Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Durham

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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 (666)

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

TylerVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Once again a great experience, top notch service, cocktails and dining.

12welve Bistro & Tapwerks

4.8

4.8 (1048)

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

Jessica

Dined 7 days ago

I went for brunch to celebrate my 35th birthday with friends. We looooooved the food!!!! It was great. We will definitely be coming back

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Chimichurri Steak Salad

Bella Notte Ristorante

4.7

4.7 (1439)

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

Roger

Dined 1 day ago

Outstanding!!! Wonderful birthday dinner spent at Bella Notte - great food, service and ambiance made for a perfect family evening. That branzino was to die for... Always enjoy ourselves at Bella Notte - can't wait until or next visit.

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Popular dish

Apple Pie Bella Notte

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Ajax

4.6

4.6 (5577)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Steakhouse

Ajax

About the restaurant

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

Christine

Dined 5 days ago

Great food, service was excellent as always. Love this place for special occasions

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The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Oshawa

4.6

4.6 (6201)

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

Monte

Dined 4 days ago

Always a good place for dinner / celebrating special occasions.

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Bâton Rouge Grillhouse & Bar - Whitby

4.5

4.5 (1075)

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

JulieVIP

Dined on Jul 2, 2025

Great server and food was exceptional. Celebrating my birthday and the staff were amazing

Copperhorn Meet House Pickering

4.5

4.5 (332)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Steak

Pickering

About the restaurant

Awaken your tastebuds and enjoy quality time with friends at Copperhorn Meet House, a fine dining steakhouse with a menu you’ll crave. All guest must be 19 years old as we are located on the casino game floor..

Top review

Dined 3 days ago

we really enjoyed the quality of food and the ambience was great Our server ENRIQUE was dynomite.!!!! server was exceptional good and very professional and respectful enrique derserves recognition and rewared for his exceptional service he provided. Mikail was very good with him as well. enrique explained the oyster quality and how the ceasar salad will be made as well steak was cooked to perfection we will definately come back again at that location.

Nest

4.5

4.5 (349)

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

Art

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent food & wonderful service - look forward to next outing!

Pickle Barrel - Pickering

4.4

4.4 (72)

CAN$30 and under

Unspecified

Ajax

About the restaurant

Located in Pickering, ON, across from Pickering Town Centre; the Pickle Barrel is a renowned restaurant that caters to families and large groups alike. From hearty brunch options to delectable steaks, pastas, and burgers, our extensive menu offers something for every palate. Join us for a delightful happy hour experience featuring a selection of wines, beers, and appetizers. Our restaurant's welcoming atmosphere is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, showers or corporate events. Make your reservations today to enjoy our mouthwatering salads, bowls packed with flavor, and of course, our famous deli. Discover why we are the go-to spot in Pickering for delicious food in a family-friendly setting with top-notch service that will leave you coming back for more.

Top review

Mary

Dined on Jun 4, 2025

The value for the money was good. The restaurant was a bit noisy, considering it was lunchtime, and it was very cold temperature wise. .

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Experience

Kids Eat FREE* every Tuesday!

DiVino Pizzeria & Bar

4.2

4.2 (21)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

Ajax

About the restaurant

DiVino Pizzeria & Bar brings the vibrant flavours of Italy to your table with a menu focused on handcrafted pizzas, house-made pastas, and creative cocktails. Every dish is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and thoughtfully crafted to excite your palate. Whether you're joining us for a casual night out or a special celebration, our warm atmosphere and passion for great food promise a memorable experience. Taste, sip, and enjoy Italian-style.

Top review

Prajakta

Dined on Jul 5, 2025

Had a great experience at DiVino Pizzeria & Bar! The food was delicious — fresh ingredients, perfectly cooked, and full of flavour. The decor is warm and stylish, creating a nice ambiance without feeling too formal. Definitely worth a visit.

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