Categories > Guides and Tips
Top 10 Restaurants in Thunder Bay That Prove Calories Aren’t the Enemy
Being hangry is one thing—but being stuffed full of food you didn’t even enjoy? That’s a whole other kind of heartbreak. Like, why did we just spend good money on something that tasted like a 90s MRE, seasoned with plain air and maybe a hint of motor oil?
To spare you from tragic eats like that, we did the heavy lifting (of forks, not weights!) and rounded up the best restaurants in Thunder Bay, for every budget and every craving.
Giorg Cucina e Barra
Media from giorgcucina
Address: 114 Syndicate Ave N, (Justice Ave across from Courthouse)
Contact details: +1 807-623-8052
Operating hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 5 PM – 10 PM
Pricing: $$$
Giorg Cucina e Barra is a solid bet if you want both an Italian and upscale dining experience, especially for special occasions. We love how they take pasta seriously, making it in-house with a bronze die press, giving their pasta that rough texture that allows the sauce to cling on perfectly.
On that note, you can get their Fettuccine alla Giorg (chicken breast, smoked bacon, white sauce), Gnocchi Verde (spinach gnocchi and more), and Rigatoni Bolognese (pork, beef, veal in a San Marzano tomato sauce)—some of the standout choices.
Don’t miss out on their desserts, too. Think staples like cannoli, tiramisu, chocolate budino, and the daily specials displayed on their dessert board. And if you’re planning an event, they can seat up to 20 guests and a smaller one for up to 14; you can even opt for different dining formats.
Pro tip:
If you’re into learning about their food, you can join their cooking classes. Their options range from Italian American classics to nose-to-tail butchery, sauce-making workshops, and even tapas. You can go to their page to sign up for a class.
Cajun Fuzion
Media from cajunfuzion
Address: 116 Syndicate Ave S
Contact details: +1 807-577-2223
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 4 PM – 9 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Pricing: $$
What we like most about Cajun Fuzion is that you can pretty much get a taste of everything since they dive into Louisiana Creole cuisine. How? They meld French, Spanish, Portuguese, and West African influences, but you don’t have to worry about your food being overwhelming.
We have to shine some light on their star dishes: Louisiana Seafood Boil, Jambalaya with blackened salmon and fried plantains, and their Cajun Fuzion Burger. And from what we’ve seen, they don’t hold back on portion sizes—a “small” seafood boil can easily fill up two people.
Just note that although not explicitly vegetarian, they do show flexibility in catering to health-conscious eaters and customizing orders at no extra cost. Also, give their homemade classics a try, such as their empanadas, biscuits, and peach cobbler cheesecake.
Pro tip:
It’s bound to get messy if you’re going for the seafood boil, so bring a couple of wet wipes or napkins if you’re doing takeout, the sauce clings to everything. And you can also give them a call before you arrive to talk and tell them your order preference.
Tina’s Breakfast & Lunch
Media from tinasbreakfastandlunch
Address: 1170 Memorial Ave
Contact details: +1 807-286-0011
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 AM – 2 PM
Pricing: $
Tina’s Breakfast & Lunch is a straightforward name that describes exactly who and what they are. Situated on Memorial Avenue across from the Intercity Shopping Centre, Tina’s is an all-day breakfast (and lunch) restaurant that’s easy to find and a convenient stop before or after errands.
And here’s a cool trivia: they skip deep-frying dishes entirely; instead, everything is cooked on the grill, like toasted waffles, heart omelets, and fresh egg dishes. Some of our favourite items include their Finnish pancakes, eggs Benedict, omelettes, and breakfast poutine.
We also like that they’re vegetarian-friendly and have gluten-free options. It’s also worth mentioning that they offer pickup service from 9 AM to 1:30 PM, and they have a real-time online ordering system where orders are confirmed quickly!
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to go on the weekend, try to arrive before 10 AM, since the lineups can get long and parking fills quickly. And for takeout, order online ahead of time and select a pickup window, which saves you from waiting during the brunch rush.
JJ’s Family Restaurant
Media from lorileelessard71
Address: 112 Centennial Square
Contact details: +1 807-622-5211
Operating hours: Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Pricing: $
Tucked into Centennial Square, JJ’s Family Restaurant has the charm of a long-standing community spot where you just know it’s local-approved. It’s also a place where you can get good food and generous portion sizes without having to spend a lot.
Some of their signature dishes that keep regulars loyal include their beef noodle bowl, which is packed with flavour and loaded with more meat and noodles than you’d expect. Their special wonton soup is another must-try, with plump wontons in a rich broth, while the chicken balls are tender.
And while they do lean heavily on comfort food, they don’t leave out guests with dietary needs. Vegetarians can easily find filling options, and there are a few gluten-free dishes to choose from.
Pro tip:
For those who have little kids with them, there are highchairs available, and you can ask the staff if you can borrow any crayons or paper to keep your kids entertained. Also, note that they close early, so this place is best for lunch or early dinner.
Cronos Cafe
Media from thewalleye
Address: 433 Syndicate Ave S
Contact details: +1 807-622-9700
Operating hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 4 PM – 8 PM
Pricing: $$
You can probably tell by the name—Cronos Cafe is a solid bet for Greek comfort food. You can expect to find Greek staples, like chicken and pork souvlaki, gyros, hearty homemade soups, signature burgers, and club sandwiches.
