It’s not all chain restaurants and predictable menus in Richmond Hill. The city’s drinking and dining scene is defined by the spots locals swear by, bartenders perfect, and chefs refuse to compromise. The ones tucked into unassuming plazas, spill onto patios with craft cocktails, or serve plates that speak for themselves. When curating this list, some choices were inevitable. But Richmond Hill’s bar-restaurant culture is vibrant, diverse, and full of hidden gems.
Café Nicole & Bar
$$$ | (416) 860-5151 | WEBSITE
Café Nicole & Bar is as essential to Richmond Hill as a proper brunch on a Sunday morning. Without it, and the comforting atmosphere it provides for weekend gatherings, the neighborhood would feel incomplete. The breakfast classics shine in two forms: traditional plates with perfectly cooked eggs and crispy bacon, or the indulgent Easter brunch buffet with made-to-order omelette stations.
Café Nicole & Bar, a cozy spot near St Lawrence Market known for making brunch dishes that even dinner-focused people will love, delivers both.
Orchid Garden Bar & Grill
$ | (416) 707-0222 | WEBSITE
It’s the pool table’s green felt and the friendly regular’s dinner recommendation that’ll stay with you after a visit to Orchid Garden Bar & Grill, a cozy neighborhood spot in Richmond Hill. Made possible by a helpful patron’s efforts, that dinner option is classic neighborhood dining, meaning simple ingredients turned into something warm and satisfying. Here, the dishes are thoughtfully prepared with care, creating a subtly comforting experience that mellows any outside stress.
Make sure to enjoy the music selection. This place may have occasional hours inconsistencies, but the ample seating and sharp hospitality say otherwise. Glasses are refilled without asking by staff who know the menu like they wrote it themselves.
The Queens Head Pub (Scarborough)
$$ | (416) 850-3291 | WEBSITE
Saturdays in Scarborough are for wings because Sundays are for football—a nod to the weekend ritual where a hearty meal prepares you for the game day ahead. While countless pubs across the city serve this beloved bar snack in all sauces, sizes, and spice levels, The Queens Head Pub is where you want to be on Saturday. Their crispy buffalo chicken wings get paired with perfectly golden fries, delivering a deceptively simple yet deeply satisfying combo.
A generous drizzle of tangy blue cheese dressing on the side adds a creamy kick that balances the dish’s heat. And if you want to double down on comfort food (a very respectable move), they’ve got an exceptional beef burger that’s served as a main, resting between a soft, toasted bun with all the classic fixings.
Drums N Flats
$$ | (647) 347-9474 | WEBSITE
No night out in Richmond Hill is complete without wings and live music. And Drums N Flats, a lively spot with rock ‘n’ roll themed tables and a dedicated stage, is where you should have your first of many. Great wings in both dry and wet options, with no heavy batter or breading, make for the perfect pairing with a cold beer and a definitely loud and “I might stay for the second set” kind of evening.
Arrive early: the shaded side patio fills up fast, so you’ll probably want to grab a seat before the band starts.
Tickled Toad Pub & Grill
$$ | (905) 771-1766 | WEBSITE
A pub that’s been around for over 30 years has to get certain things right. The beer selection needs to be extensive but not overwhelming, the atmosphere should feel welcoming whether you’re with a beer league team or flying solo, and the food has to deliver good quality at fair prices. Owner Sonia has been perfecting this balance for decades at her landmark spot in Richmond Hill.
Her attentive staff, despite occasional forgetfulness, creates that great pub vibe with fun themed nights and live music. The blackened steak gets cooked just right—charred at the edges without being overdone—and the chicken souvlaki comes with sides that are perfect for mopping up every last flavorful drop.
Tickled Toad Pub & Grill also handles dietary restrictions and holiday parties with that same accommodating, easy-to-work-with attitude that makes it a go-to for date nights and family gatherings alike.
Milestones
$$ | (905) 731-8930 | WEBSITE
Everything Milestones serves turns to satisfaction, including the Surfside salad at their Richmond Hill location. It’s crisp, generously portioned, and dressed with just enough vinaigrette to coat each leaf. You’ll find classics like the popular Chili chicken and straightforward birthday desserts with sparklers, along with some unexpected touches like the cozy outdoor patio right alongside the road. Enjoy a meal and happy hour drink, just steps from attentive servers like Kiara and Boran.
ZUI Beer Bar
$$ | (647) 686-5519 | WEBSITE
Some folks swear by craft IPAs, or believe a classic lager is the ultimate bar drink. But ZUI Beer Bar proves it’s all about the towers, or drink spectacles. Their fried skewers arrive sizzling on the plate, with perfectly seasoned meat and vegetables cooked to juicy tenderness, alongside generous portions of flavorful snacks. It’s so good, we’ve considered ordering another round—and honestly, we just might one of these nights.
