Best Restaurants in Niagara Falls by a Local Expert

Looking for scrumptious food in the best restaurants in Niagara Falls?

No problem! I’ve lived in there and have been a professional tour guide in Niagara Falls, often recommending places to eat. I’ve eaten at most of the places on this list myself, and if not, my fellow tour guides and family members have raved about them.

The city of Niagara Falls, Canada has a massive variety of international and ethnic cuisine and no shortage of restaurants focused on Farm-to-Table or sourcing local ingredients and wines (Niagara is famous for it’s wines). So, no matter what the meal or the occasion, there is a great restaurant waiting for you in Niagara Falls.

Best Restaurants in Niagara Falls, Canada QUICK GUIDE

If you’re short on time, here are the top restaurants in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

• Phyl’s – best breakfasts (served until 2pm)
• Napoli – best authentic Italian food
• Copacabana – best for a romantic meal
• The Flying Saucer – best for families
• Table Rock House Restaurant – best view of the Falls

Best Restaurants with a View of Niagara Falls

If you are visiting Niagara Falls and this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for you to see one of the wonders of the world, please enjoy a meal overlooking the Falls. It is such a special place and you should get to enjoy the whole experience.

Table Rock House Restaurant

If you’ve been sight-seeing in Niagara Falls already, you’ve probably been in the Table Rock Centre to grab a coffee, find a souvenir or to go to the toilet. This is the only building right next to the Horseshoe Falls and is the epicentre for Niagara Parks.

On the upper level is the Table Rock House Restaurant. This higher-end restaurant is literally at the edge of the Falls and provides a view from nearly every table.

My favourite aspect of this restaurant is that they source at least 50% of their food and 90% of its drinks from Ontario. They put all these fresh ingredients together and the resulting masterpiece tastes superb.

Queen Victoria Place Restaurant

Just down the Parkway from Table Rock is Queen Victoria Place, another Niagara Parks eatery committed to sourcing much of their food and drink from Ontario.

This restaurant has a more modern/rustic feel as it is set within an historic building originally built in 1904 with stones from in the Niagara Gorge below the Falls.

Queen Victoria Place has an amazing view of both the American and Horseshoe Falls. It’s a great place to eat by the Falls, especially in the summer when you can eat outdoors on their large, covered veranda to soak up the sights and rumbling sounds of Niagara Falls.

Skylon Tower Revolving Dining Room or Buffet

The Skylon Tower is a sight-seeing tower with an observation deck 775 feet above the Falls. It has three floors at the top of the tower to get a bird’s eye view of the Falls: the observation deck at the top, the buffet in the middle, and the revolving dining room on the bottom.

Reservations to the buffet or dining room include entrance to the observation deck if you wanted to pop up after your meal.

The dining room floor rotates around the centre of the tower, providing views not only of the Falls, but of the entire Niagara region and even the Toronto city skyline on a clear day. The floor typically completes a rotation in about an hour. It offers lunch and dinner year-round.

To give you an idea of prices, entrées at lunch are $40-$56 and at dinner are $50-70.

The buffet is more casual and affordable but only open for dinner during the summer. In the off-season, the buffet is available for private functions, receptions or business meetings.

The dining room has a sophisticated atmosphere, but you will occasionally find cocktail dresses and suits, or even small wedding parties, mixed-in with those of us in casual clothes.

Best Hidden Gem Restaurants

In the tourism centre of Niagara Falls (along Clifton Hill, Victoria Avenue and Fallsview Boulevard) there are lots of restaurants, but most are overpriced or franchised. Let me tell you which local spot have amazing food not far from the main tourist hub.

Fried Chicken ROK’s

Get the best Korean fried chicken in town at ROK’s. Just a 5 min drive from Fallsview Casino and the many nearby hotels, this hidden gem is not so hidden because of a massive chicken statue out front.

ROK’s is in the village of Chippawa, next to the city of Niagara Falls, though they are now technically amalgamated. Chippawa is named after the Native people of the same name, a branch of the Ojibwa. Chippawa is a hidden gem in itself; I encourage you to take a walk along the Welland River that goes through Chippawa, called the Chippawa Creek by locals.

