Downtown Oakville eatery one of Canada’s Top 100 Best Restaurants

One of Canada’s top restaurants is nestled in Towne Square in downtown Oakville.

The annual Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list is out and sitting at No. 34 is Oakville’s own Hexagon.

The modern, upscale French restaurant, which offers multi-course dinners and wine pairings amid chic decor, is considered among the top places across the country to dine out by the magazine and online publication that is considered a definitive guide to Canada’s 100 best restaurants.

Restaurateur Artur Koczur opened Hexagon five years ago.

“It’s all airy and light — a floating fireplace, hexagonal overhead lights and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on Towne Square,” said the review by Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants.

Hexagon chef Rafael Covarrubias, says the review, expresses his Mexican heritage along with global influences that might be Canadian here, Japanese over there.

“He reins it all in and delivers inventive, remarkably cohesive dishes,” said the magazine. “Sure, the classical technique is there, but Hokkaido scallop crudo with habanero, Cara Cara orange and bergamot is just that — plain, simple and delicious.”

Those with a bigger appetite will enjoy the Snake River wagyu short rib with black garlic or an ibérico chop with Brussels sprouts, shishito pepper and mustard jus.

“This is fine dining without airs — chef will run plates, especially for the blind tasting menu,” continued the review.

Hexagon’s patio is getting a refresh this summer, while the wine-forward Bar 8 will feature an oversized cold bar in the form of a chilled marble tabletop from which the chef will share his love of shellfish.

Hexagon also made the list of Canada’s Best Restaurants back in 2020 when they ranked 81 on the list.

Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants is voted on by 130 judges. The judging panel, whose number in each province is proportional to the population, is a balanced mix of informed culinary enthusiasts, food writers and critics, chefs, restaurateurs and other food service professionals.

The judges are asked to vote for restaurants based on the complete dining experience provided – service, decor, the depth of the cellar and, above all else, food quality.

Each judge must vote for a minimum of three restaurants outside of their home region.