Feasting in Stratford: 48 Hours of Delicious Discoveries
Jump in the car with us as we head to Stratford, Ontario, one of Canada’s hidden gems, where you can enjoy delicious food and drink all year round. With its rich agricultural heritage and thriving culinary scene, Stratford is a food lover’s paradise. Whether you are visiting during the high-energy festival season or the value-packed off-season, if you’re planning a weekend of delicious discoveries, here’s an itinerary to help you experience some of the town’s best eats.
DAY 1
Morning
As soon as you arrive, you’ll want to get caffeinated for the day. Stratford has a thriving cafe scene that’s perfect for coffee lovers and foodies alike. From cozy and quaint coffee shops to trendy and modern cafes, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or tea, along with some tasty treats. Here are some of the best cafes to check out in Stratford:
Edison’s Cafe – Located inside the Edison building, this whole-food cafe is known for its beautiful and bright interior design, featuring high ceilings, large windows, and contemporary decor. They offer a range of coffee-based drinks and teas, as well as healthy pastries and bowls, full of superfoods. You can enjoy your drink in the cafe that is flooded with natural light or grab it to go and take a stroll around the scenic downtown area.
The Livery Yard – This cafe is situated in a historic building that used to be a livery stable in the 1800s. The interior has been beautifully restored and features rustic wood and brick elements that pay homage to the building’s heritage. They serve coffee and tea, along with a selection of homemade baked goods, such as cinnamon buns, tarts, and cookies.
Revel – This cozy and inviting cafe is a local favourite and is known for its quality coffee and scratch-made pastries. Their menu includes a variety of espresso drinks, pour-overs, and cold brews, as well as teas and chai lattes. They also offer a range of vegan and gluten-free options, such as avocado toast and almond flour muffins.
Brch & Wyn – This cafe is a unique and quirky space that combines a cafe, bar, and retail shop. The interior is filled with colourful and eclectic decor, and they have a range of seating options, including granite table tops and emerald green slipper chairs. They serve coffee and tea, as well as a selection of craft beer, wine, and cocktails. Their food menu includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, and shareable plates.
These are just a few of the many cafes in Stratford, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a latte and a croissant or a trendy space to sip on a cocktail, you’re sure to find a cafe that suits your style.
Late-Morning
Coffee in hand, take a stroll through the beautiful downtown core and admire the historic buildings and unique shops. Stratford is home to many charming home stores that offer a variety of unique and stylish home decor items. Whether you’re looking for small appliances, kitchenwares, or accessories, these stores have got you covered.
Wills and Prior – This store is known for its selection of high-quality kitchenware and home goods. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, they have everything you need to create delicious meals and stylish table settings. We dare you to smell the Crushed Mint candle from Linnea and not put it in your basket. This was one of the most unique and appetizing scents we have ever smelled in a candle.
Watson’s Chelsea Bazaar – This store is a Stratford institution and has been in business for over 50 years. They offer a wide range of products, including home decor, jewelry, and gifts. Their selection is eclectic and includes both modern and vintage items from around the world. They are particularly known for their collection of antique and vintage china, silverware, and glassware.
MacLeods Scottish Shop – This premier importer is known for its selection of Scottish goods, including kilts, tartans, and bagpipes. They also have a variety of home decor items that are made from authentic Scottish textiles. If you’re looking for a touch of Scottish charm in your home, this is the place to go.
The Green Room – A trendy and stylish clothing boutique located in Stratford, Ontario. In addition to its fashion offerings, The Green Room also carries a selection of lifestyle and home goods, including candles, skincare products, and stationery. Their greeting cards had us laughing out loud and we stocked up as we have never seen cards quite like this elsewhere.
These stores are just a few examples of the many unique and charming shops that can be found in Stratford. Whether you’re looking for something specific or just browsing for inspiration, there’s no shortage of interesting and stylish products to discover in this quaint town.
Lunch
The Planet Diner is a retro-themed diner. The diner has a fun and colourful interior, with booths and tables adorned in bright red, and a nostalgic atmosphere, with classic 1950s-style decor and vintage posters on the walls.
The general trend in typical restaurants is to offer a menu with 90% carnivorous items and 10% herbivorous items, but The Planet Diner has reversed this dynamic, as the majority of their menu is derived from plant-based foods, with a few limited meat options intended to allow everyone to eat.
