Dinner and Theatre Getaway in London Ontario

I used to hibernate or head south in Winter, but the moment I became a travel writer this all changed. I found myself gearing up and heading out to explore winter more and more. Not all winter escapes happen outdoors. In this post, I share a dinner and theatre getaway in London Ontario. It included a fabulous dinner, local theatre show and a stay at the most delightful little mansion turned into a luxurious inn.

Planning Tips for Your London Winter Theatre Getaway

Dinner at Garlic’s of London

My only recommendation for those planning on dining at this restaurant is to arrive with an enormous appetite. Be sure to make a reservation, especially on theatre nights as it is located next door.

Garlic’s of London is a high-end restaurant, which is popular with locals and a must visit if you are in the London Ontario area. You can enjoy a prix fixe meal for $30 or select items off the menu at will, and we did both options during our dinner.

The restaurant prides itself on fresh, made from scratch fare using local ingredients and the theme of the evening is garlic. This restaurant will not disappoint. Everything from the knowledgeable service staff to the artistic culinary creations made by their chefs all contribute to a great meal.

Garlic’s of London, Dinner A la Carte

If you have a full table of people to share the appetizers then I recommend the Garlic Frites and the Brie and Garlic Toast. I think the pictures depict the delicious things that we ate and honestly I can’t even describe in words the melt in your mouth goodness of the flavours in these dishes.

There are rich flavours of garlic and cheese but not overpowering as you might think. While the garlic is the hero of the dishes, it didn’t overpower your palate or make you conscious of your breath afterward.

After the appetizer indulgence, I shared the pear and arugula salad which was another flavour explosion. When salads are infused with flavours including the sweetness of the fruit and the tangy dressing and then include subtle hints of garlic and cheese which all seem perfectly balanced in each bite I take… well I think I could eat a lot more salad if I knew how to make it like this.

For my main, I enjoyed the pan seared Atlantic salmon. Can you see the mouth watery goodness in this picture? The salmon rested on fried Brussel sprouts, fingerling potatoes and caper hash, the butter and lemon sautéed vegetables with a shaved fennel marmalade.

Garlic’s of London Prix Fixe Menu

If you want some help choosing from this menu, then you may want to try some of the favourites paired out for you by the chef. To start you will enjoy this Garlic Bisque made with roasted garlic, caramelized onions, potato, cream, thyme and topped with a truffle oil garnish.

The main was a flat iron beef steak with potato mash, roasted root vegetables and Garlic’s of London’s house reduction sauce.

By this point, there was no room for dessert, but the Garlic’s of London Prix fix menu includes this decadent flourless chocolate cake, and we shared it as a table.

The Grand Theatre, London Ontario

Located next door to the restaurant, the Grand Theatre is an impressive company featuring many shows and local activities. The original theatre dates back to 1901, and while it has transformed over the years into a movie theatre, it was renovated again in 1970 to the magnificent building it is today.

There are many “hotel, dine and play” packages available through Tourism London. If you are looking for a weekend escape, this is a great way to get away, enjoy some fantastic local cuisine, a great local show and hideaway at a beautiful hotel. I recommend the Idlewyld Inn see my review below.

Where to Stay in London Ontario

Idlewyld Inn & Spa

If you are in the mood for a luxury getaway in London, then head to the Old South London neighbourhood. There you can stay in this historic mansion. Inside is the perfect combination of history in the many sitting rooms, and rooms decorated with modern touches.

Our Review: Idlewyld Inn London Provides A Chic Victorian Luxury Escape

Station Park Hotel

If you would like to stay in downtown London check out the Station Park Suites. Every room is a full suite with a bedroom, living space and kitchen. Conveniently located steps from downtown shopping, cafes and restaurants this hotel is a great choice.

Our Review: Station Park All Suite Hotel London Ontario

Delta Armories

Right in the heart of downtown London Ontario, you’ll find the castle looking building. Inside you’ll discover the renovated rooms but in the halls are reminders and tributes to the history of the building.

Our Review: Delta London Armouries‎ a Modern Hotel with Hidden History

Travel Assistance provided by Ontario’s Southwest Tourism on a media FAM trip.