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These Top 10 Restaurants in Oshawa Are Worth Breaking Your Diet For
“Where do you wanna eat?” is probably the most frustrating (or exciting) question, depending on the mood, the day, or how hangry you are. The pressure’s real: are we talking something chill and casual, a cozy date spot, or a dress-up dinner with cocktails?
To save you the stress of decision-making, here’s a handy guide to the best restaurants in Oshawa, covering every budget, craving, and vibe you might be after. Consider this your go-to cheat sheet for great eats without the hassle.
The White Apron Restaurant
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Address: 10 Bond St W
Contact details: +1 905-436-7766
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 7 AM – 3 PM
Pricing: $
Menu
Website
If you’re the all-day breakfast type of person, then The White Apron Restaurant is a local favourite worth checking out with classic breakfasts and comfort lunches. Expect staples like eggs Benedict, French toast, omelets, and lunches like pork belly Bahn Mi and sandwiches.
Huge points for their portions, too, many locals even share plates and box their leftovers since there’s a lot to get through. It’s also great that most dishes fall under $15, and coffee refills are free, which means you get to get your fill with homey flavours without breaking the bank.
While they don’t advertise gluten-free or vegan choices, vegetarians have a handful of solid options like veggie omelettes, toast, fruit plates, and customizable breakfasts. They also offer takeout, curbside pickup, and small-scale catering for local events.
Pro tip:
Try to show up first thing for the best experience, you’ll get to skip the brunch crowd, and the grill is at its freshest—potatoes extra crisp, toast hot, and service is at its peak. You’ll get first dibs on their window booths, too.
Avanti Trattoria
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Address: 17 King St E
Contact details: +1 905-404-8040
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 4 PM – 9 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Avanti Trattoria serves a cozy taste of Italy right downtown. Their menu is packed with items like calamari, Pescatore, Avanti Boscaiola, and creamy vegetarian carbonara, and their wood-fired pizzas with a thin crust and bubbling cheese.
Their dishes are quite inclusive, too! They have a solid choice for gluten-free diners, such as their corn and pasta options, even letting you swap noodles for gnocchi or whole wheat. You can also enjoy vegetarian and vegan items, including their carbonara and vegan chicken parmesan.
We also love their warm and inviting ambiance with an Italian-villa feel. The indoor seating is comfy, and there’s even a patio for those lovely summer evenings.
Pro tip:
For seamless dining, consider booking a table or arriving just after opening on weekends to avoid wait times. And if you’re a pizza fiend, ordering a half-and-half pie is a smart move (you get to try two favourites without going overboard).
Wildfire Steakhouse
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Address: 540 King St W
Contact details: +1 905-215-0231
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 4 PM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 4 PM – 10 PM
When you step into Wildfire Steakhouse, expect upscale American-Canadian fare centred around grilled steaks seasoned with their signature herb blend. Their impressive lineup includes Filet Mignon, New York Striploin, Rib Eye, and Wildfire Back Ribs.
But if you’re not that into steaks, they also offer seafood options, grilled chicken, and vegetarian-friendly appetizers. And we appreciate that they honour special dietary requests, including halal meat—just give them a heads up.
As for the atmosphere, expect intimate dining rooms, well-spaced tables, and a separate bar and lounge area. Overall, it’s stylish without being over the top or showy, making it ideal for a celebration dinner or business meals.
Pro tip:
Beyond steaks, go for the desserts, like chocolate blackout cake, classic carrot cake, and their NY cheesecake. And if you want something quieter and more intimate, reserve a table ahead of time and request seating in the lounge or by the bar.
Kebabs & More
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Address: 804 Ritson Rd S
Contact details: +1 365-800-0424
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 3 PM – 12 AM
- Friday to Sunday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Kebabs & More is the spot for a modern spin on Indian-style kebabs. They offer a good variety, including Achari Chicken Tikka, Reshmi Velvet Kebabs, Galouti lamb, and inventive vegetarian selections like Harabhara and corn and spinach kebabs.
Speaking of dietary options, all non-veg offerings are 100% halal, and vegetarians or vegans are well-served. You can even try the Chana Kebabs if you’re looking for something gluten-free, and balance the spice with their cooling yogurt-cucumber or mint chutney.
They also go beyond skewers, with their must-try bites like chicken lollipops, Manchurian-style wings, Monchow soup, and Tandoori Caesar. It’s also a plus that they serve generous portions, so groups or families can easily share and try more things.
Pro tip:
If you’re aiming for kebab bowls or poutine, try mixing lamb and chicken varieties for a tasty combo. And it’s probably best to order early in the evening, around 5–6 PM, to get the full menu before certain items run out.
Ciao Amici
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Address: 8 Bond St W
Contact details: +1 905-728-4888
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 6 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 7 PM
Ciao Amici is a budget-friendly spot that serves made-from-scratch Italian favourites, including veal or chicken parmigiana, spaghetti and meatballs, and tortellini or ravioli. And we can’t miss out on their daily specials like pizza Mondays, gnocchi Tuesdays, and lasagna Fridays.
Also, we’re impressed at how they make their offerings taste homestyle and fresh, particularly the rosé penne with meatballs, cheese tortellini, and veal parm. It also helps that their ingredients are sourced locally, and they aren’t stingy with their servings.
