The Best Restaurants in Elora That You Really Need to Try

The Best Restaurants in Elora

Elora is one of our favourite places to visit at any time of the year. Not only is it an easy day trip from Mississauga (or Toronto for that matter), but we never tire of the town’s incredible charm or its unique shops. And of course, strolling through the town (and shopping) can work up an appetite! So, we have compiled a list of the best restaurants in Elora that you really should try.

Where is Elora Located?

Located in Wellington County, Elora is about an hour and a half drive from Toronto. Nestled along the gorgeous Grand River in Southern Ontario, travelling to the area for a day trip is quite easy.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Elora?

With such a variety of fun things to do in Elora Ontario, you can spend the day, or even a few days, in this quaint little town. We often visit Elora just for the day. But if this is your first time, we would definitely recommend spending at least one night in town to make the most of your time there.

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Where to Eat in Elora – The Best Restaurants

With approximately 30 restaurants, cafes and eateries to choose from, how will you decide where to dine? We have put together a comprehensive list of the best restaurants in Elora that you really should try.

We decided to focus on the eateries located in the downtown core, making it easy for most people to walk to from virtually anywhere in town. And if you fall in love with this charming little area as we have, you may just have to come back again and again until you try them all!

Elora Breakfast Restaurants

Although many restaurants in Elora offer some form of breakfast, the below-mentioned ones have an awesome selection for your morning meal.

The Box Social

Located next door to the Elora Brewing Company, the Box Social is the perfect place to grab breakfast or even brunch. With selections like fresh fruit cups, eggs benedict, Belgian waffles, french toast, breakfast burritos and even Huevos Rancheros, you are sure to find a tempting dish.

If you are leaning more towards lunch, then freshly made soups, sandwiches, wraps and salads are all available. Some gluten-free options are available.

Address: 103 Geddes St, Elora, Ontario Canada
Mon: Closed | Tues-Fri: 8am-2pm | Sat-Sun: 8am-2pm
Website

The Lost and Found Café

Located in the Elora Mews, The Lost and Found Café is the perfect place to grab a coffee. Not only do they offer incredible, mouth-watering sandwiches and delicious treats, but they even have organic, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.

You can enjoy some of the best coffee around on their outdoor patio, inside the main café, or head up to their cute loft with a shelf full of books.

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The Lost and Found Café sources many of its baked goods locally, so you know they are going to be fresh as well as delicious. And since their featured hand-crafted lattes change every month, you may want to visit often to give them all a try!

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Address: 45 West Mill St, Elora, Centre Wellington, Ontario Canada
Mon: 7:30am-4pm | Wed-Fri: 7:30am-4pm | Sat-Sun: 7:30am-5pm | Tues: Closed
Website

Elora Cafés and Coffee Shops

Whether you are looking for a great cup of coffee to start your day or just a quick bite to eat, these cafés and coffee shops will be sure to hit the spot.

Elora Coffee Roasters

Elora Coffee Roasters is a zero-emission coffee roaster. Their coffee is served in cafes and restaurants all over Elora, so chances are, you have probably tried it already!

Elora Coffee Roasters may be tiny, but their coffee is incredible! Located near the Elora Mill, their newly opened storefront allows patrons to not only sample the coffee but also gives people an opportunity to roast their own.

Address: 175 Geddes St #1, Elora, Ontario Canada
Tues-Thurs: 9am-3pm | Fri: 9am-6pm | Sat-Sun: 9am-6pm | Mon: Closed

Café Crêperie

Located near the Elora Mill, Café Crêperie offers delicious food, a cozy environment, and even weekly open mic nights and live music. What more could you ask for?

Café Crêperie offers sweet and savoury crêpes, housemade soups, salads, specialty coffees, beer, wine, and baked goods. Not only is everything freshly made, but they also have pretty decent vegan and gluten-free options.

Address: 40 Mill St W, Elora, Ontario Canada
Mon & Wed: 10am-4pm | Tues: 10am-4pm, 6pm-10pm | Thurs-Fr: 10am-7pm | Sat-Sun: 10am-7pm
Website

Wreckless Eric

Wreckless Eric is a fun café featuring fair trade organic coffee, loose leaf tea, local beer or even signature cocktails. If you are looking for a little more than just coffee, try one of the café’s tasty blends of coffee with cream, liqueurs and whimsical toppings.

