This "House of Gold" is an Old-World Italian restaurant run by the Roberto family, who pride themselves on more than 45 years of culinary experience. Consistently high-rated on "10Best.com," the dining room is painted in muted reds (and, of course, golds), with Venetian-style furniture.
The marinara sauce is "Mama's" recipe, and the handmade ravioli and gnocchi earn rave reviews from the locals. Casa d'Oro also serves a 5-ounce Filet Mignon, and offers a surf and turf special with Cuban lobster tail. At night, the Rialto Club, at the back of the restaurant, becomes a lounge.
Casa d'Oro Restaurant/Rialto Club
5875 Victoria Avenue
Niagara Falls, ON, Canada L2G 3L6
(877) 296-1178
thecasadoro.com
A trip to the Niagara region wouldn't be complete without a stop at a local winery. The restaurant at the Old Winery, in the heart of picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake, offers traditional Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary twist. Located in a rustic winery building, the restaurant prides itself on the convivial group atmosphere, serving family-style to parties of four or more.
Old Winery offers "pizza with an attitude," with gourmet ingredients like goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, each named after a famous musician. The Jimi Hendrix has prosciutto and arugula, while the John Denver is decidedly tamer with egglant and broccolini. Pastas and dishes from the grill, like the favorite pistachio-crusted sea scallops, are also available. Save room for the two-tone Lindt chocolate mousse.
The Old Winery Restaurant
2228 Niagara Stone Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
(905) 468-8900
theoldwineryrestaurant.com
Owners Margaret and Fritz Neimann opened The Buttery to fill a local void in traditional English cooking, a popular cuisine throughout Canada. The Niagara Falls restaurant, in a Queen Anne-style castle designed to transport you back to the time of Henry VIII, serves up favorites like roast suckling pig and hearth cakes.
A dinner theater operates throughout the year with an accompanying "feast" menu, and an outdoor patio offers a quieter, more relaxed dining atmosphere. The restaurant also offers themed wedding receptions and hosts special events. Catering is available.
The Buttery
4437 Queen St.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Canada L2E 2L2
(905) 356-2566
thebuttery.ca
