The most interesting local, self-sustaining Mississauga restaurants on the mannerly lakeshore.
There are over 1800 restaurants from over 150 countries in Mississauga. This is a municipality where you could nearly eat at a variegated restaurant each night for five years.
I know Mississauga has incredible restaurants and fantastic patios with killer views so it wasn’t easy to narrow lanugo where I wanted to go.
Traveling the world I love finding the local spots, the entrepreneurs, the family businesses.
These places don’t often have marketing budgets or million dollar interiors with Instagram friendly decor, but they build their clientele on word of mouth.
People come for the food.
I thrive on finding these places, meeting the people and hearing their stories.
I realized if I really wanted to explore the energy of the municipality I needed to find the small self-sustaining businesses in Mississauga.
What You Need to Know Well-nigh Mississauga
I lived in Toronto off and on for nearly 15 years. And I am embarrassed to say that I’d never visited Mississauga.
Looking when it seems so silly to have so much unconfined supplies and interesting culture at my doorstep, but I never went.
Despite stuff from a very small town in Nova Scotia, I quickly fell into a worldwide weighing in downtown Toronto that EVERYTHING you needed was in the downtown cadre and Mississauga was VERY FAR and too complicated to get to unless you had a car.
Spoiler alert, I was wrong in so many ways.
Mississauga is a municipality of 24 neighbourhoods and villages. Three quarters of a million people live in Sauga. Of undertow there are lots of unconfined things to see, eat and do there.
Today, living in Toronto is a afar memory, which made it the perfect time to correct my ways. I arrived in the Greater Toronto Zone for one purpose, to visit Mississauga.
I decided to alimony it manageable. I chose the neighbourhoods of Lakeview, Port Credit and Clarkson.
It’s well-nigh a 10km stretch of Lakeshore, which was perfect to put on a good pair of sneakers to venery for the most interesting restaurants.
And it started off with me feeling really silly considering I decided to travel in from Toronto. Now that seems silly as it’s a quick GO Train ride from Union Station to Port Credit or Clarkson Station. You can come in and explore the Lakeshore for the day and throne when home.
Lakeview & Port Credit Restaurants
Salwaa Shawarma
I noticed their sign for Hyderabadi biryani in an unremarkable row of stores and thought immediately, why not? Google reviews are unconfined for both the biryani, shawarma and service so I went in with solid expectations for the food.
But what really stole my heart was the family who runs this restaurant. They opened the winter of 2020 in the thick of it all. And despite everything they have such fantastic attitudes.
I had a lot of questions considering I knew nothing well-nigh the dish but I knew I wanted to try it.
While his wife Muna was preparing it, Ali took the time to explain what makes this biryani special, how it’s prepared, the State of Hyderabadi and a unenduring relevant history of India as it pertains to the dish.
It was so light and just the right value of spice. Vibrant pungent flavours that really enticed me to eat increasingly when I was once full.
I can never finish a meal, expressly when portion sizes are as healthy as here. So I took the rest with me and ate it for breakfast.
It was veritably one of my favourite spots. Highly recommended!
Salwaa Shawarma
939 B Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga, ON L5E 1E3, Canada
Stonehooker Brewing Company
On a sunny day the Stonehooker Brewing front grassy zone reminds me of a European beer garden with lots of space for friends, strollers and pets.
That said, I visited on a rainy afternoon and I have no complaints as the small cozy interior is warm, dry and encourages conversation between tables. It starts out with a remark well-nigh when the rain will end and evolves into increasingly interesting topics.
Service is as delightful as the Gollywobbler IPA – Session, the nautical theme suits it well as it reminds me of hospitality in the Maritimes.
Stonehooker Brewing Company
866 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga, ON L5E 1E1, Canada
Antojitos
Although I had only left South America a few days prior I was immediately drawn to this Colombian bakery.
Colombians make fantastic bread, killer empanadas and are some of the friendliest people in the world. I had intended to just go in and try a whinge empanada but it all looked so good.
After ordering a whinge empanada, pan de guayaba (guava bread), carimañola (cheese stuffed yuca) and buñuelo (fried dough) I had to stop.
Though I now regret not moreover trying the pan de queso (cheese bread) considering everything was delicious.
