Kitchener’s dining scene has quietly become one of the most compelling reasons to visit Waterloo Region. What was once a landscape of modest diners and fast-casual chains has evolved into a vibrant mix of global cuisines, farm-to-table concepts, and ambitious independent kitchens. The city’s growth as a tech hub has brought a wave of culinary talent eager to serve an increasingly discerning audience.
Visitors and locals alike are often surprised by the sheer variety packed into Kitchener’s neighborhoods. From the walkable streets of downtown to the bustling plazas near Fairway Road, there is a genuine sense of discovery around every corner. Whether you are looking for a quick, satisfying lunch or an elegant multi-course dinner, the options feel endless and refreshingly unpretentious.
One of the defining characteristics of Kitchener’s best restaurants is their commitment to authenticity. Chefs here are not simply replicating trends from larger cities; they are drawing on their own cultural roots and local ingredients to create something unique. This has resulted in a dining culture where a world-class bowl of ramen can sit next to a traditional Portuguese churrasqueira, and both feel perfectly at home.
Another key strength is the strong community support for independent operators. Farmers’ markets, local breweries, and family-run suppliers all play a role in shaping menus that change with the seasons. This connection to the region’s agricultural heritage gives Kitchener’s restaurants a distinct sense of place that you will not find in a generic chain.
For residents and tourists planning a culinary tour, the challenge is not finding a good meal but narrowing down the choices. The following guide highlights the most consistent, beloved, and exciting dining destinations across the city. Each selection has been chosen for its quality, atmosphere, and ability to deliver a memorable experience time after time.
Below is a curated list of the 15 best restaurants in Kitchener, covering everything from cozy brunch spots to refined evening destinations. Use this guide to plan your next meal or to discover a new favorite in your own backyard.
The Lab Street Eats
| Address | 105 Victoria St S, Kitchener, ON N2G 2B4, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (519) 603-5508 |
Really great food for a reasonable price! I had the cheeseburger fries (homemade dill pickles!) and it was delicious.
The chairs/tables could have been a little more comfortable but it didn't change my impression of the experience to give it a good review!
The Lab Street Eats is a great little place in Kitchener. The staff are so cool and friendly. The space is tiny, so finding a spot to sit can be tricky. They have plenty of gluten-free options and the fries are awesome. Our gluten-free burger was fantastic and we really enjoyed it. I tried "The Labs" burger on regular bread and found it a bit too greasy for my liking, but that's just a personal preference. Overall, the basic burgers are fantastic and we had a great experience speaking with the staff.
Really amazing place! Best burger I've ever had! It's a cozy little joint with a nice chill vibe. You can tell the owners love to make good food! Nice tight menu with something for everyone.
My only regret is that I waited so long to try it out!
Just wow! This place is definately a must go in Kitchener. We got two burgers house lemonade and poutine. I highly recommend burger with beef patty cuz they are extra crispy, juicy and flavorful. Really felt like they use good ingredients and felt like eating real food (nothing like fastfood chains) It's my new favorite now!!
The BEST homey burger in town 🍔I think my plate says it all 🥰😄
The lemonade brought back memories of our grandparents’ homemade drinks.… The Nashville chicken fries were amazing too….💯💯
The Civil
| Address | 151 Charles St W R12, Kitchener, ON N2G 1H6, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (519) 570-9992 |
Had such a great time at The Civil! I had the Margarita Flight and The Bouje Pizza, they came out in responsible time for a busy Friday night. This was one of the best pizzas I’ve had, a thin crust with a nice crunch. Our waiter Niko was exceptional, he checked up on us regularly and made us feel welcome. Would definitely recommend to those who want a true pizza experience, can’t wait to go back!
Great spot! It's small, so be willing to possibly wait for a table or come back. We got lucky our first time here; we came around 4:45 and it was almost full by the time we left at 6. Really great pizza, fire opened and delicious. Got 2 cocktail flights: a whiskey sour flight and a margartita flight, will consume again! Pizzas come as a "personal" style but definitely possible to share, but why would you? You'll wanna either "finish it" (mortal kombat voice) or take it home and devour later that night.
One of the best gluten free crusts I’ve ever had by far! The service was wonderful. Cocktails were refreshing and the food was fantastic. Definitely going back to try out the other pizzas on the menu.
I brought 7 friends here for a birthday party and I was very happy with the service and vibe. I made a patio reso beforehand. The staff checked in multiple times to ask about the food and drinks and if we needed anything. Everything was reasonably priced. They were very accommodating and even gave my friend a custom birthday drink with her name etched into the foam. I will be back for sure.
Cute pizza place but there is relatively limited seating. While the space is not that small, the tables are not arranged that efficiently.
The pizza was pretty good, the crust was nice and the toppings were tasty. We ordered the hot honey pepperoni which was very tasty and the funghi pizza with white sauce. I thought the funghi pizza could have used a little more salt. We also ordered the truffle dip which I found a bit disappointing. I was not a huge fan of the artificial garlic flavor and I could not taste much truffle.
Overall pretty cute spot with good pizza. A bit on the pricier side in my opinion. I also had a mild stomach ache the following day but can't say for sure if it was caused by here.
The Bauer Kitchen
| Address | 187 King St S #102, Waterloo, ON N2L 0A5, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (519) 772-0790 |
Service and atmosphere was wonderful. They have a nice patio and it’s a great brunch spot.
