+10 Amazing Places to Eat in Stratford for Foodies
Stratford is so much more than a theatre and arts town. It’s also one of the best foodie destinations in Ontario! So, if you’re planning a visit to Stratford and looking for the best places to eat in Stratford, this guide is for you!
You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants in Stratford. There’s everything from international cuisine to classic Canadian fare! Oh, and there’s a ton of great cafes with awesome baked goods!
As a returning visitor to Stratford, year after year, I’m always on checking out new restaurants, coffee shops, and other foodie stops! So, I’ve rounded up a few of my favourite restaurants in Stratford that I think you should check out.
Being surrounded by some of the best farmlands in Ontario, thanks to its Perth County location, makes using locally grown ingredients more accessible. This leads to a strong focus on locally-sourced ingredients at Stratford restaurants, which I LOVE!. Plus, it brings food in Stratford to a whole other level!
So, forks up, let’s dish out my top restaurants!
Braai House
One of my favourite places to eat in Stratford is Braai House! This South African inspired restaurant is about bringing people and food together with their open-fire cooking.
Come hungry and dine inside or on their lovely patio. I highly recommend starting with an appetizer, like their bobotie. It’s similar to a samosa and so tasty! For main dishes try their ribs, steak, or duck. Or, if you’re looking for a great shareable, opt for one of their pizzas!
Mercer Kitchen | Beer Hall
One of the best places to eat downtown is Mercer Kitchen. With its diverse menu, everything from burgers to sushi, there’s something for everyone. They also have dairy free, vegetarian and gluten conscious options.
Mercer Kitchen is a great place for couples, friends and families. The vibe is cool and you’ll find diners dressed in everything from jeans to suits.
With a wide-ranging menu, I love their small plate options. I highly recommend ordering a few to share. A few top picks include the Mercer pierogis, Mijikai Maki (Hamachi tuna Sushi rolls) and the Karaage fried chicken.
Mercer is home to the largest craft beer menu in Stratford! It features dozens of Ontario craft beers that include Stratford’s own Black Swan. The drink menu also has a gluten-free beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.
Insider Tip: It’s also a stop on the Bacon & Ale Trail! One of two foodie trails that are one of the most popular activities in Stratford.
Pazzo
Craving Italian? You can’t go wrong with Pazzo Pizzeria at the corner of Ontario and Downie Street. This cozy spot is set in one of Stratford’s historic cellars, offering a touch of an European feel in Ontario.
While pizza is the star, Pazzo also serves fresh, house-made pasta and delicious appetizers like mussels and burrata. They use quality ingredients, sourcing local meat from McIntosh Farms in Listowel. I had the Brevi Rigatoni with green beans and it was some of the best fresh pasta I’ve had!
Prefer dining al fresco? Pazzo’s charming patio is one of Stratford’s best, tucked in the alley behind the building. But space is limited, so be sure to reserve a table, especially on weekends and in the summer.
Revival House
One of the most beautiful places to eat is the Revival House. Located within an old church, it maintains all the charm of its past life. Plus, it’s home to the original church organ!
Their menu is all about local farm fare with a fusion of various international cuisines and Canadian classics. I love their steak frites but they also have incredible pastas and vegetarian options.
Visit them for lunch, dinner, or brunch! Plus, they also host an assortment of live music and other events.
Taylor’s Delicatessen
When it comes to the best lunch in Stratford, I highly recommend Taylor’s Delicatessen. This newly opened restaurant took over the former Planet Diner location.
Taylor’s Delicatessen has a menu that features hot, cold and ‘Taylor’ made sandwiches. But this is NOT your mom’s sandwich shop! These are crafted by a chef with a background in fine dining and BOY can you taste the difference.
The Chef behind the sandwiches, Stew Taylor, has a long history with the culinary scene in Stratford with his first job as a dishwasher at Fellini’s when he was 13. He was also the head chef at Bijou.
I went from the Calabrian Chicken Sandwich. It was amazing! The fresh ciabatta bun was packed with marinated chopped chicken breast, house-made green olive tapenade, and smoked provolone. But be warned it has a bit of a spicy kick to it.
Also on the menu are pierogis, dumplings, and charcuterie. What isn’t made in house is sourced locally. Plus, this place has a real passion for giving back. They donate their leftover bread to a local food kitchen.
Café Bouffon
If you’re looking for a slice of Paris here in Stratford then make a reservation for Café Bouffon. From day to night, this dreamy restaurant in the heart of downtown is a great place to eat.
They do a weekend brunch that’s a big hit and features everything from cardamom buns to freshly squeezed orange juice mimosas. You can also pop in for an awesome cup of coffee in the mornings.
But I highly recommend enjoying dinner at Café Bouffon! That’s when the true magic settles in. The dining room is filled with striking chandeliers, Art Nouveau accents, and rich red walls. One of my favourite features is the nod to Stratford’s swans, with swan head busts decorating the one wall.
