A Guide to Some of the Top-Rated Eateries in Windsor & Essex County
Whether you’re a local exploring new flavours or a visitor hungry for the best the region has to offer, Windsor and Essex County’s culinary scene will not disappoint. From award-winning pizza to fresh-caught seafood, global eats, and farm-to-table cafes, this guide will help you experience some of the most beloved and top-rated restaurants throughout the area. Every restaurant listed here has either won a local award or comes highly recommended by reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and the Best of Windsor Essex Awards. Bon Appétit!
Coffee Culture
New! The Bucket List Coffee Roastery (Amherstburg) – This fresh addition to downtown Amherstburg is quickly gaining popularity for its expertly brewed coffee, cozy atmosphere, and rotating selection of locally made baked goods. Perfect for a midday break or casual meetup. Follow them on Instagram.
Anchor Coffee House (Windsor) – Known for its locally roasted beans, creative lattes, and warm atmosphere, Anchor Coffee House is a community favourite. Their menu includes fresh baked goods, sandwiches, and seasonal drinks. anchorcoffeehouse.com
Café March 21 (Windsor) – This modern coffee bar blends specialty coffee with a minimalist vibe. Known for pour-over brews, house-made pastries, and its cool downtown vibe. cafemarch21.com
Red Lantern Coffee Co. (Kingsville) – A cozy and creative café in the heart of Kingsville, known for its hand-pulled espresso, unique drinks like maple lattes, and artsy community events. facebook.com/redlanterncoffee
Amherstburg Caffeine & Co. (Amherstburg) – Quickly becoming a local staple, this trendy addition offers bold, smooth coffee, rotating bakery items, beautiful cakes and menu items. Located downtown Amherstburg, ON. https://caffeine-co.com/
Best Pizza in Windsor-Essex
Antonino’s Original Pizza – A cornerstone of Windsor-style pizza, Antonino’s has received multiple local awards and remains a staple for lovers of shredded pepperoni and Galati cheese. originalpizza.ca
OG Pizza – Voted Best Pizza in Windsor Essex in 2023 and 2024, OG Pizza continues to impress with its creative toppings and handcrafted pies. ogpizza.ca
Armando’s – Another beloved local chain known for its classic Windsor pies and deep-dish offerings. A go-to for family pizza nights. visitwindsoressex.com
Naples Pizza – A long-time favourite for classic take-out Windsor pizza done right. With locations across Windsor and Essex County. Their panzerotti is also highly rated. naplespizza.com
Arcata Pizzeria – Founded in the early 50s Arcata Pizzeria has been family owned and operated for three generations and counting with ingredients bought locally and homemade arcatapizzeria.com
Top Burger Joints
Mamo Burger Bar (Windsor) – Their Daddy Mac burger was voted one of the top 10 burgers in the world by Big 7 Travel. Local beef, unique sauces, and retro vibes make this a burger lover’s dream. mamoburgerbar.com
Whamburg (Windsor) – Smash burger perfection! Whamburg is all about quick service, simple ingredients, and massive flavour. whamburg.com
Jack’s Gastropub (Kingsville) – The ‘Original Jack Burger’ is a local legend. Their farm-to-table approach and creative pairings make this gastropub a crowd-pleaser. https://thegoosekitchenandbar.com/
Gilligan’s (Amherstburg & Windsor) – A go-to for casual dining, Gilligan’s serves up hearty burgers, salads, and homemade soups. Their perch burger is a must-try local favourite. gilligansamherstburg.com
The Main Grill & Ale House (Kingsville) – A stylish yet casual dining spot with a broad menu ranging from pasta to gourmet burgers. Their large patio is a highlight in the warmer months. https://www.themaingrillandalehouse.com/https://www.themaingrillandalehouse.com/
Burger 67 (Amherstburg) – Enjoy the extensive burger menu inspired by international cuisines, but, with a very Canadian flare in a casual, inviting and unique dining space. https://www.burger67.com/
Global Flavours & Local Favourites
Mazaar (Windsor) – This Lebanese bistro has earned its spot as one of the top-rated restaurants in Windsor. Try the mixed grill platter or falafel wraps. A repeat winner in the Best of Windsor Essex awards. mazaar.ca
Eddy’s Mediterranean Bistro (Windsor) – A TripAdvisor favourite for authentic Middle Eastern dishes, including shawarma, fattoush, and house-made hummus. TripAdvisor
Shanghai Bistro (Windsor) – Popular for its Chinese and Pan-Asian menu, Shanghai Bistro has a loyal local following and is a finalist in the 2024 Best Diverse Eats category. BestOfWindsorEssex.ca
Hikari (Windsor) – For sushi and Japanese food lovers, Hikari is a hidden gem praised for quality, freshness, and great service. A top-rated spot for date nights or casual dining. www.hikariwindsor.ca
Mettawas Station (Kingsville) – Located in a historic train station, this Mediterranean-style bistro offers pastas, seafood, and steak with a fine dining experience in a charming setting. (TripAdvisor) mettawasstation.com
Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens Café (Ruthven) – While famous for its indoor gardens and attractions, the café offers a surprisingly tasty and casual menu, including their signature broasted chicken. Great for family outings. https://www.colasanti.com/
O’Sarracino Trattoria (Kingsville) – A cozy Italian restaurant with an elegant, rustic charm. It’s a local favourite for seafood risotto, veal scallopini, and their authentic wood-fired pizzas. Perfect for a quiet evening out. https://www.osarracino.ca/
The Cook’s Shop (Windsor) – A Windsor institution since 1980, The Cook’s Shop is consistently praised for its intimate atmosphere and timeless Italian cuisine. Expect made-from-scratch pasta, house specialties, and a well-curated wine list. A favourite for date nights and anniversaries. https://cooksshopwindsor.com/
Artisan Grill (Amherstburg) – This upscale-casual spot offers a diverse menu with steak, pasta, seafood, and unique appetizers, all served in a stylish downtown space. A great pick for a relaxing dinner or a celebratory meal. artisangrill.ca
