Patio season is nearly upon us and that means Port Credit’s peak restaurant season is about to heat up. Known for having some of the best scenic views in Mississauga, the Port’s restaurants are also varied, with trendy hotspots mixed in with landmarks that predate the city itself.
From the luxurious to the laid-back, cool coffee shops and casual international eats, find your favourite Port Credit pick in our foodie guide.
UPSCALE DINING
- Posta Italbar Cucina: While its menu spans all daily meals, Posta Italbar is perhaps most popular for lunch and brunch. Their takes on breakfast classics are both elevated and elegant, with options like the cheesecake-stuffed San Sebastian Pancakes, or the caviar-topped Salmon in Paradise dish.
- Snug Harbour: While the vibe is unpretentious, Snug Harbour is one of the most popular restaurants to visit for a special occasion. While that’s partly due to the waterfront view, the seafood here is also some of the best around, with a wide variety ranging from fresh-shucked oysters to the comforting classic Seafood Bouillabaisse.
CASUAL FARE
- Community Resto: This trendy vegan spot has a menu as creative as its luxe space. The menu features animal product-free twists on traditional and fusion favourites including Bang Bang Broccoli, the Buffalo Cauli Wing Bowl and a creamy Grilled Vegetable Lasagna. The menu even has dedicated keto-friendly offerings.
- Papa Giuseppes: Atop the classic red and white checkered tablecloths, enjoy another classic – some of the city’s best stone oven pizza and traditional Italian dishes like Parmigiano, Piccata and Marsala dishes.
- Colossus Greek Taverna: Here you’ll find an authentic Greek dining experience, with flavourful favourites including paella, moussaka and souvlaki. Family dishes like the Aegean platter featuring plenty of seafood make this an ideal spot for a group meal.
CAFES AND BAKERIES
- Archtop Café: Located in the Port’s historic Montgomery House, the Archtop has grown from a coffee shop to include both bar and bakery offerings. The beverage menu features tried and true coffees and some novel offerings like the Parisian Mist tea latte flavoured with lavender. The must-try item is the Crack Pie, Archtop’s version of the Quebecois classic dish, sugar pie.
- Back Road Coffee Roasters: If you’re serious about coffee, this is the café for you. Here, the staff are true aficionados. The roastery sources and creates its own gourmet java offerings, including bottled cold brew, an innovative instant coffee and a dozen varieties of beans for every taste.
- La Villa Bakery: This family-owned Italian bakery specializes in traditional, authentic handmade baked goods including pastries like cannoli, plus fresh bread, cakes, doughnuts and so much more. It’s a local go-to for freshly baked staples and classic seasonal offerings like zeppole.
- Rania’s Cakes: A chic spot known for its high tea experiences, the baked goods are as sweet to look at as they are to taste. Beyond the dessert counter, featuring a rotation of cupcakes, cake jars, cake slices and cookies, the bakery also has a selection of savoury items. The quiche in particular is a popular pick. The beverages menu, spanning smoothies and hot drinks, has an especially extensive tea offering.
ICE CREAM PARLOURS
- Dairy Cream: If you’re looking for a true Mississauga icon, this is it. Having opened more than 65 years ago in 1958, this local ice creamery predates the incorporation of the City of Mississauga – but it’s not just the nostalgia that warrants a trip. Sweet treats include more than 30 flavours of milkshakes, including rum & butter, indulgent sundaes with seemingly endless topping choices, tasty funnel cakes and unique soft-serve ice cream like birthday party dipped cones.
- Eva’s Original Chimneys: While newer to the Mississauga scene, the classic chimney ice cream cones served here are steeped in tradition, originating as a street food in Budapest, and using a perfected family recipe. From the OG cinnamon sugar cone with vanilla soft-serve to the Matcha Kit Kat Crunch served in a graham cone, you can’t go wrong with any pick here.
RESTOBARS AND LOUNGES
- Shore Grill and Grotto: A popular lounge featuring live music and a bustling patio in the summertime, Shore Grill has an Italian-leaning menu that’s sure to please.Beyond the standard menu, though,it’s popular for its rotating specials including staples like steak and a tasty Thursday night curry.
- Spice Lounge & Tapas: You’ll find some of the best small plates and seafood offerings in Mississauga here, with a selection of sharable entrees. Menu highlights include the bone marrow burger and creative flatbreads like the Smoked Duck, featuring duck breast, pairs and hazelnut spread.
- The Port House Social Bar & Kitchen: One of the area’s best-loved bars, the appetizer and late-night style food menu here is not to be missed. Along with classic bar food like wings, you can enjoy elevated offerings like Tuna Poke Wontons and some delicious tacos including jerk chicken, braised beef, fish or cauliflower varieties.
- Door FiftyFive: A cozy whiskey bar featuring southern comfort food like chicken and waffles, ribs, wings, and mac & cheese. Can’t decide what to get? Go for the platter!