City: Guelph
Top Restaurants in Guelph
Top 10 restaurants in Guelph, Canada
Guelph (/ɡwɛlf/ ( listen); Canada 2016 Census population 131,794) is a city in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Known as "The Royal City", Guelph is roughly 28 kilometres (17 mi) east of Kitchener and 100 kilometres (62 mi) west of Downtown Toronto, at the intersection of Highway 6, Highway 7 and Wellington County Road 124. It is the seat of Wellington County, but is politically independent of it.
Things to do in Guelph
1. Manhattans
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 453 reviews
Located in the south end of Guelph, manhattans pizza bistro●music club is your independently owned neighbourhood restaurant that boasts a unique dining experience featuring live music almost every night of the week (see music line-up for details). Our delicious menu and hard-working kitchen crew serve up a little something for everyone. Made with love and quality ingredients our dinner menu includes New York style thin crust pizza, pastas, grilled entrées, and mouth-watering desserts all made in-house. The newly redone interior is warm and inviting, perfect for romantic and relaxing late night eats and drinks (kitchen is open til midnight every Friday/Saturday). Our doors are open weekday afternoons for lunch at 11AM.Everyone is welcome: singles and couples, young and old, families, and those first dates. No dress code – come as you are, or however you want to be. Reservations are appreciated.Do it here.
Reviewed By Inaway - Toronto, Canada
We had dinner at Manhattan's last weekend, and we very happy with the experience. The atmosphere was very cool, the live music was enjoyable, and overall - it made a great impression on us all. The service was fast, attentive, and smart. Our meals were delivered very timely, and it is clear that the management/ownership knows how to run a great restaurant. The food was very good, and we were all happy with our meals. I always read people's reviews before going to a restaurant, and notwithstanding some very specific situations - the reviews are spot on. This is a great restaurant, with great service, and great food. My wife swears by the homemade pizza (to which they are known) but they sure made a great steak, a great stir fry, and a few other sides that were all very strong. We (my wife and I) will be back for cocktails, some music, and a late dinner - as I think this is where their strengths would be.
2. Woolwich Arms & Arrow
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
Perhaps the Wooly concept is best represented by renowned Canadian artist Charlie Pachter's "Queen on a Moose" paintings. These pictures conveyed what would happen if a British pub was transferred to Canada. That pub would feature local foods, beverages and decor. It would be an "All-Canadian" pub featuring the best of the British pub culture. A "local" or home-base pub for its guests. The Woolwich Arrow was inspired by the Ontario micro-brewery "explosion" that occurred in the late 1980's. The brewery industry was dominated by 3 large companies for over 40 years until the start of the craft brewery phenomenon. Teaching a course on beers at the University of Guelph Bob Desautels was keenly aware of this development. When an opportunity to open a pub in downtown Guelph emerged he decided to feature only small micro-brews on tap. The rest is history!
Reviewed By John B - Guelph, Canada
Our family decided to head to the Wooly for my birthday dinner and we were not disappointed. Such great craft beer choices available. The food selections were awesome - everything is locally sourced! They tell their story on the menu and it gives you a great sense of the values of the ownership.
Such a local gem. Great service too!
3. Atmosphere Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Bistro style cafe serving fresh food prepared daily. Gourmet sandwiches, thin crust artisanal pizzas. French Farmhouse inspired entrees. Housemade desserts & soups. Features focus on seasonal ingredients. Full bar selection. Craft Beers, premium wines (nine by the glass), innovative cocktails. Bourbons, whisky & scotch. Chill vibe, funky atmosphere. Open 11am till late.
Reviewed By alphadea - Ontario, Canada
I've been here many times - it is a treasured place in Guelph. I have a lot of favourites on the menu. The home made soups are excellent, there are great salads and sandwiches, and the desserts are not to be missed. But I just had to write after enjoying the Korean BBQ pizza! Wow! What a great idea for a pizza. It was absolutely delicious. Can't wait to go back.
4. Borealis Grille & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 500 reviews
Reviewed By James G - Barrie, Canada
I have frequented Borealis Grille and Bar over the last 5 years, where the quality of the fare and table service has been generally good. And over those years, I enquired if the
restaurant offered a loyalty card and believed that after 60 to 70 visits in total, I would be recognized as a valued client. No such card or recognition. Last month I invited my family for dinner, whereby one of the family members ordered an 8-ounce striploin, which upon arrival appeared to be cooked to satisfaction, but light in weight. I made our server aware of the small stature of the steak and was promptly told: "We weigh all meat before it is cooked and obviously there has been some shrinkage." I said, " It looks more like an hors d'oeuvre than a striploin. It can't be any more than 4-ounces." Our server then offered to replace the dish with another steak, which arrived about 10-minutes later. In the interim what were we to do? Wait or tuck in? My family member decided to not touch the steak, but take it home and weigh it, which turned out to be 3.5-ounces. That's gives new meaning to shrinkage. So, l'm out. My family is out and any friends I invite to Guelph will be dining locally—elsewhere.
5. shakespeare arms
Overall Ratings
4 based on 250 reviews
Reviewed By Serenitynoworsoon - Hamilton, Canada
My husband has been to The Shakespeare Arms when he’s been to a Griffins hockey game but I have not. We came into Guelph from Stoney Creek on an errand and he suggested we have lunch there.
