The 2014 Vacay.ca Top 50 Restaurants in Canada was determined by an esteemed roster of chefs, food industry professionals, connoisseurs, and travel and food writers. The selections were determined by this method:

Each judge had 100 points to allocate between 5-10 restaurants (no one restaurant could receive more than 20 points on a single ballot)

Judges were not allowed to vote for restaurants they are employed by or have an ownership interest in

Judges must have eaten at the restaurants they selected between January 1, 2012 and April 29, 2014, or dined on the chef’s cuisine at an external event, or be reasonably confident that the quality of the food had not changed since their last visit if that last visit occurred prior to 2012.

Choices were made with consideration of the quality of the food first and foremost. Service was secondary. Presentation, creativity, value to the consumer, wine list, and front-of-house performance were also factors considered in the voting.

The members of the stellar 2014 Vacay.ca Judges Academy include Chefs Vikram Vij, Connie Desousa, Patrice Demers, David Hawksworth, Michael Howell, Marc Lepine and more. Click on the “2014 Vacay.ca Voting Academy” tab in the box below to see the full roster of judges. Here are the 2014 Vacay.ca Top 50 Restaurants in Canada:

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1. RAYMONDS, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Chef: Jeremy Charles (co-owned with Jeremy Bonia)

Website: www.raymondsrestaurant.com.Cui sine: East Coast, Canadian

Telephone: 709-579-5800. Twitter:@Raymonds_CA

2013 Rank: 10

Price Range: A seven-course tasting menu runs $125 ($75 with wine pairing) and a five-course menu is $100 ($55 with wine pairing). A la carte entrees range from $40-$45 on the current menu.

2. BAR ISABEL, Toronto, Ontario

Chef/owner: Grant van Gameren

Website: barisabel.com. Cuisine: Spanish

Telephone: 416-532-2222. Twitter: @BarIsabel797

2013 Rank: New entry

Price Range: $6-$59; primarily share plates

You Must Order: The Grilled Octopus ($34 for half; $59 for whole).

3. MAISON PUBLIQUE, Montreal, Quebec

Chef/owner: Derek Damman (co-owned by Jamie Oliver)

Website: www.maisonpublique. com. Cuisine: British-inspired Gastropub

Telephone: 514-507-0555. Twitter: @maisonpublique

2013 Rank: 57

Price Range: $8-$70

You Must Order: Steak Delmonico for Two ($70)

4. FARMER’S APPRENTICE, Vancouver, British Columbia

Chef: David Gunawan (co-owned with Dara Young)

Website: www.farmersapprentice.ca. Cuisine: Pacific Northwest

Telephone: 604-620-2070. Twitter: @gunawan_dave

2013 Rank: New entry

Price range: $4-$18; small plates

You Must Order: Menu changes weekly, but try the Curried Carrots ($13) if they’re on the menu.

5. VIJ’S, Vancouver, British Columbia

Chefs/owners: Vikram Vij, Meeru Dhalwala

Website: www.vijs.ca. Cuisine: Indian, Fusion

Telephone: 604-736-6664. Twitter:@Vijs_restaurant

2013 Rank: 3

Price Range: $24-$28.50 for main courses.

You Must Order: The famous lamb popsicles, which are a rack of lamb served with curry and meant for eating with your hands using the rib bone as a stick ($28).

6. HAWKSWORTH, Vancouver, British Columbia

Chef/owner: David Hawksworth

Website: www.hawksworthrestaurant.com.C uisine: French, Pacific Northwest

Telephone: 604-673-7000. Twitter: @HawksworthRest

2013 Rank: 12

Price Range: $29-$40 for main courses

You Must Order: Pacific Sablefish, lap cheong, soy braised daikon, pickled shiitake, crispy yam ($38).

7. BUCA, Toronto, Ontario

Chef: Rob Gentile

Website: www.buca.ca. Cuisine: Italian.

Telephone: 416-865-1600. Twitter: @bucatoronto

2013 Rank: No rank; 2012 ranked 31.

Price Range: $19-$49 for pasta dishes, entrées and pizzas.

You Must Order: Artisanal Pomodoro e Tartufo Pizza, with truffled burrata cheese and uncinato truffles ($29).

8. LE VIN PAPILLON, Montreal, Quebec

Chef/owners: David McMillan & Frederic Morin

Website: vinpapillon.com. Cuis ine: Vegetable-Focused Small Plates, Boutique Wines

Telephone: None (no reservations taken). Twitter: @VinPapillon

2013 Rank: New entry

Price Range: $6-20 per plate

You Must Order: Roasted Cauliflower ($13).

9. JOE BEEF, Montreal, Quebec

Chefs/owners: David McMillan and Frederic Morin

Website: www.joebeef.ca. Cuisine: Steak, Seafood, French

Telephone: 514-935-6504. Twitter:@joebeef

2013 Rank: 1

Price Range: $31-$50 for main courses.

10. AYDEN KITCHEN & BAR, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Chef/owner: Dale MacKay (Executive Chef Nathan Guggenheimer)

Website: www.aydenkitchenandbar.com. Cuisine: Contemporary French and Italian, Charcuterie

Telephone: 306 954 2590. Twitter: @aydenkitchenbar

2013 Rank: New entry

Price Range: $19-$26

You Must Order: Classic Ayden Butcher Burger ($25).

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11. MALLARD COTTAGE, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Chefs/owners: Todd Perrin (chef), Stephen Lee (sommelier)

Website: www.mallardcottage.ca. Cuisine: Newfoundland

Telephone: 709-237-7314. Twitter: @Mallard_Cottage

2013 Rank: New entry

Price Range: $7-$12 for appetizers, $24-$27 for main courses.

12. BAR BUCA, Toronto, Ontario

Chef/owner: Rob Gentile

Website: www.barbuca.com. Cuisine: Italian.

Telephone: 416-599-2822. Twitter: @barbucatoronto

2013 Rank: New entry

Price Range: $3-$14, small plates and snacks

13. L’ABATTOIR, Vancouver, British Columbia

Chef: Lee Cooper

Website: www.labattoir.ca. Cuisine: West Coast

Telephone: 604-568-1701. Twitter: @LABATTOIR_VAN

2013 Rank: 23

Price Range: Small plates, $13-$29.

You Must Order: Warm Steelhead and Potato Salad ($15) — and a few cocktails from bar man Shaun Layton.

14. CHARCUT ROAST HOUSE, Calgary, Alberta

Chefs/owners: Connie DeSousa, John Jackson

Website: www.charcut.com. Cuisine: Charcuterie.

Telephone: 403-984-2180. Twitter: @CHARCUT

2013 Rank: 5

Price Range: $19-$26

You Must Order: Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich. With pancetta, arugula, DeSousa family piri piri aioli-$15

15. HOPGOOD’S FOODLINER, Toronto, Ontario

Chef/owner: Geoff Hopgood

Website: hopgoodsfoodliner.com. Cuisine: East Coast.

Telephone: 416-533-2723. Twitter: @chefhopgood

2013 Rank: 30

Price Range: $10-$28 for entrees, many of them superb.

You Must Order: Noma chef Rene Redzepi called Hopgood’s snow crab ($28) from Cape Breton “one of the best mouthfuls I have eaten in North America.” That should be all the direction you need.

16. HOTEL HERMAN, Montreal, Quebec

Chefs/owners: Marc Alexandre Mercier, Dominic Goyet, Ariane Lacombe

Website: hotelherman.com. Cuisine: French

Telephone: 514-278-7000. Twitter: None.

2013 Rank: 90

Price Range: Share plates, $5-$18 each

You Must Order: Potato, Mullet Caviar, Bone Marrow ($12)

17. FLEUR DE SEL, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Chef/owner: Martin Ruiz Salvador

Website: fleurdesel.net. Cuisine: French, Seafood.

Telephone: 902-640-2121. Twitter: @FleurdeSel_NS

2013 Rank: 21

Price Range: $21-$39 (tasting menu)

You Must Order: Lunenburg Scallops ($26)

18. DEER + ALMOND, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Chef: Mandel Hitzer

Website: www.deerandalmond.com. Cuisine: Contemporary, Fusion.

Telephone: 204-504 8562. Twitter: @deerandalmond

2013 Rank: New entry

Price Range: $7-$28; share plates.

You Must Order: Kale and Kelp Beignets ($7), with hemp aioli and nori salt.

19. MODEL MILK, Calgary, Alberta

Chef: Justin Leboe

Website: www.modelmilk.ca. Cuisine: Canadian.

Telephone: 403 265-7343. Twitter: @ModelMilkBistro

2013 Rank: 7

Price Range: $19-$32 for main courses

You Must Order: Brome Lake Duck Confit Duck Leg, Cotechino, Smoked Meat, Truffle ($29).

20. SEGOVIA TAPAS BAR & RESTAURANT, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Chef: Adam Donnelly

Website: segoviatapasbar.com. Cuisine: Spanish.

Telephone: 204-477-6500. Twitter: @SegoviaTapasBar

2013 Rank: 98

Price Range: $6-$21; share plates.

You Must Order: The Chorizo & Apples ($7), a delicious appetizer that blends two beloved flavours.

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21. RACINES, Montreal, Quebec

Chefs/owners: Jorge da Silva, Simon Mathys

Website: www.racines.ca. Cuisine: Modern.

Telephone: 514-544-0444. Twitter: @Racinesmtl

2013 Rank: New entry

You Must Order: Veal Tartar with Mustard Cream ($15)

22. WEST, Vancouver, British Columbia

Chef: Quang Dang

Website: www.westrestaurant.com. Cuisine: West Coast.

Telephone: 604-738-8938. Twitter: @WestRestaurant

2013 Rank: No rank; No. 17 in 2012

Price Range: $29-$55 for main courses; $58 and up for tasting menus.

You Must Order: Haida Gwaii Smoked Sablefish ($36).

23. ATELIER, Ottawa, Ontario

Chef/owner: Marc Lepine

Website: www.atelierrestaurant.ca. Cuisine: Microgastronomy, Modern.

