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Casual Fine Dining/Fresh local Ingredients/Stratford Ontario
About Us
Rene’s Bistro first opened its doors in 2008 at 20 Wellington Street in downtown Stratford, Ontario, built on a passion for great food, warm hospitality, and a love for bringing people together around the table. We proudly served our community until 2019, before facing the challenges that many independent restaurants experienced during the pandemic.
After a difficult period, we were forced to close in 2021 due to COVID. During that time, our family was blessed with the arrival of our baby boy, reminding us why community, connection, and sharing meals matter so much.
In May 2025, we were grateful for the opportunity to reopen Rene’s Bistro at our original location, where our dream first began — right in the heart of Stratford, Ontario, just two blocks from the Avon Theatre. Today, we are proud to welcome both locals and visitors looking for casual fine dining and pre-theatre dining in Stratford.
Chef Rene Delafranier leads the kitchen, creating French and Italian-inspired dishes using fresh, local ingredients, while Margaret Masters, owner and front-of-house manager, ensures every guest feels at home from the moment they walk through our doors.
Whether you’re joining us for a relaxed evening out, a special occasion, or dining before a show at the Avon Theatre, Rene’s Bistro offers a welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful cuisine, and a true taste of Stratford hospitality.
Our Culinary Philosophy
At Rene’s Bistro, our cooking is guided by a respect for fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the relationships we’ve built with trusted local suppliers. We believe great food starts with quality ingredients, prepared simply and thoughtfully, allowing natural flavours to shine.
Inspired by classic French and Italian cuisine, our menu reflects a balance of tradition and creativity, offering casual fine dining that feels both comforting and refined. Each dish is crafted with care, attention to detail, and a commitment to consistency, whether you’re joining us for an intimate dinner or pre-theatre dining in Stratford, Ontario.
Our philosophy is rooted in seasonality, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality — creating dishes that feel honest, approachable, and memorable.
Elevated Comfort Food
At Rene’s Bistro, we believe that great food should be both comforting and refined. Our menu features elevated comfort food inspired by classic French and Italian cuisine, reimagined with creativity, care, and a focus on fresh local ingredients.
Each dish is crafted to deliver familiar flavors in new, memorable ways, balancing comfort, elegance, and quality. From hearty mains to decadent desserts, every bite reflects our dedication to seasonal ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and genuine hospitality.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed dinner, a special occasion, or pre-theatre dining near the Avon Theatre, our elevated comfort food brings a taste of Stratford, Ontario, right to your table.