How is Backhouse restaurant rated?

Name: Backhouse
Address: 242 Mary Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada, L0S 1J0
Telephone: (289) 272-1242 ext. 1
Price range: CAN$51 and over
Rating: 4.6

Backhouse

4.6

1039 Reviews

CAN$51 and over

Contemporary Canadian

Top tags:

Please Visit Us Online For More Reservation Times or to book the chefs counter - https://backhouse.xyz/reservations/
.
Quietly tucked away in a small strip-mall in uptown Niagara On The Lake is one of Canada's leading restaurants. Backhouse offers continuously evolving tasting menus with a commitment to integrated cool climate cuisine and enlightened hospitality. Once one finds Backhouse the aroma of peach wood burning in the brick oven and glow of the wood-fired grill lets guests know that they are not out for dinner but rather that they are embarking on a culinary journey of somewhereness.

local, international, low intervention wine list | craft beers | artisanal cocktails

18% gratuity may be added to parties of 8 or more.

A guest charge of $99 may be applied for guests that do not show.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Contemporary Canadian, Organic, Farm-to-table
Hours of Operation
Lunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–2:00 pm
Phone number
(289) 272-1242 ext. 1
Website
http://www.backhouse.xyz/
Payment Options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Ryan Crawford
Catering
For details email: info(at)backhouse.xyz
Private party facilities
Backhouse, with its open concept kitchen and extensive bar is the perfect venue for all your private dining needs whether it is a corporate function or a family celebration. We can accommodate intimate seated dinners up to much larger drop in cocktail and hors d'oeuvre receptions. For details email: info(at)backhouse.xyz
Private party contact
Ryan Crawford: (289) 272-1242 ext. 2

Location
242 Mary Street Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
Neighbourhood
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Cross Street
Mississauga Street
Parking Details
Private Lot
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Duck Liver Mousse Beignet
Duc apricot compote. Wine Pairing: 2014, 2027 sparkling
Prosciutto
24 month house cured | sourdough pretzel. Wine Pairing: 2014, 2027 sparkling
Megg's Egg
Fried egg white mouse | ontario saffron yolk | trout caviar. Wine Pairing: 2014, 2027 sparkling
Wood Oven Sourdough Breads
Artisanal butters. Wine Pairing: lustau east India cream sherry
Alpine Radish Soup
Black garlic | pickled radish | mutsu apple. Wine Pairing: 2016 cave spring cellars adam steps riesling
Northern Pike
Confit turnip | sauce from smoked fish skeletons. Wine Pairing: 2017 fielding estates pinot gris
Ontario Shrimp
Shrimp head bisque | house extruded anelli pasta. Wine Pairing: jumai unpasteurized ontario spring water sake
Linc Farm Pork Tesa
Celery root | roast apple. Wine Pairing: 2016 tawse estate unfiltered gammay noir
Heritage Chicken
Composition from garden carrots. 2016, 2027 cellars lot 345 pinot noir
90 Day Dry Aged Beef
Beetroot | jerusalem artichoke | smoked onion. Wine Pairing: 2013 stratus red
Icewine Float
sorbet | sparkling "raw" duc vineyard gewürztraminer icewine
Panna Cotta
"Oops I Dropped My Cone" | rhubarb | baked potato soft serve | oat bunches. Wine Pairing: 2016 clos lapeyre jurançon
Petits Fours

