Delicious Things to Do in Stratford Ontario
Exploring things to do in Stratford Ontario reveals a vibrant culinary scene that extends throughout Perth County.
This charming region has become known for for exceptional food and drink experiences in southwestern Ontario. From artisanal coffee shops to farm-to-table dining, Stratford, ON, offers visitors and locals an impressive array of locally-grown and produced treats from morning until evening.
Whether you’re seeking gourmet dining, craft beverages, or authentic farm experiences, these top things to do in Stratford, Ontario, will satisfy every food lover’s appetite while showcasing the best of Perth County’s culinary landscape.
Perth County has become ground zero for up-and-coming food and drink companies of southwestern Ontario. Living in a small town in Stratford and St. Mary’s doesn’t mean you must give up on fab tastes or finding locally-grown or produced treats from morning until evening.
For newbies or regulars, check out these places in Stratford and St. Mary’s to expand your taste knowledge of southwestern Ontario’s Perth County.
More Adventures You’ll Love
Stratford’s fall flavors are just the start of a delicious journey. You might also love exploring the Adirondacks’ foodie scene or sampling authentic Hainanese chicken rice in Singapore.
For travelers who enjoy a side of history with their food, Bonnechere Caves offer unique underground dining experiences you won’t soon forget. Food connects places and people in the most delightful ways.
1. Start Your Day with Premium Coffee
JAVA At Revel Caffe, the spacious coffee shop of Stratford’s Market Place, regulars know they’re getting a cup of coffee that only passes through a few hands – from grower to roaster to cafe staff to customer. Following the belief in direct trade coffee, owner Anne Campion has created a place for community and coffee lovers.
The Livery Yard continues brewing the finest artisanal coffee with weekend live music.
2. Indulge in Elegant French Cuisine
LUNCH Visitors exploring things to do in Stratford, ON, can indulge at Café Bouffon, which anchors downtown’s street-level corner with elegant French cuisine, including duck confit and house-made agnolotti in a stunning Parisian bistro setting.
Toronto Tours
3. Experience Authentic Italian in Historic Cellars
Pazzo Pizzeria operates in Stratford’s oldest cellar (1832) and below Cafe Bouffon, serving authentic Italian fare. Chocolate Barr’s maintains its 20-year confectionery tradition. Wild Hog Country Market remains the go-to for upscale groceries and café offerings.
4. Discover Artisanal Cheese Making
Monforte Dairy operates from 49 Griffith Road with retail sales and farmers’ market presence, keeping their artisanal cheese legacy alive throughout southwestern Ontario.
5. Sample Handcrafted Spirits
DRINK Indulge in handcrafted spirits from Junction 56 Distillery, found on the other side of the tracks. Named for Stratford’s place in Canadian train history, the Junction 56 Moonshine can now be found in the LCBO. Still, a visit to the distillery provides access to purchase gin and vodka, and soon, cinnamon liqueur, a collaboration with fellow entrepreneur Tea Leaves.
6. Enjoy Craft Beer and Gourmet Dining
HAPPY HOUR Start with a pint at Black Swan Brewing Co., or for those who want to discover this craft beer brewery’s full range of creativity, go for a flight. Then, when the tummy starts grumbling, make tracks on the same street, just steps away to Foster’s Inn Restaurant. This is quality contemporary dining – think gourmet burgers, premium aged steaks, and sophisticated appetizers like beef carpaccio and burrata in an upscale but approachable setting.
7. Experience Japanese-Inspired Local Cuisine
DINNER Mercer Hall Inn offers a wide variety of craft beers from southwestern Ontario and a locally-sourced menu inspired by Chef Ryan O’Donnell’s time spent in Japan. The izakaya offerings include crispy raw radish and green bean salad, grilled mushroom steam bun, and the steamed pork dumpling plate. Visitors can plan to stay at the historic inn located above.
8. Immerse Yourself in Farm-to-Table Living
A FARM EXPERIENCE A weekend can be planned at Lynn River Farm between Shakespeare and Stratford. This welcoming 42-acre working farm offers an authentic farm-to-table experience with the ability to gather fresh eggs from free-range chickens and explore organic vegetable gardens where guests can forage seasonal produce.
Farm Store & Fresh Products The farm store fridge is stocked with homemade sourdough bread, farm-fresh eggs, and prepared meals crafted from scratch by chef-farmer Mike Higgins. Guests can enjoy seasonal offerings including fresh preserves, locally sourced honey, and artisanal products from neighboring Perth County farms.
GRAZE Farm Dinners (May-October) provide the ultimate farm experience – six-course, four-hour outdoor dining events featuring ingredients grown steps from your table. Each dinner includes a scenic farm tour where visitors meet the chickens, explore the gardens, and learn about sustainable farming practices. Dinners are $120 per person ($130 with live music) and require advance booking.
Additional Services The farm offers weekly home delivery every Wednesday for local customers, with online ordering available for fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared meals. Private events and weddings can be hosted in their heated tent with farm-to-table catering.
What to Expect While Lynn River Farm doesn’t offer overnight accommodations, their culinary workshops and farm tours provide hands-on education about sustainable agriculture. The experience connects visitors directly with their food source – from collecting warm eggs to harvesting vegetables that appear on dinner plates within hours.
