Diners' Choice: Neighbourhood gem restaurants in Niagara

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighbourhood gems in Niagara? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Benchmark

4.9

4.9 (1399)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary American

Niagara-on-the-Lake

About the restaurant

Prepare to embark on a delectable journey as Benchmark at Niagara College proudly unveils the much-anticipated relaunch of its lunch service. under the creative direction of renowned Chef Justin Downes and the impeccable service leadership of Victor Oliveira.

Chef Justin Downes will lead the culinary student team and deliver a harmonious blend of culinary innovation and a deep commitment to education. Building upon its established reputation for culinary excellence, Benchmark will continue to be a cornerstone of culinary education while elevating the dining experience for visitors and the Niagara College community.

Don't miss the opportunity to support the School of Culinary Arts, foster future culinary talent, and relish the flavors of Niagara Region. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience that perfectly marries tradition with innovation, all in the heart of one of Canada's most picturesque regions and one of Canada's most loved Culinary Institutes.

Top review

Susan

Dined 4 days ago

What a wonderful meal and experience! Both our appetizers were delicious and beautifully presented. The Pickled Heirloom Beets & Endive Salad was bursting with flavour. My husband raved about his scallops. Our salmon and angus beef entrees were flavourful and artfully presented. We enjoyed the Ontario Cheese Plate and the Basque Cheesecake. Each of our courses was paired with the perfect selection of Niagara College wine (including icewine). Our server Anjali went above and beyond to provide exceptional service. She genuinely cared about making our experience memorable. She even brought us complimentary sparkling wine to celebrate my birthday. Benchmark is the perfect restaurant if you want to enjoy excellent food in a welcoming and attentive environment.

Napoli Ristorante and Pizzeria

4.9

4.9 (19)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Italian

Niagara Falls

About the restaurant

At Napoli Ristorante and Pizza you’ll find fresh ingredients and family favorite recipes in Niagara Falls, Canada. The family owned establishment offers a quiet elegance of fine dining and all items are made fresh to order. Napoli Ristorante and Pizza has a carefully crafted wine list that includes local and imported brands. Appetizers include Italian favorites such as a classic antipasto and a bruschetta on toasted focaccia. Pasta selections like parmesan and goat cheese filled ravioli in a tomato cream sauce or the gnocchi with braised veal lend to the old world flavor at Napoli Ristorante and Pizza. You can also choose from 12-inch pizzas like the rustico with artichokes and zucchini or a classic Americano with tomato sauce and mozzarella.

Top review

Yuriko

Dined on Dec 3, 2024

Napoli is a great place to dine. The food is amazing. Everything we ordered was delicious. The service was great and the atmosphere was very nice as well. We will be back very soon! I recommend this restaurant to everyone who’s looking for an amazing dining experience!

Masaki

4.8

4.8 (1331)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Japanese

Niagara-on-the-Lake

About the restaurant

An innovative addition to Niagara’s culinary scene, where using the finest seafood brought straight from Japan.
Our Executive Chef provides an authentic yet modern Japanese cuisine experience.
Our Sake sommelier offers your favorite Sake from over 50 kinds of Sake selection.
The serene setting and atmosphere at Masaki is the perfect complement to our Chef’s beautiful creations.
We invite you to come, connect with friends and share a meal that is truly an experience.

Top review

Yasutaka

Dined 2 days ago

Usually I do not take a time for writing Review since I am pretty busy all the time. However I am taking some take to write some review on this restaurant since I respect them very much. I wrote I marked 5 stars all through the category. I have visited this restaurant over 8 years or so and it has been great all the time. Absolutely Masaki is the go to place for bring your family , friends and would have a great moment there for sure. Yoshi-san has exceptionally great knowledge on Sake and I have never meet person like him including Japan. Also great person and provide an excellent hospitality. Very much enjoyed kind Japanese server as well. Please try Masaki and let me know if may review is not true !!!

Valley Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2125)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Italian

St. Catharines

About the restaurant

The Valley Restaurant brings a European feel to Niagara dining. Tucked away on a quiet street in north St. Catharines close to Niagara-on-the-Lake this trattoria style restaurant serves homemade Italian inspired cuisine. Everything is made in house from the fresh baked bread, fresh pastas and sauces, gelato and incredible desserts. The menu includes veal, seafood, steak, a variety of pasta dishes including gnocchi, lasagne, ravioli. There is a full cocktail menu and fabulous wine list including local and imported selections. The atmosphere is warm and inviting with a large fireplace, intimate tables, white linen tablecloths and impeccable service.

Top review

Jane

Dined 4 days ago

A lovely lunch - two old friends. A bit noisy at one table near us, but otherwise everything was wonderful

Rizzo's House of Parm

4.8

4.8 (1690)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

Fort Erie

About the restaurant

A casual restaurant in Crystal Beach, Ontario. Homemade food, from our family to yours.

