Blackshop Restaurant has been awarded Gold recognition in the Food & Drink Best Steak category for the 2026 Readers' Choice Awards in Cambridge and the Waterloo Region. The Readers' Choice Awards are determined through nominations and voting by local community members, spotlighting businesses that residents actively recognize and support. The Best Steak results appear on the Readers' Choice winners page, cementing Blackshop's reputation among local diners.
Located at 595 Hespeler Road in Cambridge, minutes from Highway 401 and area hotels, Blackshop Restaurant & Wine Bar serves modern European cuisine. Its chef-driven menus are built around seasonal ingredients and European techniques, complemented by a wine list featuring selections from around the world. The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Asela "Ace" Bulner, who brings more than 15 years of culinary experience across Europe, the UAE and Canada. His menus combine traditional technique with Sri Lankan and global flavours, and his background includes work with sports teams such as the Edmonton Oilers and with golf clubs. The executive team also includes Director of Hospitality Kevin Da Silva and Sales Manager Minnie Da Silva.
This award matters because it signals strong community endorsement, which can translate into increased foot traffic and event bookings for the restaurant. Blackshop is open seven days a week: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. The property features a patio, fireplaces and on-site parking.
Beyond everyday dining, Blackshop hosts private events including weddings, corporate events and celebrations. Its event spaces range from The State Room, seating up to 22 guests, to The Atrium, accommodating up to 80. The Guild Room and The Anvil Room each seat up to 46 for dinner, and the combined State Room and Atrium space seats up to 80 or holds 100 for a cocktail reception. The Guild Room opens onto the covered patio, while the Anvil Room can be arranged as a workshop space for 16 people. Private bookings include the space for up to three hours, dedicated servers, floor plan customization, a microphone, wireless internet, TV displays for presentations and a sound system. Event menus are customizable with hors d'oeuvres, shareable trays and prix fixe options, and can accommodate dietary needs including gluten, dairy, vegan and vegetarian. Menu examples include Seared Scallops and Beef Tartare among appetizers, and Ontario Beef Tenderloin and Wild Pacific Halibut among main courses.
For the broader hospitality industry in Waterloo Region, the Gold award underscores the value of community engagement and consistent quality. As Blackshop continues to welcome diners and event guests, it remains focused on its modern European menu and its mix of dining and event spaces. For more information, visit https://blackshop.ca/.