Pepper Cat (Amherstburg) – A newer gem, this funky, art-filled bistro brings bold flavours and inventive dishes to the table. Their weekend brunch and cocktail selection have quickly earned rave reviews. PepperCat.ca
Spago (Windsor and LaSalle) – Known for hearty Italian fare and a warm, family-style atmosphere, Spago has built a strong following. Their house-made pasta and sauces are always crowd-pleasers. spagowindsor.com
Piccolo’s (Windsor) – A charming eatery specializing in traditional Italian comfort food with big portions and cozy ambiance. Their veal parmigiana and pasta dishes are highly rated. facebook.com/PiccolosWindsor
Breakfast & Brunch Hotspots
The Twisted Apron (Windsor) – Winner of the Best Breakfast spot in Windsor Essex, this cozy eatery serves up farm-fresh dishes, baked goods, and comfort classics with a twist. thetwistedapron.com
Taloola Café (Windsor) – Located near the waterfront, Taloola is a charming cafe offering organic coffee, vegetarian/vegan fare, and a peaceful atmosphere. A winner in the Best Plant-Based category. TaloolaCafe.com
Specks Restaurant (Amherstburg) – Located in downtown Amherstburg, just a short stroll from the Navy Yard waterfront, find homemade breakfast and lunches with a homey experience. Trip Advisor
From Land & Sea
Neros Steakhouse (Windsor) – Located inside Caesars Windsor, Neros offers luxury dining with expertly prepared steaks and seafood, perfect for special occasions. Nero’s Steakhouse
The Keg – Windsor Riverside – Overlooking the Detroit River, The Keg is a favourite for locals celebrating a night out. Known for consistently excellent food and service. kegsteakhouse.com
Birdie’s Perch (Leamington Point Pelee) – A double-decker bus converted into a taco truck with picnic seating near Point Pelee National Park. A beloved seasonal stop for fish tacos and poutine. birdiesperch.ca
Take Five Bistro (Windsor) – This intimate steakhouse is a favourite among locals for its USDA Prime cuts, extensive wine list, and classic sides with a gourmet twist. Ideal for special occasions. takefivebistro.com
Sir Cedric’s Fish & Chips (Lasalle)
A longstanding establishment, Sir Cedric’s is renowned for its crispy batter and generous portions, making it a top choice for fish and chips in the city. Reddit
Pat & Hank’s Fish & Chips
Operating since 1955, Pat & Hank’s offers classic halibut and haddock dinners, complemented by fresh-cut fries and homemade coleslaw. Their commitment to quality has stood the test of time. Pat & Hanks.com
Frydays Authentic Fish & Chips
Recognized as a Canadian Choice Award Winner, Frydays is celebrated for its crispy, golden fish and chips, offering a memorable dining experience. Frydays Fish and Chips
Shawarma
Shawarma Palace
A downtown favorite, Shawarma Palace is known for generous portion sizes and flavorful dishes, making it a go-to spot for shawarma enthusiasts. Emphasizing authentic Lebanese flavors, Hamoudi’s offers a range of shawarma options, all prepared with high-quality, never-frozen halal meats. Trip Advisor
Hamoudi’s Shawarma
Emphasizing authentic Lebanese flavors, Hamoudi’s offers a range of shawarma options, all prepared with high-quality, never-frozen halal meats. https://www.hamoudis.ca/
Shawarma Shack
Praised for its fresh ingredients and accommodating service, Shawarma Shack has become a beloved spot for Middle Eastern cuisine in Windsor. https://shawarmashackwindsor.com/
Exploring Windsor and Essex County’s dining scene is a journey in itself. With a blend of some long-standing local favourites and trendy newcomers, there’s a table—and a flavour—for everyone. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or seeking your next go-to spot, these top-rated eateries are just some of the reasons worth the stop. Are there more places that you would add to this list?
At The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team Ltd. Brokerage, we believe that supporting local is at the heart of what makes a community thrive. As proud locals ourselves, we love sharing the best of what Windsor-Essex County has to offer—from amazing food and drinks to incredible homes and neighbourhoods. Whether you’re new to the area or looking to make a move within it, our team is here to help you find your perfect place.
Thinking of making Windsor-Essex your home? Let’s connect and explore what this vibrant region has to offer—one bite, one neighbourhood, and one experience at a time.. With a blend of long-standing local favourites and trendy newcomers, there’s a table—and a flavour—for everyone. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or seeking your next go-to spot, these top-rated eateries are worth the stop. Find The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team online and on Facebook and Instagram for real estate market updates and listing information across Windsor and Essex County, Ontario.
About The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team
The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team is a top trusted real estate team located in the heart of Windsor and Essex County, ON, offering exceptional service and expertise with helping clients successfully buy and sell homes and navigate the homebuying and selling process in Windsor and Essex County with ease. With a proven track record of success and deep roots in the community, The Dan Gemus Team is committed to helping clients achieve their real estate goals with integrity, professionalism, and a client-first approach. Whether you’re thinking of buying, selling, or investing, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in to The Dan Gemus Real Estate Show for expert insights and Windsor and Essex County market updates, and don’t forget to explore our exclusive VIP Perks Program, offering incredible discounts and benefits from local businesses. Discover how we can make your real estate journey exceptional at DanGemus.com.
This blog is intended for informational purposes only and not intended to replace legal or financial advice, nor is it intended to solicit those under contract with another brokerage.