Telephone: 613-321-3537. Twitter: @MarcLepine

2013 Rank: 4

Price Range: $110

You Must Order: The menu changes daily. Dinner usually averages around three hours in length; there is a wine pairing available every evening ($60) of nine or 10 wines. The pairing is optional, and an extensive list of wines by the bottle and glass, as well as other drinks.

24. THE POINTE RESTAURANT AT WICKANINNISH INN, Tofino, British Columbia

Chefs: Warren Barr (executive chef) and David Sider (restaurant chef)

Website: www.wickinn.com/restaurant.html. Cuisine: Pacific Northwest.

Telephone: 250-725-3100. Twitter: @WickInnBC

2013 Rank: 41

Price Range: $28-$36 for dinner entrées; four-course tasting menu for $80.

You Must Order: Tofino Halibut ($36), served with wild rice, celery, black garlic, and Bamfield seaweed broth.

25. TOQUE!, Montreal, Quebec

Chef/owner: Normand Laprise

Website: www.restaurant-toque.com. Cuisine: French

Telephone: 514-499-2084. Twitter: @RestaurantToque

2013 Rank: 15

Price Range: $42-$52 for main courses.

You Must Order: Duck Magret ($46).

26. CLUB CHASSE ET PECHE, Montreal, Quebec

Chef: Claude Pelletier

Website: www.leclubchasseetpeche.com. Cuisine: French.

Telephone: 514-861-1112. Twitter: None.

2013 Rank: New entry

Price Range: Prices range from $17 – $40.

27. LANGDON HALL, Cambridge, Ontario

Chef: Jason Bangerter

Website: www.langdonhall.ca. Cuisine: Canadian.

Telephone: 519-740-2100. Twitter:@Langdon_Hall

Price range: $34-$49 for main courses.

You must order: White-tailed Ontario Deer with Chestnuts, Smoked Venison Bacon, Anjou Pear and more ($49).

28. AUBERGE DU POMMIER, Toronto, Ontario

Chef: Marc St. Jacques

Website: www.oliverbonacini.com/auberge-du-pommier.aspx. Cuisine: French

Telephone: 416-222-2220. Twitter: @Oliver_Bonacini

2013 Rank: 84

Price Range: $38-48 per main course

You Must Order: Foie Gras Mousse with Black Sesame Genoise, $27

29. CHIVES, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Chef/owner: Craig Flinn

Website: www.chives.ca. Cuisine: East Coast, Contemporary French.

Telephone: 902-420-9626. Twitter: @ChefCraigFlinn

2013 Rank: 20

Price Range: $23.99-$28.99

You Must Order: Moroccan-Spiced Braised Nova Scotia Lamb, with dried fruit cous cous, root vegetable tagine, wild cucumber yogurt and pistachios ($28.99).

30. IMPASTO, Montreal, Quebec

Chefs/owners: Stefano Faita, Michele Forgione

Website: impastomtl.ca. Cuisine: Family-inspired Italian

Telephone: 514-508-6508. Twitter: @IMPASTO_MTL

2013 Rank: New entry

Price Range: $24-$49 per main course

You Must Order: Porchetta del Nonno ($26)

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31. ESPANA, Vancouver, British Columbia Chef/owner: Neil Taylor (co-owned by Edward Perrow)

Website: www.espanarestaurant. ca. Cuisine: Spanish tapas.

Telephone: 604-558-4040. Twitt er: @espanayvr

2013 Rank: New entry

Price Range: Small plates, $7-$12 for most dishes. 32. MAENAM, Vancouver, British Columbia Chef: Angus An

Website: maenam.ca. Cuisine: Thai

Telephone: 604-730-5579. Twitt er: @maenam

2013 Rank: New entry

Price Range: Chef’s Menu (five courses) costs just $32.50 per person and a Royal Thai Dinner (nine courses, served family style) costs $47.50 per person. A la carte options range from $15-$28 for dinner entrees.

You Must Order: It’s not on the regular menu, but the Crab and Betal Leave Wrap is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. The sweetness of the crab is complemented, not overpowered, by An’s spicy touch. He knows just when he’s added enough and this dish really exemplifies that skill. 33. PRAIRIE HARVEST CAFE, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Chef: Mike McKeown

Website: prairieharvestcafe. com. Cuisine: Canadian.

Telephone: 306-242-2928. Twitt er: @PHCafeSK

Price Range: Less than $20 for most dishes.

You Must Order: PH Lasagna, a signature dish made with local braised pork belly, braised beef short ribs, and lean ground beef with a variety of local vegetables. 34. MOMOFUKU SHOTO, Toronto, Ontario Chefs/owners: Mitchell Bates, Sam Gelman, David Chang

Website: momofuku.com/toronto/ shoto/. Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Telephone: 647-253-8000. Twitt er: @momofuku

2013 Rank: 35

Price Range: $95-$150 depending on tasting menu

You Must Order: The Tasting Menu ($95-$150) 35. CANOE, Toronto, Ontario Executive Chef: John Horne

Website: www.oliverbonacini. com/Canoe.aspx. Cuisine: Canadian.

Telephone: 416 364-0054. Twitter: @Oliver_ Bonacini

2013 Rank: 9

Price Range: $40-$49 for main courses.

You Must Order: New Brunswick Sturgeon-Braised Spring Creek Beef Cheeks, Savoy Cabbage, truffled potatoes ($42). 36. PATRIA, Toronto, Ontario Chef: Stuart Cameron

Website: patriatoronto.com. Cu isine: Spanish.

Telephone: 416-367-0505. Twitt er: @PatriaTO

2013 Rank: New entry

Price Range: Dinner menu is $14-$68. Brunch ranges from $10-$12.

You Must Order: Three-course brunch ($30), featuring several outstanding dishes, including Riojanito Y Hueves de Cordorniz and Tortilla de Patatas. 37. BONAVISTA SOCIAL CLUB, Upper Amherst Cove, Newfoundland & Labrador Chef/owner: Katie Hayes Website: bonavistasocialclub. com. Cuisine:Salads, Pizzas, Sandwiches

Telephone: 709-445-5556.

2013 Rank: 26

Price Range: Less than $20 for menu items.

You Must Order: Any one of the pizzas, topped with ingredients cultivated in the Bonavista Social Club’s garden. 38. SPLENDIDO, Toronto, Ontario Chef/owner: Victor Barry

Website: www.splendido.ca. Cui sine: Contemporary French and Italian.

Telephone: 416-929-7788. Twitt er: @Splendido_TO

2013 Rank: 51

Price Range: $39-$45 for main courses; $125 for tasting menu.

You Must Order: Roasted Rack of Lamb ($45) 39. LE SERPENT, Montreal, Quebec Chef: Michele Mercuri

Website: www.leserpent.ca/en/. Cuisine: Italian.

Telephone: 514-316-4666. Twitt er: None.

2013 Rank: New entry

Price Range: Lunch is from $19-$25. Dinner ranges from $18-$29.

You Must Order: Pasta. Several choices to choose from, including Linguini with almonds, cauliflower and truffle brunoise ($19-$28), Beet Macaroni ($16-$22) and Agnolotti ($17-$26). 40. CHANTECLER, Toronto, Ontario Chef: Jonathan Poon

Website: www. restaurantchantecler.ca. Cuisi ne: French.

Telephone: 416 628-3586. Twitter: @ ChanteclerTO

2013 Rank: 18

Price Range: $15-$21 for main courses

You Must Order: Spicy Shrimp ($13)

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41. LE BREMNER, Montreal, Quebec

Chefs: Chuck Hughes (executive chef) and Danny Smiles (chef de cuisine)

Website: crownsalts.com/lebremner. Cuisine: Seafood & Steak

Telephone: 514-544-0446. Twitter: @lebremnermtl

2013 Rank: No rank; No. 43 in 2012

Price Range: Price Range: $8-$30 for dinner items.

You Must Order: Kimchi Snow Crab on Crispy Rice Cake, $22

42. ARAXI, Whistler, British Columbia

Chef: James Walt

Website: www.araxi.com. Cuisine: West Coast, Contemporary Canadian.

Telephone: 604-932-4540. Twitter: @araxirestaurant

2013 Rank: 25

Price Range: Large plates range from $24.50-$42.50, and include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices.

You Must Order: Saffron-crusted halibut caught in Haida Gwaii ($36.50), featuring a seafood and herb foam with chili oil.

43. RIVER CAFE, Calgary, Alberta

Chef: Andrew Winfield

Website: www.river-cafe.com. Cuisine: Canadian.

Telephone: 403-261-7670. Twitter: @RiverCafeYYC, @ChefWinfieldYYC

2013 Rank: 22

Price Range: Main courses range from $28-$49.

You Must Order: Olson’s High Country Bison Striploin ($48), served with smoked potato emulsion, huckleberry and bordelaise jus.

44. NORA GRAY, Montreal, Quebec

Chef: Emma Cardarelli

Website: noragray.com. Cuisine: Modern Italian.

Telephone: 514-419-6672. Twitter: @noragraymtl

2013 Rank: 42

Price Range: $19-$39 for main courses.

You Must Order: Deer Tartare appetizer ($14).

45. LOT 30, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Chef/owner: Gordon Bailey

Website: www.lot30restaurant.ca. Cuisine: Contemporary French.

Telephone: 902-629-3030. Twitter: @Lot30resto

2013 Rank: 89

Price Range: $23-$32 for main courses.

You Must Order: Butter-poached cove head lobster with roasted fingerling potatoes and lemon beurre blanc (market price).

46. HOI TONG SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, Richmond, British Columbia

Chef/owner: Yiu Tong Leung

Website: None. Cuisine: Chinese (Cantonese)

Telephone: 604-276-9229. Twitter: None

2013 Rank: 81

You Must Order: Alaskan King Crab Served Three Ways (market price).

47. MARKET, Calgary, Alberta

Chef: Dave Bohati

Website: marketcalgary.ca. Cuisine: Canadian.

Telephone: 403-474-4414. Twitter: @MARKET_Calgary

2013 Rank: New entry

Price Range: $23-$66 for dinner entrees.

You Must Order: Wagyu Beef Sirloin ($32)

48. LA SALLE A MANGER, Montreal, Quebec

Chef: Samuel Pinard

Website: lasalleamanger.ca. Cuisine: Seafood.