If you’re curious well-nigh Colombian supplies this is a unconfined place to start. They moreover sell prepared foods such as sancocho, frozen foods, and imported drinks and candy.
Antojitos
803 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga, ON L5E 1W8, Canada
Dairy Cream
Only unshut during the summer months, Dairy Surf is a must- eat in Mississauga equal to locals. And it’s not just lip service as all weekend long there is a long line to this historic ice surf shop.
Many come for the nostalgia and the tradition of visiting since they were children. They have been virtually since 1958 serving funnel confection and soft serve ice cream.
Although the funnel confection is the long reigning popular dish at this 60 year old ice surf parlour, that doesn’t midpoint it has not innovated.
Along with the traditional chocolate dipped soft serve, you can get brightly coloured dip flavours including cherry, undecorous raspberry and birthday party. For the increasingly inobtrusive try the white chocolate or tasty peanut butter dip.
Dairy Cream
715 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga, ON L5G 1J7, Canada
Maranello Cafe
Perhaps the weightier kept local secret withal the Mississauga Lakeshore, although there are lots of new flashy restaurants this small sideboard is rented with a steady stream of take out orders and neighbours just stopping in to say hi.
It’s known for generous portions of home cooked Italian pasta archetype sandwiches at unbelievably reasonable prices.
The Macerola family operated Aielli Alto since 1973 in the restaurant space next door. It was an incredibly popular Italian restaurant in Mississauga for over 40 years. In 2022 they decided to downsize. The former space is now occupied by Colossus Greek Taverna that was previously its neighbour next door.
And while the space is smaller, I don’t think the demand for their supplies decreased. I was greeted so warmly like I was a regular and promptly devoured the popular veal sandwich with tomato sauce so rich I contemplated ownership it (yes, they sell it).
Other popular menu items here include the yellow sandwich and the tomato gnocchi.
Maranello Cafe
286 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga, ON L5G 1H2, Canada
Huevos Gourmet
A mix of Mexican flavours and French cuisine, Huevos Gourmet is a family run brunch spot owned by a couple from Guadalajara.
They serve an all day breakfast that ranges from traditional eggs groom to huevos rancheros, the house specialty.
Although they mention Tabasco hot sauce on the menu, ask for their homemade hot sauce, but beware that plane just a tiny bit packs a punch.
The brunch spot is packed on weekends offering the “warmth of a Mexican family and the voodoo of the Parisian passion” so go early.
Or do what I did and victorious early on a weekday where service is just as warm and you won’t finger rushed to finish so other eager diners can feast.
But make sure to get your fix early as it closes at 4pm daily
Huevos Gourmet
241 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga, ON L5G 1G8, Canada
Nourish Moi
As much as salary is magic, it takes much increasingly conviction in a melt to indulge vegetables to sing.
It’s true, this is a vegan joint up on my list of weightier Mississauga restaurants. But I’m a firm parishioner that vegan restaurants are the most heady and innovative.
I love that Nourish Moi makes all the supplies from scratch and serves vegan wine, beer and has unconfined cocktail options. It’s wieldy to everyone who just wants succulent food.
I arrived early on a Saturday for a snack and the sweet woebegone stone tacos were full of flavour. I loved the wastefulness of sweetness, spice and the warm tortillas served on a warm plate.
The brunch options are plentiful and one of the most popular items is the Beirut Bowl, which is worth coming when to try.
Nourish Moi
229 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga, ON L5G 1G8, Canada
Palm Bites
I was tempted into Palm Bites when Malak, standing outside, offered me a succulent stage and I realized there was so much increasingly inside.
If you’ve never tried a chocolate covered stage you need to throne over there right now. They have samples, but I warn you that it will result in ownership some considering they are outstanding.
They moreover have fantastic coffee, a number of nut butters and lots of variegated healthy snacks. And if Malak is working be sure to spend time and chat, she’s very friendly and so helpful.
Palm Bites
167 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga, ON L5G 4T9, Canada
Pizza Nostra
There is lots of pizza withal the Mississauga Lakeshore, but none was recommended as much as Pizza Nostra.
It’s a family owned New Jersey-style pizzeria. The two brothers grew up at their father’s butcher shop in Toronto. One brother decided to go to New Jersey to work at their cousin’s pizza shop. The other stayed to learn the art of salumi/ curing meat.
