LCBO Food & Drink Travel 2026

CHEF’S DAY OFF

Playing Favourites Celebrated Thai chef Nuit Regular shares the Ontario restaurants and food destinations she loves to escape to when she’s off-duty.

BY JESSICA HURAS

For years, chef Nuit Regular has brought the flavours of Thailand to Toronto through her beloved restaurants, including Pai and Kiin. Her newest venture with husband and business partner, Jeff Regular, Makilala (makilala.ca), draws on his Filipino heritage and their travels, shaping both its vibrant dishes and a design that evokes everyday community life in the Philippines. When she’s not in her own kitchens, Regular seeks out Ontario restaurants that honour local ingredients and cultural stories. From farmhouse feasts in Prince Edward County to inventive tasting menus in small towns, these are the culinary trips she thinks are worth making. 1 Langdon Hall, Cambridge It’s such a special dining 4 Littlejohn Farm, Picton

Littlejohn Farm is such a unique experience that connects diners to where their food comes from. Zach and Luhana’s farm-to- table dinners and interactive cooking classes are intimate and filled with heart. I love the focus on sustainability, the beautiful farm and gardens, and the way they welcome you like family. littlejohnfarm.com

destination. Jeff and I like to go when we want a quick, romantic getaway out of the city. Chef Jason Bangerter showcases the beauty of Ontario’s seasons through refined dishes highlighting local ingredients. Thoughtful wine pairings and impeccable service make every visit memorable. langdonhall.ca 2 Fat Rabbit, St. Catharines Fat Rabbit is a gem. I really enjoy their playful take on small plates. They take great pride in their handling of meat, which you can appreciate in their incredible selec tion of house-made charcuterie. It’s a casual and comforting place that makes you feel welcome. fat-rabbit.ca 3 Naagan, Owen Sound Chef Zach Keeshig is creating one of the most inspiring Indigenous dining experiences in Ontario. His tasting menu celebrates wild, foraged and locally sourced ingre dients with creativity and respect for tradition. Each of his dishes tells a story, connecting you to the land and his Indigenous heritage. naagan.ca

5 Kappo Sato, Toronto Kappo Sato is one of my top

recommendations for elevated Japanese cuisine. The food is deli cious, creative and crafted with remarkable care and intention. Watching chef [Takeshi] Sato’s calm, precise artistry feels almost therapeutic. The open kitchen becomes a beautiful theatre of technique, culture and attentive service that makes the entire experience unforgettable. kapposato.com

My favourite ingredient to work with at Makilala is calamansi. I love using this tiny citrus to add bright acidity to my marinades for our grilled pork belly and chicken.

PORTRAIT BY DARREN KEMPER; LITTLEJOHN FARM PHOTO BY LARO MEDIA

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———————— TRAVEL 2026