10 Must-Try Restaurants in Fonthill
I’m not sure when Fonthill became such a foodie destination, but I’m here for it.
When I lived here a decade ago, the main food options were essentially pizza or pub food.
Now, you can find everything from Thai food to authentic Japanese/Korean takeout, elevated comfort food, and one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in the region.
If you’re looking for great places to eat in Niagara, add these Fonthill restaurants to your list ASAP.
1. Pho Real
I think I’ve eaten at Pho Real more than any other restaurant in the Niagara Region.
It’s an easy go-to because the food is consistently fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced. It also helps that I love Vietnamese food and could eat it every day.
When it comes to must-try dishes here, I’d recommend all of their fresh rolls, rare beef and shrimp in tom yum soup, and any vermicelli noodle bowls (my favourite is the one that comes with grilled shrimp on sugarcane and grilled meatball).
I could go on with more recommendations, but I might end up rattling off half their menu.
2. Root & Bone
Root & Bone is easily one of the best upscale restaurants in Niagara. From start to finish, eating here is an all-around five-star experience.
The quality of the food is phenomenal, not to mention the beautiful presentation and attention to detail of every dish.
The menu changes seasonally and features locally sourced ingredients that are (mostly) GMO and antibiotic-free.
When I visited, I did the four-course prix-fixe menu (which is $110). Highlights of the meal were the diver sea scallops and lamb loin.
That said, every course was fantastic. This is the type of restaurant where you know you’re getting an incredible meal, regardless of what you’re ordering.
Along with the prixe-fixe option, they also offer an a la carte menu certain days of the week.
3. Stoke Deli
Stoke has it all: stellar food, great vibes, and super friendly staff. They serve a constantly changing selection of salads and small plates, but they’re best known for one thing: next-level sandwiches.
We’re talking ultra-fresh house-made focaccia, innovative flavour combos, and top-quality ingredients (some of which are sourced from local farms in Ridgeville, St. Catharines, and Stevensville).
I’ve tried a few sandwiches here, but the standout for me is the chicken shawarma sandwich. The combination of pineapple sauce, aioli, slaw, and pickled turnips is so, so tasty and a bit unexpected.
As for the restaurant itself, I love all the extra touches they’ve added around the space—from the huge selection of fun non-alcoholic beverages to the Stoke At Home products (pantry staples made in-house).
4. Pelham Street Grille
Pelham Street Grille is always a solid option for a diner-style breakfast or lunch in Fonthill. The servers are friendly, the food comes out quickly, and the portions are generous.
The prices here are also reasonable. Their breakfast special (two eggs, bacon, ham or sausage, home fries, and toast), three-piece French toast, and toasted BLT all cost less than $13.
Plus, they offer quite a few vegan, gluten-free, and carb-free options, which is always helpful for anyone with dietary restrictions.
5. Choi’s Roll & Bowl
Even though it’s located in a busy area, this little gem is easy to miss.
I still don’t know how many times I’d driven by without noticing it, but I’m glad that neon sign in the window caught my eye.
Since the first time I tried it, it’s quickly become one of my favourite restaurants in Fonthill.
The owner (who hails from South Korea) is always friendly and kind, and the food is delicious.
You’ll find authentic Korean and Japanese dishes on the menu—everything from sushi to udon and takoyaki.
Some of the Korean dishes, including tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), are the owner’s personal recipe.
This restaurant is take-out only, as an FYI.
For more hidden gems like this one, check out my list of
awesome and underrated restaurants in Niagara Falls
6. Italian Peasant Gastro Market
Another Fonthill takeout restaurant worth visiting is the Italian Peasant.
They have a fantastic selection of heat-and-serve meals you can stash in the freezer or take home for a quick dinner when you don’t feel like cooking.
Lasagne, chicken parm, pasta and meatballs—all your comfort food favourites are covered. Plus, you can tell everything here is made in-house with top-quality ingredients.
When it comes to made-to-order meals, the options include Italian deli sandwiches on house-made focaccia, hot sandwiches, and thin crust pizza.
With light, airy crust and the perfect balance of sauce and toppings, this pizza might just be some of the best pizza in Fonthill.
They also have an awesome selection of imported grocery items, including cured meats, cheeses, olives, sweets, and more Italian delicacies.
7. Cured Tapas & Cocktails
If you’re looking for date night or girls’ night ideas, you can’t go wrong with Cured Tapas & Cocktails.
As far as I know, it’s one of the few places in Niagara where you can dine in and order a fully customized charcuterie board.
There’s an ever-changing selection of meats and cheeses to choose from, including options like prosciutto, n’duja, double cream brie, and wild garlic gouda.
All boards also come with locally made jams, chutneys, pickled items, crostini, and fresh bread.
Beyond charcuterie, they offer apps and shareables like dumplings, pear and prosciutto flatbread, and whipped feta dip. These features change monthly so there’s always something new to try.
One thing you can’t miss here? The craft cocktails. Their salted caramel espresso martini (with dulce de leche) is a must-try. If you don’t drink, their mocktails are unique and inventive too.
8. Young Thai
Although my absolute favourite Thai restaurant is in downtown St. Catharines, Young Thai is my go-to spot in Fonthill.
Every time I’ve eaten here, the food comes out quickly and everything is always fresh and flavourful.
It’s also typically not overly loud or busy inside (apart from peak times like a weekend evening).
My favourite dishes here are lemongrass soup, Bangkok street pad thai, orange cashew nuts with chicken, spicy eggplant, and pumpkin curry.
If you visit at lunchtime, you can take advantage of their two-course lunch special for a set price. I can’t remember the price off the top of my head, but it’s a good deal.
9. Mango tree
Mango Tree is a great option for Thai takeout in Fonthill. It’s a tiny restaurant with a few small tables if you feel like sitting in to eat.
They have all the top Thai dishes you’d expect—from pad thai to pad see-ew and red curry—but with a bit of a twist. Firstly, all dishes are vegan-friendly and made without fish sauce.
Secondly, they use minimal sugar and add honey or palm sugar to sweeten dishes. They also offer a variety of gluten-free and celiac-approved options.
If you like bubble tea, you’ll love their selection of flavours—including classic bubble milk tea and seasonal specials like watermelon, pumpkin pie, and lychee.
The restaurant’s owner and chef, Suporn, was born and raised in Thailand. Before opening Mango Tree in 2023, she owned and operated a Thai restaurant in the GTA for 13 years.
10. Kame & Kettle
When I first came here years ago, I’m pretty sure this brewery only served soft pretzels and a couple of bar snacks.
Now, they have a full-blown menu with all kinds of tasty options—from seared sirloin to bacon-wrapped jumbo shrimp, burgers, and chicken pot pie.
The menu features a good mix of shareable apps and elevated pub classics—perfect for pairing with a pint or beer flight.
There’s a dog-friendly patio out back in the summer, and they host open mic nights from time to time (you can find more details about live music on their Instagram page).
