10 Best Fancy Restaurants in Pickering
Do you fancy fancy dinners? It’s not true that only urbanites and major city dwellers have top notch foodie places.
Couples from Pickering can find joy in the fact that there are fancy places to go on dates in the area for their romantic dinners, or celebrate special occasions. There is no need to go very far because Pickering has a selection of hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered and explored.
Browse through the list below and find the perfect place for your next intimate date. Here are the top 10 Best Fancy Restaurants in Pickering:
1.Il Fornello
Photo from (https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba7SKPIDErj/)
Il Fornello is a corner lot, modern-looking building that is more than meets the eye. Inside its modern facade, are gastronomic delights just waiting to be feasted on! As can be seen in the picture above, the food is prepared with finesse, expertise, and a whole lot of love. The dish pictured above is their Il Fornello spaghetti, made with their house made tomato sauce, fresh basil, ricotta and meatballs. Or why not their Pappardelle with Italian sausage which comes with broad noodle pasta with crumbled house made Italian sausage, cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, olive oil garlic sauce finished with grana padano and arugula. That sounded so good that my mouth is now watering. Come for an unforgettable Italian dining experience at Il Fornello!
2. Casa Verde
Photo from (http://casaverderestaurant.ca/gallery#PhotoSwipe1510038058775)
Casa Verde Restaurant, nestled in the heart of historic Pickering Village, is an ideal location to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The simple laid back atmosphere of this family owned and operated establishment makes it the perfect location to celebrate the joys of food, friends and family. From the charming staff and authentic Italian cuisine, to the diverse vintage wine list, there is something here for your special day. Feast your eyes and mouths on offerings such as the Lumache alla Ligure which features snails sautéed with mushrooms and garlic in a tomato sauce with a touch of cream served in a puff pastry, Prosciutto e Melone which is a Parma ham draped over sliced cantaloupe melon, Carpaccio which offers thinly sliced raw beef tenderloin marinated in lemon and virgin olive oil, topped with shavings of Parmigiano cheese and mushrooms, Linguine alla Pescatoraw ith shrimps, squid, scallops and mussels, in a white wine sauce with olive oil, garlic and fresh diced tomatoes, or Costata D’Agnello a Modo Mio which is a roasted rack of New Zealand lamb coated with herbs, Dijon mustard, in a red wine sauce with fresh rosemary.
3. Beryl’s Pepper Pot
Photo from (http://berylspepperpot.com/)
Beryl’s Pepper Pot is the only establishment in Pickering that offers authentic Jamaican cuisine and traditional Jamaican entrées. If you want to try something fresh and new, and want to feel that Jamaican vibe, Beryl’s Pepper Pot should be your next date place. It’s an upscale dining affair in their Pickering branch! At Beryl’s, you will be served with your choice of white rice or rice and peas with house coleslaw for your orders of Curry Goat if you’re feeling adventurous, Stewed Oxtail, Jerk Pork, Chicken Breast, or Jerk, Stew or Island Style Fried Chicken. You can also order whole Red Snappers which come with potatoes in a delicious curry sauce then wrapped in a paratha roti. If you’re on a diet, enjoy their Lucea Lush Green which is a delightful combination of red romaine lettuce, kale, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, pumpkin seeds, cranberries with your choice of dressing. Coming from Jamaica, it’s no wonder that the food she prepared is seasoned, unique and tasty – boasting of influences from the Spanish, British, East Indian, West African, Portuguese, Chinese, French and Dutch heritage. You’re in for a treat at Beryl’s Pepper Pot!
4. The Red Kitchen
Photo from Zomato
A taste of Thai and Pho: check out The Red Kitchen! First, let’s outline their excellent food: the chicken and shrimp pad thai, and seafood soup with fresh spring rolls are excellent and are highly recommended. The food are simple and the fresh flavor can really be tasted. (Try the corn cakes with the peanut sauce, it’s excellent.) Next, let’s hear about the wonderful service. The people who work here treat you with so much kindness and you are always served with a smile. It also helped that the staff were knowledgeable about which foods were celiac safe — absolutely recommended! What about the ambiance? Simple modernist, but still classy and tasteful. Ladies and gentlemen, presenting your new favorite foodie place: The Red Kitchen!