Wreckless Eric also serves a variety of delicious, bowls, wraps and salads. The café features an eclectic mixture of flavours combined with homemade sauces and dressings. You will even find some amazing vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Address: 90 Metcalfe St, Elora, Ontario Canada
Mon-Fri: 7:30am-5pm | Sat-Sun: 7:30am-5pm
Website

The Elora Café

The Elora Café serves up the best quality drip and espresso-based drinks, baked goods and light fair. Stop in for a quick bite and a great cup of coffee.

Address: 175 Geddes St #1, Elora, Ontario Canada
Mon-Thurs: 7am-4pm | Fri: 7am-6pm | Sat-Sun: 8am-6pm
Website

Elora Restaurants on the Water

If you are looking for good food with an awesome view of the water, look no further! And the best part is, these restaurants serve a variety of specialties, so you should have no trouble finding a place that suits your tastes.

Shepherd’s Pub

Shepherd’s Pub does not just serve up your typical pub grub! There you will find incredible dishes from Currywurst to Shawarma Fries, Carnitas Burritos, Donairs, Beef & Guinness Stew, as well as several Indian-inspired dishes.

You will also find a full vegan menu with plenty of items to choose from including meatless burgers, curries, wraps and salads.

Sit out on their patio and enjoy some great food, interesting beer cocktails, and of course, a beautiful view of the river.

Address: 5 E Mill St, Elora, Ontario Canada
Mon: Closed | Tues-Thurs: 12-10pm | Fri – Sat: 12-11pm | Sun: 12-9pm
Website

LaFontana

LaFontana offers its guests a variety of delicious housemade fresh pasta and sauce, as well as wood-oven baked pizza. Its aim is to serve not just fresh, but sustainable, local, and seasonal food.

From wild boar to smoked duck, snail fettuccine and spiced lamb curry, their innovative menu is sure to please the foodie in you. Enjoy the views of the Grand River from their outdoor patio, or sit inside their quaint dining room.

Address: 45 West Mill St, Elora, Centre Wellington, Ontario Canada
Mon: 9am-4pm | Wed-Fri: 9am-4pm | Sat-Sun: 10am-5pm
Website

The Friendly Society

One of the best restaurants in Elora for families with children is The Friendly Society. Located across the street from the Green Space and sculpture park, this lively restaurant serves up a variety of fresh food and drinks that will make your mouth water!

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From chicken and waffles to lobster mac and cheese, truffle parmesan fries, spicy tuna poke bowls, and charred corn gnocchi, you can see how narrowing down your food choices may be difficult!

And if their regular menu wasn’t tempting enough, The Friendly Society also has an extensive vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menu, that is sure to satisfy any cravings you may have.

And although we did not notice a separate children’s menu, kids should not have a problem finding something they like on the regular menu.

Address: 8 Mill St W, Elora, Ontario Canada
Sunn: 10am-8pm | Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-10pm | Fri-Sat: 8:30am-11pm
Website

The Cellar Pub & Grill

The Cellar Restaurant is a great little dining spot situated in downtown Elora. Enjoy lunch or dinner on the Riverside Patio, or inside the inviting restaurant which is decorated like a wine cellar of years gone by.

Focusing on serving an excellent, fresh, local, meal at an affordable price, the Cellar offers a delicious casual fine dining menu which is perfect for an anniversary, birthday, special date night, or just a gathering with friends. You will even find live music on the patio on the weekends.

Address: 13 Mill Street East, Elora, Ontario Canada
Mon-Tues: Closed | Wed-Fri: 11am-9pm | Sat-Sun: 11am-9pm
Website

Restaurants in Elora with a Patio

Although there are quite a few restaurants in Elora that have patios, we have decided to highlight just a few that we haven’t mentioned anywhere else in this post.

Elora Brewing Company

If you are looking for a great place to grab a local beer, while enjoying an awesome burger, look no further than the Elora Brewing Company. With several beers and ciders that are made at their on-site craft brewery, you are sure to find something that pleases your pallet.

Aside from the delicious lagers, stout, sour ale, and classic comfort food offerings, we found the Elora Brewing Company to be a family-friendly option that you need to add to your list of things to do in Elora!

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We absolutely love the ambiance of the Elora Brewing Company’s stone façade and interiors. The building has beautiful exposed beams and stone, as well as a garage door that opens up at the front of the restaurant, allowing in a nice breeze in the summer.

So whether you decide to sit inside, or out on their quaint patio, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful weather.

And let’s not forget the cool glass wall that allows you to see the brewery, and also acts as a backdrop to the stage during their live music nights.

Address: 107 Geddes St, Elora, Centre Wellington, Ontario N0B 1S0 Canada
Sun: 11am-9pm | Mon-Thu: 11am-11pm | Fri-Sat: 11am-1am
Website

The Evelyn

The Evelyn is one of Elora’s newest restaurants. With a French-inspired menu that includes vegetarian options, an amazing private patio, and an incredible ambiance, even their signature hot dogs will taste like haute cuisine!

