Rene’s Bistro
20 Wellington Street Stratford Ontario N5A2L2
elevated comfort food in downtown stratford Ontario
Located in the heart of downtown Stratford, Ontario, Rene’s Bistro is proud to be back in our original home at 20 Wellington Street. As a husband-and-wife-owned restaurant, we’re passionate about creating memorable dining experiences with elevated comfort food, warm hospitality, and exceptional service.
Gather.Dine.
Celebrate
Join us for a pre-theatre dinner at Rene’s Bistro, just two blocks from the Avon Theatre, across from City Hall in downtown Stratford Ontario. A welcoming destination where family, friends, locals, and visitors come together for elevated comfort food and exceptional hospitality.
FRESH LOCAL INGREDIENTS
At Rene’s Bistro, we believe exceptional food starts with exceptional ingredients. Our elevated comfort food is crafted using fresh, locally sourced products whenever possible, supporting Ontario farmers and artisan producers. We’re proud to partner with trusted suppliers, including Wild Hog Food Market, Olive Your Favourites, and Karen Hartwick’s Tea Leaves, bringing quality, flavour, and freshness to every dish we serve in downtown Stratford.
CHEF RENE DELAFRANIER
Chef Rene Delafranier, owner and a graduate of the Stratford Chef School, has been creating exceptional cuisine for more than 20 years. Passionate about fresh, locally sourced ingredients and classic French-inspired cooking, Chef Rene brings experience, creativity, and attention to every dish. His signature style of elevated comfort food has made Rene’s Bistro a favourite dining destination in downtown Stratford, Ontario, where guests can enjoy warm hospitality and thoughtfully prepared seasonal cuisine.
WARM HOSPITALITY
As a husband-and-wife team, Chef Rene Delafranier and Front of House Manager Margaret Masters are passionate about creating memorable dining experiences. While Chef Rene crafts elevated comfort food using fresh local ingredients, Margaret ensures every guest is welcomed with genuine hospitality and attentive service. Together, they have created a warm and inviting destination for locals and visitors alike in downtown Stratford.
casual fine dining
fresh local ingredients
stratford ontario
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We first opened our doors in 2008 at 20 Wellington Street Stratford Ontario. We closed our doors in 2021. We had the opportunity to reopen our doors in July 2025. Same Chef and same front of house manager. We are so delighted to be a part of the community once again.
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At Rene’s Bistro, we believe every memorable dining experience begins with exceptional food and genuine hospitality. As a husband-and-wife team, Chef/Owner René Delafranier leads the kitchen with a passion for elevated comfort food, preparing every dish from fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
In the dining room, Front of House Manager Margaret Masters is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every guest feels at home. From your arrival to your last bite, attentive service, genuine hospitality, and attention to detail are at the heart of every visit.
Located in the heart of downtown Stratford, Rene’s Bistro is proud to offer an inviting dining experience for locals and visitors alike, whether you’re joining us for a relaxed evening, a special celebration, or a pre-theatre dinner just steps from the Avon Theatre.
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Behind every exceptional dining experience is an exceptional team. We are truly grateful for our dedicated staff, whose passion, professionalism, and commitment shine through every day. Our team cares about Rene’s Bistro as much as we do, taking pride in creating memorable experiences for every guest who walks through our doors.
We’ve built a positive, supportive workplace where respect, teamwork, and genuine care are at the heart of everything we do. That culture is reflected in the warm hospitality, attentive service, and welcoming atmosphere our guests have come to expect. Together, we’re proud to make Rene’s Bistro a place where both our team and our guests feel right at home.