What 1,039 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6

4.6 based on all time ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

2
2diners
Toronto
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Full tasting menu was the right choice. Did not choose the wine pairings so cannot comment on that. The Clos Jordanne Pinot (2017) complemented everything presented. Each course was interesting and delicious. The style was adventurous and a great example of craftsmanship. Four of us at the table. We all enjoyed every dish. Service was friendly, informative and unrushed.
DD
DominicD
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service were above and beyond our expectations. An amazing experience.
AM
AMG1
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 21, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful as always!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
A wonderful experience, great food and ambiance.
GK
GeorgioK
Toronto
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always the service food and wine 5 stars thanks Jackie for taking care of us. Ryan thanks for an amazing evening.
GS
GordonS
Toronto
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, excellent wine pairings, inviting ambiance ,and welcoming and attentive service... a perfect Valentines Day celebration with my beloved!
KD
KellyD
Toronto
22 reviews
vip
4.0
22 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
We were greeted warmly upon arrival by the host. When we were seated we were brought a glass of bubbly; nice touch. We opted for the Chef's Tasting menu with wine pairings. We were not disappointed. Each course was very good, and the wines a great match. Even the glass of vermouth! I wish we were able to purchase wines from local wineries during our stay in NOTL. Most of the wines were from a "satellite vineyard" we were told by our waitress. That was a little disappointing. Perhaps a little long; we arrived at 8pm and were out by 11:30pm. We'd recommend and return!
H
Heather
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 20, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great restaurant. The food, service and ambiance were amazing. They went above and beyond to accommodate the food restrictions in our party. Would absolutely go there again for dinner.
NO
NancyO
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Backhouse is not a typical dining experience. Every course is a delicacy. It’s a delicious adventure with an excellent vibe. Service is impeccable.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic service and amazing food experience.
TP
ThomasP
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a premier gastronomic experience. Outstanding food, wine list and service. Not inexpensive, but fully worth the expense.
e
escherfan
Montreal
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was an absolute please to partake in the Chefs Tasting menu. We’ll return when we’re back in the area!!
JM
JaneM
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 19, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience4
The whole experience was quite enjoyable and quite different from what you would experience elsewhere in this area.
TR
TwilaR
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a stellar meal and experience at Backhouse, can't wait for the next visit.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was fantastic. The presentation of wine and food was perfect. All in all a wonderful dining experience. Backhouse is an experience— not just a dinner. We all appreciated the care an attention to detail in the entire meal.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was one of the best dinners I have had in many years. We Dine out all the time but Backhouse is very special! LOVED IT. Delicious food, exceptional service.
TS
TomSwiftJr
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 26, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always, fantastic food and wine. Great staff, wonderful evening. Thank you!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was outstanding from the starters to the wine pairing! Better than French Laundry!!
G
Greybeard
Dublin
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2019
overall3food3service3ambience3
Although I entered Backhouse with enthusiasm after a strong recommendation from a friend, I ultimately found the food not to my liking. The apricot and duck dish was not appealing and the highlight of the meal was not the lamb, which you would have expected, but rather the butter dish with bread. The sommelier even served a pairing for a dish that never came, a tomato dish that was skipped over. While the food wasn't bad per se, it would not be an experience I would want to repeat. On the plus, the staff were friendly and the restaurant well decorated. I just wish the food had been better tasting and worth the $300 bill at the end of the night.
NL
NancyL
Toronto
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2019
overall2food2service2ambience3
There were a number of inconsistencies in service and food. As it mainly does a tasting and prixe fixe menu, the service provided by staff was not well timed or mindful. Repeated dishes were brought out and constant mix up of who had allergies (out of 2 diners) happened multiple times. We had at least 5 different service people which would explain why there were so many mix ups. As far as tastings go, some dishes were brought out rapidly that it filled table and then left gaps to wait for the next dish. Considering the cost for meal and service, there was little value and doubtful to return.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service and food. The tasting menu was an interesting and enjoyable experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Vancouver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 17, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The pairing menu was fantastic!
AL
ALEC
Cleveland
74 reviews
vip
5.0
74 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exceeded expectations. We are yearly visitors to Niagara-On-The-Lake, and we ate at Backhouse last year, and we thought it was very good. This year was even better- the small plates were fabulous - kitchen and wait staff were fastidious about our various food allergies and sensitivities .Servers were knowledgeable and helpful without the “stuffiness” of some fine dining venues. This was far and away our very best dining experience in Niagara on the Lake over the 10+ years we have been visiting, and it ranks with some of the finest U.S. and European venues we have visited. Keep up the great work, and we’ll see you next year.
f
foodiegirl
Naples
53 reviews
vip
5.0
53 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was outstanding! Wonderful food and wine pairings. Everyone takes great pride in what they do. Can't wait to return!
TL
TraceyL
Toronto
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 7, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience5
Amazing and original food. An excellent dining experience!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and service! Best value in NOTL
