Inspired by a famous travel destination, Paris brings all the European charms of France’s capital city to the quiet countryside of Ontario and has quickly become one of the prettiest small towns in Canada.
Much as Paris’ namesake is known as one of the culinary centres of the world, the Ontario community has developed one of the most colourful and inviting food scenes in the province today.
From delicious staples of the community to local family-run diners, these are the 13 best restaurants in Paris, Ontario, for sampling the eclectic flavours of the world in a singular Canadian destination.
A Quick Look At The 13 Best Restaurants in Paris, Ontario
- Juniper Dining (French)
- Stillwaters Plate and Pour (Bar, Canadian)
- Jade’s of Paris (Chinese)
- 2 Rivers (Bar, Canadian)
- Capeesh Craft Kitchen & Cellar (Italian, Canadian)
- Cobblestone Public House (Bar, Canadian, American)
- Camp 31 (Southwestern)
- The Grand Bayou Cajun Kitchen (Cajun, Pizza, Bar)
- Arepa Love Latin American Eatery (Venezuelan, Latin)
- Paris Inn (Pizza, Canadian)
- Legends Taphouse & Bar (Bar, Canadian, American)
- Scott’s Family Restaurant (Canadian, American)
- The Full Plate (Canadian)
The 13 Best Restaurants in Paris, Ontario
1. Juniper Dining
French | $$$ | Website | Google Maps
Bringing the fine dining experience of the French bistros of the city’s namesake to the community, Juniper Dining is one of the best restaurants in Paris, Ontario and promises an elevated setting for enjoying a wide selection of French delicacies.
Using local ingredients, Chef Andrea Legacy specializes in Lyonnaise Bouchon cuisine, with popular dishes being the escargot and mushroom ragout starter followed by an oyster platter for sharing or a delectable 8 oz pan-seared tenderloin for a main.
Accompanying Juniper Dining’s excellent food menu is a diverse selection of inventive cocktails and a local wine list designed to pair perfectly with the restaurant’s dishes.
While the restaurant’s dishes offer elevated culinary experiences, Juniper Dining promotes a casual environment for a comfortable setting for enjoying an adventure for your taste buds.
2. Stillwaters
Bar, Canadian | $$ | Website | Google Maps
Set along the picturesque banks of the Grand River, Stillwaters Plate and Pour is one of the best restaurants in Paris, Ontario, promising elevated dining in an unparalleled location.
Owned by Matt Cummings, a recognized restaurant owner in the community, Stillwaters’ kitchen is headed by Chef William Thompson of Food Network, a local celebrity chef who has previously competed on Top Chef Canada.
Featuring an extensive menu of the elevated bar and Canadian-style foods highly focused around locally sourced seasonal ingredients, Stillwaters offers something for all flavour pallets, with local favourites being the Ontario Great Lake pickerel, Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken & Forest Mushroom Alfredo, and the Grilled Striploin Steak Pasta.
Alternatively, Stilwaters also makes for a fantastic social spot and a good time, with a delicious cocktail menu and a selection of 10 draught beers just waiting to be enjoyed along its picturesque patio offering great views of the winding river.
3. Jade's of Paris
Chinese | $ | Website | Google Maps
Looking for a budget-friendly night out at one of the best Chinese restaurants in Paris, Ontario? Then check out Jade’s of Paris along the town’s main street. Dine in or take out, Jade’s of Paris’ menu features all of your familiar favourites, including General Tao’s chicken, sweet and sour pork, and more.
Of course, you could also try some of the restaurant’s specialty dishes, which include Jade’s Special Rice Noodles, Cantonese Chow Mein, and Moo Goo Guy Pan.
If Chinese food isn’t your thing, Jade’s of Paris also serves a small selection of Canadian food.
4. 2 Rivers
Bar, Canadian | $$ | Website | Google Maps
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 2 Rivers is one of the best downtown restaurants in Paris, Ontario and features a diverse menu of delicious dishes served throughout the day.
Breakfast at 2 Rivers includes a traditional Canadian-style morning meal consisting of a selection of eggs, bacon, sausage, and french toast, with a parfait available for a lighter meal.
The menu expands at lunchtime to offer a massive selection of delicious appetizers, gourmet burgers, and specialty wraps. Come the evening, 2 Rivers adds an even more expansive menu that rotates weekly and features chef-inspired entrees and appetizers.
Be sure to visit on Friday or Saturday to enjoy the restaurants two can dine for $59.99 deal.
5. Capeesh Craft Kitchen & Cellar
Italian, Canadian | $$ | Website | Google Maps
Perfect for a group outing when everybody seems to not be able to agree on a specific cuisine, Capeesh Craft Kitchen & Cellar features an extensive menu of good food from across several different types, including Italian, American, a bit of Greek, Indian, and a little bit of everything else.
