The snow might be piling up outside, but there’s no reason your dinner should leave you feeling just as cold. You’ve never ventured beyond the usual chain spots, and honestly, you’re not quite sure what makes a truly great local dish, which means you need a fantastic meal -stat. Fortunately, Fergus is packed with eateries that serve up warmth and flavor in equal measure – and sometimes, even more. Here are 16 places to find your next perfect bite.
Tapavino Wine & Tapas Bar
$$$ | (226) 383-8272 | WEBSITE
The scallop dish at Tapavino was pretty divisive among our group – some of us loved the delicate preparation, others found the seasoning a touch too bold. But we all agreed on their lobster rolls, which were works of art. We got ours with the recommended Albariño pairing, but however you order, you’ll be happy, because everything’s made with the chef’s authentic Spanish expertise shining through.
scozia restaurant
$$ | (519) 843-4770 | WEBSITE
Sure, there are Italian restaurants in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. But even though it’s in a lovely old house, this is still an excellent, reliable option for dinner when you want it, from the glassed pergola room to the stone floors and beautiful woodwork. Their seafood linguine with white sauce and butternut squash ravioli, made with fresh ingredients and careful preparation, are particular flavorful and satisfying favorites. Just don’t expect lightning-fast service when you’re here.
Underground Kitchen
$ | (226) 383-7684 | WEBSITE
A Fergus favorite since it opened, Underground Kitchen serves tremendous jerk chicken and shrimp curry. It’s a very serious Jamaican eatery that serves near-perfect versions of dishes, but doesn’t take itself seriously at all. The massive roti portions run about $12–$15. And, as any local food lover in Ontario will tell you, grabbing take-out from Underground Kitchen instead of a generic chain restaurant is a true culinary rite of passage.
barBURRITO
$ | (519) 843-6773 | WEBSITE
If there’s one single burrito in Fergus that we’d have every week, it would probably be the limited-time special from barBURRITO. The special is made with fresh ingredients and delicious sauces, and it’s flavorful, satisfying, and well-balanced, without being too heavy or overwhelming. Get some of those delicious pickled onions while you’re there.
The Fergusson Room
$$ | (519) 843-4770 | WEBSITE
A few years back, The Fergusson Room was a reliable spot in Fergus to grab a casual pint and a decent burger after work. Today, it’s become something of a local institution, with that cozy pub atmosphere feeling more essential than ever, and some truly standout made-from-scratch dishes to go along with it.
The Fergusson Room is also one of those rare places that perfectly bridges the gap between a great lunch spot and a wonderful evening pub, thanks to its first-class service and an excellent selection of beers on tap that keeps things interesting. Whether you’re in for the outstanding sticky toffee pudding or just discovering one of their hidden menu gems, it’s a solid choice that consistently delivers a comfortable, relaxed experience.
Breadalbane Inn
$$$ | (519) 843-4770 | WEBSITE
Breadalbane Inn, the elegant and cozy restaurant in Fergus, serves some of our favorite food in town. In fact, their beef tenderloin is so perfectly cooked that we don’t even need sauce or seasoning with it. It goes great with a Caesar salad.
Osmow’s Shawarma
$ | (519) 843-6006 | WEBSITE
A great spot to pick up dinner, Osmow’s Shawarma is a shawarma restaurant in Fergus. Their Philly Chicken is tender and packed with flavor, and the chicken shawarma wrap is super-sized and deliciously seasoned – we love it. We like the Fattoush salad here, too, so you wouldn’t be wrong if you wanted shawarma poutine, instead.
The Vault Coffee & Espresso Bar
$ | (226) 383-2326 | WEBSITE
If you think all coffee shops feel the same, we’re genuinely sorry for all the generic spots you’ve been visiting. And also, you should head straight to The Vault Coffee & Espresso Bar in Fergus to have your perspective transformed. They craft their signature drinks like the caramel macchiato and vanilla latte with such care, serving them in a space that feels both nostalgic and inviting.
The gluten-free raspberry white chocolate scone alone is worth the trip, paired perfectly with their great lattes or a London Fog. With friendly staff, cozy seating among potted plants and antique treasures, and that intact bank vault adding unique charm, it’s a local gem where every sip and bite—from the honey’d brie grilled cheese to the cinnamon buns—feels thoughtfully prepared.