The menu at Café Bouffon is filled with classic French dishes the range from French onion soup to duck confit. You’ll also find an extensive wine menu and fun cocktails.
I highly recommend their Prix Fixe menu to enjoy the best bang for your buck. For $45 you can choose from their set menu, that changes every so often. During my last dinner I enjoyed their French Carrot Salad – which was one of the best salads I’ve ever had, and opted for the Agnolotti for my main. My friend went with the duck confit as her main and the kale salad and was wowed as well.
Bluebird Restaurant & Bar
Another great restaurant that is inspired by the local food culture of Stratford and Perth County is Bluebird. Plus, they have a pretty cool vintage vibe inside!
The menu at Bluebird Restaurant features local food from Ontario farms that include everything from cheeses to meats. During one of my visits, I enjoyed lunch and ordered the Bluebird Burger and Fries, which was made with Ontario beef and topped with local cheese.
I also love that they use local coffee, Baden Coffee, a local coffee roaster just 30 minutes east of Stratford. My friend ordered the Ploughpersons Lunch, which was a unique take on a charcutier board.
For dinner, Bluebird does a tapas style menu, making it great if you’re dining with a number of people so you can order a bunch of plates and share.
Jobsite Brewing Company
When it comes to the best pizza in Stratford, go to Jobsite Brewing Company. In addition to being a brewery, Jobsite makes wood fired pizza.
Set in a historic building that was home to various construction companies, it’s only fitting it’s now home to a brewery that has a construction theme. Their beers have fun names like 2X4 and Wrong Nail.
I also love that it’s a family friendly brewery. During my visit for lunch there were multiple other families there with their kids enjoying a beer and pizza.
Insider Tip: If you’re visiting on a Wednesday, take advantage of their Pizza Night deal with a savings of $3 per pizza.
Raja
When it comes to international cuisine, I highly recommend enjoying dinner at Raja. Serving up authentic Indian food, they make everything from scratch. Plus, they can cater to your desired spice level.
Raja is a great spot if you’re looking for Stratford restaurants near the Avon theatre. If you’re going to a performance at the Avon, dining at Raja means you’re only a 1 minute walk from the theatre.
I love visiting with friends and ordering a variety of dishes to share. I highly recommend their vegetable pakoras, butter chicken, and Tikka Masala.
Stratford Thai Cuisine
Another of my favourite places to eat lunch in Stratford is Stratford Thai Cuisine. They have a great menu of lunch specials that include rice combos like Basil Chicken Stir-fry.
If you’re dining in, you’ll find a sleek and stylish dining room with banquet seating and small chandeliers. For my visit, I opted for takeout, since it was a beautiful summer day, and walked across to eat at one of the picnic tables in Market Square.
Bijou Restaurant
2025 UPDATE: Bijou Restaurant has no reopened but in a new location!
Bijou is a top Stratford spot for French bistro cuisine, combining modern style with old-world charm. Its sleek decor, exposed brick, and antiques create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
For 25 years, Bijou has perfected farm-to-table dining, sourcing fresh ingredients from local farms like Boone Run, McIntosh, and Oak Manor. Their ever-changing Blackboard menu reflects the seasons and the creativity of their chefs. Every dish is beautifully presented and delicious—favorites include the Local Artisan Cheese Plate and the Asian Beef Bowl.
With a small dining room, reservations are highly recommended to experience this culinary gem!
Bentley’s Bar Inn & Restaurant
A fun pub in town is Bentley’s! This staple is located along the Ontario Street, and has a long list of great pub fare that includes everything from burgers to fish and chips. They also serve amazing nachos that are gluten free and come with house made salsa.
It’s a great spot for lunch or dinner. I love their 5 cheese macaroni! You’ll also find vegan and gluten free options on the menu. Plus, it’s family friendly with a great kids menu.
If you’re enjoying dinner at Bentley’s then check out their drink menu. It features a wide array of beers and cocktails.
Best Cafes in Stratford for Light Meals
Revel
For the artsy coffee junkie, head to Revel! Located in Market Square, Revel is one of the best cafes in Stratford. They are dedicated to offering direct-trade coffee and food made from fresh local produce.
I love all of their desserts and baked goods. But their fresh strawberry cake that I tried years ago still stands out as an awesome treat! Plus, it has a cool industrial meets artsy vibe inside. And if you’re visiting in the summer, check out their back patio.
The Ashborne Café
Formerly the Edison Café, it has been reimagined, rebranded and moved further down Ontario Street. But it still has all the delicious baked goods, like muffins and scones as well as healthy options like refreshing breakfast bowls.
They serve Brothers Coffee Roasters for a smooth cup of joe. But you’ll also find a variety of beverage options like smoothies, herbal teas and more.
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