Cooper, the farm dog, greets visitors with characteristic enthusiasm, adding to the authentic farmyard atmosphere that makes every visit feel like coming home to the countryside.
9. Explore European-Style Cheese Making
CHEESE PLEASE Drop by Stonetown Cheese, a dairy farm owned by Hans and Jolanda Weber, who now work with Swiss master cheesemaker Ramon Eberle to create tasty European-style cheese. With names inspired by the county, like Wildwood for the 50-year-old Wildwood Dam, and by the family heritage, like Homecoming, a Swiss-style cheese.
10. Discover Local Dining and Sweet Treats
MIDDAY BREAK After exploring the lures of Queen Street East in St. Marys, refuel at the charming Social Thirty-One for locally-sourced craft eats like handcrafted burgers with Hayter’s Farm pure ground turkey, herb & garlic aioli, fire roasted peppers, and marinated feta cheese, asparagus from Megens Family Farm.
There’s also beef patty burgers with cheddar cheese, smoked bacon, house-made country pickle, and secret sauce on brioche buns with a refreshing craft cocktail overlooking the golf course.
FARM VISIT Restock the pantry with farm-made goods like fruit pies, butter tarts, jam, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and Ontario maple syrup at the family-friendly McCully’s Hill Farm. This farm also provides excursions for local schools to learn about farm animals and how they tap the maple trees in early Spring.
Stroll to 443 Erie Street in Stratford, where you’ll discover Black Angus Bakery & Catering, a cozy establishment brimming with sweet delights and homestyle treats. Using “Mothers’ and Grandmothers’ recipes,” owners Trevor and Susan cook and bake with love those memorable foods that inspire nostalgic feelings of home.
The bakery is “renowned for its shortbread” and fresh daily offerings, which include “freshly baked pies, scones, tarts, muffins, and cookies”, plus “chocolate croissants fresh out of the oven” and custom cakes.
They also offer “a delightful range of beautifully designed Kandy Cakes” and “cupcakes” for special occasions. Open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 10am-2pm, with free Stratford delivery and curbside pickup available.
Stratford Ontario
These diverse culinary experiences showcase why Stratford, Ontario, has become a premier food destination in southwestern Ontario. From morning coffee rituals to evening farm dinners, the region offers countless opportunities to connect with local producers, taste exceptional cuisine, and create lasting memories.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended stay, these things to do in Stratford, ON provide the perfect blend of gastronomy, culture, and authentic local experiences. Perth County’s commitment to supporting local farmers, artisans, and food entrepreneurs ensures that every bite tells a story of community, tradition, and innovation that makes visiting Stratford truly special.
FAQ’s Delicious Things to Do in Stratford Ontario
Q: What are the best seasonal things to do in Stratford Ontario for food lovers? A: Fall offers harvest experiences at Lynn River Farm, winter features cozy dining at Foster’s Inn, spring brings maple syrup tasting, and summer provides farmers markets and outdoor GRAZE dinners.
Q: How far is Lynn River Farm from downtown Stratford? A: Lynn River Farm is located between Shakespeare and Stratford, approximately 15 minutes from downtown Stratford, making it easily accessible for day trips or dinner experiences.
Q: Do I need reservations for GRAZE Farm Dinners? A: Yes, GRAZE Farm Dinners require advance booking and run from May through October. Dinners cost $120 per person ($130 with live music) and include a farm tour.
Q: What makes Stratford ON special for food tourism? A: Stratford offers a unique combination of farm-to-table experiences, craft breweries, artisanal cheese makers, award-winning restaurants, and direct access to local producers all within a charming historic setting.
Q: Are there vegetarian and vegan options among these Stratford Ontario activities? A: Yes, many establishments offer plant-based options including Lynn River Farm’s vegetarian workshops, Social Thirty-One’s veggie burgers, and various cafes with vegan-friendly menus.
Q: What’s the best way to explore multiple food destinations in Stratford? A: Plan a full day starting with coffee at Revel Caffe, lunch at Café Bouffon, afternoon tastings at Junction 56 Distillery, and dinner at Foster’s Inn or Mercer Hall Inn.
Q: Can I visit these places year-round? A: Most establishments operate year-round, though Lynn River Farm’s GRAZE dinners are seasonal (May-October). Check individual business hours as some may have reduced winter schedules.
Q: Are these food experiences family-friendly? A: Yes, many options welcome families including McCully’s Hill Farm, Black Angus Bakery, farmers markets, and daytime farm tours at Lynn River Farm.
Q: How do I book experiences at Lynn River Farm? A: Visit their website at lynnriverfarm.com or call directly to book GRAZE dinners, private events, or culinary workshops. Advanced booking is recommended, especially for weekend experiences.
Q: What should I expect to spend on a food tour of Stratford Ontario? A: Costs vary widely – coffee runs $3-5, casual meals $15-25, fine dining $40-80 per person, and special experiences like GRAZE dinners are $120-130 per person.
IF YOU GO: Check out Visit Perth County’s website for more ideas and inspiration.