While there is something for everybody at Capeesh, popular menu items include a selection of specialty pizzas and burgers, caramelized chicken souvlaki, and lobster and seafood risotto.
What’s more, visitors can enjoy these delicious takes on popular table options within the restaurant’s dining room, lounge, and bar area or along two picturesque riverside patios with breathtaking views of the river.
6. Cobblestone Public House
Bar, Canadian, American | $$ | Website | Google Maps
Operated by the same team behind Stillwaters and Capeesh, the Cobblestone Public House is perfect for those craving pub grub with an extensive menu of elevated bar, Canadian, and American foods.
Located just across the historic Arlington Hotel in downtown Paris, the Cobblestone Public House also serves as a popular social hangout spot, with over 15 local beers featured on top, including specialty brews from around the world.
Whether popping in for a drink or a meal, Cobblestone Public House promises an inviting, warm, pub-like atmosphere for socializing within the vibrant community of Paris.
7. Camp 31
Southwestern | $$ | Website | Google Maps
Bringing delicious traditional dishes of the southwest to Paris, Ontario, Camp 31 features delicious food at affordable rates.
Open for dine-in or takeout, Camp 31 features an extensive menu of authentic southern BBQ, beginning with a massive selection of delectable starters. Opening dishes on the menu include tater skins, pulled pork fires, apple jack riblets, and more.
Don’t fill up too much on the appetizers, though. The restaurant’s list of entrees is just as mouth-watering, with highlights including its world-famous ribs, a 10 oz New York striploin, and southern fried fish and chips.
8. The Grand Bayou Cajun Kitchen
Cajun, Pizza, Bar | $$ | Website | Google Maps
Operating out of a converted 19th-century stagecoach stop and hotel, The Grand Bayou Cajun Kitchen is one of the most amazing restaurants in Paris, Ontario, serving fast food-style cajun cuisine just outside of the downtown area.
The extensive menu features a wide variety of appetizers and entrees, including specialty wings, sandwiches, Jambalaya, gourmet mac and cheese, and some of the best handmade pizza in Paris.
Menu items are available for dine-in or takeout. However, with its friendly atmosphere and historical setting, I highly suggest experiencing the great restaurant by dining in.
9. Arepa Love Latin American Eatery
Venezuelan, Latin | $ | Website | Google Maps
A new restaurant in Paris, Ontario, Arepa Love has quickly become one of the community’s best eateries, offering a unique menu of Venezuelan dishes with a distinctly Serbian twist.
Featuring great food at affordable prices, popular appetizers include mini empanadas, a rumbera bowl, and pollo a la braza. Meanwhile, best-selling entrees include a selection of corn-based hot sandwiches and traditional Venezuelan dishes.
10. Paris Inn
Pizza, Canadian | $$ | Website | Google Maps
If you’re interested in the best pizza in town, don’t look any further than the Paris Inn. Once known as the Paris Surf, this staple of the community features a massive wood-fired oven and offers a wide variety of pizzas ranging from traditional favourites to specialty pies.
Beyond its pizza, Paris Inn also offers a variety of Canadian-style Panuozzo sandwiches, including cheesesteak, sausage, and chicken and bacon. While available for takeout, I suggest dining in to enjoy the quirky atmosphere of the Paris Inn’s dining room, which features a Bill the Stuffed Buffalo Head as its focal point.
11. Legends Taphouse & Bar
Bar, Canadian, American | $$ | Website | Google Maps
With 16 Big Screen TVs, four separate broadcast feeds, and a huge projector for the big game, Legends Taphouse & Bar is easily the best sports bar restaurant in Paris, Ontario.
While watching your favourite teams on the big screen, enjoy yourself with a selection of draught beers and bar foods featured on Legend’s menu. From nachos to burgers, Legend’s features all your favourite pub grub, while on tap, the bar features over 12 draughts and 12 bottled beers.
If beer isn’t your flavour, the bar also offers a great wine list and specialty cocktails.
12. Scott’s Family Restaurant
Canadian, American | $$ | Website | Google Maps
One of the best restaurants in Paris, Ontario, Scott’s Family Restaurant is a family-style eatery in the heart of the community and offers delicious Canadian and American dishes for your stay in town.
Open for breakfast and lunch, Scott’s Family Restaurant is a perfect place for enjoying a quick meal and local food featured within its chalkboard menu, with common highlights being omelets, soups, sandwiches, and more at reasonable prices.
13. The Full Plate
Canadian | $$ | Website | Google Maps
Located directly on the main street, The Full Plate is a delicious local eatery serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant features two menus, with its breakfast menu featuring all your morning favourites, including eggs, sandwiches, pancakes, and French toast.
Meanwhile, the restaurant’s lunch and dinner menu features elevated classics, including a diverse selection of appetizers, handhelds, and entrees. Local favourite entrees include liver and onions, the fish dinner, and pork chops.