We tried out their famous Chick’un Burger, which did not disappoint, along with the Root Fries and Taco Salad, which was more than enough food to feed 4 people. The service was super friendly, and the staff are happy to make recommendations or provide additional information about the menu. The Planet Diner is a fun and casual spot to enjoy classic diner fare and soak up some retro vibes in the heart of Stratford.
Afternoon
Discover the Bacon & Ale Trail. The Stratford Bacon & Ale Trail is a self-guided tour that takes visitors on a culinary journey through the charming town of Stratford, Ontario. The trail is designed to showcase the best of the town’s local food and drink scene, with a focus on two of its most beloved products: bacon and craft beer.
The trail consists of a map and five vouchers, which visitors can pick up at the Stratford Tourism Office or at one of the participating shops listed on the site for $39.55 (including HST). The map outlines the trail route, which includes 16 participating locations. Each stop offers a unique bacon or beer tasting. We ate at the following delicious locations:
Stratford Country Club – Ultimate Grilled Cheese: multiple cheeses including a garlic/cheese spread, cheddar, provolone, and bacon.
Jobsite Brewing Co. – Flight of four samples, mix and match between four regulars and ever-changing apprentice series beers. Take-out option: 2 cans of takeaway beer.
Shakespeare Brewing Company – Flight of small-batch seasonal beers.
Brch & Wyn – Choice of 1 of 2 house-made draft beers & a sausage roll with homemade chutney.
Dinner
Bijou is a small and charming French bistro located in the heart of Stratford which has been around for 23 years! The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with a warm and welcoming decor that features exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and soft lighting. The restaurant is popular for its romantic setting and is a great spot for a special occasion or a date night.
The menu at Bijou focuses on classic French cuisine, with a modern twist. The restaurant sources local and seasonal ingredients whenever possible and offers a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options. The menu changes seasonally but the staple that remains is the duck confit, which has been on the menu since day one. All dishes are prepared with care and attention to detail.
In addition to its food offerings, Bijou also has an extensive wine and cocktail list. The restaurant’s knowledgeable staff can make recommendations and provide information on the different libation options available.
With its romantic setting, delicious food, and excellent libation selection, Bijou is a must-visit for anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience in Stratford.
Late Night
The Relic Lobby Bar is a friendly neighbourhood cocktail bar, with a classic feel and Cuban-inspired design. This stylish and modern bar offers a range of creative cocktails. The menu is divided into classics, craft, non-alcoholic, and low alcohol.
Where the bar really shines is when you step off-menu and let the bartender create a cocktail to your specific tastes. If you are lucky to have Tristan working the night of your visit, in addition to delicious cocktails, you’ll get just the right amount of history behind each drink, making it somehow taste even better. Let’s raise a toast to the perfect nightcap after a tasty day.
Where to Stay
Stratford is known for their unique and historic inns. Mercer Hall Inn is a great choice for those looking for a stylish and comfortable place to stay in Stratford, Ontario. The 14-room boutique inn, renovated in 2020, is located in a beautifully restored historic building in the heart of downtown Stratford and offers a range of luxurious accommodations, including guest rooms and suites.
Each of the rooms and suites at Mercer Hall Inn is beautifully appointed and features high-quality linens, comfortable beds, and modern amenities including, a Nespresso in-room coffee program, high-speed wifi, and air conditioning. The inn also has a variety of amenities for guests to enjoy, including a restaurant and bar. During the off-season, you can get a variety of creative and well-priced packages.
Mercer Hall Inn is ideally situated for exploring all that Stratford has to offer, including the city’s many shops, restaurants, and attractions. A great choice for anyone looking for a stylish and comfortable place to stay in Stratford. Whether you are visiting for the theatre, shopping, dining, or just exploring the city’s many attractions, this inn is sure to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience.
DAY 2
Breakfast
Foster’s Inn offers a variety of items for breakfast, divided into Lighter Choices, Omelets, Foster’s Benedicts, and Foster’s Favourites. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, and the breakfast menu reflects this commitment to quality and sustainability. Guests can enjoy their breakfast in the inn’s cozy dining room, filled with warm colours and art adorning the walls. Breakfast at Foster’s Inn is a delicious and satisfying way to start your day in Stratford.