But seriously, you have to try the food at ROK’s. They have a variety of fried chicken, burgers, appetizers and specials. But be warned: their spice levels are intense! My friend let me try the sauce on her chicken at spice level #2 and I almost died – just from a tiny taste on my finger!

Zappi’s Pizza & Pasta

This family-owned Canadian-Italian restaurant has been around since 1971 and revamped by the founders’ son in 2001. This quaint family restaurant is now dwarfed by the many towering hotels that have grown up around it over the decades, but the food remains popular with locals and visitors alike.

This is a fantastic spot within walking distance of many of the hotels, but has a good amount of parking for those of you driving.

Napoli Ristorante Pizzeria

As the name implies, this is an authentic Italian restaurant focused on providing the best family recipes with fresh ingredients. This restaurant has also been around for a long time (1961) and is still super popular.

Because they make everything fresh and to order, and because it’s a super popular spot for dinner (especially on the weekend), the service times to receive your food may be longer than you’d normally expect. Just know, it’ll be worth the wait.

But I’d strongly recommend making a reservation due to its popularity.

Napoli has a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere and is a great spot for amazing food close to the tourism district. It’s a bit of a walk from most hotels but they do have a small parking lot as well. Also consider using Uber or Lyft to get around Niagara Falls to avoid the parking challenges.

Best Romantic Spots to Eat

Niagara Falls has a long history of being a honeymoon destination, but if you’re looking for romantic and unique dining options in Niagara Falls for a date night or other special occasion, you need to check out these restaurants.

Wind Japanese & Thai

Located on the busy Lundy’s Lane, just a 5-10 minutes drive from most hotels, is Wind. This Japanese and Thai cuisine spot uses all-you-can-eat pricing which varies for adults/seniors/kids and weekday/weekend but adult prices are in the $32 – $45 range.

Wind has everything you could want: appetizer spring rolls, to soups and salads, to grilled ribs or eggplant, to stir-fry, to all the sushi and noodle dishes you could eat. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

Wind has a modern, light, and, dare I say… airy atmosphere. It’s a beautiful space that would be perfect for taking your special someone to for the big occasion.

AG Inspired Cuisine

Located in the lower levels of Sterling Inn & Spa, AG Inspired Cuisine offers a farm-to-table fine dining experience. The food is so fresh they don’t even put it in a fridge or freezer. Chef Cory Linkson is personally involved on the farm that provides the food, picked in the morning and delivered to the restaurant just in time to get cooking. Incredible!

The dining room has a classy, red moody, yet cozy vibe with white table cloths and the sparkle of wine glasses. What a fantastic place to spend your special meal savouring the fruit of the land around you.

Copacabana

This Brazilian rodizio in the heart of the tourism centre provides a delicious meal in a beautiful setting. A variety of meats are cooked on spits then taken directly to your table where the servers carve a bit off the spit and onto your plate. They continue offering you the variety of meats until you are full – it’s all you can eat!

You can also order sides through an online order form throughout your meal all included in the price. The only exclusions are drinks and desserts.

For those you who’ve never been to a rodizio, this is a super fun experience. Plus the food was incredible! I especially loved the cheese-stuffed steak.

Where the Locals Eat

As someone who’s lived in Niagara Falls and has extended family all over Niagara Falls, this list of restaurants highlights some of our favourites.

Purplemint Kitchen

Hands down my favourite Indian food place in Niagara Falls. My friend, who knows the talented chef, introduced me to Purplemint and I cannot say enough good things.

Chef Jagat is very accomplished and has specialized his restaurant in Indian & Hakka Chinese food with a focus on authenticity. This means when they say “mildly spicy”, to me and most North Americans, that means “pretty spicy”, so watch out!

The restaurant is located on Lundy’s Lane but a decent ways away from the Falls, so don’t expect to be able to walk. But, if you’re looking for fantastic Indian food in Niagara Falls, you’ve got to try Purplemint Kitchen!

