Your Guide To The Best of Windsor Essex In 2026!
The results are in, and our community has spoken! The 11th Annual Best of Windsor Essex Awards celebrate the outstanding local businesses and locations that make our region such a vibrant place to explore. Each year, thousands of residents cast their votes to recognize the places they love the most. From favorite restaurants and shops to accommodations and hidden gems. Explore all the winners and finalists at bestofwindsoressex.ca. Keep reading for a look at this year’s exciting categories, long-standing fan favorites and some of the most unique and must-visit spots in the region!
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Arts & Entertainment
When you are looking for a great night out. An engaging way to spend the day or somewhere to fill your bags and shop til you drop. Windsor Essex has you covered! Add these can’t miss stops to your next outing:
Best Art Gallery, Art Space or Art Installation: Windsor Sculpture Park – A one-of-a-kind outdoor gallery featuring over 31 large-scale, internationally acclaimed sculptures by world-renowned artists. Located along the scenic Detroit River, between the Ambassador Bridge and Festival Plaza, this striking collection of contemporary art offers a unique experience for visitors and residents alike.
Best Live Performance Venue: The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor – The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor proudly upholds the legendary Caesars 40-year tradition of offering premium entertainment. Boasting 5,000-seats, high-definition video, state-of-the-art sound and lighting to showcase exciting international headline concert performers from country to rock ‘n roll, as well as comedy and variety acts.
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Best Shopping Experience: Devonshire Mall – Devonshire Mall is the area’s premier shopping centre with over 170 stores and services including Sephora, H&M, Lululemon, MAC Cosmetics, Michael Hill, Purdys Chocolatier, Pandora, Mandarin, The Canadian Brewhouse and Cineplex Odeon Theatre. Visit their website for upcoming events, promotions, and a full listing of brand name retailers.
Best Tour Experience: WindsorEats – Windsor’s food hall with pop ups and events throughout the year. Try their famous Margarita Flights or choose from a drink menu of craft cocktails, boozy lemonades, craft beers. Enjoy your eats on the large outdoor patio or in the dining room. Pet friendly, kid friendly and just overall friendly.
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Attractions & Events
Best Family-Friendly Attraction: Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens – Colasanti’s is a tropical wonderland destination for the whole family. Open year-round, 361 days a year, the 3.5 acres of family fun offers cacti, succulents, exotic and tropical plants, a petting zoo, indoor 18 hole mini golf, arcade games, and unique home décor pieces. Colasanti’s Restaurant specializes in famous “Broasted Chicken,” pizza, apple cider, hot homemade donuts and butter fudge.
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Best Historical Attraction: Willistead Manor – Willistead Manor is a 36-room mansion nestled within a 15-acre park and was built in 1906 for Edward Chandler Walker, the second son of Hiram Walker, founder of the world-renowned distillery. Public tours available at select times during the summer and winter.
Best Festival, Event or Parade: Carrousel of the Nations – Explore cultures from around the world by visiting each country’s village at the award-winning Carrousel of Nations! This year’s villages will take place June 12th to 14th and June 19th to 21st.
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Best Holiday Event: Bright Lights Windsor – A cherished holiday tradition lighting up Jackson Park each year featuring light displays, interactive attractions, a holiday train ride, a vendor market and so much more!
However you choose to fill your glass Windsor Essex has award-winning flavours sure to delight! Our EPIC Wineries, our strong coffee culture and our Barrels Bottles and Brews trail offer plenty of reasons to raise a glass.
Best Coffee Shop, Cafe or Roaster: Anchor Coffee House – Anchor is a locally owned and operated coffee and lunch spot. It is the dream child of two coffee-lovers and foodies. Specializing in paninis, soups, salads and baked goods all made from scratch in house. The menu changes regularly to incorporate local organic products that reflect the season.
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Best Brewery, Cidery or Distillery: Wolfhead Distillery – the first premium craft distillery in Essex County. Nestled in Amherstburg and specializing in handcrafted, small-batch Vodka, Whisky, and Gin—pushing the boundaries of Canadian spirits with bold flavour and local flair.
Best Winery Experience: Cooper’s Hawk Vineyard and The Vines Restaurant – Welcome to world-class wines, expertly crafted cuisine, and a naturalist’s haven. Take in the tasting room, The Vines Restaurant, and patio dining. Enjoy the beautiful vineyards, wildlife, and majestic sunsets while enjoying a glass of award winning wine.
EAT
Windsor Essex is renowned for our diverse eats and delectable flavours. Browse through our award-winners and use it as a checklist for your next dining experience!