The food was subpar though. We ordered a salad with well done steak and the short rib gnocchi. As seen in the picture of the steak was burnt, we didn’t see it at first end when eating it tasted bitter 🙁 The sauce for the gnocchi was too salty and overpowered the short rib. Tasted like too much soy sauce was added. The mushroom side dish had a slight bitter taste too.
We were pretty disappointed in the food as this restaurant was recommended by several people! The ambiance was wonderful, and I hope the food can match the level!
My partner and I went to this place with our friend and our reviews are the following:
Sof:
I enjoyed the beet root salad, which was an amazing vegetarian option! We got different sauces on the side to customize our food the way we like it, which was really appreciated. Spinach dip was really delicious and served with fresh chips.
Renzo:
The Bauer Burguer has a decent size for its price and the fries had a good flavour. There is a fast phased atmosphere and the costumer service is really good.
As part of our end-of-term celebration, our team often visits The Bauer Kitchen! We had lunch today and I am continually amazed by the quality of the food, menu options, service, and the overall ambience.
By far, my absolute favourite restuarant in the region and I would highly recommend anyone visit, you are sure to come back!
The staff are always patient, considerate, and welcoming.
The food is incredible. I've had their Bauer burger, ceaser salad, sweet potato fries, and today, enjoyed their charbroiled steak sandwich!! The steak was perfectly done and might now be my favourite menu item.
If you're looking for the best restaurant in our region, visit The Bauer Kitchen!
Amazing experience having dinner here with friends. We had amazing service from Devon and all of our dinners were incredible. I ordered the beef tartar with truffle Parmesan cheese, highly recommend. My friend said his burger was the best he’s ever had. My husband was extremely happy with his steak.
Can’t wait to enjoy more meals here in the future!
Had a very nice dinner with drinks here last night
Bellwoods Jutsu on draught was on point, tasting great
Mixed drinks for the wife were all well made well
Bartenders Allie and Sarah (I think?) were both knowledgeable and friendly, super nice people
Had a small issue with one of our dishes and the manager Chris (I think?) stopped by to personally apologize and took care of it, which was greatly appreciated
I've told my wife many times that you can count on Charcoal establishments for a good meal, and that hasn't changed, there's a reason we frequent literally all of them!
It's a shame we were driving and not taking a taxi because the vibe was just getting good and we started talking to other people at the bar but ran out of time.. Need to take a taxi this summer for sure
Thanks again guys
The Lancaster Smokehouse
| Address | 574 Lancaster St W, Kitchener, ON N2K 1M3, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (519) 743-4331 |
The food is absolutely delicious, the best brisket I've ever had and I've tried lots! When they say the portions are big that's no joke. You'll never leave this place hungry. Macey was our server and she was great, explained the menu and gave some great suggestions. If you are looking for seriously good bbq you have to stop here. If we are ever in the area again it will be a definite must stop and eat!
Stopped
For lunch and tried the brisket sandwich. The meat was fantastic and the portion was big enough to feed two people. Had a very authentic bbq vibe and the staff were super polite and fast. I highly recommend.
I’ve been wanting to try this place out for some time. Ordered the three meat player with two sides and some corn bread. Brisket, ribs and garlic sausage with coleslaw and fries. First the presentation was perfect and brought me back to Texas. Really good portions so much so I had to take half home with me. Fries were really good and crispy. Brisket had a nice flavour and so did the ribs. My only complaint was food temperature could have been higher. Overall cool place, loved the slaw and it was packed at 4pm on a Saturday.
The Lancaster Smokehouse was a nice place to visit for a Saturday dinner. My kids and myself had a wonderful time and would love to come back again. They had a wide variety of options on thier menu.
Thier brisket was tender and nicely smoked. Thier pulled pork was delicious as well and I really enjoyed thier maple garlic sausage. My son really enjoyed thier Mac and cheese as it was perfectly cooked and creamy.
Everything tasted well, but nothing really blew my socks off. Overall we all give it around a 3.5/5. Would recommend and come back.
($50 for the 3 meat platter and 2 sides. Sides were upgraded to a larger size and brisket was a $4 add on as a premium meat option. $41 before add ons and upgrades.)
9 of us came to celebrate University Graduation.
Food was excellent, absolutely amazing and friendly atmosphere! Reasonable price. We ordered some “meat deal for 8 people” and that was more than enough food for all of us. And even we took some meat “Doggy bag”.
Delicious sweet potatoes fries, yummy corn bread, salad, and of course all kind of meat!!!
Everything was super fresh and cooked with love!- THANKS TO THE KITCHEN!And special thanks to our waiter, unfortunately do not know his name ( he is tall, nice, friendly with sexy loud voice ;), he was professional and super-super nice.
Only one “-“ not enough parking, and kind of hard to park, because there is some pick up Pizza place on the same plaza ;(
Thank you very much 😉
271West Restaurant
| Address | 60 Charles St W, Kitchener, ON N2G 1B1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 4:30 – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (519) 954-8821 |
This was my first time trying this place and I’d say that this was the best Italian restaurant I’ve been to yet! We had our reservation at 8pm after the dinner rush so it was quiet and peaceful inside while we ate. Because of this, the food came out quickly but was still well made and seasoned. Both of the pastas were delicious and the desserts were some of the best we’ve had at any restaurant. All of the food was also reasonably priced for the quality and portion size and was comparable to similar restaurants in the area. The service was great and the owner was super friendly and kind to us. The atmosphere was nice as well and the restaurant felt very intimate comforting. A lot of the music playing in the restaurant was classy covers of popular songs and it fit the vibe of the restaurant really well and wasn’t too loud or distracting. The only complaint I had was that the washroom stall I went to didn’t have toilet paper in the holder so I had to open up a new roll myself and put it in the holder lol.
