Updated February 2026
Best Credit Cards for Restaurants & Dining
Earn more when you eat out
Whether you love trying new restaurants or ordering in, these cards reward your food spending with bonus points or cashback. Many also include perks like free food delivery memberships and restaurant discounts.
We've evaluated dozens of cards to bring you the top picks in this category. Our recommendations are based on reward rates, fees, welcome bonuses, and overall value for Canadian consumers.
Top Credit Cards for Restaurants & Dining for 2026
Scotiabank
Scotiabank Gold American Express
Annual Fee
$120
Welcome Bonus
$450
Base Rate
1%
Network
amex
Earn up to 6 points per $1 at Sobeys, 5 on dining/groceries. No foreign transaction fees. Comprehensive travel insurance.
American Express
American Express Cobalt Card
Annual Fee
$192
Welcome Bonus
$150
Base Rate
1%
Network
amex
Earn 5x points on food and drinks, 3x on streaming, 2x on transit and gas. Transfer points to Aeroplan for maximum value.
Annual Fee
$120
Welcome Bonus
$200
Base Rate
1%
Network
mastercard
Earn 5 points per $1 on restaurants, groceries, digital media, utilities. 10% annual birthday bonus.
Simplii Financial
Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa
Annual Fee
Free
Welcome Bonus
$100
Base Rate
0.5%
Network
visa
Earn 4% on dining, 1.5% on gas/groceries/drugstores. No Canadian credit history required for newcomers.
Annual Fee
$120
Welcome Bonus
$500
Base Rate
1.5%
Network
visa
Earn 3 points per $1 on travel, dining, and entertainment. Redeem for any travel expense with no blackouts.
🍽️ Tips for Choosing the Right Card
- ✓Match your spending: Choose a card that rewards the categories where you spend most.
- ✓Consider the annual fee: Higher fees often mean better rewards—make sure you'll earn enough to justify the cost.
- ✓Check welcome bonuses: Sign-up offers can be worth hundreds of dollars in the first year.
- ✓Read the fine print: Look for category caps, minimum spend requirements, and redemption restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which card is best for me?
Look at your monthly spending patterns. If you spend $500+ on groceries, a card with 5% grocery rewards will earn you $300+/year. Compare that against the annual fee to see your net benefit.
Can I have multiple credit cards?
Yes! Many Canadians use 2-3 cards strategically—one for groceries, one for dining, one for everything else. Just ensure you can manage payments and keep utilization low.
Will applying hurt my credit score?
Each application causes a small, temporary dip (usually 5-10 points). This recovers within a few months. Avoid applying for multiple cards in a short period.