The Evelyn is a little on the pricey side, but well worth the experience.

Address: 130 Metcalfe St, Elora, Centre Wellington, Ontario N0B 1S0 Canada
Daily: 12pm-8pm
Website

Handsome Devil Bistro

The Handsome Devil Bistro is an upbeat, casual restaurant that serves amazing dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Both the food and beverage menu is changed regularly, making sure things stay interesting and innovative.

The Handsome Devil Bistro offers both Ontario craft beer on 5 rotating taps, as well as a variety of new and exciting beers. Signature cocktails are also “a thing” at the bar, so expect the unexpected!

Address: 146 Metcalfe St, Elora, Ontario Canada
Mon: 12:00-8pm | Tues-Thurs: 11:30am-8pm | Fri-Sat: 11:30am-9pm | Sun: 11:30am-8pm
Website

Ice Cream and Sweet Shops in Elora

Elora Bread Trading Co.

Elora Bread Trading Co. is a small-batch artisan bakery. They focus on the traditional methods of bread-making, with all their bread being handcrafted from start to finish using quality organic, natural, and local ingredients.

Elora Bread Trading Co. offers a variety of bread that change throughout the week, as well as a number of culturally- or historically-inspired baked goods (think focaccia or bialys which are Polish-Jewish bagels), and shortbread cookies.

Address: 73 Metcalfe St, Elora, Ontario Canada
Mon-Tues: Closed | Wed-Fri: 10am-5pm | Sat 10am-4pm | Sun 10am-3pm
Website

E & G Bakery

E & G Bakery specializes in fresh homemade European pastries and cakes. You will also find a variety of bread, croissants, Middle Eastern snacks, tea, and coffee.

Of course, E & G Bakery also does custom special occasion cakes if you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary while in Elora!

Sweet Distractions

If you are visiting with kids – BEWARE! You will never get them out of this incredible little candy boutique! We could have spent an hour checking out the walls of candy!

Instead, we headed straight to the rear of the shop to browse the gelato counter! There were some pretty great flavours to choose from, including some delicious and unique non-dairy options. Hello lemon-basil!

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The amazing shop owners definitely make you feel welcome. We would definitely recommend a visit to Sweet Distractions when compiling your list of things to do in Elora!

Address: 16 West Mill Street, Elora, Ontario N0B 1S0, Canada
Mon-Thu: 12pm-5pm | Fri: 12pm-7pm | Sat: 11am-7pm | Sun: 11am-6pm
Website

Sugar Skulls Ice Cream

Sugar Skulls Ice Cream is located just across the river from the downtown core. They offer an incredible 70 different flavours of soft-serve ice cream, slushies, and milkshakes with over 40 toppings to choose from!

Address: 22 Metcalfe St, Elora, Ontario Canada
Mon: 11:30am-8pm | Tues-Sun: 11:30am-9pm
Website

Scoop Ice Cream

Scoop Ice Cream is a small shop located near the Elora Mill. Specializing in small-batch hand-crafted ice creams, gelatos, and sorbettos, only the best local ingredients go into their recipes.

Not only do they serve up a rotating variety of seasonal ice cream, milkshakes and sundaes, but Scoop also carries vegan/dairy-free ice cream options, as well as take-home pints.

Address: 58 Mill St. West, Elora, Ontario Canada
Mon-Fri: 12-9pm | Sat: 11am-9pm | Sun: 11am-8pm
Website

Remi’s Place

Centrally located in the Elora Mews courtyard, Remi’s Place Ice Cream Bar and Grill is the perfect place to stop for a quick bite and a frozen treat. Remi’s Place is well known for its many varieties and flavours of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and cool drinks, as well as its burgers, hot dogs and fries from the grill.

With some outdoor seating available in the warmer months, you can take a break from shopping and sightseeing to relax and enjoy your treat in the beautiful courtyard.

Address: 45 Mill St W, Elora, Ontario Canada
Tues: Closed | Wed: 11am-7pm | Thurs-Sat: 12-7:30pm | Sun-Mon: 11am-7pm
Website

Fine Dining Elora

The Wild Tart

The Wild Tart is a small European-style patisserie located in the heart of downtown Elora. When we found out that they served an exquisite English afternoon tea, Miss Somersault and I were immediately drawn in!

Although we dined inside the café, there is a really cute back patio garden that is also available for seating. Either way, be sure to make reservations in advance, as this popular spot fills up fast!

