This rural restaurant in Niagara, Ont., tops list of best 100 places to eat in Canada
A hidden gem in the Niagara region has been crowned the best restaurant in Canada for 2025. Restaurant Pearl Morissette, located in the quaint neighbourhood of Jordan Station in Lincoln, Ont., has taken the top spot on Canada’s Best 100 Restaurants List. This rural fine-dining establishment, founded by chefs Eric Robertson and Daniel Hadida in 2017, is nestled within the winery of the same name.
The accolade marks the first time a restaurant outside of a major city has claimed the prestigious title. With a French-inspired menu that showcases seasonal local ingredients, Pearl Morissette has been a coveted dining destination with reservations booked months in advance. The restaurant’s recent achievement of a Michelin star has only added to its allure, propelling it to the top of the esteemed rankings.
“We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the little corner of Niagara that we call home,” expressed Robertson. The judging panel, comprising 160 industry experts from across the country, recognized the exceptional culinary experience offered at Pearl Morissette.
Both Robertson and Hadida honed their craft in Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe before returning to Canada to establish their own culinary haven. Robertson, a native of Brantford, Ont., drew inspiration from the European concept of “destination dining” surrounded by bountiful farmland. He was determined to prove that Canada, particularly the Niagara region, could rival its European counterparts in terms of gastronomic excellence.
The 2025 rankings were unveiled recently, showcasing the best dining establishments in the country. Alongside Pearl Morissette, restaurants from major cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa made the esteemed list. The top 10 restaurants for 2025 include a mix of established favorites and new contenders, highlighting the diverse culinary landscape in Canada.
In a statement shared on Instagram following their win, Pearl Morissette emphasized their commitment to supporting local producers and artisans. The restaurant’s ethos revolves around elevating Canadian ingredients with minimal intervention, crafting fine dining experiences that celebrate the richness of Canada’s fields, forests, lakes, rivers, and seas.
As Pearl Morissette basks in the glory of being named the best restaurant in Canada, it sets the stage for an exciting journey ahead. With a dedication to showcasing the best of Canadian cuisine on the international stage, the restaurant is poised to continue its culinary legacy and inspire a new generation of food enthusiasts.
