Restaurants in Stratford Ontario
Places to Dine Before and After Festival productions
A guide and sampling of restaurants in Stratford Ontario Canada, home of the Stratford Festival.
Stratford is well known as the home of the Stratford Festival of Canada, which provides superior entertainment, with a dozen or more productions of Shakespeare, musicals and other great dramatists each year. The plays capture the attention and imagination of tourists during show times, but there is much to see and do in Stratford outside of the plays.
The plays start at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. during the summer, affording patrons time to enjoy a fine lunch and dinner and still attend their choice of show. Many restaurants offer after-theatre fare as well. The visitor’s information booth located downtown by the Avon River has detailed information on the plays, attractions and restaurants. Stop there first and pick up a voucher for free parking for the day.
The restaurants are spread throughout downtown, many on Ontario Street. The entire area is only a few city blocks, an easy walk, and close to the walkways and picnic benches along the river.
Below is a sampling of different types of places to dine:
Fine Dining in Stratford
If experiencing the finest theatre in the New World inspires you to try exotic dishes, Fellini’s, Pazzo Ristorante and Rundles will challenge your palate with master chef creations. You can get a great steak at Woody’s and Foster’s Inn.
Henry’s at the Queen’s has a small dining room but good food, and The Old English Parlor offers specialties from across the pond and after theatre fare. The prices and service are premium at these restaurants, but they add to the experience of Stratford.
Casual Fare near the Stratford Festival
Stratford has a number of pubs and eateries that provide a more laid-back atmosphere to discuss the coming play with friends. Bentley’s Inn Bar and Restaurant has great sandwiches for lunch, dinner and late evening. Pazzo Bar and Pizzeria is a cool counterpart to the Ristorante. Swiss Chalet and Kelsey’s are Canadian chain restaurants that provide good food at reasonable prices.
Quick Bites and Treats in Downtown Stratford
Boomers Gourmet Fries has only room for a few customers, but has great fish and chips, and poutine. For Americans, that is fries with cheese curds and gravy. You can get a coffee and dessert at Williams Coffee Pub or Balzac’s. Tim Horton’s is a Canadian institution for donuts and bagels, and there are several locations in Stratford.
Hot dogs and sausage are grilled fresh on Ontario Street, and there are the usual chain restaurants nearby. The Kiwanis Club offers sandwiches at Festival Fare at each theatre, and ice cream and other treats abound in the downtown area.
The plays are wonderful, and the scenery beautiful. When you are in Ontario, plan some time to enjoy the great food and dining experiences at the home of great theater, Stratford.