Today Pizza Nostra combines their strengths using house cured meats on thin husks pizza with incredible pizza sauce and rich cheese.
It’s been a local favourite since it opened 7 years ago but it really skyrocketed when Barstool Pizza Review gave it an 8, which ways it’s worth traveling for and now they are opening a second location.
They are so rented that they unshut at noon and serve until they run out of pizza, which can be as early as 5pm. The wait time is virtually 45 minutes so undeniability in advance.
It’s worth the wait.
Pizza Nostra
362 Lakeshore Rd W, Mississauga, ON L5H 1H3, Canada
Clarkson Restaurants
Wanda’s Caribbean Kitchen
I’d heard Wanda Thomas was serving the weightier supplies in Clarkson and so I had upper hopes coming into her restaurant.
It was just without the lunch rush and she was cleaning, although the place once looked spotless. Opening during 2020 wasn’t easy but her reviews are unceasingly great.
I knew I wanted to try the oxtail with rice and peas, which was remarkably tender and so delightfully rich.
And her macaroni salad has wilt so popular that they go through the equivalent of 4 storeroom sized trays a day. And if people come late in the day and she’s out they turn virtually and return older the next day.
Although she’s trying to encourage people to instead get the coleslaw, which she says is just as good as the macaroni.
Although I arrived at an empty restaurant it was well-spoken that it was a fleeting moment. A handful of minutes later there was a procession of people entering, all greeting her with enthusiasm and talking well-nigh how much they loved her food.
A young guy said he unchangingly orders the boneless yellow considering it’s incredible and so he has no need to try anything else, of undertow he had a double side of macaroni salad.
Wanda is familiar with all the regulars and once knew he didn’t like rice and would want the double mac salad. When I asked her well-nigh the boneless yellow she shared it was the most popular and asked if I wanted to try a bite.
Very kind of her but moreover a savvy move as she knows her supplies is so good that it gives me yet flipside reason to return.
Wanda’s Caribbean Kitchen
1842 Lakeshore Rd W, Mississauga, ON L5J 1J7, Canada
Clarkson Fish and Chips
As a Maritimer, as a rule I do not eat fish unless I’m on the coast, but Clarkson’s has been virtually for 43 years and known as the weightier Mississauga restaurant for fish and chips.
It usually has a line-up and the dining room is packed so I visited mid-afternoon on a weekday for fear that I wouldn’t get a seat during peak hours.
I immediately saw that they offered several options for fish (halibut, haddock, cod), which is unchangingly a good sign that they know what they are doing.
And then two options for coleslaw (creamy or vinegar), wow!
It’s not fancy here but as someone who grew up on fresh fish and fries I was really impressed.
It just goes to show you that you should never say “I never…”
Clarkson Fish & Chips
1848 Lakeshore Rd W, Mississauga, ON L5J 1J7, Canada
Where to Stay on Mississauga Lakeshore
While there are many places to stay withal the Mississauga lakeshore I veritably unprofane the Waterside Inn.
The waterside views looking out onto the lighthouse and boats are so picturesque both during the day and at night.
It’s a well-appointed spot that is a unconfined location for walking everywhere. And you’re only a couple of blocks from the Port Credit Go Train Station.
The Waterside Inn
15 Stavebank Rd S, Mississauga, ON L5G 2T2, Canada
Would I Recommend Mississauga as a Foodie City?
Absolutely. Without a doubt. 100%.
Mississauga is for supplies travelers. Those who love to explore the world on a plate. It’s a municipality of global flavours and local stories.
I regret not visiting sooner, when it was right at my doorstep. But now I am hooked.
There are 24 neighbourhoods and villages in Mississauga and I have only visited 3 yet ate so many succulent foods.
I can see increasingly Mississauga trips in the future as I have been getting so many recommendations for increasingly places to eat in Mississauga.
And if you are living in Toronto I urge you to learn from my supplies revelation. Both Clarkson and Port Credit are just a short Go Train ride. It’s a unconfined day trip to wits new cultures and is easier than ownership a flight!
Map: Lakeshore Mississauga Restaurants
Disclosure: This post was created in partnership with Tourism Mississauga. They did not request that I visit any specific restaurants in Mississauga, only to share what I loved.
Food Crawl! Lakeshore Mississauga Restaurants is a post from: Bacon is Magic
