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.
For parties of 5 or more please call 519-508-1777
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.
GOOGLE REVIEWS
“We had an incredible dining experience at Rene’s in Stratford. From start to finish, everything felt thoughtful, warm, and genuinely elevated.
The Portuguese mussels were absolutely outstanding — rich, fragrant, and perfectly cooked. The broth alone was worth coming back for. The mushroom dish was another highlight: earthy, beautifully balanced, and clearly made with care and attention to detail. And the crème brûlée? Honestly unforgettable. Silky, perfectly set, with that crisp caramelized top done to absolute perfection — easily a 10 out of 5.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere was cozy yet refined, and the service made us feel welcome without ever being intrusive. You can tell this is a place that cares deeply about both flavor and experience.
We left already talking about when we’d come back. Stratford has a lot of great spots, but this one truly stands out.
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5
Customer“Dine in · Dinner · $30–40
A birthday dinner at Rene's Bistro reminded us why it remains our favourite restaurant in Stratford. From the warm welcome at the door to the attentive, friendly service, the entire evening felt relaxed and inviting. We began with rich, velvety roasted tomato soup before trying two new to us entrées: the Tuscan Chicken Supreme with creamy parmesan polenta and the roasted mushroom en croûte wrapped in crisp golden pastry. Both dishes were beautifully prepared and full of flavour. Every visit here feels special, and this birthday celebration was no exception.
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
— Customer“Dine in · Dinner · $40–50
We were served by a wonderful server (and we are sorry to have forgotten your name!) AND one of the owners, Margaret. Both women were as enthusiastic as we were. The mussels with lemon cream sauce were delectable (I am looking up more adjectives....!) Then we had the entrees; we decided to share part way through since it was imperative that we experience as much as we could. Pesto Crusted Salmon and Mushrooms en Croute were equal in taste and plating. The conversation died down for a while, only to be replaced with 'mmmmmmm'. Against all logic, we ordered dessert: Warm Pecan Pudding Cake and Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée. Again, very little conversation and absolutely no regrets. Thank you to all who created and transported these wonderful dishes. We will visit again when we are in town!
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5
— Customer
Who we are
Rene’s Bistro is a locally owned restaurant in the heart of downtown Stratford, Ontario, proudly operated by husband-and-wife team Chef Rene Delafranier and Front of House Manager Margaret Masters.
A graduate of Stratford Chef School, Chef Rene opened Rene’s Bistro with Margaret in 2008 at our original home on Wellington Street. Together, they built a reputation for elevated comfort food, fresh local ingredients, genuine hospitality, and memorable dining experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Like many independent restaurants, we faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and made the difficult decision to close our doors in 2021. During that unexpected chapter, we were blessed to welcome our young son into our family, giving us renewed purpose and inspiration for the future.
In May 2025, we were thrilled to return to where our dream first began—our original downtown Stratford location. We are incredibly grateful for the warm welcome we have received from our community and returning guests.
Today, Rene’s Bistro continues to offer the same passionate owners, the same delicious elevated comfort food, the same commitment to fresh local ingredients, and the same warm hospitality that have defined us from the very beginning. Located just two blocks from the Avon Theatre, we are proud to be a favourite destination for pre-theatre dining, special occasions, and relaxed evenings with family and friends.
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our passion for exceptional food, heartfelt hospitality, and the vibrant dining experience that makes downtown Stratford so special.