H
Howard
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
I booked one dinner with my family and it was fantastic. I was welcomed by the friendly staff. They explained clear on each dishes to us and the service was excellent.
s
susanc
Toronto
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2019
overall5food4service4ambience4
We absolutely LOVED every detail about Backhouse Restaurant! From the warm welcome, to the last sumptuous tastes from the gift dessert box, we can't say enough about this special oasis in Niagara on the Lake. It is not very often that we savour each and every bite of every course we were presented. We have had the opportunity to dine at the Number one restaurant in Italy and also in the U.S. but this restaurant is NUMBER ONE in our books.
CC
CandaceC
Toronto
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 18, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hidden gem in NOTL! Excellent experience with the smaller tasting menu - everything was fabulous and we can't wait to go back! Best farm to table restaurant we have been to.
GS
GillianS
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 14, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
A really special, incredible dinner — the food was inventive, surprising and delightful, but the thing that really pushed it over the top was the exceptional hospitality and passion from everyone — servers, sommelier, host. Highly recommend Backhouse for a truly special experience.
AF
AnneF
Hawaii
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
Backhouse was recommended enthusiastically by a friend. I am not usually a big fan of the tasting menu format but we all enjoyed our dinner and the ambience at Backhouse very much. Our table was ready and the welcome was warm when we arrived. The food and the wine pairings were very good. The wait staff and sommelier were attentive, friendly and very professional. The kitchen and the serving team ensured that the evening moved along at a just the right pace even though it was a Saturday night and the restaurant was very busy. We will certainly come again and will recommend it to friends.
GG
GroverG
Cleveland
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 27, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Chose the Chef’s tasting menu. 13 items were served. Each was a masterpiece of flavor. Server was very well informed about each item. Highly recommend.
OT
OpenTableDiner
New York Area
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on June 23, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superb food, wine, and service. Look forward to our next visit.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 22, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience overall - perfectly paced meal , ideal wine pairings with excellent food, service outstanding!
l
luvgoodfood
Toronto
14 reviews
3.0
14 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2019
overall3food3service5ambience3
This was our 3rd visit to Backhouse. While the service was very good, we were disappointed with everything else. There is no longer an a la cart menu. The prix fix price has increased. While some of the amuse bouche were interesting, we found the salad portion exceptionally scant. Yes, there were 21 different greens, but barely more than one leaf of each. My braised short rib was extremely crisp and probably not more than 3oz. The one shrimp tempura they substituted for desert, was locally farmed. My dinner companion ordered the Perch. Maybe 3oz, almost no flavour and rubbery. She has cancelled her Sept dinner reservation. I gave no desire to return.
j
johnk
Western NC
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on June 13, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food, presentation and service. A great experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2019
overall3food2service4ambience4
Coming from a Toronto food experience (scaaramouche, Aloe, Blue blood, Georges etc.... I found the portions very small for the prices being chased. The open pit fire was not being used to prep the various meats - rather they were being prepared at the back of the house!!
H
Hihosilver
Toronto
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on June 8, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The attention and food were outstanding. I can’t wait to go back to this fine eating establishment.
TR
TwilaR
Chicago
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 26, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a stellar dining experience at Backhouse. Thanks to Chef Ryan and Team!!
B
Brownie
Toronto
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
I have been eating here since it was the funky Stone Road Grill. And welcome their return to NOTL with Backhouse. I noticed at this last visit an escalation from the previous one. This couple have never served anything but great food but this last one was just superb in offers, presentation, quality, local sources, value, and just style- all delivered with wonderful service. This I imagine is a tough business and we have eaten our share of wonderful meals in a lot of places but this couple is rocking it with style and grace and could I say professional commitment. This is always admirable. If you are lucky enough to be seated at the bar and able to stare into the oven you can have a nice conversation with your loved one and wish you did not have to go to the play.

FAQs

Backhouse is rated 4.6 stars by 1039 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Additional information

Cross Street
Mississauga Street
Neighbourhood
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hours of Operation
Lunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–2:00 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary Canadian, Organic, Farm-to-table
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Parking Details
Private Lot
Payment Options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Executive Chef
Ryan Crawford
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.backhouse.xyz/
Phone number
(289) 272-1242 ext. 1
Catering
For details email: info(at)backhouse.xyz
Private party facilities
Backhouse, with its open concept kitchen and extensive bar is the perfect venue for all your private dining needs whether it is a corporate function or a family celebration. We can accommodate intimate seated dinners up to much larger drop in cocktail and hors d'oeuvre receptions. For details email: info(at)backhouse.xyz
Private party contact
Ryan Crawford: (289) 272-1242 ext. 2

Backhouse

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Menu

Main

Duck Liver Mousse Beignet

Prosciutto

Megg's Egg

Wood Oven Sourdough Breads

Alpine Radish Soup

Northern Pike

Ontario Shrimp

Linc Farm Pork Tesa

Heritage Chicken

90 Day Dry Aged Beef

Icewine Float

Panna Cotta

Petits Fours

What 1,039 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Filters

FAQs

How is Backhouse restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information