Canada 
Niagara Falls is a super popular spot for a vacay these days. Don’t believe me? Check out expedia.com, where it’s a trending destination! I’ve been to the falls a few times and have been known to share some travel tips with first timers. Naturally, the question I get asked the most is “Where do we eat?!” This is a really good question, because frankly, there are a lot of tourist traps. But there are also a lot of great restaurants. I thought I would share some of my favorites with you all. And because I am such a world traveler, I’m highlighting places on both the U.S. and Canada sides of the falls.
Zappi’s Pizza & Pasta
Niagara Falls has long been a family-friendly destination, and what says “family dining” more than pizza? There are several pizza places near the falls, but this is one where locals on the Canadian side actually frequent. Zappi’s has been serving classic pies and pasta in unpretentious digs – complete with checkered tablecloths – since 1971. For a rapidly changing town like this, that is some serious staying power. But one bite of their pizza and you’ll see why Zappi’s has become a local institution.
Red Coach Inn
Now let’s head across the border to Niagara Falls, NY for an iconic hotel/restaurant. The historic, ultra-charming Red Coach Inn has been open for 101 years, and its restaurant is popular with tourists and locals alike. This is definitely more of a splurge meal – think Surf N’ Turf, Pork Normandy, and Scallops Florentine – though breakfast and lunch tend to be cheaper and more casual. Either way, you can’t go wrong at this venerable spot.
Wings Galore!
Obviously, I’m not a chicken wing person, but I know a lot of you are. I’ve got ya covered. Niagara Falls is only a stone’s throw away from Buffalo, which means you’re never lacking for great wings. You could go into Buffalo itself, but there are plenty of great spots in Niagara Falls, NY as well. As I’ve previously documented, The Anchor Bar in Buffalo is where the buffalo wing was born. Turns out they have an offshoot in Niagara Falls! So does Duff’s, a popular chain with locations all over the Buffalo area. Finally, for a regional chain specializing in wings and craft beer, check out The Griffon Gastropub.
Weinkeller
After you’ve had your fill of craft beer, why not have some wine? Southern Ontario is home to several solid wineries, and the Weinkeller in Niagara Falls, ON is a self-described “craft winery” with an excellent fixed-price food menu. Whether you’re into oysters, steak, salmon, or (my personal favorite) the “Chef’s Vegan Journey,” you’re not going to have a bad meal here. Or a bad glass of wine, for that matter. The food is seasonal and made fresh, while equal thought and effort has gone into their highly drinkable wines. The Weinkeller is an elegant establishment with a beautiful patio, the perfect date spot for parents looking for some alone time. For a second here last spring, I thought I was in Napa Valley, before that chilly Canadian weather brought me back to reality!
Pho Xyclo
Many people are surprised to find out that Niagara Falls, ON is actually a decent-sized city of right around 100,000 people. And like just about any Canadian town of that size, it has a pretty diverse food scene. For some great Vietnamese food in Niagara Falls, I like Pho Xyclo. This humble – but often crowded – strip mall spot hits all the right notes for me, though its signature soup is the standout. Give it a try for lunch or dinner sometime; I think you’ll find it a welcome change from all the pancakes and burgers.
What Are Your Niagara Falls Faves?
As I said, I go to Niagara Falls a lot, since it’s not terribly far from my homebase of NYC. Each time I return, I’m struck by all the new development. While that development often brings tourist traps and overpriced restaurants, there are still plenty of great, unique, local places for hungry visitors to check out. But I’d love to hear where you like to eat. You never know, I just might end up falling for your favorite spot! Sorry, I thought I’d save my cringiest joke for last.
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