5. Cielito Lindo
Photo from Cielito Lindo
The Cielito Lindo is a restaurant that is considered in Pickering as a hidden hole-in-a-wall gem that serves delicious and hearty Mexican food. This family restaurant offers a warm, cozy, and welcoming ambiance and the family operated customer service is very personable and engaging. Try the homemade nachos, the spicy salsa with cilantro and you will agree that every bite is indeed authentic. As to those with special diets or allergies: just tell them and they will be more than happy to accommodate your needs. As to the drink list? Tip: the Margaritas are superb. With such reasonable prices too, you’ll keep coming back for more. Come and get a taste of “Beautiful Heaven”: Cielito Lindo!
6. Bistro 36
Photo from Bistro 36 Facebook
Bistro 36 is a hidden gem for great breakfast and lunch food items; Instagram-worthy too as you can see from the picture above. You just can’t go wrong with their famous breakfast. The food is always fresh and tasty and the service is wonderful. This is a small family run business and they do an excellent job looking after their diners. You can opt for the smoked salmon, capers and cream cheese on a bagel that comes with home fries and a slice of melon and orange. Or, you can have the HUGE breakfast burrito, or why not the 3 egg breakfast? The service will always be friendly and quick in Bistro 36. And they really deliver: in Bistro 36, when you order “crisp bacon,” you will get crisp bacon. Plus, three servings of fruit are included with a “normal’ meal.” At Bistro 36, satisfy your hunger!
7. Island Mix Restaurant and Lounge
Photo from (http://islandmix.ca/pickering-menu/)
Here’s something completely new: Caribbean and West Indian Chinese cuisine! Island Mix Restaurant and Lounge welcomes you to a laid back dining experience, and you’ll really feel the island vibe. Their Island Mix’s Bar, Lounge and Patio areas serve fine signature cocktails that are handcrafted by their Bar Staff using fresh fruits, fine liquor, and island mixers. (Oh so that’s why they won the Reader’s Choice Award in 2014!) Some of their delicious creations include their Chicken with Black Bean Sauce: lightly dusted fried boneless diced pieces of chicken sautéed in a savory black bean and oyster sauce with green peppers and onions; Szechuan Shrimp: Jumbo deveined lightly battered shrimp sautéed in a spicy oyster sauce with scotch bonnet peppers, andonions. I know you’re hungry, I definitely am for some Island Mix!
8. HY Tea
Photo from (http://www.hy-tea.com/hy-tea-time)
A charming teahouse and restaurant by the lake, the Frenchman’s Bay Village community in Pickering provides the perfect setting for intimate and cozy gatherings. Sit near the water and listen to the sounds of nature as you let your taste buds savour the flavor of warm scones, whipped butter, tasty desserts, sweet devon cream, and many more. Their tea selection can’t be beat: for loose leaf teas alone, they have over 27 choices, including Rose Buds and Petals, Egyptian Chamomile, Blueberry Bang, and oh so much more. Hy-Tea has also been recognized as a GOLD award winner and in 2007, they received the “Readers Choice 2007 Gold Award”. Make your brunch a truly special affair with Hy (High) Tea!
9. The Waterfront
Photo from (http://waterfrontbistro.com/)
The Waterfront, as can be seen in the picture above, is a place of finesse and sophistication that features one of the most desirable patios with a view in an undeniable setting. Take in the atmosphere as you enjoy your exquisite food fronting a waterfront view. Dine indoors in their elegant restaurant or use one of the two lower patios or the roof top deck for your intimate date. Start off by warming your stomach with soup such as creamy tomato soup house made, topped with boursin cheese and swiss cheese. Move on to Saganaki cheese flambé dusted, pan fried, ignite with ouzo and lemon; then for the main entree, feast on their grilled shrimp colossal black tiger shrimp with garlic butter and crustini, and the Prime Rib French Dip slow roasted served with au jus, horseradish aioli. Totally exquisite food awaits you at the Waterfront!
10. Moxie’s
Photo from (Google Reviews)
Moxie’s Grill & Bar is located in the heart of Pickering, and boasts of a really good and diverse menu by its Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson. The menu draws on inspiration from around the world and is full of extraordinary takes on classic dishes. Steaks, pizza, burgers and wings share the menu page with sushi cones, vindaloo, enchiladas and potstickers. Moxie’s wide variety of pastas, burgers, salad, steak, pizzas, and seafood will surely excite your palate and have you coming back for more. Come and dine in their outdoor patio through the summer months, and there’s also an all-season indoor patio. It’s all the contemporary flavours you know and crave — here at Moxie’s!
