Nestled in the heart of Ontario’s Niagara region, St. Catharines is a vibrant city with a rich history and thriving local food scene. What makes this city unique is its proximity to the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve known for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. This nature wonderland provides the perfect backdrop for all culinary offerings, from farm-to-table eateries to wineries and international cuisine. For all the food lovers out there, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
A Brief Overview of St. Catharines’ Local Food Scene
St. Catharines is a food lover’s paradise, with an impressive range of restaurants, cafes, and food markets to explore. Its local food scene is heavily influenced by the Niagara region’s fertile soil and favourable climate, allowing for the cultivation of a wide range of fresh produce, meats and dairy products.
Sustainable and Locally-Sourced
One of the most notable characteristics of this city’s food landscape is its emphasis on sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients. Many of the city’s restaurants and cafes partner with local farmers and food producers to offer menus that feature fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Exploring the City’s Local Flavours: Restaurant Highlights
1. The Restaurant at Vineland Estates Winery:
This farm-to-table restaurant is located in a stunning vineyard setting, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Just 20 minutes outside the St. Catharines core, this is a must-try on your culinary journey. The menu features seasonal dishes made with local ingredients and prepared by internationally-trained chefs. While the menu may change based on seasonality, some current offerings include pasta, beef striploin, and lobster.
2. Rise Above Restaurant
This vegan restaurant is a favourite among locals and visitors alike, offering a range of comfort food and sweet and savoury baked goods made with all-natural and organic ingredients. The menu includes everything from soups and salads to sandwiches, wraps, and bowls. Rise Above also offers a delectable Sunday brunch.
3. oddBird
Oddbird is a relatively new addition to St. Catharines but has quickly become a local favourite for its locally-sourced Canadian fare with a bit of Southern flare, including its buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches. This restaurant also offers a range of fish and seafood options for those who want to feel like they’re on the coast.
4. Johnny Rocco’s Italian Grill
This family-owned authentic Italian restaurant has served its cuisine in St. Catharines for over 25 years. Johnny Rocco’s menu features everything from antipasti and pasta to pizza and seafood and offers an extensive wine list to pair with your meal.
Living in St. Catharines
Whether you currently call St. Catharines home or are considering moving here, the city’s local flavours are just one of the many reasons to love this vibrant community. With a commitment to local and sustainable ingredients, St. Catharines is at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement, offering residents access to some of the region’s freshest and most flavourful cuisines. At CLV Group and InterRent REIT, we have apartments in the city located in the heart of the action. Browse our current rental listings today.