Telephone: 514-522-0777. Twitter: @lasalleamanger

2013 Rank: New entry

Price Range: $15-$29 for dinner entrees.

You Must Order: Try the Blood Pudding and Sausage ($25) or the Venison Steak with butternut squash purée, bacon, onions, berry sauce and greens ($29).

49. NOTABLE, Calgary, Alberta

Chef: Michael Noble

Website: notabletherestaurant.ca. Cuisine: Gourmet casual.

Telephone: 403-288-4372. Twitter: @NotableCalgary

2013 Rank: New entry

Price Range: Lunch and brunch menu prices range from $8-$24. Dinner prices are between $8-$37.

You Must Order: The Innisfail Lamb Sirloin, spring cassoulet, natural jus, pistou ($37). Another outstanding choice is the Grilled Alberta bison flank ($33).

50. RAW BAR BY DUNCAN LY, Calgary, Alberta

Chef: Duncan Ly

Website: www.hotelarts.ca/dining/raw-bar. Cuisine: Asian Fusion.

Telephone: 403-266-4611. Twitter: @HotelArtsYYC

2013 Rank: New entry

Price Range: $16-$27 for large plates.

You Must Order: Spicy Salmon and Tuna Tartar ($14), served with avocado, shredded lettuce, Asian pear and a puffed rice cracker.

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51. Front & Central, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Website: http://www.frontandcentral.com/. Twitter: @FrontandCentral

52. Edulis, Toronto, Ontario

Website: http://edulisrestaurant.com/. Twitter: @EdulisToronto

53. Kazu, Montreal, Quebec

Website: http://kazumontreal.com/

54. Edna, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Website: http://ednarestaurant.com/. Twitter: @EdnaRestaurant

55. Pear Tree, Burnaby, British Columbia

Website: http://peartreerestaurant.net/. Twitter: @PeartreeBurnaby

56. Muse, Calgary, Alberta

Website: http://www.muserestaurant.ca/. Twitter: @MuseRestaurant

57. Park, Montreal, Quebec

Website: http://www.vicpark.com/en/healthy-gourmet.html. Twitter: @Restaurant_PARK

58. Sushi Kaji, Toronto, Ontario

Website: http://www.sushikaji.com/

59. Guu Izakaya, Toronto, Ontario

Website: http://guu-izakaya.com/toronto. Twitter: @GuuToronto

60. Big Crow, Toronto, Ontario

Website: http://roseandsonsbigcrow.com/. Twitter: @bigcrowbbq

61. Wildebeest, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: http://wildebeest.ca/. Twitter: @WildebeestYVR

62. Pastaga, Montreal, Quebec

Website: http://www.pastaga.ca/. Twitter: @MartinJuneau

63. Eiginsinn Farm, Singhampton, Ontario

Website: http://eigensinnfarm.blogspot.ca/

64. Deseo Bistro, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Website: http://deseobistro.com/. Twitter: @DeseoBistro

65. Teatro, Calgary, Alberta

Website: http://www.teatro.ca/. Twitter: @TeatroCalgary

66. Brooklyn Warehouse, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Website: http://brooklynwarehouse.ca/. Twitter: @BrooklynHalifax

67. Bao Bei, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: http://bao-bei.ca/. Twitter: @BaoBei1

68. Restaurant L’Initiale, Quebec City, Quebec

Website: http://www.restaurantinitiale.com/

69. Momofuku Daisho, Toronto, Ontario

Website: http://momofuku.com/toronto/daisho/. Twitter: @Momofuku

70. Le Crocodile, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: http://lecrocodilerestaurant.com/

71. Corso 32, Edmonton, Alberta

Website: http://corso32.com/. Twitter: @danielc0sta

72. Savour in the Garden, St. Andrews By-the-Sea, New Brunswick

Website: http://www.chefalexhaun.com/Savour/experience.html. Twitter: @ChefAlexHaun

73. The Chanterelle Inn, Baddeck, Nova Scotia

Website: http://www.chanterelleinn.com/

74. Sea Harbour, Richmond, British Columbia

Website: http://www.seaharbour.com/

75. The Bison, Banff, Alberta

Website: http://www.thebison.ca/. Twitter: @TheBisonBanff

76. La Pentola, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: http://www.lapentola.ca/. Twitter: @La_Pentola

77. Foxley, Toronto, Ontario

No website

78. RGE RD, Edmonton, Alberta

Website: http://www.rgerd.ca/. Twitter: @RGE_RD

79. Burdock & Co., Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: http://burdockandco.com/. Twitter: @BurdockAndCo

80. Bistro 7 1/4, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Website: http://www.sevenandaquarter.ca/. Twitter: @ChefAlex

81. Tavern 1903, Edmonton, Alberta

Website: http://tavern1903.com/. Twitter: @Tavern1903

82. Rossmount Inn, St. Andrews By-the-Sea, New Brunswick

Website: http://rossmountinn.com/. Twitter: @ChrisAerni

83. Pidgin, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: http://www.pidginvancouver.com/. Twitter: @pidginvancouver

84. Le Laurie Raphael, Quebec City, Quebec

Website: http://laurieraphael.com/en/. Twitter: @lelaurieraphael

85. Mercer Hall Inn, Stratford, Ontario

Website: http://mercerhall.ca/. Twitter: @MercerHallInn

86. Pintxos, Montreal, Quebec

Website: http://www.pintxo.ca/. Twitter: @PintxoRestoMTL

87. Le Filet, Montreal, Quebec

Website: http://www.lefilet.ca/en/

88. Moishes, Montreal, Quebec

Website: http://moishes.ca/. Twitter: @moishesmontreal

89. The Pearl Cafe, Cavendish, Prince Edward Island

Website: http://www.thepearlcafe.ca/. Twitter: @pearl_eatery

90. North 53, Edmonton, Alberta

Website: http://north53.ca/. Twitter: @north_53

91. Dan Restaurant, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: http://danrestaurant.com/

92. Sabai Sabai, Toronto, Ontario

Website: http://www.sabaisabaito.ca/. Twitter: @sabaisabaito

93. Fishbones, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Website: http://www.fishbones.ca/. Twitter: @FishbonesBar

94. Helena, Montreal, Quebec

Website: http://www.restauranthelena.com/. Twitter: @HelenaMtl

95. The Gabardine, Toronto, Ontario

Website: http://www.thegabardine.com/. Twitter: @TheGabardine

96. The Marc, Edmonton, Alberta

Website: http://www.themarc.ca/. Twitter: @themarcedmonton

97. Sirenella, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Website: http://www.sirenella.ca/

98. Madre, Montreal, Quebec

Website: http://www.groupemnjr.com/. Twitter: @marionavarretej

99. Fusion Grill, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Website: http://www.fusiongrill.mb.ca/. Twitter: @fusiongrill

100. Sidewalk Citizen, Calgary, Alberta

Website: http://sidewalkcitizenbakery.com/. Twitter: @SidewalkSunny

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ATLANTIC CANADA REGION

Stephen Lee (Regional Chair), Newfoundland & Labrador (Twitter: @Mallard_Cottage)

Stephen is the co-owner and sommelier of Mallard Cottage in Quidi Vidi Village of St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador.

Kyumin Hahn, Newfoundland & Labrador (@KyuminHahn)

Kyumin is the sous chef at Raymonds in St. John’s.

Jonathan Howse, Newfoundland & Labrador (@JonFixedCoffee)

Jon is the co-owner and barista of Fixed Coffee & Baking, a popular coffee house on historic Duckworth Street in downtown St. John’s.

Kathy Jollimore, Nova Scotia (@kathyjollimore)

Kathy is the owner and operator of EatHalifax.ca, a popular food blog focused on the culinary scene in the Nova Scotia capital.

Michael Howell, Nova Scotia (@ChefMHowell)

Michael is the executive director at Devour! The Food Film Fest, the consulting executive chef at Green Turtle Club, and the corporate chef at Sustainable Blue.

Andrew Stevens, Nova Scotia (@thebeefgeek)

Andrew is Culinary Instructor at NSCC, a restaurant consultant and industry advocate. In his spare time he eats beef.

Norm Zeledon, Prince Edward Island

Norm is the executive chef of Annie’s Table Culinary Studio, a unique culinary tourism attraction that involves experiential cooking with PEI’s bounty of products.

Ross Munro, Prince Edward Island (@ChefRossPEI)

Ross is the chef and owner of PEI Culinary Adventures, a tour company that gives visitors the chance to catch and cook their meals while visiting Canada’s smallest province.

Jesse Vergen, New Brunswick (@JesseVergen)

Jesse is the executive chef of the acclaimed Saint John Ale House, which ranked 39th in the 2012 Top 50 Restaurants in Canada. Jesse brings farm-to-table dining to a casual pub atmosphere.

QUEBEC REGION

Dustin Gilman (Regional Chair), Montreal (@FoodGuyMTL)

Dustin is the owner and operator of Food Guy Montreal, a popular food blog focused on the culinary scene in Montreal.

Patrice Demers, Montreal (@Patrice_Demers)

Patrice is a celebrated pastry chef, cookbook author and celebrity TV chef. Formerly of Les 400 Coups, Patrice is now operating Patrice Pâtissier in Montreal’s Little Burgundy neighbourhood.

Martin Juneau, Montreal (@martinjuneau)

Martin is the Canada Gold Medal Award-winning chef and owner of acclaimed Pastaga.

Olivier Perret, Montreal (@ChefPerret)

Olivier is the executive chef at Renoir Restaurant in the Sofitel Montreal. He hails from France’s Burgundy region and has worked in the celebrated Le Bouchon in Lyon, France.

Sharman Yarnell, Montreal (@showtimesharman)

Sharman has worked professionally in television, radio and theatre for over 20 years. Her broadcast credits include The Chris Robinson Travel Show and top-rated Showtime on CJAD (Astral Radio).

Richard Taitt, Montreal (@BistroNolah)

Richard is the chef and owner of Bistro Nolah. The Montreal restaurant takes its name from an acronym for New Orleans, a city that is an inspiration for Bistro Nolah’s cuisine.