I noticed that people online have complained about this place before and theorized about fake positive reviews. We had a great time here and didn’t notice anything too alarming or bad enough to complain about. I would recommend this restaurant and I’d like to come back as well to try the other menu options!
My first time here and it was a very good experience. Dinner for two on a Friday night. I really enjoyed the family -run, small restaurant atmoshere and the service was just right.
As for food me and my dinner partner were both happy with our selections. Really nothing to complain about at all and the prices were more than fair considering what even basic fast food costs these days.
The wine selection is also pretty decent if that is something on your list of things you like.
One warning is that it's a smaller restaurant so it is cozy. I don't mean that in a bad way, just note that it's a great place for intimate tables of 2-6 versus your grandma's 100th birthday party with a huge guest list.
Took my sister here for birthday dinner as it was highly recommended by multiple friends in the area. The atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming - the interior is on the smaller side but the tables are well spaced.
Zee was very kind and hospitable and the rest of his staff was very personable and attentive. The menu offers Italian classics and a variety of homemade pastas.
We started with the caprese salad. My sister ordered the tomato butter ricotta gnocchi, I ordered the penne pesto di manzo. We both really enjoyed our meals and felt well taken care of during our visit.
I needed that reminder on how good the food and service is at 271West. My wife and I would frequent at their old location but I think I’ve only been to new location once or twice.
Brought my parents who are relatively new to KW and it is now their new favourite.
Z and his family and team do such an amazing job. Fresh pasta is so good.
We will be back very soon. So sorry we haven’t been in for so long!
My wife and I went here for lunch this past week. We were fortunate to enjoy the owner as our server. What a great, happy passionate person. He loves his restaurant and his customers !!!
We had great service, great food and loved their new location on Charles St.
Thanks for a great meal and wonderful experience !!!!
Rade's Restaurant
| Address | 301 King St E Unit 106 & 107, Kitchener, ON N2G 2L2, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (519) 742-3166 |
Rade's Restaurant is a popular East African fusion eatery located in downtown Kitchener, Ontario, right across from the historic Kitchener Market. Founded in 2020 by chef-owner Okuba Tesfa, the restaurant's name is a heartwarming combination of the first initials of his four children. It serves as a vibrant cultural and culinary hub in the region.
The culinary style uniquely blends authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian traditions with Italian and Middle Eastern influences, a nod to the chef's 15-year career cooking across international kitchens.
The culinary style uniquely blends authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian traditions with Italian and Middle Eastern influences, a nod to the chef's 15-year career cooking across international kitchens.
A highlight for many visitors is the authentic Habesha coffee experience. The beans are imported from Ethiopia, ground daily, slowly roasted with fresh ginger for half an hour, and served in a traditional jebena clay pot accompanied by incense and popcorn.
Tucked away in a lower concourse level on King Street East, Rade's has a warm, relaxed, and intimate neighborhood feel. The dining area features muted lighting, comfortable seating, and overhead screens displaying Ethiopian ethnic music and dance videos. The staff and family are widely praised by locals for their exceptional, welcoming hospitality.
In both Ethiopia and Eritrea, meals are highly communal and typically served on a large piece of injera flatbread. Instead of simply saying "enjoy your food," it is a deep cultural custom to look at those around you and say "Enebla!" (Amharic) or "Nበላዕ!" (Tigrinya), which means "Let’s eat!" This serves as an open invitation for everyone to join in on the communal dish.
Rade's Restaurant is located at 301 King St E Unit 106 & 107, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
Free parking is available off of Charles Street.
Good food! Fresh when it came out which is why it probably too a bit long to come out. Service was great she was super nice! Atmosphere can be more lively and bright but it located undergroundish.
This place is so nice and I’m glad we decided to try it out! The restaurant was so homey and inviting. I also loved the ethnic music playing lol. The chicken Alfredo pizza was super tasty and worth the price for sure. We did have to wait roughly 30 minutes for the food to arrive which is longer than expected. The food was definitely worth the wait though. The bathrooms were also a bit dirty but it wasn’t anything too bad. All in all, I would definitely come back here again to try the other menu items!
This was my first time experiencing Ethiopian food and it was fantastic! The staff made our group of 10 feel very welcome and even treated us to an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony. I will definitely return!
We had a great meal at Rade's Restaurant. We tried the Chicken Shawarma Wrap and the Shakshuka, and both were fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned. The staff were friendly, the service was excellent, and the restaurant had a welcoming atmosphere. We'll definitely be back to try more of the menu.
The Humble Lotus
| Address | 388 King St E, Kitchener, ON N2G 0C6, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (548) 288-4193 |
We ordered the Gluten Free Holy Mackerel roll, Beachy Vibes, miso soup, and seaweed salad. Hands down, the best tasting GF sushi we’ve had in a while. Mackerel had a nice smokey flavor and was nicely paired with Ponzu sauce - what a unique flavor 😋 the Beachy Vibes roll was also unique - with tuna and salmon and shredded coconut. They nailed the flavors. Miso soup was really tasty and I’m so glad it was GF. They were really cautious about my dietary restrictions (celiac) and took extra care to prepare the food. Thanks so much 😊 we’ll try different different rolls next time.
My and Jared were so nice, welcoming and friendly. 💕 Go support this family-owned business 🙌🏻
Highly recommend submitting a catering request for your next special event or night in! No large party size required. The owners My and Jared created a visually stunning and delicious sushi/sashimi board that is more unique and flavourful than your typical sushi restaurant. My guests and I enjoyed every single bite!
