Ancaster is our cozy village, full of historic heritage buildings, unique finds in downtown shops, and piles of natural beauty along the escarpment. We’re also home to some of the best restaurants in Ancaster our area has to offer! Learn more in our full guide to Ancaster’s bustling culinary scene.
As a hotelier at The Barracks Inn and locals ourselves, we’re often asked about the best food options. Fortunately, we’ve tried them all and are sharing a few of our favourites today. The best choice completely depends on what you’re craving currently, but no matter how you answer that question, we have something for you. We’re so fortunate to have enough range and diverse flavour in our food scene to have something delicious for every palate and occasion.
Read on for all our best recommendations.
Understanding Ancaster’s Food Landscape
Before we tell you all about the specific restaurants we love, let’s understand a few key things about Ancaster’s food scene:
- Village Core & Meadowlands. Ancaster has two main commercial areas. The historic Village core, where The Barracks Inn is located, contains smaller, independent restaurants, often housed in historic buildings. The Meadowlands is a larger commercial area with more chain restaurants and big-box stores, but also some hidden gems.
- Local Focus. Many Ancaster restaurants prioritize local ingredients and carry local wine, beer, and more, reflecting the region’s agricultural heritage. Most menus change seasonally to reflect what we can readily grow.
- Upscale & Casual Mix. You’ll find everything from white-tablecloth fine dining to cozy pubs and family-friendly eateries.
- Proximity to Hamilton. Ancaster is technically a part of the city of Hamilton, so we’re clos enough that means you have easy access to a much larger culinary landscape, just a short drive away. This is a huge advantage we have to keep our own dining experiences fresh – though there’s plenty available if you prefer not to venture down the mountain.
Fine Dining Experiences
If you want a memorable meal or to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary, we have several excellent fine dining options:
- Ancaster Mill. Arguably the most iconic Ancaster restaurants. Fine dining at its finest. Housed in a beautifully restored mill, it offers stunning views of a waterfall, impeccable service, and a refined menu focusing on contemporary Canadian cuisine. Request a table by the window for the best views. Alternative: If the Mill is fully booked (which often happens, especially on weekends), consider The Brewer’s Blackbird, also run by the same group, for a similar level of quality in a slightly more relaxed atmosphere, with great craft beer.
- Quatrefoil: Located in nearby Dundas, just a short, scenic drive away, Quatrefoil is a true culinary gem. It’s a small, intimate space with modern French cuisine, and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. The tasting menu is often recommended so you can experience the restaurant in the way the owners and chefs design it for you. Alternative: If you’re looking for something a bit more casual but still with a French flair, try Betula in Dundas.
Casual Dining Experiences
If you want a more relaxed meal or casual plate, Ancaster has plenty of options:
- The Coach & Lantern. A British-style pub in the heart of Ancaster Village, The Coach & Lantern is a local institution and one of the best Ancaster restaurants with patio. It’s known for its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and classic pub meals like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and a plenty of beers on tap. Their patio is a great spot for people-watching in the warmer months. And their Tuesday wing special is very popular – just be prepared, as it can be somewhat cooler during the winter. Alternative: If you’re looking for a more modern pub experience, try The Brassie Pub in the Meadowlands.
- India Village: For authentic Indian cuisine, India Village is a consistent favourite. There are a couple of locations, including the one in the plaza off Wilson – one of the most popular Ancaster restaurants on Wilson Street. They offer a wide range of different dishes, from mild to spicy, and their lunch buffet is a great value. Don’t be afraid to ask the team for recommendations – the staff is very knowledgeable. Alternative: If India Village is busy, The Himalaya in nearby Dundas is another excellent option for Indian food.
- Caniche French Bakery. Open for breakfast and lunch, try the Croque Monsieur, quiche, and the array of sweets! If you’re looking for brunch in Ancaster, Ontario, give this bakery a try.
- Purple Pony: No Ancaster list is complete without an ice cream spot! Great for a sweet treat, it’s an Ancaster institution. Expect long lines in the summer, but it’s worth the wait for their generous portions and unique flavours.
- The Brassie. Locals love this spot, especially for nachos. It’s more of a staple than a “hidden gem,” and it’s absolutely worth a try.
Hidden Gems & Local Favourites
These are the places that might not be on the main tourist radar but are absolutely beloved by locals:
- Thai Tamarind. This Thai spot is in a simple spot located by the fairgrounds, with an excellent offering of Thai delights.
- Buttie’s of Scotland. It’s one of the best full Scottish breakfasts you can find on this side of the pond. As far as Ancaster breakfast restaurants, it doesn’t get much better than this!
- Castelli Mercato: Not a full-service restaurant, but a great spot to pick up pizza, sandwiches, pasta, and pastries.
- Famiglia. This restaurant offers fantastic pizza and pasta, with great service. It’s a local favourite!
- Sammy’s Shish Kabob. This restaurant is located in the Meadowlands area, and it’s a family-run restaurant that serves up delicious and affordable Middle Eastern food. Their shawarma and falafel are very popular with locals. Try their garlic sauce – it’s seriously addictive!
The Barracks Inn—Boutique Hotel in Ancaster
After your belly is full of great local food, there’s no better place to relax and unwind than The Barracks Inn. We’re always happy to provide recommendations and help you plan your dining itinerary – including the best places worth trying based on your preferences.
Book your stay today and start planning your next trip to Ancaster, Ontario!