John Winter Russell, Montreal (@winter_russell)

John has worked at notable restaurants on both the east and west coast of canada. And will opening a restaurant in Montreal before the end of the year.

Mayssam Samaha, Montreal (@mayssamaha)

Mayssam runs the Will Travel for Food blog and is also an accomplished food writer. Will Travel for Food is a finalist for the Saveur Best Food Blog awards.

ONTARIO REGION

Rebecca LeHeup, Prince Edward County and Toronto (Regional Chair; @OntarioCulinary)

Rebecca is the executive director at Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance.

Anthony Walsh, Toronto (@ChefWalsh)

Anthony is the corporate executive chef at Oliver & Bonacini, owner of several fine restaurants in the Greater Toronto Area, including Auberge du Pommier and Canoe.

Jonathan Gushue, Toronto (@jonathangushue)

Jonathan is the principal of Gushue Hospitality Inc. and the owner of a forthcoming restaurant in downtown Toronto. He is the former executive chef of Langdon Hall, where he earned a reputation as one of North America’s finest culinary talents.

Matt Basile, Toronto (@fidelgastros)

Matt is the host of the Travel & Escape show “Rebel Without a Kitchen.” His food truck Fidel Gastro’s has been hugely popular in Toronto. He also owns the restaurant Lisa Marie and its complementary food truck, Priscilla.

Marc Lepine, Ottawa (@MarcLepine)

Marc is the brilliant chef and owner of Atelier, which has ranked in the top five of the Vacay.ca Top 50 Restaurants in Canada in 2012 and 2013. Marc’s take on microgastronomy has earned him rave reviews and legions of fans.

Geoff Hopgood, Toronto (@chefhopgood)

Geoff is the executive chef and owner of Hopgood’s Foodliner in the Roncesvalles neighbourhood of Toronto. A Nova Scotian, Geoff also worked at the Black Hoof and the Hoof Cafe.

John Placko, Toronto (@johnplacko)

John is a culinary consultant and culinary instructor at Modern Culinary Academy and Humber College.

Paul Brans, Toronto (@ChefBrans)

Paul is the executive chef at Artisan, an Oliver & Bonacini restaurant in downtown Toronto.

Gizelle Lau, Toronto (@TorontoEats)

Gizelle is a food and travel writer/photographer whose work is published in Toronto Life and other publications. She is also a digital content and social media specialist.

Renee Suen, Toronto (@rssuen)

Renee writes about restaurants and culinary issues for Toronto Life and is a Ph.D candidate at the University of Toronto in Cardiovascular Sciences.

Anne Desbrisay, Ottawa (@CapitalDining)

Anne is a restaurant critic for Ottawa Magazine and the managing editor of Taste & Travel magazine.

Rod Charles, Toronto (@rodalcharles)

Rod is the deputy editor at Vacay.ca and a judge for the Ontario Culinary Awards. He is the former travel editor at the Huffington Post Canada.

Joseph Caturay, Toronto (@LittleRoomInc)

Joseph is a principal owner of Little Room Agency, which won the gold medal for innovation at the 2013 Media Innovation Awards.

ALBERTA/SASKATCHEWAN/MANITOBA REGION

Jody Robbins (Regional Chair), Alberta (@Jody_Robbins)

Based in Calgary, Jody is an award-winning writer for Vacay.ca and other publications.

Deborah Son (co-Regional Chair), Manitoba (@sulkison)

Deborah was the 2013 Vacay.ca Foodie of the Year winner and is a law student at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

Adam Donnelly, Manitoba (@SegoviaTapasBar)

Adam is the owner and executive chef at Segovia Tapas Bar, a popular Winnipeg restaurant in the city’s Osborne Village neighbourhood.

Robin Summerfield, Manitoba (@RSummerfield)

Robin is a journalist, food and travel writer based in Winnipeg. She also operates the popular food blog PegCityGrub.com as well as notethetime.wordpress.com.

Colin Enquist, Manitoba (@cenquist)

Colin is a lover of food and beer and recent Creative Communications graduate. He blogs at cenquist.com and co-hosts the beer based podcast Pub Chat.

Connie Desousa, Alberta (@CHARCUT)

Connie is the co-owner and chef of CHARCUT Roast House in Calgary, which ranked No. 5 in the 2013 Vacay.ca Top 50 Restaurants in Canada. She was a finalist for Season 1 of “Top Chef Canada” and a judge on Season 3.

John Jackson, Alberta (@CHARCUT)

John is the co-owner and chef of CHARCUT Roast House in Calgary. He was the former executive chef at the St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco. Along with business partner Connie Desousa, John is opening charbar in Calgary’s East Village in 2015.

JP Pedhirney, Alberta (@Chef_Pedhirney)

JP is the executive chef at Calgary’s Muse Restaurant, which ranked 17th in the 2013 Vacay.ca Top 50 Restaurants in Canada Dining Guide. JP will soon open Starbelly in the Seton area of Calgary.

Liane Faulder, Alberta (@EatMyWordsBlog)

Liane is the outstanding food columnist for the Edmonton Journal.

Julie Van Rosendaal, Alberta (@dinnerwithjulie)

Julie is a cookbook author, food columnist for the Calgary Eyeopener on CBC Radio, food editor of Parents Canada magazine, writer for Swerve, Avenue, the Calgary Herald, and others.

Dan Clapson, Alberta (@dansgoodside)

Dan is a food and travel writer for the Food Network Canada and Avenue Magazine. He is also the author of “StreetEats: Calgary”. You can find his work on his blog dansgoodside.com.

Dale MacKay, Saskatchewan (@chefdalemackay)

Dale is the owner and executive chef at Ayden Kitchen and Bar, an acclaimed restaurant in Saskatoon. Dale was the Season 1 winner of “Top Chef Canada” and the former executive chef at Daniel Boulud’s Lumiere in Vancouver.

Cary Bowman, Saskatchewan (@luckybastardSK)

Cary is the co-owner of Saskatoon’s Lucky Bastard Distillery, a boutique maker of spirits such as rum, vodka and gin. Lucky Bastard’s products have won international awards and are increasingly popular in Western Canada.

BRITISH COLUMBIA AND TERRITORIES REGION

Adrian Brijbassi (Regional Chair), Vancouver/Toronto (@AdrianBrijbassi)

Adrian is the founder of Vacay.ca and a digital media expert. He founded the Top 50 Restaurants in Canada to celebrate Canadian culinary achievements. He is an award-winning writer and frequent CTV News guest.

Shaun Layton, Vancouver (@shaunlayton)

Shaun is the esteemed bartender at L’Abattoir. He is considered to be one of the top mixologists in Canada.

Vikram Vij, Vancouver (@Vijs_restaurant)

Vikram is the chef and owner of Vij’s, the internationally recognized restaurant in Vancouver’s South Granville neighbourhood. He is a TV personality who appears on CBC’s “Dragons’ Den,” Food Network Canada’s “Top Chef Canada” and “Chopped Canada.” Vikram and his wife, Meeru Dhalwala, also own and operate Rangoli, My Shanti and the food truck, Vij’s Railway.

David Hawksworth, Vancouver (@ChefHawksworth)

David is the chef and proprietor of Hawksworth, an award-winning restaurant in the luxurious Rosewood Hotel Georgia in downtown Vancouver. He has worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe and is considered one of Canada’s finest chefs.

Terry Pichor, Vancouver and Sonora Resort (@SonoraResort)

Terry is the executive chef at Sonora Resort, a Relais & Chateaux property in British Columbia’s Discovery Islands. Terry also blogs for the Vancouver Sun.

Lucais Syme, Vancouver (@LaPentolaChef)

Lucais is the chef and co-owner of La Pentola della Quercia, an outstanding Italian restaurant located in the Opus Hotel in Vancouver’s Yaletown neighbourhood.

Matt MacIsaac, Vancouver and Tofino

Matt is an owner of Tacofino, the popular food truck in Vancouver, Tofino and Victoria, and of Commissary restaurant in East Vancouver. He is also a founding partner of MMCAP Fund Inc.

Lee Man, Vancouver (@cnklhd)

Lee is a food writer for Vancouver Magazine who is widely recognized as a leading expert in Chinese cuisine in Canada.

Kasey Wilson, Vancouver

Kasey is the co-host of the Best of Food and Wine Show on AM 650 radio and is a member of the British Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame. She has worked as the food editor of Wine Access magazine and has written for numerous publications.

Sophia Cheng, Vancouver (@ChengSophia)

Sophia is a PR consultant and food aficionado. Many of her clients are top-rated restaurants in British Columbia.

Katie Marti, Revelstoke (@KatieMarti)

Katie is a writer for Vacay.ca and adventure traveller based in Revelstoke in central British Columbia.

INTERNATIONAL JUDGES

Janine Kennedy (Chair of the Vacay.ca Top 50 Restaurants), Ireland (@CookWithCraic)

Janine is a professional cook and Vacay.ca Food Columnist who is originally from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Follow her culinary adventures on her blog CookingWithCraic.com.

Niamh Shields, England (@eatlikeagirl)

Niamh is the author of the cookbook “Comfort & Spice” and has been named one of the Britain’s 500 Most Influential People by the Sunday Times. You can find her on her popular blog EatLikeAGirl.com.

Steve Dolinsky, United States (@stevedolinsky)

Steve has won 12 James Beard awards for food journalism and is a reporter for ABC 7 in Chicago. He has recently started The Feed Podcast with renowned chef Rick Bayless. Steve is also a Regional Academy Chair for the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Arlene Stein, Germany (@ArleneStein)

Arlene is the director of the Terroir Symposium, an annual gathering of the global food industry in Toronto. She co-founded Terroir in 2006.

Janet Boileau, Singapore (@TasteTravelMag)

Janet is the publisher of Taste & Travel magazine, which is focused on culinary travel experiences around the world. She is starting an Asian-focused version of the magazine.

[/tab][/tabgroup]

2013

Thank you, Canada, for voting for the best restaurants in the nation!

The public votes have been added to those of the Vacay.ca Judges Academy to determine the 2013 Top 50 Restaurants in Canada. You will find the Top 50 results below, followed by 11 videos that break down the selections in segments of five restaurants, along with a discussion about omissions and rising stars in the Canadian culinary scene. Runner-up restaurants 51-100 are listed lower down. You will also see tabs for the Public Voting rankings, the 2012 results, the judges’ bios and the Foodie of the Year Contest.

