Narrowing down where to go for lunch or dinner can sometimes be difficult with all the great places in the community. We’ve cultivated a list of the top restaurants that are locally sourced based on TripAdvisor reviews by those who've checked them out from all over Ontario’s Southwest to make narrowing down a place easier! If you are a local, many of these restaurants offer deliveries or curb-side pick-up. If you aren’t a local, make sure to add these restaurants to your “to-eat-at” list when it is safe to do so!
Twisted Lemon - Cayuga
Known for: seasonal local ingredients, banana bread cheesecake, scallops, lamb
Twisted Lemon is a local Haldimand County restaurant run by a wife and husband team that are redefining “fine-dining”. They’ve turned their creative and tasty menu items into Take & Bake meal kits. Those that purchase these kits can join the owner, Chef Dan Megna via a Zoom class to learn how to make Twisted Lemon favourites using the ingredients within the kits.
The Crepe House - Port Dover
Known for: sweet and savory crepe creations
The Crepe House offers a variety of crepes to satisfy all your cravings at breakfast, lunch, and on weekends, dinner. They are not currently open, but they have plans to open in some capacity later this month.
Finkle Street Tap & Grill - Woodstock
Known for: risotto balls, club sandwich, pizza
Finkle Street Tap & Grill is an award-winning Woodstock local restaurant that is highly recognized for the service and food. They shut their doors during the pandemic to make internal improvements that will keep their customers and employees safe when they open their doors again.
Le Cafe Siam - St. Thomas
Known for: Thai food, green curry, and dumplings
For over a decade, Le Cafe Siam has been serving Thai food in Ontario’s Southwest. If you’re looking for your next favourite Thai restaurant, try Le Cafe Siam today! And yes, the kitchen is open for delivery and take out.
Clock Tower Inn & Bistro - Strathroy
Known for: wood-fired pizza, Caesar salads, and crab cakes
The Clock Tower Inn, as the name suggests, is located in a historic clock tower, and the great dishes served compliment the décor well. The crab cakes are often highly recommended, and for good reason! For the time being, Clock Tower Inn & Bistro is offering a limited menu for take-out. But don’t worry, you can still order their famous crab cakes from the limited menu. We checked for you.
Image by Waldo's on King
Waldo’s on King - London
Known for: pasta, grass-fed rib-eye steak, honey sesame wings and lobster
This Bistro and Wine Bar located in London is the definition of casual dining. A space characterized by dishes carefully curated by Mark and his hand-picked team to create the ultimate Waldo’s experience. From a wide selection of grass-fed beef, pork, chicken and wild fish, to tantalizing vegetarian choices and savour wines. They are currently open for curbside pickup and delivery and are frequently introducing limited-time specials to their menu and hosting social media contests for a chance to win free meals.
Pinecroft Green Frog Tea Room – Aylmer
Known for: soup, tea, muffins, homemade bread
The Pinecroft Green Frog Tea Room is a family run restaurant that operates as part of the Pinecroft bed and breakfast. When it is safe, visitors should check out the pottery studio and giftshop. Until then, Aylmer locals can still order food from the Pinecroft Frog Tea Room for take-out.
Image by Sitara Indian Cuisine
Sitara Indian Cuisine - Sarnia
Known for: traditional East Indian dishes including butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, biryani, just to name a few.
Home of freshly cooked authentic Indian cuisine, Sitara has gained TripAdvisor’s title of the most popular restaurant in Sarnia. Its dishes are the perfect combination of aroma and flavour thanks to the use of naturally grown curry spices and herbs, as well as locally grown food and produce. A key highlight of the restaurant is that their dishes are prepared fresh to the order allowing the cooking staff to get the spice or heat level desired. They also offer vegan and gluten-free options upon request, ensuring that all customers experience Indian cuisine at its finest. Orders can be made online or over the phone for curbside pick-up or delivery.
Chatham Breakfast House and Grille Churrascaria - Chatham
Known for: churrasco chicken, steak, homemade soup
Chatham locals are still able to enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine thanks to the take-out menu offered by Chatham Breakfast House and Grille Churrascaria. This restaurant is giving back to the community by lifting spirits at a local nursing home by safely providing residents with a delicious meal, and by collecting food cans.
Image by Souq
Souq - Windsor
Known for: chicken shish tawook, tenderloin shish kabob, hummus, pita bread
With only three years in the market, Souq has positioned itself as one of the top restaurants in Windsor. Derived from the Arabic word for “market”, Souq dishes are prepared using fresh and local ingredients that are not only delicious but highly nutritious. The restaurant offers freshly crafted salads, juicy kabobs and sweet desserts inspired by traditional Mediterranean cuisine. As of now, the restaurant is open for take-out only through online ordering, offering various platter options for up to 6 people as well as lunch specials.
Looking for a new place to eat, or a nice place for a date night? Try one of the restaurants mentioned! Ontario’s Southwest has many great places, some of which are featured in our Next Stop: Taste video series. Be sure to check it out and discover your new favorite place!
