BACKHOUSE • NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON

242 Mary St. 289-272-1242 backhouse.xyz

All the nominees for Canada’s Best New Restaurant are reviewed on eatandvote.com, where Canadians can vote for their favourite restaurant among the recommended openings of the year.

Ryan Crawford Chef
Beverly Hotchkiss GM

“We met at the space where the restaurant is now, about 10 years ago, and had our wedding reception here. Our vision was always a large chef’s counter where people could eat – we wanted the back of house to be part of the restaurant, to invite people into our kitchen. We call what we’re doing cool-climate cuisine, following the lead that the region’s wineries have taken for years. With our own farm, we’re focused on things that grow locally. Everything is wood-fired, we’re smoking our own fish, preserving and fermenting, being authentic to the food of Niagara. There’s a great camaraderie in the room, chefs are serving food and interacting with guests. When the lighting and the music are right, and the fire’s warm, there’s a buzz like a really good hockey game. Guests tell us they feel like they’re eating in our house, and that’s the hugest compliment.”

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