The foodie’s guide to Niagara Falls: where to find the culinary gems in Ontario’s tourist town

Niagara Falls, Ont., is famous for many things, most notably its dramatic geological formations and scores of tourist attractions, including the new immersive exhibit Currents," inside the historic Niagara Parks Power Station. One thing the city isn't particularly known for, however, is a dining scene - that is, until you head off-strip.

Unlike chain restaurants, many of the standout spots are committed to working with Ontario-grown and -made foods (Ontario Culinary's Feast On designation recognizes this dedication to sustainable, local sourcing). From recent additions to well-loved community institutions, here are some delicious stops for your next visit to the iconic falls.

For hyperlocal dining: AG Inspired Cuisine (5195 Magdalen Ave., Niagara Falls)

Steps away from Clifton Hill's wax museums and arcades, and tucked inside Sterling Inn and Spa, chef Cory Linkson serves a thoughtful three-course dinner inspired by Niagara's terroir. The dishes brim with produce plucked from a half-acre farm on nearby Lundy's Lane, and might start with dukkah-dusted, blistered red shishitos and end in a dessert finished with honey from AG's beehives. Also impressive is Linkson's ability to pair his French-based cuisine to the Niagara wines served.

For a family-run area favourite: Casa Mia Ristorante (3518 Portage Rd., Niagara Falls)

Serving award-winning Italian flavours for more than three decades, matriarch Luciana Mollica and son Claudio transform local ingredients - some grown by patriarch Gino and sister-in-law Lisa at Terra Mia Farms - into refined plates that maitre d' son Dominic delivers with care. Whether you're enjoying casual pizzas in the elegant kitchen bar, classics like homemade pastas and veal parmigiana in their airy solarium, or the tasting menu with modernist touches in their dining room or private cellars, sommelier Laura Oberlein will always have an expert pairing from their deep wine library.

For refined pastries and desserts: Liv at Cafe Fifty Four (3643 Portage Rd., #16, Niagara Falls)

From golden croissants with shatteringly crisp layers, freshly fried crullers and ooey-gooey butter tarts to ethereal composed entremets, it seems there's nothing chef Olivia Mollica - a third-generation chef from the Casa Mia lineage - can't do. Watch for seasonal treats like pumpkin caramel coffee cake or fall macarons, which are great washed down with a brown butter maple and tonka bean latte. Preorder to avoid disappointment; the display case can be near empty by mid-morning.

For leisurely blunch": Flour Mill Scratch Kitchen Restaurant (6080 Fallsview Blvd., Niagara Falls)

Looking for an indulgent, contemporary Canadian brunch spread? Head inside this former flour mill's Feast On-certified restaurant for their blunch," which might open with peppercorn-speckled, maple-candied bacon dripping from a tabletop tree" before presenting butter-poached lobster pancakes or bruleed French toast drizzled with Quebec maple anglaise. For fans of eggs Benedict, the version here piles poached egg-topped halves of baker Catherine Murawski's scrumptious scones with Pingue prosciutto, (more) butter-poached lobster or smoked salmon.

For maple syrup everything: the Maple Trail at Maple Leaf Place (4199 River Rd., Niagara Falls)

Launched in 2019, the Maple Trail brings the sugar bush indoors, dedicating 5,000 square feet to all things Ontario maple syrup. The family-friendly interactive exhibit is part production facility, part shop and a complete sensory experience. Take an immersive audio/video tour to learn the origins of the quintessentially Canadian ingredient. Sample artisanal chocolates, fudge and (when available) maple taffy made on an ice table. Try a side-by-side comparison of light, amber and dark flavours in a flight before stocking up on the sweet stuff to bring home.

Writer Renee S. Suen travelled as a guest of Niagara Falls Tourism, which did not review or approve this article. Travellers are reminded to check on public health restrictions that could affect their plans.