Southern + Bel.
Southern
+ Bel.
COMING SOON
THE CLAYFIELD COMMONS
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON
SOUTHERN COMFORT. BELGIAN CHARM. CRAFTED IN CANADA.
MORE THAN A MEAL
A little bit Southern. A little bit Belgium. A lot of heart.
Southern + Bel. is a very personal undertaking for our family. Established in 2021, it grew from a love of family, food, travel, and little moments that make a place feel like home.
The majority of our Southern recipes come from Robert’s grandmother, whose recipes he inherited. Robert has spent the past five years carefully perfecting and adapting these recipes for the dishes we serve today. We’ve added a few of our own family favourites along the way, too. Sharing these with our guests is a way of sharing a little piece of our family with them.
The Bel in Southern + Bel. was inspired by our travels in Belgium. We fell in love with the food, the culture, the warmth, and the atmosphere. Cold drinks on charming patios, wandering the streets with a cone of frites in hand, and stopping at a little street-side window for a warm, freshly made Liège waffle straight from the iron. Those experiences stayed with us, and we wanted to bring that feeling home to Canada.
From the very beginning, Southern + Bel. has been something we’ve built together. We’ve been fully hands-on with every detail — from perfecting recipes and developing the concept, to choosing our branding, and creating the warm and welcoming atmosphere we hoped people would feel when they walked through our doors.
What started in 2021 as an idea inspired by family and travel has grown into something we’re incredibly proud to share. Southern + Bel. brings together the warmth and comfort of Southern hospitality with the charm, character, and quaintness we fell in love with in Belgium — all with a little piece of our family at the heart of it.
MENUS
Our menu brings together Southern comfort food, family recipes, and Belgian-inspired dishes. You’ll find familiar favorites alongside our own takes on the flavors and dishes that have inspired us.
THE EXPERIENCE
A warm, comfortable setting with vintage touches and plenty of character.
VISIT
Find us at The Clayfield Commons in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
STAY IN TOUCH
Join our community for news on our grand opening and seasonal updates.
STREET FOOD ON THE GO
Our grab-and-go and takeaway menu is designed to make Southern + Bel. easy to enjoy wherever the day takes you. We’re focusing on food that travels well without losing the comfort, quality and little bit of fun that makes it Southern + Bel.
Liege Waffle
Originating in the Belgian city of Liège, Liège waffles are made from a rich, buttery, brioche-style dough rather than traditional waffle batter. Belgian pearl sugar is folded into the dough, caramelizing against the hot waffle iron to create a golden, slightly crisp exterior. Inside, they’re soft, rich and pleasantly chewy, with little pockets of caramelized sweetness throughout. Smaller and more irregular in shape than a traditional waffle, they taste somewhere between buttery brioche and a caramelized pastry.
SIGNATURE MENU
Belgian Frites
Crispy, twice-cooked Belgian frites served hot with house-made dipping sauces for the perfect shareable bite.
Southern Fried Chicken
Our fried chicken starts with something very special — Robert’s grandmother’s 100+ year-old family recipe. Passed down through generations, it’s the foundation of our chicken and one that Robert has spent years carefully perfecting. We’ve stayed true to the spirit of the original while adding our own touch along the way.
SOUTHERN + BEL.
Some of our favourite dishes are where our two influences come together — the comforting flavours of the South and the experiences and tastes of Belgium. These dishes are our own take on that combination, bringing together familiar Southern ingredients and Belgian favourites. Each one is something we’ve developed, tested, and enjoyed around our own table before sharing it with yours.
Southern Comforts
Mariah's Biscuits
Mariah's biscuits are a true labour of love — golden on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside, and made fresh with every batch. They’re the perfect bite of Southern comfort, whether enjoyed on their own or alongside one of our dishes.
Robert's Mac & Cheese
Robert’s homemade mac & cheese is pure Southern comfort, made from scratch with plenty of care. It’s rich, creamy, and cheesy, with a golden, comforting finish that keeps you coming back for another bite.
Olive's Cake Loaf
Olive’s Chocolate Cake Loaf is rich, dense, and wonderfully moist, with plenty of deep chocolate flavour. It has just the right amount of sweetness, making it a satisfying treat any time of day. For an extra touch of indulgence, add our Belgian chocolate drizzle on top. A family favourite made with love, it’s simple, decadent, and hard to resist.
Join the Family
From family recipes and Southern traditions to the Belgian influences we’ve brought home from our travels, there’s always a story behind what we do. Follow along for a look at what’s happening at Southern + Bel., from new dishes and special events to the little things that make our restaurant feel like home.