Pho Xyclo

For the best Vietnamese food in Niagara Falls, head to Pho Xyclo on Dunn Street. I lived close to this place and loved getting take out from here, but the dining room was always busy with locals who love it.

From rolls, to meaty mains, to the classic and tasty pho soups, this place makes everything fresh and super flavourful!

La Revolución 

Want authentic Mexican tacos? This is your spot!

La Revolución is Niagara’s authentic taqueria mexicana and is a small establishment off of Portage Road. There are a few tables to dine in, but I believe most of their business is done through take-out. The staff were super friendly and gave me recommendations when I wasn’t sure what to order.

I’ve had their beef and chorizo tacos, and they are absolutely scrumptious! Next on my list is their burrito – I can’t wait to go back and give it a try. If authentic Mexican cuisine is what you’re after, La Revolución is where the locals eat in Niagara Falls!

Best Casual Restaurants

If you’re just looking for some more good grub in a relaxed space, I’ve got suggestions located all over Niagara Falls.

Taco n Tequila

Firstly, right in the tourism centre, there is Taco N Tequila that serves tacos, fajitas, burritos and various margaritas. The walls are covered in Mexican-themed murals giving it a festive and lively atmosphere, especially by the bar.

In the summer, they have a large patio which fills up quickly. As does their parking lot. Parking to eat at the restaurant is free, but the lot is open to the public for a fee.

The food quality is solid, but I think most people come for the atmosphere and the proximity to their hotel.

The Queen’s Coach

For a taste of classic Niagara Falls food and culture, head to The Queen’s Coach Restaurant, a beloved family-owned eatery in the north end of the city. Serving the community since 1995, this restaurant remains a local favorite – so much so that you might find yourself waiting in line for breakfast, especially on weekends.

The wait is well worth it, though. The Queen’s Coach is known for its great food, hearty portions, and reasonable prices. Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting, the welcoming atmosphere will make you feel right at home.

If you’re looking for a true Niagara Falls local dining experience with delicious comfort food, The Queen’s Coach should be at the top of your list!

Phyl’s Breakfast & Lunch

Similar to the Queen’s Coach in it’s approach with big portions and good prices, Phyl’s is a classic spot on Lundy’s Lane for breakfast and lunch options. If you want breakfast for lunch, or lunch for breakfast, Phyl’s has the same menu from 8am – 2pm.

This place is a classic no-frills, local hangout even though it’s on one of the busiest streets in Niagara Falls. The food is good and I’d highly recommend it to anyone wanting to start their day off strong.

Best Family Restaurants

I have personally been to these restaurants with my family, both as a kid and in recent years. They’re often our go-to locations for a quality meal that’s family friendly.

Flying Saucer

For a fun, family-friendly dining experience in Niagara, The Flying Saucer is out of this world – literally! Shaped like a UFO and decked out in a playful space and alien theme, this restaurant is a hit with kids and adults alike.

Established in 1972 as a drive-in, The Flying Saucer has grown into a full-fledged restaurant, even adding a second “saucer” to accommodate its loyal crowds. And trust me, it’s always busy – a testament to its popularity – but wait times are usually short.

If you’re looking for great food, a fun atmosphere, and a place the whole family will enjoy, The Flying Saucer is a must-visit restaurant in Niagara Falls!

Magnolia Chinese Cuisine

For fantastic Chinese food in a warm and inviting atmosphere, look no further than Magnolia. This spacious and comfortable restaurant offers a welcoming dining room and an extensive menu packed with a wide variety of dishes to suit every craving.

One of the highlights of Magnolia is their convenient set dinner options for two or more people. This allows you to sample and share several delicious dishes, making it perfect for families and groups.

Betty’s Restaurant

Even older than the Flying Sauce, but just as iconic, Betty’s Restaurant has been serving homestyle cooking since 1967. Betty’s became famous for their fish & chips and hearty meals for good prices. Though they can now seat 500 people (wow!), their prompt and friendly service has never declined.