Reservations are strongly recommended, walk-in availability limited.

Please note that walk-in availability is based on a first-come, first-served basis and is a mixture of table and bar seating.

We we will do our very best to accommodate seating preferences. However, as a small restaurant it may not be possible to be located in certain areas or connected/beside other groups of reservations.

Top review

Virginia

Dined 2 days ago

The food was incredible!! Amazing service too! Will definitely recommend Rizzo’s to friends and family.

Discover more

4.6

4.6 (296)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

Niagara Falls

About the restaurant

Zappi's Pizza is located in Niagara Falls, Ontario and serves pizza in a fun, family atmosphere that offers plenty of space for large parties of guests. The checkered tablecloths, bright interior and kitsch décor lends to the touristy appeal. Zappi's Pizza offers catering services for off-site events.

The menu offers a wide variety of not only pizzas, but calzones, subs, pasta dishes, appetizers and salads. Desserts included on the menu at Zappi's Pizza are caramel apple pie, tiramisu cheesecake and heavenly chocolate cake. With pizza being the specialty, there are over 10 different types of pie to choose from available in four different sizes.

Top review

Dan

Dined on Dec 9, 2024

Food was excellent. Wait staff were very attentive. Restaurant was clean.

Discover more

4.6

4.6 (752)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

Niagara Falls

About the restaurant

We are a full service casual dining establishment with two outdoor patios to enjoy the great weather and an outdoor bar as well as our indoor lounge to have a cocktail or enjoy lunch or dinner. We take pride in our fresh, scratch made menu and focus on farm to table, fresh, organic ingredients. Whether its a great Martini you are looking for or our wide wine menu from wines all over the world, we are sure we will please your palate and have an excellent dining experience.

Please note: We do not open patio seating for reservation until the day of. If you would like to request patio for your visit to 335 please make a note when making your reservation. Patio can not be guaranteed on high volume days.

Top review

Cathy

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Pizza was delicious..had the Wilkinson dip and it was amazing !

The Epicurean

4.5

4.5 (871)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

Niagara-on-the-Lake

About the restaurant

Since 1991, the Epicurean has been devoted to the pursuit of sensual pleasure, especially to the enjoyment of great seasonal food and great local wines from Niagara's region and in our dining room and beautiful tucked-away garden patio.

The Epicurean is an a la carte restaurant with a casual upper casual dining experience. From al full menu and an extensive wine list we are here to please and tantalize your taste buds!

Top review

Bill

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent food and service. Great staff. What sets it aside from other restaurants in NOTL is the variety and number of choices on the menu plus several daily specials also. Another good feature is the wine list that includes non Ontario wines which is a pleasant change. Just a great place to spend an evening as a couple or with a group.

Discover more

Popular dish

Rigatoni Bolognese

MR MIKES - Welland

4.3

4.3 (414)

CAN$30 and under

Steakhouse

Welland

About the restaurant

MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual is defined by what we aren’t, as opposed to what we are. We aren’t like other steakhouses. No dark lighting, starched tablecloths, pretentious servers or overpriced steaks. From our signature steaks to our famous Mikeburger®, we have something for every taste and budget. Enjoy Happiest Hours pricing daily from 2pm to 5pm and 9pm to close, and lunch and dinner service everyday. Choose a game from our games wall to play with friends or family, engage with our genuine and friendly servers or grab a quick lunch midday. We are everything you want in a steakhouse, only casual. MR MIKES Welland located on the corner of Woodlawn Rd. and Niagara Street in front of the Seaway Mall.

Top review

Cindy

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Good, friendly atmosphere and great service. Would come back.

Discover more

The Frontier BBQ and Smokehouse

4.1

4.1 (987)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Barbecue

Niagara Falls

About the restaurant

Frontier BBQ & Smokehouse invites you on a mouthwatering, all-you-can-eat journey to the heart of the South. Delight in our expertly smoked meats, drenched in savory, homemade BBQ sauces, and indulge in our unlimited buffet with soups, salads, and hot and cold sides. Experience true Southern hospitality with every unforgettable bite at Frontier BBQ & Smokehouse.

Thirsty? We have a wide selection of cocktails, domestic and imported bottled and draft beer, wine, juice and pop.

Frontier has all of your smoked favourites, and is walking distance to the falls and Fallsview Casino.

Reservations are strongly recommended; especially through the spring, summer, and holidays.
Gratuity of 18% will be added for groups of 6 or more.

Top review

Woody

Dined 2 days ago

Food was great. Selection was very good and our server was pleasant. Good job 👍

Discover more

Experience

All-You-Can-Eat BBQ!

Explore Diners' Choice best of Niagara