1. Atomica Kitchenn71 Brock St., Kingston, Ontario K7L 2Z9 613-530-2118nServing Mediterranean fare with a twist, Atomica Kitchen has become a favourite downtown Kingston spot. An inclusive menu featuring plant-based fare, pizzas, small and large plates, each with an inventive spin on classics including carbonara and ziti, this is a place that really hits the spot. Plus, the signature cocktail menu, hummus and bruschetta bar are perfect for late-night eats.

2. Backhousen242 Mary Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0 289-272-1242 nTucked away in a strip mall, Backhouse is home to climate cool cuisine. Many of the ingredients are grown in-house and the unexpected aroma of peach wood fills the dining room. A chef's tasting menu is customized regularly and includes handmade pastas, heritage chicken and house-made sourdough breads. Needless to say, this is your dinner stop on that weekend country wine tour.

3. Born & Raisedn224 James Street North, Hamilton, Ontario L8R 2L3nRaw bar meets pizza oven at Born & Raised, it doesn't get any better. Visit this Italian hotspot on Mondays after 9pm for $5 margarita pizzas and $2 shucked oysters. Squid ink pasta, meatballs, polent and gelato $5.

4. Constantinen15 Charles St E, Toronto, Ontario M4Y 1S1 (647) 475-4436 nCelebrating the distinct regions of the Mediterranean, the menu celebrates their wood-burning oven that produces thin-crust pizzas, vegetable dishes and family-style feasts that make this an excellent spot any night of the week. Plus, the location inside The Andor House encourages an intimate atmosphere that's welcoming for guests and locals.

5. The Farmhousen268 Bradford Street, Barrie, Ontario L4N 3B7 705.737.0522nLocated on Barrie’s waterfront, the Farmhouse is open from breakfast through dinner so that you never go hungry. Locally grown ingredients drive the menu, which plays well for date nights and family dinner. The daily "Appy Hour" ($6.50 each)features a selection of cocktails, wines, beers and appetizers. Done and done.

6. Fraser Cafén7 Springfield Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1M 1C8 (613) 749-1444nKeeping it simple with local, seasonal ingredients is the name of the game at this neighbourhood cafe. The menu varies according to chef's whim and features a range of hearty and heart-warming dishes, including a barbequed pork rice bowl and steak frites.

7. Garlics of Londonn481 Richmond St, London, Ontario N6A 3E4nSince 1992, Garlics of London has been home to seasonally prepared dishes, all underscored by unique spins on garlic. Known for its rustic comfort food, the menu offers gluten-free and vegetarian options including garlic bisque and garlic frites. Upscale but down-to-earth.

8. Groovy Tuesday’s Bistron73 Collier St., Barrie, Ontario L4M 1G7nHomestyle cooking with a modern spirit, everyday is different at Groovy Tuesday’s Bistro. While you may not expect an upscale eatery in Barrie, this bistro is a welcome addition to the region's up-and-coming food scene. While the menu offerings are small, the chef’s approach to seasonal cuisine is satisfyingly simple, making for an entirely delightful dining experience.

9. HAMBRGRn207 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, Ontario L8H 3Z4nBest burgers in town. In Ontario? With three Hamilton locations that feature local hormone-free, fresh-ground burgers including classic customizable options, it just might be. Not into beef? Try the chicken and the extensive list of pairable beers and custom cocktails.

10. Loga’s Cornern216 Close Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5K 1M3nAnchored in Parkdale, this Tibetan takeout restaurant features a modest cafe area that's as comfortable as your living room. Dine on traditional house-made Tibetan dumplings, and other great comfort food offerings. Did we mention the hot sauce? It's legendary.

11. Riviera Ottawan62 Sparks Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5A5nThis upscale sibling to Ottawa's Shelby Burger and El Camino, among others, is stunning. This is where you go on a third date. Pasta dishes include lobster spaghetti, with sea bass, tuna and scallops. Seafood features prominently.

12. Seoul Shakersn1241 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario M6H 1N6nThis hidden Korean snack bar is a definite find for anyone (and everyone) with a case of the late-night munchies. Serving a Korean-inspired menu of shareable plates, roast kimchi is a must-have along with grilled beef short ribs.

13. The Squirrel Cagen1 Maiden Ln. West, Windsor, Ontario N9A 5V9 519.252.2243 nOne of Windsor’s hidden gems, the Squirrel Cage offers simple, finely-tuned homemade fare including paninis, salads and daily soups. Chill, the restaurant is a favourite for weekend breakfast and brunch that includes a variety of egg dishes with a creative spin.

14. Supply and Demandn1335 Wellington St., Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 3B6nThis is the place you take your best friend for her birthday or your parents when tehy are in town. Featuring light, raw bar dishes and produce-friendly plays, Supply and Demand changes the menu often depending on what's in season and available through local producers.

15. The Twisted Apronn1833 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, Ontario N8Y 1E2 (519) 256-2665 WebsitenThe quaint and cozy atmosphere at The Twisted Apron really draws you in any day of the week. Billed as offering comfort food with a twist, perogies, mac and cheese and crispy chicken are among the menu offerings. With brunch served until 7pm, you've always got options.

16. Wooden Heads Gourmet Pizzan192 Ontario St, Kingston, Ontario K7L 2Y8 613 549 1812 nWood-fired pizzas are in regular rotation at Woodenheads Gourmet Pizza, a destination for families, students and business gatherings. Along with pizzas, the menu also includes tapas dishes and a hearty selection of chicken and fish options. Situated in Kingston's historic downtown, you'll always find something new on the menu.

17. The Works Gourmet Burger Bistron145 King St, London, Ontario N6A 1C3 nWith simplicity of ingredients taking centre stage, the Works Gourmet Burger Bistro only uses Canadian-raised AAA beef in its burger patties. Serving deli-style sandwiches and salads along with classic poutine, the restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere where beer, wine and spirits are served up alongside the ultimate shakes.

18. Wynonnan89 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, Ontario M4M 1Y8 nGather the family (or friends you like better than your relatives) for Wynonna's Family Feasting Menu. While this seasonally-inspired menu rotates regularly, options include shareable plates such as Portuguese sardines and house-made focaccia.