‘Taste the Bay‘ where every bite tells a story from around the world. From locally sourced ingredients and artisanal creations to cozy cafés and vibrant restaurants, North Bay offers a culinary scene that’s as diverse as its landscapes. Whether you’re craving farm-to-table freshness, sweet indulgences, or bold international flavors, Flavours of North Bay invites you to explore, savor, and celebrate the region’s rich food culture.
North Bay has been home to restaurants serving global foods since the early 1900’s as various peoples immigrated from places all over the world.
Italian food has long been a staple in North Bay, starting with the Greco family bakery in 1913 which gradually evolved into Greco’s Pizza & Pasta, still a North Bay favourite today. The first Chinese restaurant in North Bay, the Chicago Cafe on Main St. West opened in the 1930’s and operated for 80 years!
Today, the North Bay culinary scene is blessed with an explosion of world flavours, somewhat surprisingly given the relatively small size of this Northern Ontario city.
Dig in below for a sample of North Bay’s sit-down restaurants offering authentic ethnic cuisines and international flavours you’ll love.
Asian: Chinese, Thai, Korean
Lee’s China Garden
Lee’s China Garden is a long-standing local favourite for classic Canadian-Chinese cuisine in downtown North Bay, known for friendly service and great value. Enjoy popular dishes like garlic ribs, lo mein, Kung Pao chicken, and weekend dim sum, perfect for relaxed, family-style dining. Call ahead to see if they can take large parties, they are often quite busy. Rated #1 Chinese Restaurant in North Bay.
My Thai Palace
My Thai Palace brings the vibrant spirit of Thailand to downtown North Bay with bold curry aromas and colourful plates. Enjoy favourites like Pad Thai, Panang Curry, and fresh spring rolls served in a warm, elegant setting. A perfect spot for sharing family-style dishes and exploring diverse regional Thai flavours. Ranked #1 on Tripadvisor!
Dave’s Green Papaya
Dave’s Green Papaya blends Thai and Lao cuisines with a modern Canadian twist, offering aromatic stir‑fries, delicate coconut curries, and signature papaya salads. Known for its generous portions and friendly hospitality, this welcoming restaurant captures the bright, balanced flavours of Southeast Asia right in the heart of North Bay.
Gangnam Korea
One of North Bay’s newer restaurants serving world flavours, Gangnam Korea is North Bay’s hub for sizzling tabletop BBQ, bubble teas and Korean classics. Savour marinated bulgogi, fresh kimchi, Korean fried chicken and homemade bibimbap in a casual, contemporary space. With rich flavours and an inviting atmosphere, it’s a new hot spot for authentic Korean dining.
Indian & Nepalese
Northern Himalayan Cafe
Northern Himalayan Café brings the authentic and aromatic flavours of Nepalese cuisine to North Bay, home-cooked with an Ayurvedic approach. Situated in downtown North Bay, this cozy hidden gem offers vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free dishes along with cool beats and live local music. Enjoy freshly made momos, warming noodle soups, flavourful chowmein, and richly spiced curries. In the summer, enjoy their private patio decorated with colourful wall murals of Nepal.
Northern Himalayan Cafe reviews.
Indra’s Curry House
One of the oldest Indian restaurants in North Bay, Indra’s is also a hometown favourite for Indian food and top-rated by locals for authenticity. Indra’s specializes in Himalayan-inspired food, particularly Tandoori Chicken and the chef’s recommendation, Chicken Korma.
Italian
Farina Ristorante
Farina Ristorante brings refined Italian dining to North Bay, focusing on artisanal pasta, rich risottos, and fine wines. With its modern décor and relaxed sophistication, Farina is ideal for date nights or special gatherings. Expect elegantly plated meals inspired by regional Italian favourites and seasonal local ingredients.
Farina Ristorante restaurant review.
Greco’s Pizza & Pasta
Greco’s Pizza & Pasta is a long-time North Bay favourite, serving hearty Italian classics in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere since the 1950’s. Enjoy traditional pizzas with homemade sauce, signature pasta dishes, and generous portions, all made from fresh ingredients and decades of authentic Italian culinary tradition. Try their gluten-free crust.
Greco’s Pizza & Pasta reviews.
Mamma Davedi’s
Although Mamma Davedi’s only offers pre-prepared dishes for take-out, this is a great option for those wanting to dine in with homemade food at their hotel or airbnb. The dishes provide a taste of rustic Italian family dining, with homemade sauces, hand‑crafted pizzas and North Bay’s best lasagna. The last Sunday of the month, the Davedi Club hosts a sit-down or take-away Spaghetti Supper.
Carribean
Caribbean Jerk Kitchen & Grill
Caribbean Jerk Kitchen & Grill infuses North Bay with tropical heat and island rhythm. Enjoy jerk chicken, curried goat, and fried plantains bursting with spice and freshness. The upbeat atmosphere, lively music, and welcoming service make it a go‑to for authentic Caribbean comfort food and sunshine‑inspired flavour.
Caribbean Jerk Kitchen & Grill reviews.
Latin American: Mexican, Colombian
La Casa de Maria
La Casa de Maria brings the warmth and flavour of Mexico & Colombia to North Bay with colourful plates and homemade sauces. Enjoy sizzling fajitas, tacos al pastor, and rich mole in a family‑style setting filled with Latin charm. Fresh ingredients and true hospitality make it a fiesta every time.
Middle Eastern: Lebanese
The Cedar Tree Lebanese Restaurant
The Cedar Tree, a stand-by for mediterranean food in North Bay for almost 2 decades, recently began a collaboration with The Block Public House in 2026. Visit The Block for a Cedar Tree-inspired lunch menu, including authentic Lebanese pita, shawarma and fresh made garlic and spicy sauces.
Global Fusion:
Chinese & Indian: Marigold’s Unique Flavours
Marigolds Unique Flavours specializes in authentic Indian, Indo-Chinese, and Thai cuisine. Known for its diverse menu and vegan and gluten-free options, the restaurant offers curries, dosas, tandoori items, and noodles, with options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
Marigold’s Unique Flavours review.
Trinidadian & Indian: Shahi Royal Roti
Shahi Royal Roti serves up the bold spices of Trinidadian and Indian fusion cuisine. From savoury curried chickpeas, lamb biryani to perfectly cooked roti wraps, every dish celebrates a Halal Caribbean‑Indian heritage. A small, relaxed, flavour‑packed spot perfect for anyone craving authentic island zest with great hospitality.
Taste the Bay – North Bay’s Seasonal Culinary Experience
Taste the Bay brings together chefs, farmers, artisans, and food lovers for a celebration of Northern Ontario’s bounty. Each season brings a different selection of prix fixe menus and curated meals from local and world cuisines. Be sure to check for your favourite restaurants in summer, fall and winter to see who is participating.
For a full guide to all the best restaurants, cafes, brewhouses, pubs and more, get our Eat & Drink Guide to North Bay. Check out Northern Ontario Travel’s comprehensive local culinary guide to North Bay for more inspiration!