Pictured below: 4 person dinner board featuring Beachy Vibes Roll, I’m Shellfish Roll, Triple Crunch Roll, Shrimp Pad Thai Roll, and Salmon, Tuna, Torched Eel, Torched Mackerel Sashimi.
Took my son in to visit this highly recommended sushi place just oozing with good vibes and delicious sushi. The owners Jared Wood and his lovely wife My Nguyen just knocked it out of the park. The food, the service and the vibe were incredible. I will let the pictures and smiles speak for themselves.
Hi My and Jared:
Happy to tell you both that we had a delicious Shushi meal with friends last night.
The food was fresh and tasty and beautifully presented. Thank you for the personal time and effort you both put into it. Your presentation made it so easy for everyone to understand what they were enjoying.
Our friends enjoyed every bite and didn’t stop talking about the selection, quality and taste of your Sushi.
They repeatedly said they have eaten Sushi in Canada, Europe and the United States and that nothing compared to Humble Lotus. They will be back as will we.
Thanks for making last night so memorable. Hope you have a few restful days off.
Howie and Lynda
We came last minute before closing. The Chef was welcoming and friendly, made us a nice sushi roll for my teenage. It was great, fresh, delicious, the lady was so nice and left a nice note on the bag. Thank you for the delicious meal.
Borealis Grille & Bar (Kitchener)
| Address | 4336 King St E, Kitchener, ON N2P 3W6, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (519) 219-9007 |
First time at Borealis. Came here for a happy hour for work. Everyone enjoyed the cocktails and selection of beers. The Cowbell Shindig Lager was very popular. I had the Cold Brew Espresso Martini and it was very delicious.
For appetizers we had the Sliders, a charcuterie board, Bacon Flatbread, Bruschetta Flatbread, Mexican Street Corn Antojitos and Ontario Chicken Wings. Everything was hot, fresh and delicious.
I heard the food here was bland but everything was seasoned well and had great flavour.
It was also one of our coworkers birthday and the staff brought out a nice selection of cookies, brownies and other desserts.
Overall a great experience. I didn’t pay a dime so I can’t comment on the pricing.
They put is in the room downstairs. It was a little small but it did the trick.
Met up with a friend for a catch up in a long time. The ambience and service was efficient and the food was quite pleasing.
We did have to ask to be re-seated, but were guided promptly.
The Mushroom and Fresh Harvest pasta were delectable. And the Parmesan fries here are to die for.
We enjoyed a dinner together at this great restaurant. The food is exceptional, delicious and prepared/presented by a great chef and staff. Reasonable cost for such high quality food. Highly recommended.
For lunch today, my family went to Borealis Grille & Bar (Kitchener). We sat out on the patio because it was a nice day! The waitress was very friendly and was helpful!! I had a Mindful Meadow drink and their Chicken Club sandwich with the Kale Ceaser Salad which was very tasty!!! Hope to be back soon to this restaurant, thank-you for your hospitality Borealis Grille & Bar. 🙏🏻👍🏻
I returned to Borealis Grille & Bar in Kitchener for another lovely lunch. Mike was my server/bartender.
He was attentive and offered me an excellent suggestion to try the Three Sisters bowl. It was delicious and nutritious.
It had roasted butternut squash, charred corn, spiced black beans, hemp seed pesto, honey cider gastrique, toasted walnut crumble, wild rice pilaf and I added some chicken. It’s my latest favorite!
I also enjoyed a dish of steamed root vegetables.
I did a little research on the building Borealis Grille and bar is within.
I found out that it is a restored 19th-century schoolhouse, which was originally “the Pine Grove schoolhouse” you will find lots of old pictures of the children that attended there so many years ago.
It was built in 1889 and is the second-oldest schoolhouse in the region. What a cool piece of history for everyone to enjoy.
I would like to give a big warm shout out to one of the very best Waiters I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Luigi!
He is fantastic and I absolutely love when he sings traditional Italian songs. A dinner and a show. He really should be famous!
I always request to have him be my waiter but of course he is often busy and highly in demand and sought after.
he always takes a moment to come and bring his good energy and charms to brighten my day and make me feel special. Thank you Luigi! I hope I will have the honour next time.
The atmosphere is nice and a perfect spot to have a Christmas party. It is decorated nicely with florals and a Christmas tree. There is a private room in the lowest level I have not seen myself but have noticed food being delivered down there for parties.
The food is sourced local so that is always a good thing.
My dining companion ordered the Manitoulin Island seared trout and he really enjoyed. I tried some of his quinoa and it was very tasty.
We shared a beef vegetable soup and I had the blackened chicken taco salad.
Will definitely be returning and hopefully get Luigi because he is a real hoot!
Charcoal Steak House
| Address | 2980 King St E, Kitchener, ON N2A 1A9, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (519) 893-6570 |
We literally had the best experience for dinner tonight. The food was just amazing.
They have the best tacos I’ve ever had. And the seafood risotto is simply amazing.
The peach Bellini tastes like there are fresh peaches and the peanut butter pie is a perfect finish to an amazing meal.
The service was amazing and our server was friendly and attentive. The management was also checking on every table which was great to see.
I totally recommend Charcoal Steak house for dinner or any special occasion.
It’s worth the drive to Kitchener.
