Complete checklist for opening a restaurant in London, Ontario: licensing, health inspection, Google listing, menu, and social presence.
London, Ontario has a restaurant scene that blends university-driven energy with strong neighbourhood dining. Richmond Row, Old East Village, Wortley Village, and downtown all have active independent food scenes, and the population of roughly 400,000 is big enough to support specialized concepts.
This checklist covers the licensing, health inspection, and digital presence setup for opening a restaurant in London, Ontario.
Every food service business in London needs a business licence from the City. You apply through the City of London's Licensing section. The process covers:
Plan for 6 to 10 weeks from application to approval, longer if zoning variances or heritage designations are involved. Parts of downtown and Old East Village have heritage rules that affect facade and signage changes.
Liquor sales are regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). You apply for a liquor sales licence through the iAGCO portal. Applications typically take 6 to 10 weeks and include a public notice period.
Register your business with ServiceOntario if you have not already done so.
Food safety in London is handled by the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU). Every new restaurant needs a pre-opening inspection before serving the public, and ongoing inspections happen on a regular cycle after opening.
MLHU inspectors check:
Ontario requires certified food handlers on staff and MLHU offers training and verification. Book your pre-opening inspection 3 to 4 weeks before your target opening date. MLHU inspection results are publicly disclosed, so your first inspection becomes part of your public record.
Your Google Business Profile is the most important online listing you will create. When a Londoner searches "new restaurant Richmond Row" or "brunch Wortley Village," Google's local results come up first.
Go to business.google.com and create your listing. Mark it "opening soon" before the doors are open. Fill in:
Target London specific keywords in your description: your neighbourhood name (Richmond Row, Old East, Wortley, downtown), your cuisine, and what makes you different. Google now verifies most new restaurant listings with a video walkthrough.
A digital menu matters in London because the customer base includes students, professionals, and families who all research before choosing a restaurant. A hosted digital menu gives you a shareable link for Google, Instagram, press, and delivery platforms, and a QR code for your tables.
Your menu should be mobile friendly and update in real time. When you run out of a dish or change a price, update from your phone and customers see it immediately.
For a walkthrough of adding your menu to Google: How to Add Your Restaurant Menu to Google Business Profile
EasyMenus lets you build a free digital menu with a QR code in under 15 minutes.
Build your opening day menu freeA one-page website with your name, address, hours, and menu link is enough at opening. Keep it fast on mobile. Squarespace, Wix, or WordPress all work well.
Instagram is the most important social platform for London restaurants. Post behind-the-scenes content from your buildout, menu development, and team. Use hashtags like #LdnOnt, #LondonOntario, #LdnEats, #RichmondRow, and #WortleyVillage. Tag your location on every post.
Facebook is still active in London, especially in neighbourhood groups where locals share recommendations. Create a page and engage with the relevant community groups as your business.
The London Free Press is the city's main newspaper and its food coverage reaches a large local audience. CTV London and CBC London also cover new restaurant openings, particularly those with a distinct story or owner background.
Local food Instagram accounts covering London have engaged audiences. Search #LdnOnt and #LdnEats to find active accounts and reach out directly with your soft opening invite.
Tourism London runs the official visitor platform and lists local restaurants. It is worth submitting your business, especially if your concept appeals to travellers or conference attendees visiting the city.
London has a strong university rhythm. Western University and Fanshawe College together bring a large student population from September through April. Summer shifts toward residents, professionals, and tourists. If your restaurant targets students, plan your opening for August or early September. If you target professionals and locals, any time of year works.
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