There are restaurants near Ontario, NY, and then there are restaurants, those places where you realize you might have been settling for mediocrity all along. This list is for the latter. Because when you finally decide you deserve better than another forgettable meal, you’re going to need options. And while we can’t do anything about your past dining disappointments, we can tell you exactly where to go when you’re ready to eat well.
Cam’s Pizzeria
$ | (315) 524-2300 | WEBSITE
You were irresponsible and went out on a work night. And even though you feel like you have the flu, you’re out of sick days for the year. Stop at Cam’s Pizzeria in Ontario, right near the main drag. It has excellent New York-style slices with that sweet sauce and incredibly crispy crust to hold you over until you get home. Then the only thing you’ll have to worry about is explaining what you just poured into your take-out box.
Heintzelman’s BBQ Pit
$$ | (315) 333-1235 | WEBSITE
Sometimes barbecue seems like the best comfort food. But when your appetite feels like it could devour a whole smoked brisket, Heintzelman’s BBQ Pit is the actual best solution. You can get both at this family-friendly spot near Ontario, NY that not only has excellent char-broiled wings described as the ‘best ever,’ but offers generous portions, professional service, and most importantly, garlic pretzels that will make you forget you ever wanted dessert.
The owner Bob walks around ensuring everyone’s happy, and the welcoming atmosphere means no dinner wait—just huge, flavorful meals perfect for large groups or families with excellent kid-friendly options.
Original Candy Kitchen
$ | (315) 589-9085 | WEBSITE
We love the beef hash at Original Candy Kitchen, a fantastic restaurant particularly known for its delicious chocolates near Ontario, NY. Maybe because it reminds us of a perfected version of what we lazily throw onto a skillet on a slow Sunday morning – potatoes, corned beef, onions, and eggs. It can get pretty busy here, so only go if you’re prepared for a short wait that’s absolutely worth it.
Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria
$ | (585) 265-4455 | WEBSITE
Today left a gaping, empty space inside of you that can only be filled with roughly one large pizza. The mouthwatering chicken Charlie pizza at Salvatore’s is a perfect way to plug that hole. There are plenty of choices to consider as you scan the menu board – like classic pepperoni, veggie supreme, or meat lovers, and whether to get it thin crust, thick crust, or stuffed. Fortunately, it’s hard to make a bad selection here. Plus, that gaping, empty space inside of you isn’t too particular.
McDonald’s
$ | (315) 524-4061 | WEBSITE
If it were up to you, you would never leave the comfort of your couch, but the closest thing you have to a meal at home is a bag of stale chips. Go to McDonald’s in Ontario. It feels like a place that was built back when fast food existed, but before people really got the hang of making it consistently perfect. In other words, it’s a brightly-lit spot for you to grab a good burger, and even score some cheap soda if you want.
Hai Ru Chinese
$ | (315) 524-6792 | WEBSITE
The way you’re craving, you can’t settle for just one dish. You need a feast. But not the kind you’ll find in those sterile mall food courts. No, you need the generous portions at Hai Ru Chinese in Ontario. In addition to classics like egg rolls and lo mein, there are things like white meat sesame chicken and a General Tso’s that’s so spicy they literally warn you about it.
The couple running the place are kind and sweet, though be aware the exhaust system may not work properly, leaving an oily scent in the air. It’s reasonably priced and cash-only, but for fresh food in heaping amounts, it hits the spot.
Subway
$ | (315) 524-6105 | WEBSITE
Unlike your brilliant idea combining tuna with meatballs in one sandwich, putting turkey with bacon is a time-tested combination. That’s what you should do at Subway, a popular restaurant that has been serving customers for years. Order the turkey bacon sub, which comes with fresh vegetables and your choice of sauce. And listen to your friends the next time they tell you mixing seafood and meat in one sub is a bad idea.
Maggie’s Sweet Shoppe & Bakery
You can satisfy a sweet craving one of two ways: grabbing a mass-produced cookie that will give you an immediate sugar rush, or indulging in something artisanal that actually tastes like quality ingredients. Maggie’s Sweet Shoppe & Bakery is where you can do the latter. It’s a cozy bakery with incredible cookies, like pumpkin coffeecake and molasses to remind your taste buds what real baking is all about.
Magic Wok
$ | (315) 524-8898 | WEBSITE
You got tired of waiting for soggy egg rolls and bland chop suey at that other Chinese place across town. The line at Magic Wok is much smoother, and the reward is better – a generous sesame chicken combo, perfectly cooked white rice, and a large wonton soup that lasts for days. Afterward, you can try to craft a polite text message saying that you actually don’t want to join your friend’s quest to find better Chinese food elsewhere.
Pulcini’s Ice Cream
$ | (315) 830-6290 | WEBSITE
Summer days and ice cream stands have a symbiotic relationship, like sunshine and sunglasses. You need sweetness, generous scoops, and for somebody to make you smile. Pulcini’s Ice Cream, a family-run stand near Ontario, has all of the above. You’ll even be handed a sample spoon when you approach the counter. Get a double scoop of their vegan chocolate with rainbow sprinkles, find a spot at the clean outdoor tables, and allow this important relationship to continue to blossom.
Sunny’s Donuts and Cafe
$ | (315) 904-4518 | WEBSITE
The donuts at Sunny’s Donuts and Cafe, a family-run shop next to the Valero station in Williamson, look as unpretentious as you feel on a lazy Sunday morning. If your craving for something simple and satisfying were personified, it would be one of these donuts – meaning generously sized, with a slightly rustic appearance that speaks to homemade care. But the important thing is that they taste absolutely delightful. Plus, they have the perfect amount of sweetness to keep your spirits from dipping.
Rootstock Cider & Spirits
$ | (315) 589-8733 | WEBSITE
Rootstock Cider & Spirits is a great cider house, with a spacious building that has an indoor corn hole area. That’s good because you can relax and play while you drink. The ciders, spirits, and reasonably priced food are excellent here, so you can just focus on enjoying those, and not get overwhelmed by a crowded or noisy atmosphere.
Caraglio’s Pizza
$ | (315) 524-3000 | WEBSITE
When you’re this hungry, you want things to go back to how they used to be, way before frozen pizza dough was ever invented. Do that at Caraglio’s Pizza, a reliable spot near Ontario, NY. This place has excellent pizza and wings. Plus, you can get their dough at a reasonable price. So grab some for later and if that’ll help.