Expect to walk into a small and intimate space with a friendly, familial vibe. Despite its compact layout, we have to give them props for making sure it’s always clean and thoughtfully maintained.
Pro tip:
Consider arriving for an early lunch on Tuesday or Friday to catch their gnocchi or lasagna special, which is typically priced under $15, with enough for two meals. And seating is limited, so call ahead if you’re dining after noon or want to avoid crowds.
Courtney’s Island Flava
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Address: 555 Rossland Rd E
Contact details: +1 905-260-8123
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Courtney’s Island Flava is a family-run gem that serves up authentic West Indian fare, where you can get dishes like smoky jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, and curry chicken roti. For comfort food lovers, their jerk chicken poutine gives off a fun Caribbean twist.
On that note, with a menu rooted in Caribbean tradition, everything non-veg is 100% halal, and they also have options if you’re vegetarian or vegan. And you look forward to their soup of the day, like red peas, chicken, or beef soup, which adds a nourishing touch.
We also like that the restaurant is clean, kid-friendly, and has an open kitchen you can glimpse as meals are prepared. Their service is also efficient; they offer dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery.
Pro tip:
If you have any leftovers or bought takeout, ask them to pack extra gravy—it’s the perfect topper for rice, peas, or fries, and they’re usually happy to oblige.
Baxters Landing
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Address: 419 King St W
Contact details: +1 905-215-0132
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
We like how Baxters Landing has something for everyone. You can start with Moroccan curried chicken bites, calamari, or the trio dip platter, then dive into mains like AAA 40-day-aged steaks, seafood pappardelle, Peruvian-style chicken salad or Nashville hot chicken sandwich.
Another thing we love is that they host a daily happy hour (3–5 PM and 9 PM to close) with $5 to $10 deals on starters, cocktails, beer, and even pizzas and burgers. They also throw in half-price wine bottles every Wednesday, making it a go-to for casual outings.
For those who have dietary restrictions, you can go for their vegetarian and gluten-free options like pistachio gnocchi and Landing carbonara. Kudos to their staff for also being well-versed on allergens, so don’t hesitate to bring it up.
Pro tip:
If you’re celebrating or entertaining a group, book ahead and request lounge seating for a more relaxed vibe and access to their elevated cocktail program.
Family Greek
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Address: 646 King St E
Contact details: +1 905-404-2876
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Pricing: $
Menu
Website
Here are some of the things you’ll find in Family Greek: chicken and pork souvlaki dinners, gyro plates, lamb chops, steak dinners, fried calamari, and fish and chips. And we can’t leave out their Greek fries (fries drizzled with feta and dressing), one of their popular appetizers.
You can expect a casual, family-friendly environment with clean, no-nonsense decor. It’s also handy that it’s accessible for kids and wheelchairs, and offers takeout and delivery via platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash.
From what we’ve seen, they get high marks for flavour, portion size, and value. And they’re pretty consistent too, given how their diners leave great feedback—even their vegetarian options are well-received and praised.
Pro tip:
Ask for extra tzatziki on the side—it’s homemade and served generously, but it pairs well with almost everything from souvlaki to Greek fries, so it’s best not to run out. Also, for dinner plates, ask for your pita grilled instead of plain for a better texture.
Gomoku Restaurant & Event Space
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Address: 1812 Simcoe St N #3
Contact details: +1 289-240-6658
Operating hours:
- Monday: 5:30 PM – 2 AM
- Tuesday: 3 PM – 2 AM
- Wednesday to Sunday: 11 AM – 2 AM
Now, Gomoku Restaurant & Event Space serves an eclectic fusion feast–think over 21 chicken wing flavours, dumplings, and tapas-style bites. You’ll get to explore Asian-fusion tacos, loaded fries, rice bowls, and pastas like jerk chicken pasta and pesto pasta.
And we learned that their menu is ever-evolving, so you’re in for a culinary surprise if you stick around. Plus, with clearly marked vegan, gluten-free, and halal options, there’s something for everyone.
Their place is also cool. Expect a vibrant, artsy vibe with bold murals, pop-art decor, cozy booths, and polished designs. Not to mention, they offer a full bar, 360° video booths, and a private event space for birthdays, engagement parties, corporate functions, and more.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on their happy hour (4-8 PM daily) featuring discounted wings, tapas, and cocktails. You can also call first dibs on their board games and booths if you swing by early.
Hardy John’s Bar & Grill Oshawa
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Address: 50 Taunton Rd E Unit 1
Contact details: +1 905-240-4800
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 11 AM – 12 AM
- Thursday: 11 AM – 2 AM
Hardy John’s Bar & Grill features modern sports-bar vibes, with TVs in booths, a clean, welcoming bar, and stations for DJs, karaoke, and occasional comedy nights.
We’re also impressed and satisfied with their lineup of menu items and the flavours they offer. They serve gourmet tacos, hand-cut poutines, loaded nachos, massive Angus beef burgers, steaks, butter chicken, BBQ ribs and wings, and more.
You can also order their gluten-free pasta and wrap options, or their vegetarian salads if you have some dietary preferences.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting with a group, ask for one of the booth tables with built-in TVs.
