Two women sit at a wooden bar with bottles on the backlit shelf behind them, viewed from the back.

What’s new at the incomparable Les Incompetents

Libby·July 17, 2026

Maybe it’s just me, but the hottest ingredient in restaurants right now isn’t an imported delicacy or a rare foraged find—it’s nostalgia. Millennials are reshaping dining culture, craving experiences that feel familiar and unpretentious, even if they’re paired with Michelin-worthy cooking. At Les Incompetents, crisp white tablecloths and formal place settings give way to mid-century modern accents, warm wood finishes, diner-inspired details and retro movie posters. Inspired by Home Alone, the beloved ’90s film that lends the bar its name, the space employs a playful hook, gently poking fun at fine-dining conventions while celebrating the comfort of simpler times.

With its sister Fat Rabbit holding court around the corner, this pocket of St. Catharines is ripe for culinary exploration.

Road Trip to Les Incompetents for Some Serious Fun Dining

Two-tier metal oyster platter on a dark marble bar, with lemon wedges and ice; blurred bar scene with three people chatting in the background.

French-ish is the theme here, and seafood is the star. Chef Zach Smith (Bar Raval) conjures a menu that is concise and focused. The menu is divided into digestible sections, with nibbles, snacks and shareable plates that complement one another. Seafood is upfront and centre, jutting into each menu.

Dreaming Big in a Small-Town Tribute to a Classic 90s Christmas Flick

There are throwbacks to the golden era of Kevin and his staycation, like the Cordon Bleu Chicken Slider ($29). Here, draped with mornay sauce and salty jambon, the term slider is a bit of a misnomer. It’s an oversized situation, built for two hands. The soft pull-apart bun lends itself to sharing, but only if you’re brave enough to cut through this crispy cutlet.

Fried chicken sandwich with melted cheese and onions in a soft brioche bun on a plate les incompetents

Seasonal influences reign supreme. So it makes sense that the beloved Soft-Shell Crab Burger (above) was swapped out (some may argue ruthlessly) in favour of a new Fried Shrimp Patty Burger. On the defence, Chef Zach Smith was quick to deflect back to the team’s core mission. “The shrimp sandwich came about after our soft-shell crab sandwich, which was always intended to be seasonal. Once soft-shell crab season ended, we wanted to keep that same spirit of an indulgent seafood sandwich on the menu. Shrimp lets us deliver that consistently year-round while still highlighting bright, punchy flavours and great texture.”

Chef in white coat and cap stands in a kitchen smiling at the camera in a cozy brick-walled restaurant area.

Chef Zach Smith at Les Incompetents

You Are Never Alone at Les Incompetents

With a beautiful, welcoming bar in a bustling border town, Les Incompetents is betting on locals and food lovers to embrace this new bon vivant setting. Think about the area, its rich soil and sunny skies offer bountiful and accessible ingredients. The team is betting big on this neighbourhood and the ability to lure us city creatures out for greener pastures. And why not? It’s an easy day trip, even by bus.

That intention, for quality local goods, is in every dish. “Our food is driven by what’s in season, but it’s also shaped by travel and memory. We pull inspiration from French technique, Mediterranean cooking, Spain, Mexico and Asia, then filter it through what’s available in Niagara. Every dish starts with a great ingredient, and from there we’re looking for balance, richness, acidity, texture and a little bit of surprise. We don’t try to reinvent food; we just want familiar flavours to feel exciting and memorable,” says Chef.