Food & Lifestyle
Food, glorious food!
For 97 years, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has been the country’s showcase for the very best in food. No matter who we are, food is the great unifier and there’s no better place to break bread with your fellow Canadians than at The Royal. Learn all about where your food comes from and then fill your belly at one of eight sit-down restaurants that range from “chicken fingers and a pop” to fine dining by Oliver & Bonacini. Or maybe grab a quick bite in the food court where you can find a dizzying selection of great food.
Perhaps you’d like to try your hand at cooking your own meal by signing up for a lesson in the Burnbrae Farms Culinary Academy. And if you’re indecisive then make sure you visit our artisan food sampling area and our new feature for this year, Spotlight On Local presented by Metro Grocery Stores where you can experience some of the newest and most innovative local foods being made right in Ontario.
Be sure to check out our Food-Focused Attractions
Culinary Academy
Every day the Burnbrae Farms Culinary Academy will feature notable chefs teaching their favourite recipes and highlighting amazing local ingredients. Space is limited so be sure to sign up today. $20 per session.
Spotlight on Local:
Presented by Metro
New for 2019, Spotlight on Local presented by Metro Grocery Stores is a unique feature that celebrates the very best in local food being grown, produced and manufactured in Ontario.
Craft Beer & Cider Awards
Nov. 8, 2019
Continue The Royal celebrations by trying Ontario’s best crafted beers and ciders. Close out or start off your Friday night with us and musical guests along with a few surprises.
Ticket includes: 1 sample glass, 5 sample tickets, access to sampling over 40 of Ontario’s best craft breweries, local cheese tasting by Gay Lea, live entertainment, special guests, prizes and general admission to the Fair after 4pm. (Location – Semex Ring of Excellence). Price is $30 (incl. HST. service fee extra).
Champions Showcase
Every day in Heritage Court
Passionate about food? Want to try some Royal Champion products? Join us in Heritage Court in the Spotlight on Local feature area and try some of the best cheese, jams, honey, butter tarts, pickles and more, while discovering the secrets that make a Royal Grand Champion.
Food & Dining
At The Royal, you will find a world of gastronomic delights to savour. From elegant multi-course meals to lamb on a bun, from visitor favorite Rosti potatoes to fresh salads and lighter fare – you’re sure to find something to suit your fancy. The broad range of dining experiences we have available at The Royal makes it truly unique and a lot of fun.
The Royal Court Restaurant
The Royal's flagship restaurant. Catered by Liberty Entertainment Group, providing exemplary service and local ingredients. It's the perfect place to eat before The Royal Horse Show.
HOURS: 10:30am-1:00am
(Horse show nights only, 9pm otherwise)
Reservations:
Open September 2019
Hitching Ring Gastro Pub
Located adjacent to the Coca-Cola Coliseum, this family friendly restaurant provides an opportunity for guests to watch horses warm up while dining or enjoying a drink from the bar.
HOURS: 10:30am-1:00am
(Horse show nights only, 9pm otherwise)
Reservations:
Open September 2019
Tanbark Club
Guests will enjoy this luxurious and exclusive atmosphere where Royal Terrace and Platinum & Gold seat holders can savour pre-show cocktails and small plates catered by the Liberty Group followed by a post-show after party. *Dress code in effect.
HOURS: 5:30pm-1:00am
(2am on last Saturday)
Reservations:
Open September 2019
The Bit & Bridle Pub
This laid-back restaurant & bar serves breakfast, light lunches, casual dinners and is fully licensed. Early risers know The Bit & Bridle has the best breakfast sandwich at the Fair.
HOURS: 5:30am-9:00pm
*Reservations not required
Bullpen Saloon
Yee-haw! The Bull Pen is where it's at for a hearty farmer's breakfast or a cowboy style lunch and a couple of beers. Stop on by for a quick lunch, dinner or a midday snack… come on down.
HOURS: 5:30am-1:00am
*Reservations not required
Heritage Court Café
A quiet Oasis located in the Heritage Court to sample a selection of wines, beers and cider while enjoying a fondue or charcuterie board.
*Reservations not required