While Hubby and Mr. Bump ordered from the regular menu, Miss Somersault and I decided to share a Classic Afternoon Tea.

And although not technically fine dining in the formal sense, the Wild Tart definitely caters to gourmet foodies! You won’t find burgers and fries here!

Tea Time

We each had our own pot of tea (one comes with the service, so we ordered a second). Miss Somersault tried a chocolate tea, while I decided on a cranberry chai. Both were quite nice.

The afternoon tea experience comes with a variety of little sandwiches, scones (served with clotted cream and jam), finger sandwiches, and bite-sized cakes and pastries. Everything was absolutely delicious!

The Wild Tart not only offers a vegan or gluten-free formal afternoon tea, but it also offers a children’s tea service. Mr. Bump actually considered it but was won over by the prospect of house-made french toast, made with brioche and served with crispy bacon, chantilly cream, and maple syrup.

Hubby had the open-faced hot roast beef sandwich with a pot of apple tea. The sandwich was quite tasty!

My only regret was not ordering a tea service for each of us. The Classic Afternoon Tea was not enough food for two people. We may have left hungry, but we totally enjoyed the experience.

Miss Somersault loved her ‘big girl’ tea party and has been looking forward to the next time we can experience one.

Address: 61 Metcalfe St, Elora, Centre Wellington, Ontario N0B 1S0 Canada
Contact Number: (226) 384-8278
Sun: 10am-5pm | Mon-Tue: Closed | Wed-Thu: 12pm-5pm | Fri-Sat: 10am-8pm
Website

The Elora Mill Restaurant

If you are in need of a little pampering, then the luxurious Elora Mill Restaurant is the perfect place for a special occasion dinner. Although it was originally built in 1843 as a flour mill and distillery, today, it’s one of the main attractions in Elora.

This newly renovated and gorgeous hotel, spa, and restaurant sits on the edge of the Grand River. Enjoy a gorgeous view of the water from the incredible dining room, as your tastebuds are tantalized by a variety of dishes highlighting locally-sourced ingredients.

With a menu that changes weekly based on the harvest from The Mill’s organic farm, guests are able to enjoy a true farm-to-table dining experience.

Address: 77 Mill St W, Elora, Ontario Canada
Sun-Sat: 7:30am-9:30pm
Website

Elora Casual Dining and Take-Out

Somethin’ Fishee

Specializing in – you guessed it – fish, Somethin’ Fishee is a great place to grab a quick bite. From hand-battered fish to fresh-cut fries, housemade coleslaw and tartar sauce, as well as a variety of other deep-fried items, it’s simple but tasty fare being served.

Address: 16 E Mill St, Elora, Ontario Canada
Sun-Tues: 12am-7:30pm | Wed-Thurs: 11:30am-7:30pm | Fri-Sat: 11:30am-8pm
Website

The Porch Light

The Porch Light is a small cozy pub-style restaurant with an outdoor deck that faces the main strip – perfect for people watching while enjoying your meal.

Choose from a delicious mix of homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, or one of their epic charcuteries. You can also expect to find a pretty good selection of local craft beer and custom cocktails.

Address: 82 Metcalfe St, Elora, Ontario Canada
Mon-Thurs: 4pm-2am | Fri-Sun: 12-2am
Website

The Badley

This unique business in Elora actually encompasses three distinct eateries: The Badley, The Diner and The Tartlet.

The Badley Bar is a late-night cocktail bar flanking the Diner. You can expect to find a variety of cocktails, fine wines, tapas and mezze-style share plates with an ever-changing selection of local cheese and charcuteries.

The Diner is a retro family-friendly diner serving lunch and dinner. It occupies the main floor as well as the awesome patio on the corner of Metcalfe and E Mill St.

At the Diner, you will find a variety of soups, sandwiches, and burgers, as well as some unexpected items like Freshwater Fish Cakes, Chicken Parm and Scallop a la Plancha.

Built on the lower patio of The Badley, The Tartlet offers European-inspired pastries, as well as an incredible selection of daily sandwiches, croissants, savouries, specialty coffee, and tea. A delicious selection of specialty cakes and tarts is also available for advance orders.

Address: 59 Metcalfe St, Elora, Ontario Canada
Mon-Tues: 5pm-11pm | Wed-Thurs: 12-11pm |Fri-Sat: 12am-12pm | Sun: 12-11pm
Website

Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Elora

So, as you can see, you really do have a ton of options when deciding between the best restaurants in Elora. No matter what your taste, budget, or time constraints are, you are sure to find something that will be pleasing to your palate.