Best Brunch Spot: The Twisted Apron – Experience the Twisted Apron and discover a small, quaint restaurant that serves up comfort food with a twist – a twist on the classics that remind you of Mom’s cooking…if your mom was a gourmet chef.
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Best Burger Joint: Loose Goose RestoPub & Lounge – Where great food meets great friends. Loose Goose has three incredible locations. They serve pub style food with their signature dish being chicken wings with over 60 different sauces, dry rubs and blends to choose from.
Best Farmers Market or Farm Shop: Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market – At the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market you’ll find farm fresh fruit, vegetables, produce and unique artisan food products from the best our area has to offer. With a Kids Corner, art exhibits and crafts vendors, community booths, entertainment, food demonstrations, and other special events that attract the community to our fun and family-friendly environment.
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Best Global Flavours: El Diablo – At El Diablo, you can mix things up, try new dishes and appeal to your own tastes. Spend more time laughing, reminiscing and enjoying each other’s company while trying unique appetizers, entrees and desserts.
Best Pasta House: Spago – Enjoy 100% authentic homemade Italian meals and stone oven pizza prepared fresh. Traditional, gluten-free and vegetarian menu options available. Known for their authentic Italian dishes, impeccable service and relaxed atmosphere, Spago is a family owned and operated, Erie Street original. Enjoy a warm, friendly atmosphere, amazing aromas and delicious authentic Italian home cooked meals at Spago. Their goal is to ensure that you leave with a warm heart and a happy smile.
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Best Pizza: OG Pizza – The Original Guys have been in the pizza biz for over 25 years, formerly know as “The Naples Guys” out in the county. They have moved on to a better product of their own. Their pizza is made Windsor style with shredded pepperoni, local ingredients, thin crust and baked on stone ovens.
Best Sweat Treat: Iron Kettle Commissary – Visit Iron Kettle for hand-made croissants, breads, soups and more. What began as artisanal baking from an historic 1876 home has blossomed into a destination-worthy bakery and café, where time-honoured recipes meet contemporary craftsmanship in every fresh-baked offering.
Outdoor Adventure
Best Beach: Point Pelee National Park – Located in Point Pelee National Park, this sandy beach has washrooms, change rooms, and picnic areas. Point Pelee National Park is a conservation marshland area that is home to several endangered plant and animal species.
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Best Park or Garden: Point Pelee National Park – Plan to spend a full day enjoying Point Pelee. Walk the Marsh Boardwalk, paddle a canoe in the marsh (one hour), experience the Botham Tree Trail (one to two hours), take a round trip shuttle ride (one hour) to The Tip, or enjoy a picnic and a swim at the beach.
Best Trail: Ganatchio Trail – Whether walking, cycling or jogging, the Ganatchio Trail lets you explore 8 km of scenic trails stretching from the City of Windsor to the Town of Tecumseh.
Best Waterfront Experience: Urban Surf Co. – For those who want to discover Lake St Clair and enjoy the outdoors there is no better way to get closer than at Urban Surf. Offering Paddle Board and Kayak rentals, along with Sunset Paddles, a variety of Group Classes (Land + Water) and Surf Shop + snack bar.
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Best Waterfront View: King’s Navy Yard Park – Enjoy manicured annual flower beds, a ships anchor, cannons, and a light house beacon. It has been acknowledged as part of the great Sauk Trail which ran from Illinois to Detroit. Once a shipyard for the Provincial Marine, today you can take a stroll along the water, watch the ocean and lake freighters pass by or snap a photo of the colourful Rhododendron’s and lovely gardens.
Stay
Best Overnight Stay: Caesars Windsor – Caesars Windsor is your one stop spot for entertainment, food, drink and more! Visit Windsor’s #1 tourist attraction for a full night of fun.
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Photo Op
Best Photo Op: Windsor Waterfront – With its sweeping views of the Detroit skyline, beautifully landscaped gardens, and miles of scenic walking trails, Windsor’s waterfront offers countless picture-perfect moments in every season. From vibrant sunrises and glowing sunsets to lively festivals and peaceful riverfront strolls, it’s no surprise the waterfront continues to be a favourite backdrop for capturing unforgettable memories.
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Support local and celebrate the best of Windsor Essex! The Best of Windsor Essex Awards showcase the top places to dine, shop, and explore—chosen by locals. By visiting these winning businesses, leaving reviews, and sharing your experiences, you help strengthen our community and highlight the amazing talent and offerings in our region. Show your love for local and start exploring today!
Head to bestofwindsoressex.ca for a full list of past and present winners and finalists and make this your BEST year yet!