A favourite special occasion spot! Most recently my wife and I had a lovely date night here. Wonderful wine list, mixed drinks, and non-alcoholic offerings. The food is fabulous. We had French onion soup and Caesar salad to start with the chicken supreme and a steak dinner as our entrees. Dessert was just as good though we had to linger with coffee/tea before we wanted it. Highly recommend this lovely establishment. There is good reason they've existed so long!
When I arrived the hostess Meredith was very welcoming and gave me my own choice of preferred seating that I appreciated.
I ordered the healthy Riviera Bowl with blackened chicken, avocado, cotija cheese, rice, beans, corn, pico, lettuce, lime and southwest dressing. I loved it! Very delicious.
I also had a side of carrots and mashed potatoes, both cooked perfectly to my liking.
My waitress Sonya M is Very friendly and made for a wonderful dining experience. She got every part of my custom order precisely.
I ended with a shot of Grappa.
The bartender went to extra effort to get the bottle from the restaurant Del’s below. I very much appreciate the extra care as I do believe a different place would just say. “Sorry we are out” and that be the end but not here. The full Charcoal team aim to please and I am Pleased.
I really look forward to returning again soon to enjoy my life’s special moments at this restaurant with the nice above and beyond employees, great food, beautiful decor and atmosphere.
(The second part of this review I wrote before the New year but is still accurate and pertinent to my continued 5 star experiences here.)
I am a happy regular customer and had such an honour of having my Favourite waitress in the whole wide world Andreea A. Thank you so much for your fantastic service!
She always makes my dining experience very special with her remembrance of me and how she complements me on my fashion attire. You will never know how much it means to me and how much happiness and confidence I feel because of you Andreea A. She has been touching my heart and life with her kindness and creativity since November 2023. Her recommendations are always spot on. She is very knowledgeable of everything offered on the menu.
Her incredible attention to detail and attentiveness makes her a great server and maybe even the Best in the world! She always brighten my day with her positive attitude and bubbly personality. I also enjoy the waiter Dan. He is such a warm and friendly person. Today he stopped by my table even though he was busy just to say hello and that really ment a lot. He always treats me extremely well and does a very good job making a great dining experience every time.
I appreciate when the Manager Dave comes to check on me and see how everything is. He runs a real tight ship here at the Charcoal and obviously is doing a great job because the servers are A+++, the restaurant always looks great and the food is always top notch as well.
This is a perfect place to celebrate any occasion. Birthday’s are made very special with a complimentary dessert.
I absolutely loved everything I had. The filet mignon was delicious, the French onion soup was warm and comforting, and the peanut butter cake was a sweet treat. If I ever find myself back in Kitchener, I’d definitely be coming back!
I threw a Sunday brunch baby shower for my daughter in a private room at Charcoal recently. Everything about the experience was excellent, but the real service started when I got there the day of. I had bought some packs of balloons thinking to blow them up. David, the waiter, offered to help blow up the balloons! Michele, our senior events server, knew exactly how to pull off great service, made sure we had absolutely everything we wanted. They were flexible with e.g. side dish substitutions, a few extra minutes at the end of the event for cleanup, great drink recommendations (hint: try the mango bellini!). Some people might think it was pricey at $350, but for three hours of absolutely full service for up to 9 people and fantastic gourmet food and drink, I couldn't be more pleased. Bravo Michele and David!!
King Katsu
| Address | 14 Duke St E, Kitchener, ON N2H 1A3, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (519) 513-2815 |
This is actually one of my favorite places to eat in Waterloo Region. The food is amazing, and the staff is so friendly and kind. When you dine in there is usually a few side dishes that make the meal even more comforting.
Over the past year I've shared this hidden gem with so many people and it has left a great impression on each one, with them always asking for us to go eat there again and again.
Keep in mind that it can get very busy for lunch and dinner, so with limited seats and everything being made fresh, there can be a bit of a wait but usually there will be a sign on the door in this case. Either way the food is always worth the wait. The menu has many appetizer options which are great to share and the serving size for the main courses are really big.
Don't worry about coming with a big group or a very small one. As far as I've seen the owners are very accommodating, but I would definitely recommend calling in advance to let them know 1st.
From my photo dump you can probably tell that my favorite dish is the Tonkatsu or the Chicken Katsu. Other items are great but this was the 1st thing I tried when I discovered this gem and I've just always had a craving for it since.
WOW. Food was incredible!!!
For apps, we ordered the chicken karaage, takoyaki, and potato croquettes. We inhaled the appetizers in probably 5-10 minutes lol.
The karaage was juicy and the shredded cabbage it came with was refreshing. Really enjoyed the potato croquettes too, creamy mashed potatoes inside and a perfect crunch on the outside! I appreciated that the breading wasn’t too thick.
For mains, we delightfully enjoyed the cheese katsu curry and pork bone soup. The katsu curry came with the original katsu sauce and miso soup. The curry had plenty of vegetables and had a comforting homemade feeling. I liked the pork bone soup a lot and is usually my go to order if it’s available on any restaurant menu. The broth is light, not heavy on the stomach, and there was a generous amount of pork. Especially enjoyed the homemade kimchi as well, they had cabbage and kimchi. Ate it all up!!!
There’s a maximum capacity of 18 people so come early! ☺️
Incredible. Easily my new favourite spot for katsu in the area. The curry katsu is delicious. The thinner consistency is unique and really soaks into the meat and rice. The veggies in the curry tasted very fresh.
Perfectly crispy katsu that doesn't feel heavy once you finish the plate - assuming you finish since both the rice and katsu portions are quite generous.
Loved the soup and radish too. Every component of the meal was exceptional.
