1.American Express Cobalt® Card
American Express
- 5%Points on eligible eats and drinks
- 3%Points on eligible streaming subscriptions
Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days.
Earn 5x points on eligible eats and drinks, 3x points on eligible streaming subscriptions.
The American Express Cobalt® Card stands out as the top choice because it offers an exceptional rewards structure, particularly for dining and grocery purchases. With the ability to earn 5x points on eligible eats and drinks, it provides significant value for food enthusiasts and frequent diners.
Pros:
- High rewards on dining and groceries
- Flexible points redemption options
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Interest rates can be steep
2.Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
Scotiabank
- 6%Scene+ points on groceries
- 5%Scene+ points on dining and entertainment
Earn 45,000 bonus Scene+ points when you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months.
Earn 6x Scene+ points on groceries, 5x Scene+ points on dining and entertainment.
What sets the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card apart is its robust rewards program that offers 6x points on groceries and 5x on dining, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently spend in these categories. Additionally, the lack of foreign transaction fees enhances its appeal for travelers.
Pros:
- No foreign transaction fees
- High rewards on travel and dining
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Spending requirement for bonus points
3.RBC Ion+ Visa
RBC
- 3%Avion points on groceries, gas, dining
- 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.
The RBC Ion+ Visa shines for its low monthly fee and the ability to earn 3x Avion points on essential purchases like groceries and gas. This card is particularly appealing for those who want to maximize rewards on everyday spending without the burden of an annual fee.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Flexible rewards program
Cons:
- Lower rewards on non-bonus categories
- Monthly fee for Ion+ version
4.Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard
Tangerine
- 2%Cash back in up to 3 categories
- 0.5%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn CA$120 after spending CA$1,500 in your first 3 months.
Get unlimited 2% cash back in up to 3 categories of your choice.
The Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard is an excellent choice for those who want flexibility in their cash back rewards. With the ability to choose up to three categories for 2% cash back, it allows cardholders to tailor their rewards to their spending habits.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Flexible cash back categories
Cons:
- Limited to 3 categories for higher cash back
- Lower cash back on other purchases
5.CIBC Costco Mastercard
CIBC
- 3%Cash back at restaurants and Costco gas
- 2%Cash back at other gas stations
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Join and earn a CA$100 statement credit when CA$3,000 or more is spent within 120 days.
Earn 3% cash back at restaurants and Costco gas.
The CIBC Costco Mastercard is particularly beneficial for Costco members, offering up to 3% cash back on dining and gas purchases. This card is a great option for those who frequently shop at Costco and want to maximize their rewards on everyday spending.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High cash back on gas and dining
Cons:
- Requires Costco membership
- Cash back is received annually
- 5%Points on eligible purchases
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending CA$2,000 in the first 90 days.
Earn up to 5 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
The MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard® offers a compelling rewards structure, allowing cardholders to earn up to 5 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases. This card is ideal for those who want to maximize their rewards across a wide range of spending categories.
Pros:
- High rewards on various categories
- Flexible redemption options
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Spending requirement for bonus points
7.National Bank World Elite Mastercard®
National Bank
- 5%Points on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn up to 40,000 bonus points in the first year.
Earn 5 points for every dollar on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases.
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard® is a premium travel card that offers exceptional rewards on grocery and restaurant purchases. With the added benefit of lounge access, it is an excellent choice for frequent travelers looking to enhance their travel experience.
Pros:
- High rewards on groceries and dining
- Access to exclusive lounges
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Higher income requirement
Final Words
As you explore the best restaurant credit cards in Canada this May 2026, remember that the right choice hinges on your spending habits and rewards preferences. Take time to compare the options available to you, ensuring you make an informed decision that maximizes your benefits and enhances your dining experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
The American Express Cobalt® Card offers a welcome bonus of 20,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days. You can also earn 5x points on eligible eats and drinks, and 3x points on eligible streaming subscriptions.
With the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card, you can earn a welcome bonus of 45,000 bonus Scene+ points when you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months. The card also provides 6x Scene+ points on groceries and 5x Scene+ points on dining and entertainment.
The RBC Ion+ Visa has a welcome bonus of 7,000 Welcome Points and offers 14,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in your first 6 months. Additionally, you can earn 3x Avion points on groceries, gas, dining, and more.
When selecting a restaurant credit card, look for cards that offer high reward rates on dining and related purchases. Additionally, consider the welcome bonuses, annual fees, and any additional perks like travel rewards or cashback options to find the best fit for your spending habits.
Many restaurant credit cards do have annual fees, which can range significantly depending on the card's benefits and rewards structure. It's important to evaluate whether the rewards you earn can offset the cost of the annual fee based on your spending patterns.
Welcome bonuses are incentives offered by credit card companies to attract new customers. Typically, you need to meet a spending requirement within a specified time frame, such as earning $200 after spending $500, to receive the bonus.
Yes, many restaurant credit cards offer rewards for takeout and delivery purchases, particularly those that fall under the category of eligible eats and drinks. Always check the card's terms to see what spending qualifies for rewards.