Free street parking makes it easy to drop in for a light lunch or a pastry, and the overall experience, much like their stellar service, leaves you planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
Lucky Lotus 97 – Authentic Thai and Vietnamese Food
$ | (226) 370-0297 | WEBSITE
Sure, Lucky Lotus 97 is everything people might expect from a suburban Asian restaurant: strip mall location, $11 lunch specials, and dishes with names like Drunken Noodles and Pad Thai that you’ve seen a hundred times before. But they also make some damn good food – especially the Spicy Beef Noodle Soup, made with their tremendous house broth that packs serious heat. Their fresh salad rolls with shrimp and chicken are also great here.
Nonna’s Spoonfuls
$ | (519) 760-2667 | WEBSITE
We suspect that at some point, Fergus decided there would be free rent for any Italian restaurant that opened downtown. But the best of the many, many pasta spots in this Ontario town is Nonna’s Spoonfuls, a cozy storefront serving hearty homemade meals. Their daily pasta special is rich and satisfying, and if you’re looking for something a bit lighter, they’ve got our favorite cheese sandwich with vegetables around. There’s also a friendly and professional staff that makes dining enjoyable.
Golden Fish & Chips
$ | (519) 843-2740 | WEBSITE
Golden Fish & Chips is a Fergus spot that you probably know for their excellent haddock and chips, but their lunch specials are just as good. Get the Haddock and Chips special – it’s super crunchy, generously portioned, and tremendous.
Gente Urban Italian Eatery
$$ | (519) 787-2121 | WEBSITE
Gente Urban Italian Eatery has steadily grown from a cozy neighborhood spot to one of Fergus’ most beloved Italian destinations, earning a place on every local’s must-visit list. The secret to their enduring appeal? The fact that their food is consistently exceptional, from the comforting, daily-changing Zuppa Del Giorno, to the richly indulgent Gnocchi Gorgonzola.
They make their pasta from scratch, by the way, which is as good as it sounds – we usually save room for the Chicken Parmigana, so we can savor every last bite. The relaxed atmosphere and reasonable prices, around $18-$28 for mains, make it perfect for a casual dinner, though the interior can feel a bit snug when crowded. Thankfully, the friendly staff, led by the attentive Chef Angelo, keeps things running smoothly, especially during family visits.
Their patio offers a charming escape, and their reputation for accommodating dietary needs, even for weddings, shows their commitment. Gente remains a fantastic choice for a satisfying night out.
A&W Canada
$ | (226) 383-1665 | WEBSITE
A reliable fast-food chain in Fergus serving consistently good burgers and breakfast, A&W Canada is a solid choice amidst the sea of local diners and cafes. They use fresh ingredients for their made-to-order dishes, which means that the inside of their restaurant feels clean and welcoming. Our favorite is the teen burger, a classic option that is satisfying and flavorful. As a bonus, many of their breakfast items can be paired with expertly made coffee.
Guac Mexi Grill
$ | (519) 843-6000 | WEBSITE
You might drive past Guac Mexi Grill a few times before spotting it, but it’s absolutely worth finding this beloved Mexican spot in the heart of Fergus. There aren’t many places around where we’d suggest dropping $14 on a burrito bowl, but their version with salsa verde is worth every extra penny – it’s a fresh, flavorful creation packed with tender meat, rice, beans, and that very yummy sauce that’s tangy, vibrant, and perfectly balanced.
Fountain Head Health Store and the Red Door Restaurant
$$ | (519) 787-5123 | WEBSITE
Fergus’s Fountain Head keeps things simple, with one kind of Ploughmans sandwich made from wholesome ingredients. But we wouldn’t want any more than that, because the sandwich is flavorful and not the least bit heavy. Plus, Fountain Head serves soups made with fresh produce, and, if you’ve ever been to a health store, you know they take their ingredients very seriously.
Golden Coconut Thai and Vietnamese
$ | (226) 383-3111 | WEBSITE
Golden Coconut, the Thai and Vietnamese spot in Fergus, serves some of the most flavorful pad thai around, which is ideal when you’re craving something fresh and vegan-friendly after a long day. They’ve also got a standout pho and tom-kha soup with rich broth.