Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Niagara

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Niagara? 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!

Valley Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2065)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Italian

St. Catharines

About the restaurant

The Valley Restaurant brings a European feel to Niagara dining. Tucked away on a quiet street in north St. Catharines close to Niagara-on-the-Lake this trattoria style restaurant serves homemade Italian inspired cuisine. Everything is made in house from the fresh baked bread, fresh pastas and sauces, gelato and incredible desserts. The menu includes veal, seafood, steak, a variety of pasta dishes including gnocchi, lasagne, ravioli. There is a full cocktail menu and fabulous wine list including local and imported selections. The atmosphere is warm and inviting with a large fireplace, intimate tables, white linen tablecloths and impeccable service.

Top review

Robert

Dined 2 days ago

What a find! We really don't want to "share" this lovely spot with toooo many. It is a wonderful restaurant where the tastes are amazing, the service excellent, and the overall organization of the whole place is something to appreciate.

HAMBRGR - St Catharines

4.8

4.8 (297)

CAN$30 and under

Burgers

St. Catharines

About the restaurant

People are going to spell our name wrong, and they’re going to question the choice. Simplicity applies to all things, and burgers are not an exception. We get right to the point at HAMBRGR. We give our guests the perfect combination of locally sourced ingredients, a wide selection of craft beer, culinary artistry, and of course, one of the most memorable experiences one can muster in the enriching restaurant culture sweeping over the city.

Top review

DinaE

Dined 2 days ago

The food was delicious! Everyone at our table fully enjoyed their meals. Service was great! We went for dinner so it was obviously busy, we did not feel rushed and the food and drinks did not take forever. We’ll be back!

Rizzo's House of Parm

4.8

4.8 (1503)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

Fort Erie

About the restaurant

A casual restaurant in Crystal Beach, Ontario. Homemade food, from our family to yours.

Reservations not required, walk-in's are welcome.

Please note that walk-in availability is based on a first-come, first-served basis and is a mixture of table and bar seating.

We we will do our very best to accommodate seating preferences. However, as a small restaurant it may not be possible to be located in certain areas or connected/beside other groups of reservations.

Top review

Amazing

Dined 3 days ago

Tonight‘s meal was over the top amazing it started with the mozzarella sticks, which were 10 out of 10 and the marinara sauce was unbelievable, we followed it up with the new sausage and peppers appetizer, which was a 12 out of 10 and then with the OG standby chicken Parm, which never disappoints and lastly the Pasta Bolognese Which was a 10 out of 10 overall of the best Italian meals we’ve ever had

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4.6

4.6 (848)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

Niagara-on-the-Lake

About the restaurant

Since 1991, the Epicurean has been devoted to the pursuit of sensual pleasure, especially to the enjoyment of great seasonal food and great local wines from Niagara's region and in our dining room and beautiful tucked-away garden patio.

The Epicurean is an a la carte restaurant with a casual upper casual dining experience. From al full menu and an extensive wine list we are here to please and tantalize your taste buds!

Top review

Julie

Dined 5 days ago

Four people had lunch. Service was exceptional. We had a great table with nicelt padded chairs. Two people had mussels in marinara sauce, One chicken caprese sandwich and one mushroom risotto. Desserts were carrot cake and coffee caramel. Superb. We will definitely return.

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Popular dish

Rigatoni Bolognese

Cafe Amore - St. Catharines

4.6

4.6 (1727)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

St. Catharines

About the restaurant

Cafe Amore has been serving great Mediterranean-inspired food since 1995. There's something for everyone at this popular local establishment. Pasta dishes, wood-fired pizza made with imported ingredients, paella, seafood, steaks, chicken dishes all served with a Mediterranean flare can be found here. Many items are house-made including all the sauces and dressings. There is a variety of large salads, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options to be enjoyed. A showcase filled with desserts is always a tempting end to any meal. Fully licensed with a complete bar menu and large wine list including local and imported selections. The decor is warm and inviting with fireplaces, stone walls, booth seating.