Green Dragon CVR
$$$ | (647) 271-5744 | WEBSITE
A great video game bar should have a chill atmosphere, friendly service, and the ability to make you forget about your phone for a few hours. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Green Dragon CVR, a laid-back spot that’s the self-proclaimed “Best Bar Restaurant in Richmond Hill” (and we wholeheartedly agree). Come by in the evening so you can experience the cozy environment and amazing host, Mike, who goes above and beyond to ensure a great time.
On your way out, don’t forget to thank the owner for creating such a welcoming vibe with incredible service.
Gabby’s
$$ | (416) 792-3111 | WEBSITE
Nashville chicken is a dish that can easily become a greasy mess, which is proof that Gabby’s kitchen can turn something potentially heavy into something incredible. It arrives on a plate with generous portions, perfectly fried to a golden crisp with a spicy kick that lingers just right. The chicken has a juicy tenderness beneath its crunchy coating.
When you bite into it, the heat releases a satisfying warmth that pairs beautifully with their fresh pizza crusts, adding its signature bold, Southern-inspired flavor. Gabby’s, a Richmond Hill restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere that encourages socializing, excels at Nashville chicken—not just as a main, but also in their gluten-free options that maintain the same great taste.
Kelseys Original Roadhouse
$$ | (905) 470-6700 | WEBSITE
Kelseys Original Roadhouse is the go-to family-friendly spot in Richmond Hill, and their Salt n Vinny Fish & Chips are the best in the area. Pull into the mall parking lot, which offers plenty of space even on busy nights, grab a table with the attentive servers who genuinely care, and don’t be surprised if your ribs come with a slightly charred edge or your burger has a creative substitution—that’s part of the appeal.
Hunan Cuisine BBQ & Bar 湘老九
If Hunan runs on spice, then it boldly sizzles with barbecue. Hunan Cuisine BBQ & Bar (which, yes, translates to ‘Xiang Lao Jiu’) is known for its traditional flavors, so it’s no surprise their dishes are among the most authentic. Try the kidney flowers paired with a plate of stir-fried pork slices with green peppers, or their fiery stir-fried pork kidney with chilli pepper.
Also good to know: the service is attentive and helpful, and while rice is a bit pricey, the overall experience makes it a recommended destination.
Adrak Richmond Hill
$$ | (905) 889-8000 | WEBSITE
Although it’s nestled in a busy Richmond Hill strip, Adrak Richmond Hill offers a surprisingly intimate dining nook that even the regulars sometimes overlook. Their signature naan arrives fresh and thin, with just the right amount of char from the tandoor. Although the dishes are straightforward, Indian cuisine is one of the most challenging to balance, and Adrak Richmond Hill nails it every time.
Palazzo Lounge & Bar
$$ | (416) 838-6235 | WEBSITE
Palazzo Lounge & Bar isn’t the spot you stumble upon by chance. Nope, you’re gonna gather your friends, show up ready for a good time, and dive into their fun karaoke scene, starting with the wing tips. The crispy wing tips are tossed in a savory sauce, paired with a variety of songs that hit the perfect mix of classics and new hits, and finished off with a friendly, prompt staff.
If you’re coming on a weekend night, the atmosphere gets even more welcoming, paying tribute to the cozy lounge vibe and bringing a nice burst of energy. Whether you’re alone or with a group, this gem is perfect for drinks and a good laugh.
Han Ba Tang
$$ | (416) 546-8218 | WEBSITE
At Han Ba Tang, it’s all about Korea’s most prized comfort food: jokbal. Start with the unbelievably tender pig’s trotters, which are rich and practically melt in your mouth. Then move on to the perfectly crispy seafood pancake, a savory delight packed with flavor. If you’re still hungry, try the spicy rice cake that’s a hit with diners and the crispy chicken wings packed with flavor.
Save room for the makguksu, because after all those shareables, you deserve that refreshing balance of buckwheat noodles. The pineapple drink is very refreshing and delicious, and the highball pairs well with the food. Portions are big and can feed 2-4 people, making it a great choice for sharing. Service is excellent with friendly, attentive servers who make diners feel genuinely welcome. The interior is relaxed, charming, and hip—a great spot for a fun night out.
Whether it’s the unique offering of chicken feet or the versatile jokbal, make sure to choose the right amount of spice for you. Overall, Han Ba Tang is an absolute gem that excels in both food and service.