You can comment on your favourite restaurant by clicking on the balloon below its listing and typing in your thoughts.

Restaurants 1-5 are Discussed by Judges Adrian Brijbassi, Rebecca LeHeup, Renee Suen, John Placko



Who Didn’t Make the Cut and Why? Find Out Here



Numbers 6-10 Feature Favourites in Toronto and St. John’s



Restaurants 11-15 Include Outstanding Chefs!



People’s Choice Winner is in this Section — Restaurants 16-20!



Countdown of Numbers 21-25 Begins in Whistler, B.C.!

We Are Halfway There! Restaurants 26-30!



Restaurants Numbers 31-35 Will Delight!



Numbers 36-40 are Here!



Numbers 41-45 Announced!



The Countdown Begins: 46-50

NOTE: You may have to clear your computer’s cache to see updates on the tables within the tab below.

[tabgroup][tab title=”2013″]

1. JOE BEEF , Montreal, Quebec

Website: www.joebeef.ca. Twitter: @joebeef

2012 Rank: 3

Read about why one reader loves Joe Beef

2. LANGDON HALL, Cambridge, Ontario

Website: www.langdonhall.ca. Twitter: @Langdon_Hall

2012 Rank: 2

See a Vacay.ca video of Jonathan Gushue in the kitchen and read about the experience of dining at this Canadian icon

3. VIJ’S, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.vijs.ca. Twitter: @Vijs_restaurant

2012 Rank: 1

See a video of Vikram Vij cooking in Niagara, Ontario, and read about what being named Vacay.ca’s No. 1 in 2012 meant to him

4. ATELIER, Ottawa, Ontario

Website: www.atelierrestaurant.ca. Twitter: @MarcLepine

2012 Rank: 5

5. CHARCUT ROAST HOUSE , Calgary, AB

Website: www.charcut.com. Twitter: @CHARCUT

2012 Rank: New entry

6. ACADIA, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.acadiarestaurant.com. Twitter: @AcadiaToronto

2012 Rank: 37

7. MODEL MILK, Calgary, Alberta

Website: www.modelmilk.ca. Twitter: @ModelMilkBistro

2012 Rank: New entry

8. LES 400 COUPS, Montreal, Quebec

Website: www.les400coups.ca. Twitter: @Les400Coupsmtl

2012 Rank: 6

See the Vacay.ca video and read more about Les 400 Coups

9. CANOE, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.oliverbonacini.com/Canoe.aspx. Twitter: @Oliver_Bonacini

2012 Rank: 8

10. RAYMONDS, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador

Website: www.raymondsrestaurant.com. Twitter: @Raymonds_CA

2012 Rank: New entry

11. ROUGE, Calgary, Alberta

Website: www.rougecalgary.com. Twitter: @RougeCal

2012 Rank: 9

Read more and see a video about the wonderful Rouge in Calgary

12. HAWKSWORTH, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.hawksworthrestaurant.com. Twitter: @HawksworthRest

2012 Rank: 21

13. PASTAGA, Montreal, Quebec

Website: www.pastaga.ca. Twitter: @martin_juneau

2012 Rank: New entry

14. RUBY WATCHCO, Toronto, Ontario

Website: rubywatchco.ca. Twitter: @RubyWatchco, @CHEF_LYNN

2012 Rank: 19

15. TOQUE!, Montreal, Quebec

Website: www.restaurant-toque.com. Twitter: @RestaurantToque

2012 Rank: 36

16. MONO CLIFFS INN, Mono Centre, Ontario

Website: www.monocliffsinn.ca.

2012 Rank: 29

17. MUSE, Calgary, Alberta

Website: www.muserestaurant.ca. Twitter: @MuseRestaurant

2012 Rank: New entry

Read more about Muse in Vacay.ca

18. CHANTECLER, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.restaurantchantecler.ca. Twitter: @ChanteclerTO

2012 Rank: New entry

19. EDULIS, Toronto, Ontario

Website: edulisrestaurant.com. Twitter: @EdulisToronto

2012 Rank: New entry

20. CHIVES, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Website: www.chives.ca. Twitter: @ChefCraigFlinn

2012 Rank: New entry

21. FLEUR DE SEL, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Website: fleurdesel.net.

2012 Rank: New entry

22. RIVER CAFE, Calgary, Alberta

Website: www.river-cafe.com. Twitter: @RiverCafeYYC, @ChefWinfieldYYC

2012 Rank: New entry

23. L’ABATTOIR, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.labattoir.ca. Twitter: @LABATTOIR_VAN

2012 Rank: 7

Read Vacay.ca’s report on L’Abattoir

24. LA CABANE A SUCRE DU PIED DE COCHON, St. Benoit de Mirabel, Quebec

Website: cabaneasucreaupieddecochon.com. Twitter: @CabanePDC

2012 Rank: 26

25. ARAXI, Whistler, British Columbia

Website: www.araxi.com. Twitter: @araxirestaurant

2012 Rank: 12

26. BONAVISTA SOCIAL CLUB, Upper Amherst Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador

Website: bonavistasocialclub.com.

2012 Rank: New entry

Read Vacay.ca’s coverage of the Bonavista Social Club

27. LAWRENCE, Montreal, Quebec

Website: lawrencerestaurant.com. Twitter: @lawrencefood

2012 Rank: New entry

28. Q HAUTE CUISINE, Calgary, Alberta

Website: www.qhautecuisine.com. Twitter: @QHauteCuisine

2012 Rank: New entry

29. BROOKLYN WAREHOUSE, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Website: brooklynwarehouse.ca. Twitter: @BrooklynHalifax

2012 Rank: New entry

30. HOPGOOD’S FOODLINER, Toronto, Ontario

Website: hopgoodsfoodliner.com. Twitter: @chefhopgood

2012 Rank: New entry

31. PANACHE at Auberge Saint-Antoine, Quebec City, Quebec

Website: www.saint-antoine.com/en/dining. Twitter: @aubsaintantoine

2012 Rank: New entry

Read more about Panache and Auberge Saint-Antoine in Vacay.ca

32. PARK, Montreal, Quebec

Website: www.vicpark.com. Twitter: @ChefAntonioPark

2012 Rank: New entry

33. MORRIS EAST, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Website: http://www.morriseast.com. Twitter: @morriseast

2012 Rank: New entry

34. WECZERIA, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

CLOSED IN FALL 2013

2012 Rank: New entry

35. SHOTO (Momofuku), Toronto, Ontario

Website: momofuku.com. Twitter: @momofuku

2012 Rank: New entry

36. YOURS TRULY, Toronto, Ontario

Website: yours-truly.ca. Twitter: @YoursTruly229

2012 Rank: New entry

37. WATERFRONT RESTAURANT & WINE BAR, Kelowna, British Columbia

Website: www.waterfrontrestaurant.ca. Twitter: @WaterfrontWines

2012 Rank: New entry

Read more about Waterfront Wines

38. DESEO BISTRO, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Website: deseobistro.com. Twitter: @DeseoBistro

2012 Rank: New entry

39. SAINT JOHN ALE HOUSE, Saint John, New Brunswick

Website: www.saintjohnalehouse.com. Twitter: @SJAH_NB

2012 Rank: New entry

Read more about the Saint John Ale House and how its patrons helped to get it onto the Top 50 list

40. THE BLACK HOOF, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.theblackhoof.com. Twitter: @TheBlackHoof

2012 Rank: 4

41. THE POINTE at the Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, British Columbia

Website: www.wickinn.com/restaurant.html. Twitter: @WickInnBC

2012 Rank: 27

Read more about what to enjoy at the Wickaninnish Inn

42. NORA GRAY, Montreal, Quebec

Website: noragray.com.

2012 Rank: New entry

43. TEATRO, Calgary, Alberta

Website: www.teatro.ca. Twitter: @TeatroCalgary

2012 Rank: New entry

44. LEE, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.susur.com/lee. Twitter: @SusurLee

2012 Rank: New entry

45. MEMORIES FINE DINING, Regina, Saskatchewan

Website: memoriesdining.com. Twitter: @Thomas195855

2012 Rank: New entry

Read more praise for Memories from Canadians, including former NHL and CFL greats

46. THE BLUE DOOR, Fredericton, New Brunswick

Website: www.thebluedoor.ca. Twitter: @theblue_door

2012 Rank: New entry

Read more about the Blue Door and how it has charmed Fredericton

47. CUCINA MARKET BISTRO, Calgary, Alberta

Website: eatcucina.com. Twitter: @EatCucina

2012 Rank: New entry

48. OPTIONS JAZZ LOUNGE (at the Brookstreet Hotel), Kanata, Ontario

Website: www.brookstreet.ca/optionsbar.php. Twitter: @OptionsJazz

2012 Rank: New entry

Read more about the Brookstreet Hotel and its draw for NHL fans going to Ottawa Senators games

