What Food To Try in Windsor and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Windsor for 2024.
National currency: Canadian Dollar, symbol — C$ (international currency code CAD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Windsor cafes and restaurants
$15.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $11.32
$59.8
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $45.28
$9.8
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.68
What to Try in Windsor
Must-try Dishes
Chili Cheese Fries - Ketchup Çipör (satisfying street food) - Crispy fries topped with savory chili con carne and melted cheese, offering a comforting mix of flavors. Often enjoyed as a late-night snack, locals grab these from food trucks after a night out.Windsor Breakfast Burrito - Windsor’un Kahvaltı Burritosu (hearty breakfast) - A flour tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, cheese, and fresh veggies, rolled and grilled to perfection. It's a popular choice for locals during the weekend brunch rush at neighborhood diners.
Ribeye Steak - Ribenin Antrikot (succulent main course) - Grilled to your liking, this tender cut comes with seasonal vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes, creating a rich dining experience. Locals savor this during special dinners, often pairing it with a nice red wine.
Peameal Bacon Sandwich - Peameal Domuz Bacon (Windsor specialty) - Thick slices of peameal bacon served on a bun with mustard and pickles, offering a savory and tangy bite. Often a lunch favorite, this sandwich can be found at local brunch spots buzzing with chatter and laughter.
Fish & Chips - Balık ve Patates Kızartması (traditional seaside dish) - Flaky white fish battered and fried, paired with crunchy fries, and often served with a side of malt vinegar. Enjoyed any time of the day, locals typically savor this on Fridays while chatting at the local pubs.
Seasonal Pumpkin Soup - Mevsimlik Balkabağı Çorbası (warm and comforting) - A creamy blend of roasted pumpkin, spices, and a hint of nutmeg, served hot with a drizzle of olive oil. Best enjoyed during chilly fall days, it’s a comforting dish that often appears on menus in cozy cafés.
Poutine - Poutine (surprising combination) - French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, creating a deliciously messy combination. Ideal for late-night cravings, locals may order this dish after attending sports events, sharing in the excitement of the evening.
Desserts & Drinks
Windsor Iced Tea - Windsor Iced Tea (refreshing blend) - A cold beverage crafted from a delightful mix of brewed black tea, lemonade, and fresh mint. Locals love enjoying it during warm summer days, especially at outdoor festivals or waterfront picnics, where kids and adults alike sip on it to keep cool.Café Mocha - Mocha (coffee delight) - This tasty drink combines rich espresso with steamed milk and chocolate syrup, topped with whipped cream. You'll often see coffee lovers indulging in it during cozy afternoons at local coffee shops, but be careful—many make the common mistake of asking for "mocha coffee" instead of just "mocha."
Canadian Craft Beer - Cervezas Artesanales (local brews) - Windsor is known for its small but vibrant craft beer scene, with flavors made from local hops and grain. Usually served on tap at numerous pubs, sipping craft beer is a favorite pastime after work hours or during a casual weekend hangout; just be sure to ask about seasonal flavors.
Butter Tart - Tarte au Beurre (sweet pastry) - A classic local pastry filled with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs, often with raisins or pecans added. Commonly enjoyed at family gatherings or community events, these delightful tarts are best when served warm—they melt in your mouth!
Ice Wine Sorbet - Sorbete de Vino de Hielo (frozen treat) - Made from the sweet juice of grapes harvested during winter frost, this sorbet is a creamy and decadent dessert that's perfect for summer. Locals appreciate it during special occasions, like weddings or anniversaries, offering a unique taste of Windsor’s winemaking heritage.
Food and Groceries in Windsor
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.81 |
| Bananas | $1.16 |
| Oranges | $3.79 |
| Potatoes | $2.05 |
| Apples | $3.43 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.63 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.61 |
| Imported Beer | $3.24 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $13.58 |
| Milk 1L | $2.04 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $9.19 |
| Chicken | $8.51 |
| Cigarettes | $10.67 |
| Rice | $2.36 |
| Local Cheese | $10.77 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
In Windsor, a typical dinner rush starts around 6:30 PM and goes until about 8 PM, especially on weekends. You’ll find people enjoying meals in bustling areas like downtown, where restaurants spill out onto patios in warmer weather, creating a lively atmosphere. However, if you're hoping for a quieter experience, going out after 8 PM is often a better choice (and, bonus, the food might come with a slight discount to clear tables).
In terms of pricing, you can see a vast range—from a casual meal at a street vendor for around 20 CAD, such as a gourmet hot dog, to a sit-down restaurant where dinner can set you back 60 CAD or more per person. Over in popular districts like Walkerville, you'll find slightly higher prices, reflecting the trendier vibe of the area with its artisanal eateries and craft breweries. A comparable meal could be about 80 CAD for two in that neck of the woods versus 55 CAD in a more family-oriented area like East Windsor. Seasonal changes can affect prices too; you'll pay a premium for fresh Ontario produce in peak summer versus fall when the harvest is strong.
Payment in Windsor typically leans toward card transactions, but cash is still accepted, which is great for quick bites at food trucks. It's a common practice to leave a tip of around 15-20% if you're satisfied with the service, but not all establishments automatically add a service charge, so it's good to check the bill. Oh, and before I forget, always ask if there’s a service charge included, especially in charming little bistros that may not clearly mark it.
One authentic local eating habit you’ll notice is the “third meal” phenomenon; many folks enjoy a late-night snack, or “munchies,” after the bars close—think greasy burgers or freshly made poutine from the nearby food stalls. However, a common tourist mistake is overestimating the necessity of making reservations everywhere. While it’s a must in finer dining spots, many casual eateries will accommodate walk-ins, especially during the off-peak hours.
The dining scene here is not only about food choices but also reflects the community's character, growing with a focus on local ingredients and sustainability. Getting a glimpse of how locals eat and enjoy their evenings can add so much to an experience in Windsor.
In terms of pricing, you can see a vast range—from a casual meal at a street vendor for around 20 CAD, such as a gourmet hot dog, to a sit-down restaurant where dinner can set you back 60 CAD or more per person. Over in popular districts like Walkerville, you'll find slightly higher prices, reflecting the trendier vibe of the area with its artisanal eateries and craft breweries. A comparable meal could be about 80 CAD for two in that neck of the woods versus 55 CAD in a more family-oriented area like East Windsor. Seasonal changes can affect prices too; you'll pay a premium for fresh Ontario produce in peak summer versus fall when the harvest is strong.
Payment in Windsor typically leans toward card transactions, but cash is still accepted, which is great for quick bites at food trucks. It's a common practice to leave a tip of around 15-20% if you're satisfied with the service, but not all establishments automatically add a service charge, so it's good to check the bill. Oh, and before I forget, always ask if there’s a service charge included, especially in charming little bistros that may not clearly mark it.
One authentic local eating habit you’ll notice is the “third meal” phenomenon; many folks enjoy a late-night snack, or “munchies,” after the bars close—think greasy burgers or freshly made poutine from the nearby food stalls. However, a common tourist mistake is overestimating the necessity of making reservations everywhere. While it’s a must in finer dining spots, many casual eateries will accommodate walk-ins, especially during the off-peak hours.
The dining scene here is not only about food choices but also reflects the community's character, growing with a focus on local ingredients and sustainability. Getting a glimpse of how locals eat and enjoy their evenings can add so much to an experience in Windsor.