Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Durham

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Durham? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Springwood

4.9

4.9 (601)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

Whitby

About the restaurant

The Springwood can be summed up effectively as a neighborhood restaurant, whose values, regarding the menu, focus greatly on locally sourced ingredients, hyper-seasonality, regenerative farming practices and minimizing waste.

The restaurant is the brainchild of local entrepreneurs Matthew Simpson (Chef) and Jasmine Lee (General Manager). Partners in business and in life since 2007.

To further their knowledge of the Hospitality industry they made their way to Downtown Toronto, where they were able to hone their crafts working in upscale and well-known restaurants for nine years. The end goal was always assured though, that they would come back to the town that gave them their start and help bring a special space to the place that they grew up.

As you make your way inside, you will be met with warm wood, lush plant life and funky art deco accents. We want this space to feel as though you are stepping into our home and we welcome you all to Come Over for Dinner.

Top review

SherylVIP

Dined 6 days ago

As always everything at The Springwood is delicious. The cocktail and wine menu are amazing Because we love it so much had the smoked trout spread with homemade potato chips. The calamari and bread and butter. For our mains the steak and the most amazing fried chicken we have ever tasted. Spiced carrots and fries as our veg. Everything was incredible. Lots of leftovers for our group of three ! We shared three desserts and didn’t leave a crumb. Service was perfect. Can’t wait for our next special occasion meal to share there again !

Nest

4.6

4.6 (308)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Farm-to-table

Uxbridge

About the restaurant

Experience elevated farm-to-table dining at Nest, where every dish is a tribute to Durham’s finest local ingredients. Nestled within Trail Hub, our restaurant offers a thoughtfully curated menu that showcases the freshest seasonal flavors.

We take pride in partnering with local farmers and artisans to bring you an authentic, sustainable dining experience. Each plate reflects our commitment to quality, simplicity, and the natural bounty of the region.

At Nest, every meal is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of Durham’s vibrant food culture.

Enjoy the intimate and elegant ambiance, perfect for a memorable dining experience. Nest Restaurant, where the culinary spirit of Durham blends seamlessly with rustic charm.

Top review

Dave

Dined 4 days ago

Gourmet food and excellent service Definitely recommend

Bella Notte Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (1366)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Italian

Whitby

About the restaurant

Experience the essence of Italian cuisine and culture as we prepare and serve you genuine, exquisite dishes in a traditional comfortable setting.

Top review

Scott

Dined 3 days ago

A fine dining experience!Thoroughly enjoyed our meals

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Popular dish

Caesar Salad Bella Notte

Popular dish

Apple Pie Bella Notte

Popular dish

Veal Marsala

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Oshawa

4.7

4.7 (6052)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Steakhouse

Oshawa

About the restaurant

If you or a guest in your party require an accessible table due to mobility issues, please contact the restaurant to ensure your comfort.

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar serves the finest cuts of succulent steak, aged for tenderness and grilled to perfection. Prime rib is a Keg specialty, slow roasted, hand carved and perfectly seasoned with special Keg spices. The restaurant also serves delicious seafood, memorable appetizers, crisp salads and decadent desserts. A casual ambiance and friendly, very knowledgeable staff are proud and reliable trademarks of The Keg Steakhouse & Bar. You'll find a truly comfortable and satisfying dining atmosphere accompanied by a fun and up-scale bar setting where guests can enjoy an excellent wine list, signature Keg martinis, and fresh squeezed juice cocktails.

Top review

michael

Dined 1 day ago

Fantastic service and food as usual! Will be back again!

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4.7

4.7 (1814)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

Whitby

About the restaurant

Bistro '67 offers guests a memorable field-to-fork dining experience within Durham College's award-winning Centre for Food (CFF), where community, local agriculture and learning come together. Bistro '67 is also a recipient of the Feast On designation in recognition of our support for local food and beverage.

Top review

Amber

Dined 6 days ago

Always a favorite spot of mine for lunch or dinner!!

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Popular dish

Charcuterie and Cheese Board

12welve Bistro & Tapwerks

4.7

4.7 (1019)

CAN$30 and under

Bistro

Whitby

About the restaurant

Whether a brewmaster burger by day or a Wagyu steak on a Friday night, 12welve Bistro will offer a dining experience like no other in Durham.

Our menu caters to all cuisine including steak, seafood, pasta and pub fare while being sensitive to vegan and vegetarian offerings. Gluten free options are available.

From beers brewed on site to wines from around the world, to hand crafted spirits made with the freshest of ingredients, 12welve will focus on the true meaning of date night, get togethers with friends and special celebrations featuring live music select weekends.

Top review

Richard

Dined 6 days ago

Shauna was a great server who was friendly and helpful!!

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Chimichurri Steak Salad

Urban Pantry

4.8

4.8 (656)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

Uxbridge

About the restaurant

Urban Pantry is a contemporary Canadian, farm to table restaurant located in the town of Uxbridge, Ontario.
Serving locally-sourced and sustainable dishes in a mix of casual and fine dining. Dine with us indoors or on our outdoor patio.

A Feast On™ Certified Ontario restaurant; a criteria based program which recognizes businesses committed to showcasing Ontario’s unique taste of place.

Voted Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Durham Region ( 2021 Reader's Choice Diamond Awards ).

Top review

Richard

Dined 6 days ago

We had a nice experience. Erin provided great service and the food was delicious. One of our party thought the bison burger was covered with too much sauce and condiments and it hid the taste of the burger. Everything else excellent.

One Eyed Jack - Oshawa

4.8

4.8 (42)

CAN$30 and under

Grill

Oshawa

About the restaurant

Our menu is prepared with locally sourced ingredients ensuring we deliver the highest quality product. If you are in the mood to enjoy casual-fine dining and exceptional food in a stylish art deco setting.

Top review

Suzanne

Dined on Apr 19, 2025

Food and service continues to meet a high standard after many visits.

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Experience

$12 Cocktails all Day (2oz)

Experience

$9 after 9pm Menu & Drinks

Experience

Daily Specials

Bâton Rouge Grillhouse & Bar - Whitby

4.5

4.5 (1050)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Grill

Whitby

About the restaurant

For an unparalleled dining experience featuring succulent steaks, mouth watering ribs, and an extensive wine list, visit Bâton Rouge Grillhouse in Whitby.

Top review

Jacqueline D

Dined 2 days ago

As always, our food was delicious. Their ribs are the best I've had, fall off the bone tender. Everything is well-made and their spinach dip is another favourite of ours. People unless you want to lose this restaurant get out and give them your patronage. Other Baton Rouge's have closed and I would hate to lose this gem.

Wildfire Oshawa

4.3

4.3 (1747)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

Whitby

About the restaurant

At Wildfire Oshawa, we have a passion for great food, exceptional wine and good company. Our dishes are all prepared custom to order with only the freshest ingredients. Whether you’re having a romantic evening, a family celebration or a corporate meeting, we strive to create a custom experience for each guest to create lasting memories. Our motto has always been one guest at a time.

In addition to our perfectly grilled steaks that are seasoned with our own house-blended spices, we offer a wide range of appetizers, entrées and desserts to please any palate.

If you are looking for A party of 10+ please visit our website and fill out the group booking form.
https://www.wildfiresteakhouse.com/pages/corporate-private-events

Top review

Becky

Dined on Apr 18, 2025

Exceptional service, great food and cocktail selection and delicious appetizers and entrees.

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Tenderloin Fettuccini

Experience

3-Course Dinner for Mother's Day Weekend 2025

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