Every so often, Windsor gets a national moment that quietly confirms what locals already know. This is one of them.

Take Five Bistro has once again been named one of the Top 100 Restaurants in Canada by OpenTable. It is the second year in a row the Erie Street staple has made the list, putting Windsor back on the national dining map.

This kind of recognition matters because it is not handed out lightly.

Why This Ranking Carries Weight

OpenTable’s Top 100 list is built on real behaviour, not marketing or hype. The rankings are compiled by analyzing more than one million verified diner reviews across Canada, along with reservation demand and the share of five-star experiences.

In other words, this is what people are actually booking, returning to, and recommending.

Making the list once is an achievement. Earning a spot two years in a row says something deeper. It speaks to consistency, execution, and a dining experience that holds up over time.

Erie Street, Windsor on a National Stage

Take Five Bistro opened on Erie Street in 2011 and has long been part of Windsor’s most recognizable dining corridor. Over the years, it has appeared on multiple OpenTable national lists, including recognition as one of Canada’s most romantic restaurants and one of the country’s top steakhouses.

This latest Top 100 ranking reinforces Erie Street’s role as a destination, not just a neighbourhood strip. It also puts Windsor in the same conversation as cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal when it comes to high-quality dining.

That comparison is important. Windsor is often overlooked nationally, but moments like this show the city competes far above its size when it comes to food.

What This Says About Windsor’s Food Scene

This recognition goes beyond one restaurant. National rankings help draw attention to Windsor as a food city, support local hospitality businesses, and challenge the outdated idea that great dining only exists in larger urban centres. Windsor’s culinary scene has depth, history, and staying power, and it continues to attract both locals and visitors from across Essex County and beyond.

OpenTable’s broader 2025 dining data also points to trends that fit Windsor well, including more group dining and a shift toward earlier reservations. That aligns naturally with how people here like to gather, share meals, and make dining a social experience.

A Reminder Worth Sharing

If you have eaten at Take Five Bistro, this recognition probably feels earned. If you have not, the data explains why it keeps showing up on national lists.

Windsor does not always get the credit it deserves. Stories like this are a reminder that some of the best dining experiences in Canada are happening right here on Erie Street.

If you live in Windsor or Essex County, this is one worth sharing with anyone who still underestimates what our local food scene has to offer.