The Library is a restaurant and bar located in the historic Arlington Hotel in Paris, Ontario.
Set within the historic Arlington Hotel in the heart of Paris, The Library is a restaurant and bar shaped by good company, well-made drinks, and the quiet character of one of Ontario’s most storied small towns. Housed inside the 150-year-old hotel, the space draws on the building’s history while offering a modern approach to dining in Paris, Ontario — thoughtful plates, cocktails, wine, and conversation in equal measure. Whether stopping in for dinner after exploring downtown Paris, Ontario, settling in for drinks on the patio, or gathering for a late evening meal, The Library is a place for the curious. Familiar, atmospheric, and never rushed.
The menu centres on modern comfort: large plates and shareables meant for passing around the table. At the bar, classic cocktails are handled with care, alongside a thoughtful list of wine and beer. Familiar, but not predictable. Well read and well poured. Come for a chapter, stay for another round.
Originally from Queensland, Australia, Chef Ray Turner brings an honest, deliberate, and quietly inventive approach to the kitchens at The Arlington Hotel & River’s Edge. With more than twelve years of culinary experience, Ray’s cooking is grounded in craft, curiosity, and the belief that small details are what make a meal memorable. From house-made bread to vibrant tacos layered with heat and brightness, his dishes balance comfort with spontaneity.
Ray draws inspiration from everywhere: the scent of fresh herbs, the colour of produce, the rhythm of a busy kitchen, or the look on a guest’s face when a plate arrives at the table. His favourite ingredient is gochujang, which he jokingly refers to as “Korean ketchup” and puts on nearly everything at home.
Outside the kitchen, he’s a sports enthusiast, furniture maker, linguist, and above all, a chef who finds genuine joy in feeding people well.