A canadian restaurant with italian inspired and french flavours
About Us
Rene’s Bistro first opened its doors in 2008 in the heart of downtown Stratford, Ontario, just two blocks from the Avon Theatre and directly across from City Hall. From the beginning, our mission has been simple: to serve high-quality, french restaurant - and italian inspired, canadian restaurant in a warm, welcoming environment.
Like many small businesses, we were deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and made the difficult decision to close in 2021. But out of that challenging time came something truly beautiful — our son, born during the pandemic, and the dream of reopening our restaurant with him by our side.
As of May 1, 2025, we are proud to announce that Rene’s Bistro is officially reopened at our original location: 20 Wellington Street. With Rene in the kitchen and myself (Margaret) at the front of house, we’re thrilled to continue what we started — now as a family.
We are so grateful to be part of the Stratford community once again. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the Stratford Festival, we invite you to join us for a meal made with love, passion, and locally sourced ingredients.
Welcome back to Rene’s Bistro — where tradition meets modern flair.
Our Culinary Philosophy
At Rene’s Bistro, our culinary philosophy is rooted in fresh, locally sourced ingredients, quality craftsmanship, and a deep respect for flavour. Inspired by French and italian inspired with a canadian restaurant with a twist we believe that great food starts with great ingredients — and we’re proud to support local farms, markets, and producers right here in the Stratford area.
Every dish we create is prepared with care and intention, using seasonal produce, sustainably sourced meats and seafood, and house-made sauces and stocks. From our signature PEI mussels to our handcrafted mushroom Wellington, our goal is to serve food that’s not only delicious, but honest — food that makes you feel at home.
Whether you’re joining us before the Stratford Festival, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving a beautifully prepared meal in a cozy downtown setting, you’ll always find freshness, flavour, and heart on the plate at Rene’s Bistro
Elevated Comfort Food
At Rene’s Bistro, we believe comfort food can be both elegant and inclusive. Our menu is built around dishes that feel familiar — but with refined flavours, fresh ingredients, and a modern bistro twist.
We proudly offer a variety of options to suit all dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices. Whether you’re joining us for a cozy dinner downtown, celebrating with friends, or enjoying a pre-theatre meal near the Stratford Festival, we’re committed to creating a warm, delicious, and welcoming experience for every guest.
From rich pastas and plant-based creations to locally sourced seafood and house-made desserts, our goal is to serve elevated comfort food that satisfies every palate — with heart, flavour, and hospitality.