cozy 50 seat restaurant features an interior constructed of reclaimed barn wood, industrial lighting, and industrial metal. Anthony described One Five One Social’s interior design as, “that New York Euro vibe.”
If you’re looking for a romantic date night in downtown Oakville, One Five One Social offers local craft beer, signature cocktails and plenty of wine. Signature dishes on the Oakville restaurants menu include wild boar gnocchi and DIY charcuterie and cheese boards.
- Wild Boar Meatballs: ricotta, parmigiano, tomato sauce, grilled bread
- Swordfish Crudo: citrus and scallion vinaigrette, toasted black sesame oil
- Arancini Carbonara: rice balls with pancetta and peas
- Gnocchi Poutine: prosciutto gravy, smoked scamorza, crispy pancetta
- Rigatoni Alforno: n’duja sausage, roasted garlic cream, mozzarella, pesto drizzle
Buca di Bacco
130 Thomas St, 905-845-7396
Buca di Bacco first opened in downtown Oakville in September, 2010. The cozy Italian restaurant is owned by the same restauranteurs behind One Five One Social.
“Buca di Bacco,” means the cave of the wine god. There is a restaurant that goes by the same name in Positano on the Amalfi Coast and the trio loved the theme and meaning behind it.
The 80 seat restaurant offers an intimate dining room, two and four top tables are set amongst Piccini wine rack towers. In the warm summer months guests can enjoy an al freso Italian feast on the restaurants front patio.
The kitchen strives to prepare homemade traditional Italian food, “just like our grandmothers,” said Anthony. Signature dishes from the Buca di Bacco menu include Roman Style Pizza, Spaghetti Pescatore and Risotto Funghi.
- Wild Boar Pancetta: tomato chili jam, crostini
- Calabria Pizza: tomato sauce, mozzarella, sausage, mushroom, hot pepper
- Cavatelli: nduja sausage, rapini, roasted garlic, aglio olio
- Veal Saltimbocca: veal scaloppini, prosciutto, sage, scallion, white wine, lemon
- Osso Bucco: brased veal shank, fried polenta, rapini
Mye Japanese Restaurant
143 Church St, 905-849-8989
Mye Restaurant in Downtown Oakville has moved to 360 Dundas Street East, which is affectionately being called Mye 2 Japanese Restaurant.
Mye is ranked as Oakville’s best Japanese restaurant and first opened its doors in October, 1987. Mye in Japanese means dance, a playful metaphor for how one might feel while eating delicious food.
Owner and chef Mo Aoki had a deep-rooted love and appreciation for cooking at a very early age. Chef Aoki was exposed to the cooking styles and traditions of his mother, who owned a yakiniku restaurant in Tokyo. He wanted to share this passion with people outside of Japan, and after having received an invitation from then-mayor Harry Barrett to open a restaurant in Oakville, he did just that.
The popular sushi restaurant in downtown Oakville offers seating for 110 guests in a historic 150 year old building. Architect Robert Yamamoto designed the space, featuring an interior that evokes serenity, with wooden ceiling lattices, sky lights, and neutral green hues.
Mye Restaurant in Oakville carries a variety of Japanese beers and sakes. Most sakes are consignment only so it gives customers a chance to try a selection that they normally can’t find at the LCBO. Mye has over 1000 sake cups displayed with name plates in the restaurant, all of which belong to regular customers to use for when they visit for lunch or dinner.
The Mye restaurant menu features classic sushi, lunch-time bento boxes and Japanese entrees such as black cod and succulent steak.
- Grilled Black Cod: california greens, wasabi miso dressing
- Agedashi: deep-fried tofu, bonito, ginger sauce
- Kanisu: snow crab claw, seaweed , cucumber sweet vinaigrette
- Mye Gozen: tempura, yakiniku, salmon nanban, sushi, sashimi
- Steak Seafood Dinner: filet mignon, shrimp, scallop, mushrooms, steak sauce, grated daikon
Cove Bar and Restaurant
49 Bronte Rd, 289-837-3056
Cove Bar & Restaurant is located in Oakville’s west end Bronte neighbourhood.
Owners Chris Wilson and Michael Mercanti relaunched Cove Restaurant in April, 2019. The popular seafood restaurant first opened its doors in 2014. The recent concept change was inspired by its location on the natural cove of Bronte’s inner harbour.
Skip inside Cove Restaurant and you’ll find a historic building crafted in the 1840s by natural Lake Ontario stone. The Oakville restaurant’s interior design features airy open spaces paired with a casual nautical vibe. In the warmer months of the year Cove Bar’s covered patio offers a clean white aesthetic in the tropical style.
Wag your finger down the Cove Bar menu and you’ll find culinary inspiration by Chef Maddison Osborne. Having enjoyed her culinary education in Prince Edward Island, Chef Maddison has a natural affinity for fresh fish and seafood. Chef Maddison’s signature dishes at Cove Restaurant include a succulent Lobster Roll and Cove Clam Chowder.
- Hummus: roasted red pepper hummus, mint yogurt, olive oil and honey, beet croquettes, samosa cones
- Hush Puppies: buttermilk hush puppies, alabama white sauce, green tomato relish
- Seafood Tower: mussels, clams, oysters, crab legs, shrimp, lemon, horseradish, house sauces
- Fish & Chips: battered haddock, house cut fries, charred lemon tartar sauce, coleslaw
- Fried Chicken Sandwich: buttermilk fried chicken, bread & butter pickle, slaw, bacon aioli, challah bun
Tommy Café & Chocolato Oakville
236 Lakeshore Rd E, 905-842-4626
Kazi and Zayna Shams first opened Tommy Cafe and Chocolato in downtown Oakville in January, 2021.
“My wife and I have always been obsessed with ice cream and chocolates, and it seemed like the perfect place to open a cafe focusing on our 2 favourite items. Chocolato has 20+ locations in Quebec but this is the first location in Ontario,” said Kazi.
The interior was designed by a Quebec-based architectural firm called Hatem. “The element I love, and so do customers, is the chocolate-dripping from the ceiling,” Kazi shared.
Skip inside and you’ll find 2 brands in the same retail space. For Tommy Cafe, the philosophy is healthier lightfare with wholesome and simple ingredients like avocado toast and bagel sandwiches. Tommy Cafe is popular in the morning and at lunch when locals head here for artisanal coffees and breakfast sandwiches.
At Chocolato the menu is a sweet-tooth dream. The signature drink is a hot chocolate, which is made from pure liquid chocolate. You’ll also find a selection of gelato, soft serve, waffles, and eye-popping royal sunades.
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