Service was super friendly by who I assume are a husband and wife duo running the restaurant.
I recommend the gyoza appetizer as well since it comes with a really tasty seasoned soy sauce for dip.
Definitely coming back!!
Been wanting to eat here for a while. As soon as I saw the limited menu I knew it was gonna be amazing. Had tonkatsu ramen and so did my son. 2/3 spicy but could have gone 3 no problem. Service is friendly but seating is limited. Absolutely loved it ❤️. Broth was 10/10. Egg noodles were perfectly cooked and pork was legendary. The table next to us got chicken and pork katsu. God did it look amazing. Almost straight out of a studio chilling movie. And the Absolutely best part of the meal....homemade radish kimchi. 🤤. Thank you so much for and amazing dining experience. If your in Kitchener, I highly recommend.
This is a mom and pop restaurant run by the sweetest owners. I heard good things about this restaurant and finally decided to give it a try. The Tonkatasu Ramen tasted like the ones I tried in Japan. The broth is so rich, flavorful, and the smokey flavor comes through so nicely. This is way better than any of the ramen I've had at Samsotei or Kinton. My husband got the tomato Katsu and he devoured it. We felt like we were getting a home cooked meal and it truely hit the spot. Even though we live across town, this place will definitely be on our rotation.
Rustico Kitchen And Bar
| Address | 907 Victoria St N, Kitchener, ON N2B 2C6, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (519) 576-6737 |
Visited a few times and it’s safe to say that I’ll be returning more often. Good portions and even better food.
Menu highlights include their arancini, Victoria Pizza, crème brûlée, and one of their limited time specials - the short rib stroganoff.
Overall, this is a conveniently located spot with well-priced items. They have a cozy warm atmosphere with very attentive and accommodating staff to match. Will be back soon !!
Came this evening for my husband’s birthday. Have been looking for a really great Italian restaurant since La Cantinella closed last year. Rustico did not disappoint! Food was absolutely delicious! The caprese salad (I will not go to a restaurant that does not have it on the menu) was incredible! Our waitress Becky was fantastic. Was able to add on to my dish which was much appreciated. Will definitely be coming back
Well I finally got to go to this restaurant last month, 10 mins from my house. I got treated by my gym friends for my birthday. The food and service were excellent. Most of us ordered the same pizza, which was Chicken Bruschetta and one of us had the beet salad which was excellent. I had a Moscow Mule which was really delicious; they mix drinks well and the rest of my team had wine. we really enjoyed. The atmosphere is cozy with nice lighting, mellow music and the tv in the background. I will be back!
We were pleasantly surprised with this lil restaurant and we're still talking about it. Mya our server was the best!!! The way service in my opinion is to be ;with a smile, very attentive, making us feel special we don't normally tlhave reason to tip big but we LOVED our experience. The food was amazing and great portions for the price. We are from Ancaster but we'll come again!! Thank you Mya , I hope your boss knows how lucky he is to have you!!!! The best restaurant experience in over 10 yrs.
Decided to have a late diner with my parents, they wanted Italian food/ pizza. I found this spot close to home (10 min away). Absolutely loved it! Everything we had was fantastic, service was great ( thanks Nicole, you’re awesome!!!) and the atmosphere is quaint and charming. 100% will come back!!
Can’t recommend enough…
odd duck | wine & provisions
| Address | 93 Ontario St S, Kitchener, ON N2G 1X5, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (519) 570-9463 |
A hidden gem in Kitchener. If you're looking for an experience of the senses; I would highly recommend the odd duck. Imagine a cross between Montreal and Prince Edward County. From the small, thoughtful touches of art work and tables made from locally sourced wood. Wine's that are limited and unique, not available at the LCBO.
We tried the "trust us menu". We let them know of food allergies ahead of time and they were able to easily accommodate. The menu featured locally sourced food items that had a gourmet/artisan flair. The owner was also one of our servers and was incredibly kind, hospitable and passionate.
When dining, we value an experience in which the Chef's are able to practice their art and delicacy. From the progressive jazz playlist to the savory taste of each thought out dish, this was a 5/5 dining experience for those that enjoy this type of experience.
Take your time, enjoy the atmosphere and take your time tasting the unique flavors that this establishment provides.
Kitchener does not have many venues offering this experience, that is why we believe it stands out amongst many others in the region.
Thank you to everyone at Odd Duck for the experience.
Odd Duck is unpretentious fine dining at its absolute best. I loved the wine-first concept, and sommelier Wes’s excellent recommendations made the experience truly special. Emma’s custom cocktails were fabulous, while Jon and the team served food that was exceptionally fresh, creative, and delicious.
The cheese cart was such a fun highlight and made even more memorable by Wes’s playful accompanying jig! Above all, the warm, attentive service made us feel like family. A joyful and genuinely unforgettable experience from start to finish.
I really like what this restaurant has to offer - the staff is knowledgeable and welcoming, and the food is eccentric yet familiar.
We opted for the prix fixe menu and all the dishes featured had a great mix of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and beautiful presentation. The standouts were the Brussels sprouts with Buddha's hand, and the squab with dumplings.
My one critique is that the portions were on the smaller side, so the 3 of us found it difficult to share the 6 courses and feel satiated, but will definitely order à la carte next time.
Overall, I felt very comfortable dining here and will be back at this little gem when I'm in Kitchener again.
The chefs are truly artists with the way they put together different and unexpected flavours, textures, and sauces.