Glad we did. Nice atmosphere, lots of dishes made on site... which made it difficult to select from the tempting menu. However, both of us ordered two tasty offerings. I was a bit worried that my steak and mushroom pie would be too salty but it was perfect! What a nice surprise! My seasonal veggies were perfectly cooked... no mushy carrots, beans, and broccoli here. Alysia ( sorry about that spelling...if incorrect) was attentive and friendly. We were there just before noon and by the time we left, this place was full.
Glad we decided on The Shakespeare Arms for a cozy, rainy November day.
6. Bin23
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Located in the heart of downtown Guelph, Bin 23 offers a North American continental menu with multicultural flair along with daily features. Enjoy unrivaled consignment wines from around the world along with an extensive wine cellar. Relax in award winning ambiance and enjoy diverse music selections while being pampered by a team of professionals.
Reviewed By Elaine K - Dubai
I looked through the reviews to select a good restaurant for dinner. Sadly I was disappointed. Maybe because I live in Dubai I am used to a different standard, maybe it was just a bad night.
Decor
The tables are very small, probably because the restaurant is small. We were seated right next to the bar and a few times my sister in law thought a bottle was coming through the glass, as the person on the other end banged the bottle while picking it up to pour, I can only assume. A candle on the table would have helped to see the menus which are transparent and very difficult to read. Dried flowers could be replaced with fresh, we felt the place was run by men as it lacked that feminine touch.
The waiter was pleasant and very busy, being the only server in a full restaurant on a Monday night. I ordered the only vegetarian starter, a green salad, but did not like all the croutons ( a North American thing it seems). I asked if the fish was wild and was told it was farmed, so declined to order this and opted for the only vegetarian dish. I received what i can only describe as two samosas topped with crispy bits and some garden vegetables. They were far too spicy for my palate so I ate the vegetables which were tasty. I suggest they consider other vegetarian options and perhaps even a vegan dish.
I was offered a desert on the house and ordered the lemon creme brulee. It was too large, too warm and the brulee was too thick. Couldn't taste lemon. It was decorated with sliced apples and strawberries and a kumquat, very 80s.
Overall very average experience and not somewhere I would return to.
7. Baker Street Station
Overall Ratings
4 based on 250 reviews
A unique pub experience in Guelph, The Baker Street Station is proud to offer its patrons the finest food and drink in a thoroughly modern yet surprisingly traditional atmosphere.
Reviewed By Frettar - Guelph, Canada
Very good service, a large list off beers, food was okay, I had the Ramen dish some of the noodles were slightly under cooked.
8. Buon Gusto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 602 reviews
Reviewed By Daniel M - Guelph, Canada
Atmosphere was pleasant, and the company I shared it with. Appetizers were pretty good, however my main meal (pasta) was a little cold and nothing to complain or rave about.
Would return. Seems like a nice spot to bring a date or catch up with a friend.
9. York Rd Kitchen & Chocolate Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 256 reviews
Renovated Old Classic Guelph Steakhouse now has modern/rustic feel and great comfort food. Family friendly restaurant with bar area. Great theme of Sweet and Savoury Chocolate runs through the whole menu from Lamb Shanks to Homemade Pasta, Desserts and Amazing Chocolate Cocktails. Full bar features many local beers and wines on tap. This is an "Un-Chained" restaurant where most food is made from scratch. Service is relaxed yet professional, led by Karim & Sara formerly of The Other Brother's Restaurant. Parking is free and plentiful on site. Take Out and Delivery available (20%) discount. Great Burgers, Steaks and Homemade Pasta - how about a Tableside Campfire S'mores for Dessert? See you soon.....
Reviewed By cathyv29 - acton,ont. Canada
We were a group of 8 for dinner on Saturday Jan 20. Only one of the party had been here before. Right from the greeting at the door to the final please come back and see us again, it was just wonderful. Our server was delightful, and very knowledgeable. Our drinks were served up in a timely manner and dinners were served hot and everyone received theirs at the same time. The atmosphere was friendly and we will certainly return again.
10. 39 Carden Street
Overall Ratings
4 based on 137 reviews
39 Carden Street is a bistro in the heart of Downtown Guelph. Our menu features an inspired cuisine, with a modern twist, prepared fresh daily using the finest local ingredients. We showcase snack, weekend brunch, lunch and dinner items on our unique menu. 39 Carden Street is the perfect venue for any occasion.
Reviewed By Vintage2009 - Ontario, Canada
We went to 39 Carden Street for dinner with another couple and we all really enjoyed it. The atmosphere is really nice and casual and the staff do not make you feel rushed at all. We ordered the $50 "Snack" option to start which included 4 of their "snacks" (smaller appetizer plates) and a bottle of wine. This was a great deal and the snacks were excellent! 3 of us has the salmon for our main entree and 1 of us had the risotto... we all cleaned our plates. We also ordered creme brulee and a cheese plate for dessert... again... very tasty. My one and only complaint would be that they were not very good at keeping our water glasses full so we either had to keep asking for it or go without. Minor detail I know... and that is really my only criticism. Would definitely return.
