The Epicurean

We had lunch at the Epicurean on March 6 and it was fantastic. Sean, our waiter, was friendly, professional, and genuinely enjoyed chatting with us, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Every time we visit Niagara-on-the-Lake, we make a point of going to The Epicurean, and it never disappoints. Highly recommend a visit!

Had a really lovely spring patio dinner outside! Ordered the gnocchi special- best gnocchi we have ever had! Tasted so soft like little pillows! Also had duck confit, chicken dinner and for apps calamari crab cakes, and arancini. Service was great and the atmosphere amazing! Insta: @curious_footsteps

This was a birthday dinner, and from the moment we walked in, it felt like one of those special nights where everything just was aligning. The service was incredible. Our server was phenomenal - super warm, attentive, and perfectly dialed in without ever feeling overbearing. They genuinely made us feel celebrated, which goes a long way, especially for a birthday. They weren’t over the top, as someone who hates being centre of attention… Every recommendation felt thoughtful, every check-in was perfectly timed. Top-tier hospitality. The atmosphere deserves its own moment. We were seated right near the tree, which was honestly immaculate vibes. Cozy, elegant, and intimate without feeling stuffy. It had that “quiet luxury” feel where you instantly relax and settle in. A perfect setting for a celebration. Food-wise: wow. The braised short rib was unreal—rich, tender, and deeply flavorful. The kind of dish that makes you slow down because every bite deserves respect. We also had the rice balls (the exact name escapes me, but trust me, you’ll know them when you see them), and they were crispy on the outside, creamy and comforting on the inside. Dangerous in the best way. Overall, The Epicurean delivered on every front: service, atmosphere, and food. An ideal spot for celebrating something special—or honestly, just for a night where you want everything to feel a little elevated. Would absolutely return.

The food was good and the service was solid. Unfortunately, I have to leave a poor review because I felt taken advantage of with the special drink offering. A spicy mango margarita sounded like a unique choice, but it arrived in a small glass packed with ice, and a cost of $25. What a rip-off. I’ll never order a “special” again without asking for the price first.

Ate here 2 years ago and it was fantastic. I decided to go for the same entree and main meal I had and unfortunately it was not on par. Onion soup was below average. The bread was tough and chewy. The fish & chips was a hopeful saviour. The chips looked good but were not cooked inside (too firm). The coleslaw was extremely salty, like give me a heart attack salty. The fish was dry and difficult to swallow. I ran out of tartare sauce trying to make it palatable. The waitress Angel was lovely. I didn’t have the heart to share my thoughts on the main. Entree was ‘okay’ but for someone like me, who rarely gets to eat a good onion soup because I no longer live in Canada, it was a massive disappointment. Sorry team, I won’t be back next time I am in NOTL.