49. DUCK, DUCK, GOOSE, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Website: duckduckgoosetapas.com.

2012 Rank: New entry

50. BAO BEI, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.bao-bei.ca. Twitter: @BaoBei1

2012 Rank: 16

RUNNER-UP RESTAURANTS 51-100

51. Splendido, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.splendido.ca

52. Le Crocodile, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: lecrocodilerestaurant.com

53. Momofuku Noodle Bar, Toronto, Ontario

Website: momofuku.com/toronto/noodle-bar-to/



Read more about Momofuku on Vacay.ca

54. Murray Street Kitchen, Ottawa, Ontario

Website: murraystreet.ca

55. Wildebeest, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.wildebeest.ca

Read more about Wildebeest on Vacay.ca

56. Odile, Hull/Gatineau, Quebec

Website: www.odile.ca

57. Maison Publique, Montreal, Quebec

Website: www.maisonpublique.com

58. Bestellen, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.bestellen.ca

59. Au Pied de Cochon, Montreal, Quebec

Website: www.restaurantaupieddecochon.ca

60. Kazu, Montreal, Quebec

Website: kazumontreal.com

61. Eden at Rimrock Resort, Banff, Alberta

Website: www.rimrockresort.com/dining.html

Read more Vacay.ca coverage about the Eden experience

62. Inn at Bay Fortune, Bay Fortune, Prince Edward Island

Website: www.innatbayfortune.com

63. Laurie Raphaël, Quebec City, Quebec

Website: www.laurieraphael.com/en

64. JaBistro, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.jabistro.com

65. Richmond Station, Toronto, Ontario

Website: richmondstation.ca

66. Le Canard Goulu, Quebec City, Quebec

Website: www.canardgoulu.com/VilleBistro.htm

67. Cafe Boulud, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.cafeboulud.com/toronto

68. Playa Cabana, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.playacabana.ca

69. Corso 32, Edmonton, Alberta

Website: corso32.com

70. Cassis Bistro, Calgary, Alberta

Website: www.thecassisbistro.ca

71. The Pear Tree, Burnaby, British Columbia

Website: peartreerestaurant.net

72. Bearfoot Bistro, Whistler, British Columbia

Website: bearfootbistro.com

73. Fable Kitchen, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: fablekitchen.ca

74. Willow on Wascana, Regina, Saskatchewan

Website: www.willowonwascana.ca

Read about Regina’s emerging culinary scene

75. Blue Water Cafe and Raw Bar, Vancouver, British Columbia Website:www.bluewatercafe.net

76. Maison Boulud, Montreal, Quebec

Website: maisonboulud.com/montreal

77. Prairie Harvest Cafe, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Website: prairieharvestcafe.com

78. Ristorante a Mano, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Website: www.ristoranteamano.ca

79. Glas Wine Bar, Toronto, Ontario

Website: glaswinebar.com

80. Newfound Sushi, Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador

Website: newfoundsushi.com

81. Hoi Tong Seafood, Richmond, British Columbia

Contact: No website, telephone: 604-276-9229, address: #160-8191 Westminister Hwy.

82. The Grove, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.thegroveto.com

83. Chambar, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.chambar.com

84. Auberge du Pommier, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.oliverbonacini.com/auberge-du-pommier.aspx

85. Zambri’s, Victoria, British Columbia

Website: www.zambris.ca

86. Cava, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.cavarestaurant.ca

87. La Quercia, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.laquercia.com

88. L’Initiale, Quebec City, Quebec

Website: www.restaurantinitiale.com

89. Lot 30, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Website: www.lot30restaurant.ca

90. Hotel Herman, Montreal, Quebec

Website: www.hotelherman.com

91. Sobo, Tofino, British Columbia

Website: www.sobo.ca

92. The Mad Platter Bistro, Spruce Grove, Alberta

Website: www.themadplatterbistro.com

93. The Chanterelle Inn, Baddeck, Nova Scotia (Cape Breton)

Website: www.chanterelleinn.com

Read more Vacay.ca coverage of the Chanterelle Inn

94. Storm Mountain Lodge, Banff, Alberta

Website: www.stormmountainlodge.com

See more Vacay.ca coverage, including amazing photos, of Storm Mountain Lodge

95. Treadwell Farm-to-Table, Port Dalhousie, Ontario

Website: www.treadwellcuisine.com

96. L’Orignal, Montreal, Quebec

Website: www.restaurantlorignal.com

Read more from the Vacay.ca report on L’Orignal

97. Le Baccara, Gatineau, Quebec

Website: http://www.casinosduquebec.com/lacleamy/en/restaurants-bars/le-baccara

98. Segovia Tapas Bar, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Website: segoviatapasbar.com

Read the Vacay.ca report on Segovia

99. ZenKitchen, Ottawa, Ontario

Website: www.zenkitchen.ca



Read the Vacay.ca report on ZenKitchen

100. Cheese Curds Gourmet Burgers + Poutiniere, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Website: cheesecurdsburgers.com



[/tab][tab title=”2012″]

1. Vij’s, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.vijs.ca. Phone: 604-736-6664. Cuisine: Indian.

Price range: $24-$28.50 for main courses.

Steve Dolinsky says: “Seriously, can anyone in North America even come close to offering the nuance and complexity of Indian food like Vikram Vij? He does it in one of the most laid-back dining rooms, despite the seriousness with which he approaches regional Indian food, while constantly checking in on guests — even serving snacks to those waiting outside. I have literally re-routed my flights to have enough layover time in Vancouver so I could make the pilgrimage.”

Read Vacay.ca’s report on Vij’s and more coverage of the Top 50 Restaurants List

You must order: Wine-marinated Lamb Popsicles ($28.50).

2. Langdon Hall, Cambridge, Ontario

Website: www.langdonhall.ca. Phone: 519-740-2100. Cuisine: Canadian.

Price range: $34-$49 for main courses.

Adrian Brijbassi says: “Jonathan Gushue demonstrates that Canadian cuisine exists — and it wouldn’t look out of place at the head of an international table of dishes.”

See the video and read more of the Vacay.ca report on Langdon Hall

You must order: White-tailed Ontario Deer with Chestnuts, Smoked Venison Bacon, Anjou Pear and more ($49).

3. Joe Beef, Montreal, Quebec

Website: www.joebeef.ca. Phone: 514-935-6504. Cuisine: Steak & Seafood.

Price range: $31-$50 for main courses.

Steve Dolinsky says: “One of the great things about the new wave of talent in the food industry has been the emergence of ‘fuck you’ restaurants. I mean that in a good way. They’re the places where you dine at the chef’s whim. There are no substitutions; you don’t get the dressing on the side; the eggs are already jellied and the offal is already poached. If you don’t like it, too bad, because there’s a line of people waiting to get in who are eager to explore the menus, jam-packed with bold flavours. Joe Beef is a little like this.” Click to read more.

You must order: Whatever is the special that night 😉

4. The Black Hoof, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.theblackhoof.com. Phone: 416-551-8854. Cuisine: Charcuterie.

Price range: Share plates, $8-$25

Renée Suen says: “Once a culinary mecca for the offal bits, ‘The Hoof’ as it’s so affectionately called, has soared to new heights now that chef de cuisine Brandon Olsen is at its helm. Although the focus is still on the nasty bits (and they still don’t take reservations), brilliant numbers like Blood Custard and Foie & Nutella have become new signatures beside the standard Tongue on Brioche that its ex-executive chef (Grant van Gameren) made famous.”

You must order: Foie & Nutella ($25).

5. Atelier, Ottawa, Ontario — PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER 2012!

Website: www.atelierrestaurant.ca. Phone: 613-321-3537. Cuisine: Avant Garde Fine Dining.

Price range: Set price for tasting menu: $95.

Vacay.ca Reader Melanie Jadore says: “What a great idea — a top 50 list for Canadian restaurants! If I only get one vote, I have to vote for Atelier in Ottawa, the best meal of my life.”

You must order: The tasting menu, of course! It’s constantly changing.

See the video and read the Vacay.ca report on Atelier

6. Les 400 Coups, Montreal, Quebec

Website: www.les400coups.ca. Phone: 514-985-0400. Cuisine: Contemporary French.

Price range: Up to $30 for main courses.

Gizelle Lau says: “From start to finish, Les 400 Coups in Montreal takes you through a journey that teases your senses with sophisticated techniques and concepts that translate into beautifully crafted, artful dishes in flavour and appearance. Using top-quality produce and playful textures to traditional profiles, you’ll find concepts like Beef Tartare with Mustard Ice Cream or Mackerel served with spaghetti made from squash. Although it’s less than two years old, if the inspiration that’s fuelling Les 400 Coups is as determined as it seems on the plate, then we’ll see this Vieux-Montreal restaurant soar into the same space as greats like one of its biggest inspirations: Eleven Madison Park.”

See the video and read the Vacay.ca report on Les 400 Coups

You must order: Beef Tartare with Mustard Ice Cream ($15).

7. L’Abattoir, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.labattoir.ca. Phone: 604-568-1701. Cuisine: West Coast.

Price range: Small plates, $13-$29.

Renée Suen says: “Solid. From a good cocktail list to an even better savoury menu that’s tight and simply very, very good. Throw in an order of the pan-fried veal sweetbreads on toast and the meal becomes stellar.”

Read Vacay.ca’s report on L’Abattoir

You must order: Warm Steelhead and Potato Salad ($15) — and a few cocktails.

8. Canoe, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.oliverbonacini.com/Canoe.aspx. Phone: 416-364-0054. Cuisine: Canadian.

Price range: $39-$49 for main courses.

Paul Brans says: “I really believe that without Canoe the whole idea of ‘Canadiana’ cuisine would not exist — at least not to the same extent or with the same amount of popularity. It has been a leader in championing local food and what Canadian cuisine truly has to offer.”

You must order: Aged Bone-in Ontario Beef Tenderloin ($49).

9. Rouge, Calgary, Alberta

Website: www.rougecalgary.com. Phone: 403-531-2767. Cuisine: French.

Price range: $36-$84 for main courses.

Diana Ng says: “It is hard to imagine the high level of fine dining and perfection from the unassuming and aged exterior of this restaurant converted from a house built in 1891, but chef Paul Rogalski and his team churn out creative dishes with impeccable ingredients from local suppliers and their on-site garden.”

See the video and read the Vacay.ca report on Rouge

You must order: AAA Alberta Beef Chateaubriand, Bone Marrow and Foie Gras Spring Roll, Potato Rösti ($84 for Two).

10. Duke of Duckworth, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador

Website: www.dukeofduckworth.com. Phone: 709-739-6344. Cuisine: Pub Grub.

Price range: $7.99-$14.99.

Cailin O’Neil says: “The Duke of Duckworth has recently exploded in popularity due to its spotlight on the CBC series ‘Republic of Doyle.’ But dedicated patrons will tell you it’s long been the best pub in downtown St. John’s AND it has the town’s best fish and chips with their not-so-secret ingredient dressing!”

Read the Vacay.ca report on the Duke of Duckworth

You must order: The fish & chips. The fish & chips. Everyone: The fish & chips! ($10.99 and up).

11. Sushi Kaji, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.sushikaji.com. Phone: 416-252-2166. Cuisine: Japanese.

Price range: $100-$120 for tasting menus (no a la carte).

