Where to eat and drink in Thunder Bay
Bight Restaurant & Bar | Thunder Bay
Culinary influences come from Indigenous culture, Thunder Bay’s French Canadian voyageur, frontier heritage and inspiration from its immigrant population.
Here’s where to sip and savour in Thunder Bay.
Bakeries and cafes
For those with a sweet tooth, Thunder Bay provides a host of great local offerings to fulfill your cravings.
Thunder Bay provides a host of great local offerings to fulfill your sweet tooth cravings.
The Sweet North Bakery
This micro bakery packs a giant flavour punch.
All baked goods are made in-house with local ingredients. Sample the soft pretzels, from the classic salted to the inventive prosciutto gouda pretzel. Delight in the flaky scones and fudgy brownies made using traditional family recipes.
Locations:
The Persian Man
When you’re in Thunder Bay, you must try the Persian, a deep-fried cinnamon roll with pink icing.
Pick up a box of Persians along with Sally Anns, a buttercream filled cake with chocolate icing—another Thunder Bay favourite.
Locations:
Sweet Nata
Sweet Nata’s signature custard tarts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! They also produce other delightful treats such as cupcakes, palmiers, rice cakes, muffins and Bola de Berlim.
Location: 270 Bay Street, Thunder Bay
Niva’s Restaurant
If you’re ordering off the all-day breakfast menu at Niva’s Restaurant, you simply must try the Finnish pancakes. Other desserts at this casual eatery include fresh coffee bread made every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, rice pudding with strawberries and layer cake.
Location: 376 Lisgar Street, Thunder Bay
Kangas Sauna Restaurant
Another delicous breakfast place with Finnish pancakes is Kangas Sauna Restaurant. If you have room for more dessert, try their grilled cinnamon bun or homemade pie.
Location: 379 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay
Brewpubs, bars and lunch bites
Enjoy a diverse culinary experience at Thunder Bay’s brewpubs, bars and restaurants.
Red Lion Smokehouse
Get your grill on at Red Lion Smokehouse, a barbecue restaurant in Thunder Bay’s waterfront district.
Using fresh, seasonal and local ingredients, the menu combines classic British Pub favourites with a smokehouse twist. Savour slow-smoked meat with your choice of 14 taps and over 100 craft beers.
Location: 16 Cumberland Street South, Thunder Bay
The Sovereign Room
Another great spot for beer lovers, The Sovereign Room is a laid-back gastro-pub offering local beers to accompany its globally inspired brunch and dinner menu.
Location: 220 Red River Road, Thunder Bay
Bight Restaurant and Bar
Dine at this spacious modern eatery, which features fresh Canadian fare, artisan cocktails and an outdoor patio overlooking Lake Superior.
Location: 2201 Sleeping Giant Parkway Unit 100, Thunder Bay
The Growing Season Juice Collective
The Growing Season Juice Collective in the Bay and Algoma district offers many gluten-free and vegan options.
Location: 201 Algoma Street South, Thunder Bay
El Tres
Share tacos with friends at El Tres, a Mexican eatery with handcrafted cocktails, eclectic decor and a laid-back ambiance.
Location: 269 Red River Road, Thunder Bay
Thai Kitchen
Guided by the principle of harmony, each dish at Thai Kitchen beautifully blends centuries-old Eastern and Western influences, resulting in a truly unique culinary experience.
From spicy, bold curries to milder soups and spring rolls, the menu offers a range of options to satisfy your appetite.
Location: 11 Cumberland Street South, Thunder Bay
Tomlin Restaurant
Be prepared to share plates with your favourite foodie friends and enjoy a carefully crafted, ever-changing menu of dishes that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Location: 202 1/2 Red River Road, Thunder Bay
Nortenos Taqueria
If you’re craving Mexican food, come to Nortenos Taqueria for a variety of tacos, taquitos, quesadillas and tortas.
Location: 698 Arthur Street West, Thunder Bay
Upscale dining and wine bars
When you’re ready for an exquisite dining experience, there are some excellent options to explore in Thunder Bay.