Late-Morning
After all that eating, you deserve a break. Take a quick drive to explore the Stratford Perth Museum, a fascinating cultural attraction. Although the museum was incorporated as a not-for-profit in 1997, the museum’s collection dates to the beginning of the 20th century when the Library Act of 1902 permitted local libraries to collect and display museum collections. The collection has continued to grow over the years and has been housed and exhibited in several homes. In 2008, having outgrown the Stratford Normal School, the
Stratford Perth Museum Association purchased its present 7 acres on the old Huron Road. The site is complemented by an 1870 Victorian buff brick home, woodlots and trails – a home with room to grow and endless potential to interpret the rich cultural heritage of the region and to deliver indoor and outdoor programming.
The museum’s permanent collection includes artifacts, photographs, and other memorabilia that tell the story of the people and communities of Stratford and Perth County. Visitors can learn about the region’s indigenous history, early settlement, and industrial development, as well as the arts and culture that have made Stratford a world-renowned destination.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Stratford Perth Museum also features a range of temporary exhibits, showcasing everything from contemporary art to historical artifacts. At the time we visited, there was an exhibit dedicated to Justin Bieber, who grew up in nearby Perth County. The exhibit features a range of Bieber-related artifacts, including his childhood drum set, personal letters, and a collection of awards and memorabilia.
The Stratford Perth Museum is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history and culture of Stratford and Perth County. With its diverse collection of exhibits and programming, this museum offers something for everyone and is a great way to learn more about this fascinating region of Ontario, while taking a slight break from a weekend of indulging.
Lunch
Stratford has plenty of great lunch options to choose from and we wish we had several more days to try everywhere. Here are a few suggestions of where to have lunch, running the gamut from casual and healthy to decadent and full-serve:
Bowl Bar: After a full day of indulgence, we took the healthy route and had lunch here. This cozy eatery serves up delicious and healthy bowls, with a variety of protein options and fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The Pulp: A popular spot for vegan and vegetarian options, The Pulp offers a range of plant-based dishes, including smoothie bowls, salads, and sandwiches.
Café Bouffon: This charming French café offers a range of classic French dishes, including quiches, croissants, and soups. The cozy and inviting atmosphere makes it a great spot for a leisurely lunch.
El Cactus Taco Shop: If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, El Cactus is the place to go. They offer a range of tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes, with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Mercer Kitchen + Beer Hall: Mercer Kitchen + Beer Hall offers the best of both worlds. For those looking for classics, they offer a range of delicious and hearty pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and poutine. When you walk in, you will notice the distinct Asian decor, as the other half of the menu is a renowned Izakaya-inspired menu. Truly something for every taste. They also have a great selection of craft beer to pair with your meal.
No matter what your tastes and preferences may be, these lunch spots in Stratford offer something for everyone.
After lunch, take a stroll along the Avon River and hang with the swans or take a self-guided audio tour to burn off a few calories before you hit one more trail on your way out.
Afternoon
Discover the Chocolate Trail. The Stratford Chocolate Trail is another self-guided tour that introduces you to Stratford’s world-famous confectioners and bakers.
The trail consists of a map and six vouchers, which visitors can pick up at the Stratford Tourism Office or at one of the participating shops listed on the site, for $39.55 (including HST). The map outlines the trail route, which includes 25 participating locations. Each stop offers a unique chocolate treat. We indulged in the following treats:
JENN & Larry’s Ice Cream Shoppe – Hot fudge sundae w/homemade crushed chocolate covered brittle
Kandy Cakes – Giant stuffed cookie
Stratford Country Club – In-house made Nanaimo bar
As our 48 hours of eating in Stratford come to an end, we can say without a doubt that this charming town has captured our hearts and taste buds. From the farm-to-table cuisine at Bijou to the creative cocktails at The Relic, every bite and sip was a delicious adventure.
Stratford isn’t just a foodie’s paradise – it’s a place of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re strolling along the Avon River or exploring the stores, galleries, festival, or museums, there’s always something new to discover in this lovely town.
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that is sure to satisfy, look no further than Stratford. With its vibrant food scene, charming shops, and welcoming community, it’s a town that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
For more information on all that Stratford has to offer, visit Destination Stratford.
Written by Steven Hellmann. Photography by Steven Hellmann and Theresa Posloski.