My family has been going here for years and has often enjoyed our larger family Christmas dinners here. As a kid, I loved riding the rocking horses in the lobby.

Best Pubs

If you’re looking for some good pub grub in a social atmosphere, here are a couple very popular pubs in Niagara Falls.

Doc Magilligan’s

For my British and Irish friends out there, find a taste of home in this upscale Irish pub.

Having been all over the UK and Ireland myself, I love to go to Doc’s for a meal and a drink to remind me of the pubs abroad. All the furniture and decor in this pub were actually saved from country pubs being closed in Ireland, and the actual bar itself was made in Ireland and shipped to Canada!

They serve classic pub fair and other comfort food but the quality is superb! However, the award-winning food comes with a higher price tag than you might expect from a pub.

But the moody atmosphere and live music Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays make it a great night out.

The Blind Pig

Further up Lundy’s Lane from Doc Magilligan’s Irish Pub, you’ll find The Blind Pig, a must-visit spot with a name that nods to the speakeasies of the Prohibition era. While its roots are inspired by secrecy, The Blind Pig is all about great food, good prices, and a welcoming atmosphere.

This pub has a focus on socializing, with free wifi and USB charging outlets at each table, they want you to hang out for a while.

The Blind Pig’s gastropub menu takes pub classics to the next level with creative twists like wonton nachos and pickle poutine. Pair your meal with one of their many beer or wine options, or treat yourself to a handcrafted cocktail.

If you’re looking for delicious food, a great drink selection, and a relaxed vibe, make sure to add The Blind Pig to your Niagara dining itinerary!

Further Afield for Real Foodies

If you get the chance to explore the Niagara peninsula further than just Niagara Falls, be sure to explore Niagara-on-the-Lake and grab food at Bricks & Barley. Or, head south to check out Port Colborne and the best pizza in the whole area at The Lock.

Bricks & Barley

Near to Niagara-on-the-Lake is the small village of Virgil that has one of the best restaurants in the area. It’s a favourite of locals for sure. They pride themselves on their wood-fired pizza and craft beers, but I like their cocktails too.

With a unique blend of pub, brewery, and chic restaurant vibes, the atmosphere is as inviting as the food. The patio, open during the warmer months, offers a lovely setting to enjoy your meal while soaking in the sun.

They value sourcing their ingredients locally, ensuring the food is fresh and minimizing environmental impact, which I love! While everything on the menu is worth trying, I particularly loved both their fish and chicken tacos!

If you’re looking for fresh, flavourful food in a relaxed and welcoming environment, make sure to stop by this gem in Virgil.

The Lock Wood Fired Pizza

This is the best pizza you will find in the Niagara region, maybe even Ontario, or maybe ALL OF CANADA!

To be fair, it’s owned and operated by my step-cousins. But seriously, the pizza is that good!

They come from an Italian-Canadian family and make all their pizzas fresh, by hand, in their custom, Italian wood-burning pizza oven. If you want thin-crust pizza topped with classic and unique combinations (including a dessert S’mores pizza), then you’ve got to check out The Lock.

The Lock is named after the iconic locks of the Welland Canal, located just steps from the restaurant. While you savour your pizza, you can watch ships and boats travel between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, bypassing the mighty Niagara Falls. It’s a one-of-a-kind setting for a meal you won’t forget.

Where To Stay

If you need ideas of where to stay in Niagara Falls, Canada, here are my top picks.

➡️ The Marriott Fallsview & Spa

➡️ The Grandview Boutique Hotel

Conclusion

I hope this list of amazing restaurants has inspired you to explore some of Niagara Falls’ best cuisine. Writing this post definitely made me hungry more times than I can count – the food at these places is just SO good!

While there are countless other fantastic spots in Niagara Falls, I’m confident this guide will help you discover some true culinary gems during your visit. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy local favourite or eager to try something new and exciting, Niagara Falls has something delicious to offer every palate and budget. Happy dining!