1.American Express Cobalt® Card
American Express
- 5%Points on eats & drinks (up to $2,500/month)
- 3%Points on streaming
- 2%Points on travel/transit
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points in the first year (1,250 per monthly billing period with $750 in net purchases).
Earn 5x points on eats & drinks (up to $2,500/month), 3x on streaming, 2x on travel/transit, and 1x on other purchases.
The American Express Cobalt Card stands out as the top choice because it offers exceptional earning rates on everyday categories like dining and groceries, making it ideal for those who frequently spend in these areas.
Pros:
- High rewards on everyday spending
- Flexible redemption options
Cons:
- Monthly fee
- High spending requirement for welcome bonus
2.Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
Scotiabank
- 6%Scene+ points on groceries
- 5%Scene+ points on dining and entertainment
- 1%Scene+ points on all other purchases
Earn up to 45,000 Scene+ points by spending $2,000 in the first three months.
Earn up to 6x Scene+ points on groceries, dining, and entertainment.
What sets the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card apart is its generous earning rates on essential spending categories, making it a top contender for those who prioritize rewards on groceries and dining.
Pros:
- High earning potential on groceries and dining
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Spending requirement for welcome bonus
- 5%Points on groceries, restaurants, digital media, memberships, and utilities
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 20,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days, plus 10,000 points for enrolling in paperless statements.
Earn 5 points per $1 spent on groceries, restaurants, digital media, memberships, and utilities.
The standout feature here is the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard's high earning potential on everyday spending, making it an excellent choice for those who want to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- High earning rate on everyday purchases
- Comprehensive insurance coverage
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Spending requirement for welcome bonus
4.RBC Ion+ Visa
RBC
- 3%Avion points on groceries, gas, dining, and more
- 1.5%Avion points on other purchases
Get 7,000 Welcome Points and earn 14,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in your first 6 months.
Earn 3x Avion points on groceries, gas, dining, and more.
This card shines for its low monthly fee and high earning potential on essential purchases, making it a great option for those who want to earn rewards without a hefty annual cost.
Pros:
- Low annual fee
- Flexible redemption options
Cons:
- Lower rewards on non-eligible categories
- Limited bonus points
5.CIBC Costco Mastercard
CIBC
- 3%Cash back on restaurants and Costco gas
- 2%Cash back on other gas/EV charging and Costco.ca
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Receive a $100 statement credit when $3,000 or more is spent within 120 days.
Earn 3% cash back on restaurants and Costco gas, 2% on other gas/EV charging and Costco.ca.
A key differentiator is the CIBC Costco Mastercard's strong cash back rewards on gas and dining, making it an excellent choice for Costco members who want to maximize their savings.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Good cash back on gas and restaurants
Cons:
- Limited to Costco members
- Lower rewards on other purchases
6.American Express Platinum Card
American Express
- 2%Points on eligible dining
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Typically requires a high minimum spend of $10,000 within the first three months.
Earn 1-2x points on spending, with extensive airport lounge access.
The American Express Platinum Card is the best option for luxury travelers, offering unparalleled benefits like extensive lounge access and high earning potential on travel-related expenses.
Pros:
- Extensive travel perks
- High welcome bonus
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires excellent credit
Final Words
As you explore the best restaurant credit cards this March 2026 in Canada, remember that selecting the right card can enhance your dining experiences with valuable rewards and perks. Take time to compare your options, evaluate the benefits that align with your spending habits, and make informed decisions that will maximize your rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
The American Express Cobalt® Card offers a welcome bonus of up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points in the first year (1,250 per monthly billing period with $750 in net purchases). You can earn 5x points on eats & drinks (up to $2,500/month), 3x on streaming, 2x on travel/transit, and 1x on other purchases.
With the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, you can earn a welcome bonus of up to 45,000 Scene+ points by spending $2,000 in the first three months. The card offers up to 6x Scene+ points on groceries, dining, and entertainment, with a breakdown of 6% on groceries, 5% on dining and entertainment, and 1% on all other purchases.
The MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard provides a welcome bonus of 20,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days, plus an additional 10,000 points for enrolling in paperless statements. You earn 5 points per $1 spent on groceries, restaurants, digital media, memberships, and utilities, with 1% on all other purchases.
When selecting a restaurant credit card, consider the rewards rate on dining, any annual fees, and the welcome bonuses available. Look for cards that offer additional perks like travel credits, insurance, or cashback on other spending categories that align with your lifestyle.
Many restaurant credit cards do charge annual fees, which can range from low to high depending on the rewards and benefits offered. It's essential to evaluate whether the rewards you earn will offset the cost of the annual fee based on your spending habits.
To maximize rewards with your restaurant credit card, use it for all dining purchases and take advantage of any promotions or bonus categories. Additionally, sign up for any loyalty programs associated with your card to earn even more points or cashback on your dining experiences.
The application process for credit cards in Canada typically involves filling out an online form with your personal and financial information. You'll need to provide details like your income, employment status, and credit history to assess your eligibility for the card.