Top review

Kevin

Dined 3 days ago

Service was great! Appetizers were very tasty(calamari and saganaki) Entrees were on point. Chicken Marsala was very tasty. Highly recommend

335 on the Ridge

4.6

4.6 (730)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

Niagara Falls

About the restaurant

We are a full service casual dining establishment with two outdoor patios to enjoy the great weather and an outdoor bar as well as our indoor lounge to have a cocktail or enjoy lunch or dinner. We take pride in our fresh, scratch made menu and focus on farm to table, fresh, organic ingredients. Whether its a great Martini you are looking for or our wide wine menu from wines all over the world, we are sure we will please your palate and have an excellent dining experience.

Please note: We do not open patio seating for reservation until the day of. If you would like to request patio for your visit to 335 please make a note when making your reservation. Patio can not be guaranteed on high volume days.

Top review

Howardvip

Dined on Sep 19, 2024

As a repeat customer, I can only say everything about 335 is 5 stars. Maybe the best restaurant in the Niagara Peninsula. We had Caesar salad, Rainbow Trout, and Chicken Milanese along with Bruschetta. All done perfectly. And Sophia was a 10 star waitress

Zappi's Pizza

4.5

4.5 (282)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

Niagara Falls

About the restaurant

Zappi's Pizza is located in Niagara Falls, Ontario and serves pizza in a fun, family atmosphere that offers plenty of space for large parties of guests. The checkered tablecloths, bright interior and kitsch décor lends to the touristy appeal. Zappi's Pizza offers catering services for off-site events.

The menu offers a wide variety of not only pizzas, but calzones, subs, pasta dishes, appetizers and salads. Desserts included on the menu at Zappi's Pizza are caramel apple pie, tiramisu cheesecake and heavenly chocolate cake. With pizza being the specialty, there are over 10 different types of pie to choose from available in four different sizes.

Top review

Robert

Dined 4 days ago

Great find. Enjoyed the house green salad and Alfredo chicken pizza. Attentive friendly service 😊

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Niagara's Finest Thai

4.5

4.5 (746)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Thai

Niagara-on-the-Lake

About the restaurant

Authentic home cooked Thai cuisine served in the Heart of wine country.
Reservations strongly suggested. Your reservation guarantees you a seat in the restaurant.

Top review

IamTina

Dined 3 days ago

Sue is a fine wait person, helpful and accommodating. Dined at Niagara’s Finest Thai a number of times and have never been disappointed. And, it’s steps from Shaw Festival main stage and the smaller Jackie Maxwell theatre.

MR MIKES - Welland

4.3

4.3 (406)

CAN$30 and under

Steakhouse

Welland

About the restaurant

MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual is defined by what we aren’t, as opposed to what we are. We aren’t like other steakhouses. No dark lighting, starched tablecloths, pretentious servers or overpriced steaks. From our signature steaks to our famous Mikeburger®, we have something for every taste and budget. Enjoy Happiest Hours pricing daily from 2pm to 5pm and 9pm to close, and lunch and dinner service everyday. Choose a game from our games wall to play with friends or family, engage with our genuine and friendly servers or grab a quick lunch midday. We are everything you want in a steakhouse, only casual. MR MIKES Welland located on the corner of Woodlawn Rd. and Niagara Street in front of the Seaway Mall.

Top review

Rosanne

Dined on Sep 28, 2024

Everything was awesome 👌 our server Jen was amazing

The Frontier BBQ and Smokehouse

3.5

3.5 (978)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Barbecue

Niagara Falls

About the restaurant

Frontier BBQ & Smokehouse invites you on a mouthwatering, all-you-can-eat journey to the heart of the South. Delight in our expertly smoked meats, drenched in savory, homemade BBQ sauces, and indulge in our unlimited buffet with soups, salads, and hot and cold sides. Experience true Southern hospitality with every unforgettable bite at Frontier BBQ & Smokehouse.

Thirsty? We have a wide selection of cocktails, domestic and imported bottled and draft beer, wine, juice and pop.

Frontier has all of your smoked favourites, and is walking distance to the falls and Fallsview Casino.

Reservations are strongly recommended; especially through the spring, summer, and holidays.
Gratuity of 18% will be added for groups of 6 or more.

Top review

Karen

Dined 1 day ago

Food and service were top notch !! Will definitely return

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Experience

All-You-Can-Eat BBQ!

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