Gizelle Lau says: “Incredible sushi and omakase menu – Kaji opens your eyes to what true Japanese sushi/food can be when there’s the care, attention, detail and passion.”

You must order: With only two choices, you may as well spend the extra $20 and get the Takumi omakase menu for $120.

12. Araxi, Whistler, British Columbia

Website: www.araxi.com. Phone: 604-932-4540. Cuisine: West Coast/Canadian.

Price range: $22.50-$45 for main courses.

You must order: Wild Alaskan Scallops ($34.50).

13. Tempest, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Website: www.tempest.ca. Phone: 902-542 0588. Cuisine: Italian.

Price range: $12.95-$24.95 for main courses.

Janine MacLean says: “Wolfville may be one of Nova Scotia’s best kept secrets — and so is this restaurant. I have never had a meal here I haven’t absolutely loved.”

You must order: Roasted Nova Scotia Sea Bass ($24.95).

14. Splendido, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.splendido.ca. Phone: 416-929-7788. Cuisine: Contemporary French and Italian.

Diana Ng says: “As soon as you step into this contemporary fine-dining institution, you are warmly greeted by smiling and helpful staff. The globally inspired menu is expertly executed, like the Roasted Lamb Rack, shoulder and merguez with Niagara eggplant, preserved lemon, yogurt and arugula.”

Price range: $39-$45 for main courses; $125 for tasting menu.

You must order: Roasted Rack of Lamb ($45)

15. Bearfoot Bistro, Whistler, British Columbia

Website: www.bearfootbistro.com. Phone: 604-932-3433. Cuisine: West Coast.

Price range: Three-course menu, $49; tasting menu, $98.

Barry O’Neill says: “World class. The chef’s five-course tasting menu is a pleasure to your palate.”

You must order: Vancouver Island Black Cod (part of set menu or $10 supplement to add).

16. Bao Bei, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.bao-bei.ca. Phone: 604-688-0876. Cuisine: Chinese fusion.

Price range: Small plates, $6-$20.

You must order: Kick Ass House Fried Rice (price changes daily, but roughly $14).

17. West, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.westrestaurant.com. Phone: 604-738-8938. Cuisine: West Coast.

Price range: $29-$55 for main courses; $58 and up for tasting menus.

You must order: Haida Gwaii Smoked Sablefish ($36).

18. Guu Izakaya, Toronto, Ontario

Website: guu-izakaya.com/toronto. Phone: 416-977-0999. Cuisine: Japanese.

Price range: $1.50-$9.80 per item.

You must order: Salmon Tataki ($6.80).

19. Ruby WatchCo, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.rubywatchco.ca. Phone: 416-465-0100. Cuisine: Canadian/Comfort Food.

Price range: Menu changes daily; expect to pay in the range of $49 for a four-course meal.

Steve Dolinksy says: “Local celeb chef Lynn Crawford (formerly of The Four Seasons) has returned home after stints in NYC, and has created a comfy restaurant where everything is served family-style. Her passion for local farmers is made evident on every menu.” Click to read more

You must order: Whatever they’re serving that night!

20. Basho, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador

Website: No website. Phone: 709-576-4600. Cuisine: Japanese.

Price range: $26-$32 for entrées.

Candice Walsh says: “Japanese restaurant, plus other food options. Best dining experience I’ve had in St. John’s.”

You must order: Nigiri and Sushi Roll Assortment ($26).

21. Hawskworth, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.hawksworthrestaurant.com. Phone: 604-673-7000. Cuisine: Contemporary Canadian.

Price range: $26-$38 for entrées.

Renée Suen says: “Refined and welcomed return to fine dining. Good for those seeking elegance, but somewhat safe.”

You must order: 48-hour Beef Shortrib ($16).

22. Yew, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.yewrestaurant.com. Phone: 604-692-4939. Cuisine: Mostly Seafood.

Price range: $24-$45 for main courses.

Katie Marti says: “This is a high-end, fine-dining experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously thanks to special promotions like Wine Down Sundays, where every bottle of wine is 50% off all day.”

You must order: Lobster poutine ($17).

23. Ensemble, Vancouver, British Columbia — CLOSED IN AUGUST 2012 🙁

Website: www.ensemblerestaurant.com. Phone: 604-569-1770. Cuisine: French Contemporary.

Price range: Small plates ranging from $8-$19

Adrian Brijbassi says: “Dale MacKay was named Top Chef Canada for many reasons, all of them on display at this terrific neighbourhood restaurant in the West End.”

Click here to read more of the Vacay.ca report on Ensemble

You must order: Potato Gnocchi ($12) and Black Cod with Thai broth ($18).

24. Salmon n’ Bannock, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.salmonandbannock.net. Phone: 604.568.8971. Cuisine: First Nations

Price range: $10-$24.

Kathleen Kenna says: “No one prepares or serves wild salmon like their all-First Nations staff. Or wild game. Or wild berries. The inventiveness of the menu here is matched by the intimacy of dining amid original First Nations art. There is no other place on the West Coast where you can nibble on candied or smoked salmon under a Haida canoe. This is the only aboriginal restaurant in Vancouver, and the only one I know in Canada that boasts sustainable and local produce in a fine-dining setting. Salmon n’ Bannock also serves Saskatoon berry cider and wines from Nk’Mip Cellars, Canada’s first winery owned and operated by aboriginals.”

You must order: The Salmon and Bannock, duh 🙂 ($16).

25. Salmon House on the Hill, West Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.salmonhouse.com. Phone: 604-926-3212. Cuisine: Seafood.

Price range: $23-$45 for main courses.

Barry O’Neill says: “Famous alder-grilled salmon and spectacular views.”

You must order: Steamed Whole Dungeness Crab ($45).

26. Cabane a Sucre (Martin Picard), Montreal, Quebec

Website: http://cabaneasucreaupieddecochon.com.

Phone: No phone; email reservations only: reservations@cabaneasucreaupieddecochon.com.

Cuisine: Sugar shack cuisine with maple syrup produced on site.

Price range: Set prices based on menu (seasonal; usually around $50 per person)

You must order: Triple Pork, Maple Meille Feuille (menu and prices change often)

27. Pointe Restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, British Columbia

Website: www.wickinn.com/restaurant.html. Phone: 250-725-3100. Cuisine: Pacific Northwest.

Price range: $32-$39 for entrées.

Adrian Brijbassi says: “This magical place overlooking the Pacific not only has one of the best settings for a restaurant in the world, it delivers as classy a dining experience as you’ll find anywhere in Canada.”

You must order: Dungeness Crab (market price).

28. Scaramouche, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.scaramoucherestaurant.com. Phone: 416-961-8011. Cuisine: French.

Price range: $36-$47 for entrées.

You must order: Rack of Lamb ($46) and Coconut Cream Pie ($13).

29. Mono Cliffs Inn, Mono, Ontario

Website: www.monocliffsinn.ca. Phone: 519-941-5109. Cuisine: Country-style fine dining.

Price range: $26-$60 per person.

Barry O’Neill says: “Finest in country dining; great variety of food; shrimp linguine is to die for.”

Read the Vacay.ca report on the Mono Cliffs Inn

You must order: Shrimp Linguine ($14).

30. Lighthouse Picnics, Ferryland, Newfoundland & Labrador

Website: www.lighthousepicnics.ca. Phone: 709-363-7456. Cuisine: Casual Picnic-Style.

Price range: About $20 per picnic lunch.

Candice Walsh says: “Outdoor dining experience with a picnic basket. Best lemonade ever created.”

You must order: Seafood Club Sandwich, fresh lemonade.

31. Buca, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.buca.ca. Phone: 416-865-1600. Cuisine: Italian.

Price range: $15-$25 for entrées.

Diana Ng says: “There is no shortage of Italian restaurants in Toronto, but Buca stands out from the crowd with its proficient use of seasonal ingredients to create simple and light dishes. Pizza is thin and crispy, so much so that servers cut them with scissors.”

You must order: Artisanal Pizza (prices range).

32. Rotisserie Romados, Montreal, Quebec

Website: No website. Phone: 514-849-1803. Cuisine: Portuguese Chicken and Pastries.

Price range: $1 Pastries to $10 Chicken Combo Plates.

Jodi Ettenberg says: “A Portuguese roast chicken restaurant on a busy corner of Montreal’s Plateau area, guaranteed to give you the best chicken you’ve had in years. Whenever I return to Montreal, I go here first. It’s fantastic.”

You must order: The half chicken combo plate (spicy, $10) and natas (Portuguese egg tart, $2).

33. Chambar, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.chambar.com. Phone: 604-879-7119. Cuisine: Modern French.

Price range: $22-$33 for entrées.

You must order: Moules Frites ($22).

34. Murray Street, Ottawa, Ontario

Website: www.murraystreet.ca. Phone: 613-562-7244. Cuisine: Charcuterie and more.

Price range: $10-$80 (for a whole pig head).

Jodi Ettenberg says: “Ottawa meat fans rejoice: this is a restaurant to call your own. Great roasted meats, perfectly cooked vegetables, strong drinks … and the poutine was also one of the best I’ve ever had. As a Montrealer, I’m sad to report it was outside Quebec!”

You must order: Spaetzle Poutine ($11) and “Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes” ($24).

35. Java Jack’s, Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland & Labrador

Website: javajacksnl.wordpress.com. Phone: 709-458-3004. Cuisine: East Coast Organic

Price range: $16.95-$24.95 for entrées.

Candice Walsh says: “Most ingredients grown in their organic garden. Amazing prices, best $9 fishcakes in the world!”

You must order: Said Fishcakes served with relish ($7.95)

36. Toque, Montreal, Quebec

Website: www.restaurant-toque.com. Phone: 514-499-2084. Cuisine: French.

Price range: $42-$48 for main courses.

You must order: Duck Magret ($48).

37. Acadia, Toronto Ontario

Website: www.acadiarestaurant.com. Phone: 416-792-6002. Cuisine: Southern.

Price range: $15-$24 for main courses.

Renée Suen says: “Innovative, meticulous and modern. Chef Matt Blondin mixes low country cuisine with Acadian ingredients (more from the Canadian side of the equation), all matched by scrumptious cocktails and casual southern hospitality.”

