For a city its size, Thunder Bay, Ontario punches above its weight when it comes to multicultural options for dining out. The past twenty years have seen an explosion in new restaurant offerings featuring international cuisine, thanks to passionate newcomers who have added to the city’s local favourites (looking at you, Hoito) with some exciting new options.
Here’s your guide to eight beloved local restaurants serving cuisine from around the globe. These spots will not only satisfy your appetite but also showcase the rich diversity of this Northwest Ontario city.
Hands down the city’s oldest food establishment, Hoito has been serving up their world-famous Finnish pancakes since 1918. When their historic and beloved Finnish Labour Temple burned down in 2021, the Finlandia Co-operative was undeterred and moved into the Thunder Bay Country Market. They remain committed to opening a fully operational sit-down restaurant which is a testament to their sisu—a Finnish word that means tenacity, strength, stamina, and strong will.
Established in 1967 as Lakehead Lunch, Cronos Cafe is a classic diner and TBay’s go-to for Greek favourites, like chicken souvlaki. They also make a mean milkshake and burger and have roasted their coffee beans in-house since 2006.
Tip: While you’re there, check out the Canadian Pacific Railway station across the street—a heritage building built in 1911 as a passenger terminal and administrative headquarters for the city’s vast grain-handling facilities.
You don’t have to look far for Jamaican cuisine thanks to Island Spice Jerk House. They started serving classic dishes like roti, rice and peas, and jerk chicken with a cool Caribbean vibe in 2018 and expanded to a second (south-side) location in 2024. If you spend enough time in Thunder Bay, you’ll learn there is still a rivalry between the former towns of Port Arthur and Fort William despite having amalgamated in 1970. Locals are generally loyal to their side of town, so fortunately, nobody has to miss out on authentic Jamaican cuisine thanks to their two locations.
According to the 2021 census, nearly 10,000 people in the Thunder Bay region identify as Italian, so it’s no surprise this spot is a local favourite. Since 1987, this chic restaurant, that’s earned certification for its dedication to Italian authenticity, has been a mainstay of the city’s culinary scene. If you’re looking for Italian comfort food, like handmade gnocchi and delectable desserts, Giorg Cucina é Barra is your place.
Tip: Giorg Cucina é Barra also offers private cooking classes—learn to make classic Italian sauces, pastas, and more with their talented chefs.
While Thunder Bay has several Indian restaurants, Masala Grille is the OG. When it opened in 2006, it literally spiced up the historic McVicar-Harrington neighbourhood with its flavourful, aromatic cuisine. They offer Indian and Thai favourites, including vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Tip: If you’d like to stretch your legs before or after your meal, check out this walking tour which features 23 heritage buildings, some dating back to the late 1800s.
Looking for TBay’s best noodle bowl? Locals say it’s at Golden Wok–a classic neighbourhood restaurant that has been serving up Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine since 2000. You’ll also find dim sum and, of course, bon bons–crispy pork short ribs that were invented here in 1946 by a local Chinese restaurateur.
Thunder Bay’s African population is growing and, according to the 2021 census, was around 1,850 people. If you’re looking to warm up with the flavours of West Africa, check out the Thunder Bay African Restaurant–one of the newest additions to the international culinary scene. Popular dishes at this centrally-located and casual eatery include catfish pepper soup and jollof rice and chicken.
Fresh ingredients and attention to detail are on the menu at Wasabi—Thunder Bay’s longest-running Japanese restaurant. Locals have flocked here since 2009 for unique sushi creations, like the Thunder Bay roll (shrimp tempura, cucumbers and avocado topped with raw spicy tuna, green onions and sesame) plus other popular Japanese dishes, like nigiri and sashimi.
The city of Thunder Bay is growing, attracting new residents from all across Canada and the world—and with each newcomer comes the potential for amazing new flavours and cuisines. So pick your favourites from the list above, and make a plan to take a global tour on your next visit to the city.
