Oakville, Niagara, home to three of Canada’s top restaurants

Three restaurants west of Toronto have been named among the 100 best in the country.

YourCityWithIN recently reported that Oakville’s Hexagon, Pearl Morissette in Jordan Station and Oddbird in St. Catharines were all on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants in Canada for 2024.

The list is made up mostly of eateries in Canada’s major cities, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, but select restaurants in smaller communities were able to crack the list.

According to the organizers, 20 new faces were added to the judging panel this year, bringing the total to 150.

“Our panel is a balanced mix of informed culinary enthusiasts, food writers and critics, chefs, restaurateurs and other food-service professionals,” they wrote in their introduction to the list.

“Their number in each province and region is proportional to its population. Judges were asked to vote for restaurants based on the complete dining experience: service, décor, the depth of the cellar and, above all else, food quality.

“Each judge must vote for a minimum of three restaurants outside of their home region. Many tabulations later, the resulting list is an accurate measure of the restaurants that excelled in 2023 which makes them great dining choices for today.”

Hexagon sits 26th on the list and is described as a sleek, modern, airy room with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on Towne Square in Oakville. The menu reflects the heritage of both main chefs, Rafael Covarrubias and chef-de-cuisine Jordan Wilkinson. Whether it’s the tasting menu or a-la-carte offerings, expect fine dining without pretentiousness.

Pearl Morissette is ranked No. 6 and is the closest thing to pure French country cooking that Canada has, according to one reviewer. Located in Jordan Station on the top floor of a barn, in the middle of a 17-hectare farm, they are the epitome of locally sourced.

Oddbird in St. Catharines is 84^th and is a jumping little spot in Niagara wine country, turning out deceptively complex flavours from primarily local ingredients. A glass of wine with fried duck tongues is an ideal start. Escargots or steak tartare are minimalist and correct. Bone marrow, foie gras and lobster Rockefeller are menu staples, as well as an excellent burger.

To see the full list, visit Canada’s 100 Best website.