You must order: Cornbread with Sweet Potato and Bourbon Butter ($8).

38. Au Pied de Cochon, Montreal, Quebec

Website: www.restaurantaupieddecochon.ca. Phone: 514-281-1114. Cuisine: Quebecois.

Price range: $20-$45.

Renée Suen says: “Gluttony in excess, but a great reward if one steers clear from the stereotypical gut-busting staples and order the other well-balanced (but still gut-busting) menu items.”

You must order: Foie Gras Hamburger ($36).

39. Biff’s Bistro, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.oliverbonacini.com/Biffs-Bistro.aspx. Phone:416-860-0086. Cuisine: Modern French.

Price range: $9-$32 for Les Entrees; $21-$36 for Bistro Specialties.

You must order: Beef Bourguignon ($26).

40. Le Champlain at Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City, Quebec

Website: www.fairmont.com/frontenac/GuestServices/Restaurants/LeChamplain.htm. Phone: 866-540-4460. Cuisine: French.

Price range: $39-$43 for main courses.

Barry O’Neill says: “Le Champlain features French and continental gastronomy in an intimate atmosphere of old-world charm and hospitable service, best Caesar Salad made at your table which is a show in itself.”

You must order: Rack of Lamb ($49).

41. Sobo, Tofino, British Columbia

Website: www.sobo.ca. Phone: 250-725-2341. Cuisine: Seafood.

Price range: $29-$33 for main courses.

Adrian Brijbassi says: “Who knew fish tacos could be addictive? Although with the number of hippies in Tofino, it shouldn’t be a surprise that they’d find a way.”

You must order: Those Killer Fish Tacos ($6.50).

42. Blue Water Café and Raw Bar, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.bluewatercafe.net. Phone: 604-688-8078. Cuisine: Seafood and Sushi.

Price range: $29.50-$43.50.

You must order: Sashimi Platter ($34).

43. Le Bremner, Montreal, Quebec

Website: crownsalts.com/lebremner. Phone: 514-544-0446. Cuisine: Seafood & Steak.

Price range: $12-$28 (mostly share plates).

You must order: Raw scallop and foie gras torchon ($28).

Read the Vacay.ca report on Le Bremner

44. Origin, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.origintoronto.com. Phone: 416-603-8009. Cuisine: Tapas, with flavours from around the world.

Price range: Share plates, $6-$79 (for a 32-ounce rib-eye steak).

Diana Ng says: “Showcasing ingredients with minimal manipulation while creating outstanding and unforgettable dishes is easier said than done, but Origin blows the goal out of the water. The selection from the mozzarella bar, namely the Bufala mozzarella with confit tomatoes, basil and preserved lemon, is the perfect example.”

You must order: Tostones with Guacamole ($8).

45. Wine Bar, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.9church.com. Phone:416-504-9463. Cuisine: Tapas.

Barry O’Neill says: “Great tapas, changes daily from the finest local and naturally raised food produced by Ontario farmers.”

Price range: Average price of the tapas dishes comes in around $13.

You must order: Cheddar and Apple Salad ($8) — if it’s on the menu that day.

46. Rim Rock Café, Whistler, British Columbia

Website: www.rimrockwhistler.com. Phone: 877-932-5589. Cuisine: West Coast.

Price range: $28-$46.

You must order: Ahi Tuna ($38).

47. Heron’s West Coast Kitchen at the Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver, British Columbia

Website: www.fairmont.com/waterfront/GuestServices/Restaurants/HeronsWestCoastKitchen.htm

Telephone: 866-540-4509/504-691-1991. Cuisine: West Coast.

Price range: $26-$39 for main courses.

You must order: Spot Prawn Ravioli ($35).

48. Pic Nic Wine Bar, Toronto, Ontario

Website: www.picnicwinebar.com. Phone: 647-435-5298. Cuisine: Charcuterie and French.

Price range: $14-$23.

You must order: Charcuterie Plate ($22).

49. Inn at Bay Fortune, Bay Fortune, Prince Edward Island

Website: www.innatbayfortune.com. Phone: 902-687-3745 or 888-687-3745. Cuisine: Contemporary Creative Canadian.

Price range: $50 a la carte for three courses, also a five-course tasting menu $70 per person, Chef’s Table, a room within the kitchen, available to one party each evening seven courses $85, 10 courses $110, and 12 courses $125.

You must order: Grilled Lobster Straight From Fortune Harbour (part of set menus).

50. L’Orignal, Montreal, Quebec

Website: www.restaurantlorignal.com. Phone:514-303-0479. Cuisine: Canadian, with a twist of different cultures.

Price range: $27-$38 for main courses

Adrian Brijbassi says: “While it’s not the most celebrated restaurant in the city, L’Orignal is one of Montreal’s stars. Oysters, interesting selection of meats, boozy cocktails, a fun atmosphere and a late-night menu make it a standout.”

Read more from the Vacay.ca report on L’Orignal

You must order: Lamb Mini Burgers ($9).

[/tab][tab title=”Judges”]

The 2013 Vacay.ca Voting Academy

Chair

Janine MacLean – Vacay.ca Food Columnist and chef

Honorary Judge

Paul Rogalski – Executive chef and co-owner, Rouge and Rouge Bistro , Calgary, Alberta

East Coast

Renée Lavallée – Chef and food writer at FeistyChef.ca , Dartmouth, Nova Scotia (Regional Head Judge)

Jeremy Charles – Chef/co-owner Raymonds , St. John’s, Newfoundland

Cailin O’Neil – Food blogger based in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Stephen Lee – Co-owner Mallard Cottage , St. John’s, Newfoundland

Zane Kelsall – Owner Two If By Sea , Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Quebec

Jean-Baptiste Herlem – Restonomy writer, Montreal

Ontario

Renee Suen – Toronto Life food writer

Gizelle Lau – Toronto Life food writer

Arlene Stein – Chair of Terroir Symposium , Toronto

Barry O’Neill – Zed Financial managing partner, Toronto

Jenn Chow – blogger from Foodie Prints , Ottawa

Don Chow – blogger from Foodie Prints , Ottawa

Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba

Jody Robbins – Vacay.ca writer, Calgary (Regional Head Judge)

Diana Ng – WestJet Up! magazine travel editor, Calgary Derryl Murphy – Food aficionado from Saskatoon

British Columbia/Territories

Adrian Brijbassi – Vacay.ca Managing Editor, Vancouver and Toronto (Regional Head Judge)

Terry Pichor – Chef at Sonora Restaurant in Discovery Islands, food columnist at Vancouver Sun

Sarah Bancroft – Vitamin Daily editor, Vancouver

Katie Martie – Vacay.ca writer, Vancouver and Revelstoke

Sophia Cheng – Heth PR manager, Vancouver

Lee Man – Food blogger with Vancouver Magazine

Token American

Token Canadian Snowbird Dean Tai – Chef, graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, Sydney and Ottawa, and current resident of Florida

[/tab][tab title=”Voting”]

How the Voting Works

The members of the Vacay.ca Judging Academy can nominate between 5-10 restaurants. They must have dined at the restaurant at least once since January 1, 2011 and cannot be a current employee or owner of any restaurant they nominate. The judges’ selections and the public votes will be used to determine the Top 50 Restaurants in Canada in 2013. Votes from the Vacay.ca Judging Academy will comprise roughly 75% of the final results. The public vote will comprise roughly 25% of the final results.

The 2013 Top 50 Restaurants in Canada List will include a second annual People’s Choice winner (won last year by Ottawa’s Atelier).

[/tab][tab title=”History”]

How the Top 50 Restaurants in Canada Originated

Vacay.ca felt that the food industry in Canada deserves to be spotlighted and celebrated. Our editorial staff decided a Top 50 Restaurants List was long overdue and we enlisted several of the most respected food writers in North America to help us establish the inaugural list. The judges run the gamut of food writers, chefs and food aficionados, allowing us to have a range of cuisines and budget choices available. Because Vacay.ca is a travel site, it was important to include judges who specialize in value dining as well as gourmet culinary experiences. Our top 50 list is a mix of cuisines, price ranges, regions and experiences, but what each one of the restaurants on our list has in common is excellence. This is proof that Canada’s dining scene is diverse and dynamic, and full of wonderful food choices and talented chefs that we can be proud of.

[/tab][tab title=”Public Vote Standings”]

REPORT Vicky Vacay

Owner 10 items 335 followers 40 votes 186.48k views Public Vote: Top 50 Restaurants in Canada Listly by Vicky Vacay Canadians have voted for the best restaurants in Canada. Here are the final standings. Source: https://vacay.ca/top-50-restaurants Follow List Embed List 1 Mono Cliffs Inn Apr 03, 2013 Mono Centre, Ontario 2 Langdon Hall Apr 03, 2013 Cambridge, Ontario 3 Atelier Apr 03, 2013 Ottawa, Ontario 4 Muse Apr 03, 2013 Calgary, Alberta 5 Q Haute Cuisine Apr 03, 2013 Calgary, Alberta 6 Saint John Ale House Apr 03, 2013 Saint John, New Brunswick 7 Joe Beef Apr 03, 2013 Montreal, Quebec 8 CHARCUT Apr 03, 2013 Calgary, Alberta 9 Ruby Watchco Apr 03, 2013 Toronto, Ontario 10 Vij's Apr 03, 2013 Vancouver, British Columbia

[/tab][tab title=”Foodie of the Year”]

VACAY.CA AWARDED A TRIP + DINNER!

Thousands of Canadians voted in the Vacay.ca 2013 Foodie of the Year Contest, which featured a Grand Prize of Dinner for Two at the restaurant of the winner’s choice, round-trip airfare to the closest major airport to that restaurant’s destination city and a luxury hotel stay! See our Contests page for details!

Congratulations to Deborah Son of Winnipeg who became Canada’s Foodie of the Year on May 23, 2013!

The finalists included:

Jo-Ann Samo of Montreal

Holly Fraughton of Halifax

Congrats to all three!

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VIDEO: OTTAWA’S ATELIER WINS 2012 PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

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VIDEO: NO. 9 ROUGE IS CALGARY’S CLASS ACT