For something a bit light, their Greek salad with freshly made pesto and feta is one of their crowd-pleasers. Behind the bar, they roast their own coffee beans, and many guests are there for it, judging by the consistent orders of espresso milkshakes and their in-house coffees.
It’s also worth mentioning that the cafe sits right across from Thunder Bay’s historic Canadian Pacific Railway Station, adding a bit of a local touch while you dine.
Pro tip:
It’s a good idea to arrive early so you can get first dibs on a cozy booth and receive your orders faster before the takeout orders start rushing and crowding the kitchen.
The Industry Social House
Media from industrysocialhouse
Address: 782 Macdonell St
Contact details: +1 807-620-0196
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 12 AM
- Friday: 11 AM – 2 AM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 2 AM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
Pricing: $$
An obvious standout at The Industry Social House is its modern industrial vibes, housed in a retrofitted warehouse in the industrial district. Think exposed brick, sleek finishes, and a thoughtfully designed bar area, and it all combines into a speakeasy-like atmosphere.
It’s pretty much Instagram-worthy pub fare here. They serve smash-style burgers, signature pizzas, gourmet salads, and shareable appetizers.
We also love that you can find creative, spirit-forward cocktails and a curated selection of local and imported craft beers. Beyond the booze and bites, you can also have fun and let loose on the dance floor while a live music performance is on stage.
Pro tip:
If you want to try a creative burger but a bit more manageable than their Novemburger (blue-cheese-ricotta-coated Wagyu patty), then you can go for their Mushroom Swiss or Honey Dill Chicken Burger. And ask about seasonal off-menu cocktails.
Ngan’s Chinese
Media from nganschinese
Address: 1200 Brown St
Contact details: +1 807-622-8888
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 3 PM – 8 PM
Pricing: $$
Ngan’s Chinese is another spot worth dropping by, especially if you’re craving for some Chinese, Vietnamese, or even Japanese food. To name a few dishes, they have Szechuan with lo mien and chicken fried rice, ramen, and their noodle bowls with Vietnamese dipping sauce.
Another thing we love is their lunch specials, combo dinners, and family meals, which make the experience more worth its value. You can get pairings like sweet and sour chicken balls with rice, or combos that can easily fill up two or six at a more affordable price.
We also have to give them props for offering gluten-free options—most non-breaded items can be made gluten-free, with rice noodle and GF soy sauce substitutions. And if you have other dietary restrictions or allergens, you can tell the staff, and they’ll accommodate you accordingly.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to go as a large group (more than 4 people), it’s best to call ahead and reserve a spot. For those planning to call for delivery, note that there are fees of around $6 to $13, depending on your distance, and they only accept cash after 7 PM.
Lot 66
Media from lot_66
Address: 66 Court St S
Contact details: +1 807-683-7708
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 5 PM – 11 PM
Pricing: $$$
You’ll find Lot 66 in the heart of Thunder Bay. This place gives off a smart-casual vibe; think exposed brick, warm lighting, and a spacious layout that includes a chic main dining room, a bar, and a patio.
Their menu is globally inspired. For starters, you can go for their seared scallops with champagne-maple reduction, forest mushroom crostini, and PEI mussels in leek-cream sauce—it sounds, looks, and tastes fancy.
Some of the mains that stood out to us the most include the Gorgonzola chicken breast with garlic potatoes, Atlantic salmon over cheddar-risotto, duck breast with blueberry reduction, and hand-cut Angus filet with mushroom-cabernet sauce.
Don’t miss out on their pizza lineup as well, especially if you’re dining with a group.
Pro tip:
Note that they can also host private dining of up to 20 guests and can accommodate groups with facilities like Wi-Fi and PA systems. If you’re out casually, skip the pizzas on busy nights to avoid longer wait times; instead, go for the mains like filet or salmon.
Island Spice Jerk House
Media from islandspicejerk
Address: 71 Algoma St S #2
Contact details: +1 807-344-8070
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 8:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – 9:30 PM
Pricing: $$
If you’re up for some Jamaican cuisine, Island Spice Jerk House is a top contender. It’s a cozy spot with just a handful of tables, so it’s nice for casual meals or quick takeout runs.
And true to its name, you’ll find dishes like jerk chicken, curried goat, oxtail, stew chicken, roti wraps, beef patties, rice and peas, plantains, and festivals. It’s also great that you can order vegetarian options, like steamed veggies, mixed rice and beans, and other meat-free sides.
Pro tip:
Try to order the oxtail or curried goat earlier in the day if you can, since they’re customer favourites and sometimes sell out by dinner. And if you’re taking food to go, ask for the gravy on the side to keep the rice fluffy until you’re ready to eat.
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar – Thunder Bay
Media from thekegsteakhouse
Address: 735 Hewitson St
Contact details: +1 807-623-1960
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 4 PM – 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 4 PM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 4 PM – 10 PM
Pricing: $$
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar is conveniently located downtown, near the corner of Balmoral and the Harbourview Expressway. It’s a great spot for dinners and nightly happy hour (4 PM to 6 PM).
They’re famous for aged fresh steaks grilled to order using their signature spice; choices include filet mignon, rib steak, baseball sirloin, top sirloin, New York strip, and prime rib. You can also go for their lobster and crab dishes.
We also like that they’ve got a range of appetizers, sides, and desserts. As for dietary options, they offer gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dishes.
Pro tip:
For larger groups or celebrations, you can book a separate room, especially for business dinners or milestone events.
