Canada’s top foodie spots that are worth a visit

by Robert Paul

What do Canadians possibly love more than hockey? Good food and drink. And from coast to coast there’s plenty of it: from distinctly local dishes to iconic Canadian beverages and more, Canadians excel at serving up some of the best you’ll find anywhere.

So whether you’re travelling for the summer holidays or sticking around home for a ‘staycation’, here are some standout places worth visiting to help feed your inner foodie.

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Whether it’s to start your day right, for Sunday brunch or Shrove Tuesday, there’s no bad reason to go for pancakes. And with so much choice at these 10 amazing eateries – from homemade buttermilk with wild blueberry compote to pulled-pork pancakes slathered in maple syrup (spiked with Jack Daniels) – your only wish will be that you’d ordered more.

Like to know more? Stack attack: Canada’s best pancakes

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A juicy, expertly grilled steak paired with a glass of good wine is more than a meal, it’s an experience. And across Canada there’s no shortage of premier steak houses bringing you what you crave: the perfect way to end the day with a seriously delicious steak! Here are the country’s 10 best.

Like to know more? Well done: Canada’s 10 best steak houses

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From the biggest cities to tiniest rural towns, craft breweries abound across Canada for good reason: they make excellent beer. Whether it’s for your next social gathering or to slake your thirst on a hot summer evening, these craft breweries are worth checking out.

Like to know more? 10 Canadian craft breweries that are doing beer right

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Is there a better way to end an exceptional meal than with an excellent coffee and exquisite dessert? From cakes to croissants, brioche to macarons, tarts to pies and more, these top-notch Canadian patisseries are ready to serve up your own personal slice of heaven.

Like to know more? 5 fabulous Canadian patisseries

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If you’re looking for somewhere to mingle with friends; a place to kick back and relax as you properly enjoy a dram of whiskey, then you needn’t look far. Every city in Canada has its share of bars that pay homage to whiskey, but these ones truly stand above the rest.

Like to know more? 8 of the best whiskey bars across Canada

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Burgers and summertime naturally go together. If you’re weary of the usual fast-food fare, these family-friendly burger joints will evoke fond memories of high school days spent with friends and family reunions at the cottage – along with the best burgers you’ll ever taste.

Like to know more? Canada’s 10 best local burger joints

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Did you know Canada has more doughnut shops than any other country? You need only look past the big chains and their standard offerings to quickly see why: there’s a realm of truly unique doughnut shops and their delectable flavours waiting to be discovered (and devoured!)

Like to know more? Holey moley! 10 Canadian doughnuts to die for

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Pizza is on everyone’s list of favourite foods – and why not? From choice of toppings to types of crusts, the options seem infinite. Since not all pizzas are created equal here’s a list of pizzerias across Canada that set the bar high and are worth visiting next time you’re in town.

Like to know more? Pizza perfection: 10 must-try Canadian pizzerias

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You’ll quickly forget about plain store-bought chocolate bars when you discover what Canadian chocolatiers are creating in their shops: with such flavours as St. James Pale Ale with milk chocolate and bacon, Australian ginger tumbled in dark chocolate, and traditional milk chocolate and peanut butter, your biggest problem will be how fast can you get there.

Like to know more? Chocolate champs: 10 of Canada’s best chocolate shops

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It’s as Canadian as a moose drinking maple syrup while playing hockey: the Caesar. Invented in Calgary in 1969, this unique cocktail still reigns today as one of Canada’s top tipples. So if you’re feeling patriotic and craving a great Caesar, chances are there’s a place near you that has one with your name on it.

Like to know more? Canada’s 10 best Caesars

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