Enjoyed the ham quackers (duck prosciutto), patty pans, summer tart, and comté and potato gnocchi. Still dreaming about the gnocchi and summer tomato tart (the clementine gel brought tears to my eyes: it was that good!).
Love the patio! Excellent service, as always, with thorough explanations of all the incredible parts of each dish.
Great experience at odd duck. We did the “trust us” experience set course menu and added on the wine pairing. Wines were varied in origin and paired well with the dishes, highly recommend getting the wine add-on. Food dishes were expressive, complex and creative in flavour pairings. Lovely idea for a date night, will definitely be returning at some stage!
Veslo Family Restaurant
| Address | 100 Arnold St, Kitchener, ON N2H 6C9, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (519) 744-9292 |
Amazing little restaurant with European food, good value and great service. The home fries were legitimately the best home fries I have ever had. I dont give 5 stars because that means perfect and perfect is a hard bar to reach but this restaurant came darn close. Me and my family will definitely be returning for another visit soon. Thank you for the great service and food. Pictured is my (half eating) hunters schnitzel and my daughter's Chicken tenders.
Very nice Balkan food, we had the schnitzel and ćevapi and both were delicious. Friendly staff, nice atmosphere, and some nice beers
Probably our fourth time here and absolutely love this place. Portions are generous, food is excellent, fresh, and delicious, and we are always greeted with a smile. Thank you Alex and its always nice to visit and enjoy a great meal here. Make sure you get the schnitzel, lepina bread and sausages, and the tilapia are all excellent.
The restaurant setting is comfortable and cozy, the staff is nice, and the food is delicious. It's a very interesting Balkan restaurant, I ordered a mix plate of chevapi and shish kebab (though it's odd the meat is flat instead the usual skewered form) and lepani bread with cheese. The Russian hat dessert is bigger than the photo depicted. All the food is delicious.
It is wheelchair accessible and offers free parking.
Just be aware they only accept cash, debit card and Visa, and they don't accept Mastercard.
Incredible delicious food. I was so craving a great schnitzel and Veslo delivered one of the best or maybe the best I have ever had. Service was amazing, so friendly and welcoming. The schnitzel was huge and flavourful, the preparation was perfect. I highly recommend Veslo, I have not had schnitzel this good anywhere. It was so good I ordered the Combo for two to share with my family, I wanted them to enjoy it and they loved it as well. The portions are huge so great value.
Jijo's Kitchen & Grill
| Address | 15 Scott St, Kitchener, ON N2H 2P6, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (519) 749-8880 |
I was looking for something to eat that wasn't readily available back home, and this Samalian place popped up in my search. Going there, I saw people hanging out there, speaking a language I didn't understand (it gave off community center vibes). The waitress was friendly, although admittedly she was still not comfortable speaking English. The service was a bit slow: it took a while to be taken to a seat (there were lots of tables), and took a while for the food to finally come out. But the taste was worth the wait! I ordered the goat with rice, because it was recommended in other reviews, and it didn't disappoint. The flavour of the rice was rich, and they used spices that I'm not familiar with, though they felt middle eastern. There was an interesting onion-y, lemon-y, slightly spicy sauce on the side, which I drizzled over the lamb. The lamb was good, not too gamey, though it was a little on the chewy-er side, and wasn't very salty (so the sauce on the side paired well). The fresh tomato slices gave an occasional, refreshing break from the rich flavour of the rice. Note that there is a very noticeable scent of incense in the room (if you are sensitive to these sort of things). Also, they only gave me a spoon, so you'll need to ask for a fork if you want one. I was asked what drink I wanted, and I said water. However, it wasn't given to me, until I paid for the meal. Overall, if you want authentic Samalian food, this will probably be a good choice! But be prepared to take things slow and easy, in the service department.
I will definitely go there again. Don’t judge the book by it’s cover! The restaurant has very dim lighting and old furnitures, which wasn’t appealing to me when I first walked in. However, the quality of the food here shocked me.
10/10 for visual. Goat meat was so tender and the flavors of both dishes were on point. Food arrived fast. The portions were generous. The staff was very kind and friendly too.
I ordered a meal of rice and goat meat. However, the meat was emitting a foul odor, or rather, the rice had an excessively strong smell. When I requested a replacement, the staff responded with verbal abuse. The establishment is highly unhygienic, smelling strongly of shisha throughout the premises, and customers frequently spit on the floor. It is completely derelict and poorly managed
First time trying Somalian cuisine. Enjoyed it. The injera was kinda sour tho.
My husband and I tried JoJo's today and the good was absolutely delicious and exceptional! The flavour of the goat and rice was amazing, I even went home and ate my leftovers that same night. My husband had the beef suqqar and it was delicious. The food was so authentic, flavourful, and it felt like you were home eating right out of your aunty's Kitchen. The service was fast and excellent and I loved the vibe of the restaurant! We also had the lentil soup to start and it felt so warming and comforting to my stomach. We tried the jabana and we absolutely loved it. We can't wait to come back and try more dishes. Thank you for an amazing experience.
Simply South Kitchener | Indian Restaurant & Bar
| Address | 550 Highland Rd W, Kitchener, ON N2M 5G3, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (519) 584-0000 |
We had a wonderful dinner at Simply South Indian Restaurant with our family, including my parents. The ambience was warm, clean, and very welcoming.
A special thanks to Nikitha, who served us with so much patience and kindness. Even though we arrived close to their closing time, she and the team happily accommodated us without making us feel rushed. Their excellent customer service truly made our experience memorable.
