Where to eat and drink in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay | Tomlin Restaurant
Culinary influences come from Indigenous culture, French Canadian voyageur, frontier heritage and inspiration from its immigrant population, including a large Finnish community.
Between eating and drinking, make time to discover everything else that Thunder Bay has to offer.
Here’s where to sip and savour in Thunder Bay.
Bakeries, cafes and lunch bites
From signature sweet treats to traditional Finnish pancakes to healthy smoothies, satisfy your cravings at these shops and bakeries.
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
In Thunder Bay, you must try the Persian, a deep-fried cinnamon roll with pink icing.
Pick up a box of Persians and 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! Other delightful treats include 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 must try the Finnish pancakes. Other desserts at this casual eatery include fresh coffee bread, rice pudding with strawberries and layer cake.
Location: 376 Lisgar Street, Thunder Bay
Kangas Sauna Restaurant
Another delicious breakfast place with Finnish pancakes is Kangas Sauna Restaurant. If you have room for more dessert, try the grilled cinnamon bun or homemade pie.
Location: 379 Oliver Road, 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
Brewpubs, restaurants and wine bars
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 beer or tap or a craft brew.
Location: 16 Cumberland Street South, 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
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
Tomlin Restaurant
Share plates with your favourite foodie friends and enjoy a carefully crafted, ever-changing menu of locally sourced dishes.
Location: 202 1/2 Red River Road, Thunder Bay
Nortenos Taqueria
When you’re craving Mexican food, Nortenos Taqueria delivers with a variety of tacos, taquitos, quesadillas and tortas.
Location: 698 Arthur Street West, Thunder Bay
Grotto Trattoria
Enjoy upscale Italian cuisine with an elegant atmosphere for a date night or to celebrate a milestone.
Location: 28 Cumberland Street North, Thunder Bay
Barkeep
Sip an original or classic cocktail, glass of wine or mocktail and share a meat board or cheese charcuterie.
Location: 15 St. Paul Street, 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" and the wine list has earned the "Wine Spectator Award of Excellence" for many years.
Location: 727 Hewitson Street, Thunder Bay
Masala Grille
Tantalize your tastebuds with the flavours and aromas of Indian and Thai food. Dine-in, take-out and delivery options available.
Location: 170 Algoma Street North, Thunder Bay
Breweries, events, farms and markets
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
Dawson Trail Craft Brewery's mission 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
Places to stay 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 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
Last updated: November 25, 2024