Lot 66
With a focus on premium ingredients and partnerships with local vendors, Lot 66’s menu features high-quality meats, seafood and fresh pasta.
Pair flavourful entrees and house-made focaccia with one of the many wines on the menu, which includes specially ordered consignment wines.
Location: 66 Court Street South, Thunder Bay
Caribou Restaurant and Wine Bar
Caribou Restaurant and Wine Bar’s contemporary menu reflects regional influences and boasts an impressive wine list. Signature dishes include certified Angus tenderloin, cedar plank salmon, black and blue ahi tuna and wood-fired pizzas.
This restaurant has been listed in "Where to Eat in Canada," the wine list has earned the "Wine Spectator Award of Excellence" for many years.
Location: 727 Hewitson Street, Thunder Bay
Breweries, events, farm and market
With a host of local breweries, farms and entertaining events, there’s never a dull day during your visit to Thunder Bay.
Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.
A well-known brewery in the region, Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. is known for locally produced craft brews. Additionally, the taproom offers delicious local snacks and made-to-order pizza.
Location: 712 Macdonell Street, Thunder Bay
Dawson Trail Craft Brewery
The mission of Dawson Trail Craft Brewery is to brew great beer using the best local grain and fresh hops for a unique and refreshing taste.
Location: 1181 Golf Links Road, Thunder Bay
Brew Ha! Craft Beer Festival
Northern Ontario’s largest craft beer festival takes place in July on the shores of Lake Superior. Brew Ha! Craft Beer Festival showcases a wide selection of craft beer, cider, food and live musical entertainment.
Location: 41 Saul Laskin Drive, Thunder Bay
Thunder Oak Cheese Farm
Don’t miss Thunder Oak Cheese Farm, the first farm in Ontario to produce creamy Dutch Gouda cheese. With 13 different flavours, you’ll find a cheese that suits your palate.
Location: 611 Boundary Drive, Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay Country Market
Meet the folks who grow, make and bake some of the best flavours of the Bay under one roof at the Thunder Bay Country Market, the largest producer-based market in Northwestern Ontario.
The market is open year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Location: 425 Northern Avenue, Thunder Bay
Goods & Co. Market
Between Wednesday to Sunday, visit Goods & Co. Market, which features over 25 local restaurants and artisans and a contemporary art gallery. You won’t find yourself short on food options—check out Nomad by Pinetree Catering for freshly baked bread and pastries, pita chips and dips, and other grab and go food. For inspired cocktails, local beer and a wine list curated by Sommelier Cale Graydon, stop by Woodside Bar for a drink or two.
Location: 251 Red River Road Suite #3, Thunder Bay
Hotels in Thunder Bay
You do not want to miss the breathtaking views of the city’s waterfront, so here are a few of the best accommodations with a view.
The Courthouse Hotel
The Courthouse Hotel is a boutique hotel with a Beaux Arts architectural facade located just minutes from the waterfront.
With a perfect blend of classic and modern touches, The Courthouse Hotel provides a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.
Location: 277 Camelot Street, Thunder Bay
Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay
Located on the northwestern shore of Lake Superior, Delta Hotels Thunder Bay offers convenient access to popular attractions such as Gateway Casinos Thunder Bay, Prince Arthur's Landing and the Waterfront District.
The hotel features an on-site restaurant with a gastro-pub-inspired menu, stunning views of the Sleeping Giant from the floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor patio and spacious pet-friendly rooms.
Location: 2240 Sleeping Giant Parkway, Thunder Bay
Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites
Built in 1911, this historic hotel is located in the heart of the Waterfront District, overlooking Marina Park, Sleeping Giant peninsula and majestic Lake Superior.
Consider upgrading to their Executive or Jacuzzi suite for a beautiful view of the waterfront.
Location: 17 North Cumberland Street, Thunder Bay
Between eating and drinking, make time to discover everything else that Thunder Bay has to offer.
Last updated: November 17, 2024