The food was absolutely delicious! We especially loved the chicken noodles, fried rice, and the mango dessert, which was incredibly delicious and the perfect way to end our meal. The flavors were excellent, and the portion sizes were satisfying.
The prices are very reasonable, and they also have plenty of convenient parking available.
Overall, we had a fantastic dining experience and would definitely recommend Simply South Indian Restaurant to anyone looking for authentic South Indian food, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere. We will definitely be coming back!
I recently ordered food from Simbly South Kitchen and had a wonderful experience. My wife absolutely loved the Poori Masala, and I really enjoyed the Poori Masala, Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani, and Cashew Chicken.
The taste was amazing, especially the Poori Masala. I had been searching for authentic Hyderabadi Biryani for a long time, and finally found a really good one here. The Cashew Chicken was also excellent.
What impressed me even more was the packaging. Since I ordered online, I was happy to see how neatly and carefully everything was packed. Overall, it was a great experience, and I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for tasty South Indian food and authentic biryani.
Simply South, Kitchener — 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
We drove all the way from London, Ontario to visit Simply South for Father’s Day and had a mixed experience overall.
Ambience: The restaurant had a good atmosphere, nice vibe overall.
Service: It was quite busy that day, which caused noticeable delays in the food arriving. The waitress was helpful though — she recommended the mutton sukka with parota, which turned out to be the highlight of our meal!
Food:
• Gobi 65 — The cauliflower was perfectly cooked, but it felt more like a Schezwan-sauced dish rather than the classic Gobi 65 we expected.
• Paneer Biryani — Not bad, decent enough.
• Velluli Karam Podi Chicken — Very disappointing. Completely different from what we expected.
• Mutton Dum Biryani — Tasted more like a pulao than a proper dum biryani.
• Chicken Fry Piece Biryani — Unavailable when we ordered, instead we ordered chicken dum biryani.
• Mutton Sukka with Parota — Absolutely the star of the meal, highly recommended!
• Bone Soup — Good, but needed a touch more salt.
Father’s Day Gesture: A lovely touch — they gave an “Awesome Father” certificate, which was sweet. However, the complimentary ice cream turned out to be a mango slushy, which was a bit of a letdown.
Overall: An average experience. The biryani menu didn’t quite live up to expectations. Next time we’d love to try their South Indian tiffin menu — idli, dosa, poori, vada — which might be more their strength!
I’ve ordered a couple dishes here. The chicken is very flavourful with spices. The Parota bread could be done in soft or crispy, and it came out perfect. It blended well with the chicken. I didn’t expect the portion of the dosa to be that large, the sauces were great and the masala was delightful. The Rasmalai and Gulab Jammun was a very nice finish to the meal. My friends and I were quite happy with the meal portion, service, and the atmosphere.
I had a great experience at Simply South. The food was absolutely delicious, with each dish full of authentic flavors and beautifully presented. The appetizers stuffed Bajji , Gobi Manchurian were crispy, well-seasoned, and very satisfying Ghee podi dosa, Mysore masala perfectly balanced.
The dessert Rose tres leches was a standout—creamy, lightly sweet, and infused with subtle rose and nut flavors, making it both unique and refreshing.
The environment was warm and comfortable, perfect for a relaxed meal. The service was excellent—staff were friendly, attentive, and made sure everything was just right.
Overall, a wonderful dining experience with great food, a cozy atmosphere, and top-notch service. Highly recommended!
Tips for Choosing the Right Restaurant in Kitchener
Finding the perfect spot to eat can feel overwhelming, especially when you are balancing different tastes, budgets, and dietary needs. A little planning goes a long way in ensuring your meal becomes a highlight of your day rather than a missed opportunity. The following tips will help you make confident decisions, whether you are planning a date night, a family dinner, or a solo food adventure.
Check the menu online before you go. Most Kitchener restaurants post their current menus on their websites or social media pages. This helps you confirm that the kitchen can accommodate any dietary restrictions and gives you a realistic idea of the price range.
Make reservations for prime dining times. Popular spots in downtown Kitchener and near the university fill up quickly on weekends. Calling ahead or booking through an online platform can save you from a long wait or a disappointing drive across town.
Ask about daily specials and local ingredients. Many chefs create off-menu dishes based on what is fresh from local farms or what arrived at the market that morning. Asking your server about specials can lead to the most memorable bite of your visit.
Consider the time of day and your appetite. Some of Kitchener’s best restaurants are casual lunch counters that close by mid-afternoon, while others truly shine after dark. Matching your energy level and hunger to the right style of service will improve your overall experience.
Explore beyond the downtown core. While King Street and its surrounding blocks have plenty to offer, some of the city’s most exciting kitchens are tucked into suburban plazas and industrial parks. A short drive or bus ride can lead to a hidden gem that feels like a true local secret.
Do not be afraid to ask locals for recommendations. Kitchener has a strong sense of community, and residents are usually happy to share their favorite neighborhood spots. A quick conversation with a barista, shop owner, or fellow diner can point you toward a restaurant that never makes the big lists but delivers every single time.
The real joy of dining in Kitchener is that there is always something new to try. Even if you have lived here for years, the city’s food scene continues to evolve with fresh concepts, new chefs, and creative collaborations. Treating every meal as an opportunity to explore will keep your palate engaged and your weekends full of delicious possibilities.
As you work through the list above, remember that the best restaurant is the one that fits your moment. Whether you are celebrating a milestone, catching up with an old friend, or simply too tired to cook, Kitchener’s restaurants are ready to welcome you with open kitchens and full plates.
