For those looking for great beaches, fun art and an eclectic mix of cuisines then Barrie is the destination you’re after. Set on the shores of Lake Simcoe’s Kempenfelt Bay, Barrie is known as Ontario’s premier lakefront community. This fast growing city is a popular day trip spot for Toronto travellers, whether they’re heading up to Muskoka or looking for a fabulous lakeshore. For those not from the city you’ll be surprised by the sheer number of restaurants in Barrie.
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Top 10 Restaurants in Barrie
With so many options to choose from it can be a daunting task to choose where to eat in Barrie. Don’t worry! We have you covered with an epic list of the best Barrie restaurants across the city, alternative choices and how to plan for the perfect Barrie getaway.
lunch at North CountryNorth Country
Serving up the best barbecue dishes in Barrie, North Country is our top pick for restaurants in Barrie! With a perfect location in Barrie’s downtown, at the notorious 5 points intersection, and some of the best food in the city this restaurant has it all! North Country is where country bar meets elevated pub fare and all in a chic yet cozy environment.
Don’t want to barbecue tonight? Let North Country do the work and all you need to bring is a healthy appetite! As a noted barbecue joint, some of their most popular dishes include Smoked Brisket and Baby Back Ribs. But it’s not all about the meat here! Also on the menu is smoked jackfruit and our favourite smoked cauliflower bites. Be sure to come hungry as portion sizes are Texas sized!
Whether you’re in search of a great Barrie restaurant in the city centre or somewhere to enjoy live music and good eats then North Country is just what you’re looking for. This is the place to be in the summer as it’s home to one of the best patios in Barrie. Decked out with lights, shaded picnic benches and an Instagram-worthy wing mural, North Country’s patio ticks all the boxes.
Il Buco
One of the most award-winning Barrie Italian restaurants is Il Buco. Awards such as the Top Italian Restaurant in Simcoe County and one of the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in Canada prove that Il Buco is a place you don’t want to miss. Located in the city center, it has the perfect location and one of the best patios in Barrie overlooking the waters of Kempenfelt Bay.
Il Buco delivers the best Italian cuisine in Barrie. They pride themselves in creating authentic Italian dishes using only the freshest of ingredients. For over ten years, Il Buco has delighted the palates of many locals and visitors. Their menu has an incredible line-up from salads to appetizers to pasta. Gluten free pasta is also an option. A couple of must-try entrees are the Pollo Florentina, a chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese and spinach in a Dijon cream sauce, and their lasagna.
What pairs well with a glass of wine and sweeping patio views of Barrie’s lakeshore? Il Buco’s delectable Italian food! So, if you’re looking for one of Barrie’s best city centre restaurants with a view then reserve a seat at Il Buco.
Bacio Trattoria
Another fabulous Barrie Italian restaurant is Bacio Trattoria. With a fun, hip and retro interior, you’ll love their food and the vibe. This family restaurant, run by a son, sister and mother trio that were born in Peru but spent many years living and eating in Italy are proud to specialize in Italian cuisine. It may be considered a fine dining restaurant but you’ll feel right at home, without the need to do dishes after dinner.
At Bacio Trattoria they use only high-quality and fresh ingredients. It doesn’t get any further than fast food here as everything is made from scratch and expertly cooked fresh to order. The menu is bursting with incredible dishes that range from pasta to seafood and even thin crust pizza! Along with their pizza, other guest favourites include their gnocchi and risotto. Save room for dessert! You’ll find a range of delightful desserts like their homemade gelato and tiramisu.
If you really want to taste the best of what Bacio Trattoria has to offer then consider trying their four-course Chef’s Weekly Signature menu. These four-course options showcase some of the best of Italian specialties as well as offer wine pairings for your menu choice. So, if you’re looking for a slice of Italy right here in Barrie, in both style, environment and taste then head to Bacio Trattoria.
Casa Mia
A staple in downtown Barrie for over 25 years, Casa Mia restaurant is where it’s at for the best Mediterranean food in town. Known for their blend of Greek and Italian cuisine served in a welcoming dining room, this family run restaurant will bring the warmth of the Mediterranean to you.
With a large selection on the menu that celebrates all the best Italian and Greek food, Casa Mia has something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. They have everything from fresh seafood to a variety of pasta dishes. Some popular choices include Parmigiana al Forno and Linguine Pacifico for team Italia. For team Greece try Souvlaki Nemeatiko or Chicken El Greco.
Along with their fine dishes they offer a great wine list and a select kid’s menu. Whether you’re looking for a great downtown restaurant for date night or where to take the family to celebrate a special occasion Casa Mia will win you over with their Mediterranean inspired interior and delicious food. And be sure to check out their specials for holidays!
Dunlop Street Diner
Dunlop Street Diner’s Chef Amanda Rider brings boring old diner food out of the 50s and adds a modern flare to it. With a classic vintage vibe the Dunlop Street Diner is one of the best places in Barrie for breakfast and brunch. You’ll love the nod to the past with all the photos showcasing what Dunlop Street looked like 100 years ago, including the building that the Diner is now located in.
There’s something for every brunch lover’s craving, from a classic breakfast with eggs, bacon and home fries to Traditional French Waffles. One of the dishes they’re most known for is Eggs Benedict and for good reason! You’ll be hard pressed to not to find an eggs benny that doesn’t suit your mood. With fun creations like the Little Italy Benny or The Notorious P.I.G their creative twists on a classic will keep you coming back to try them all.
Whether you’re looking for a great place to take your mom out for brunch or need fuel for your Barrie adventures then be sure to try Dunlop Street Diner. They use locally sourced ingredients, fresh bread made from scratch and have an extensive menu with vegetarian and gluten free options. As you can see, there are endless reasons to eat at Dunlop Street Diner.
Are you looking for more fun places to eat in Barrie area? Check out these fabulous Simcoe County food trucks!
Tara
Downtown Barrie offers a smorgasbord of flavours from around the world! And if you’re looking for Indian restaurants in Barrie then you’ll find two great choices along Dunlop. One of them is a crowd favourite in the city and has been around for over 30 years, making it Barrie’s oldest Indian restaurant. That crowning jewel is Tara.
Created and run by brothers Nur and Yar Mohammad, who are both head chefs, Tara Indian Cuisine offers something for everyone. You’ll find a range of budget-friendly, vegetarian and tempting tapas that are perfect for dining in or take out. They have high standards when it comes to cooking and refrain from using MSG, animal fat, wine and use only natural ingredients in all of their recipes.
These warm and welcoming brothers bring the mouth-popping flavours of India to Barrie in a comfortable and casual atmosphere. And all while ensuring that every customer’s palates and dietary needs are satisfied. If you want to try a whole host of different things consider trying their buffet option where you can enjoy an eight course meal that includes dessert! Whether you’re looking to test drive some new flavours or are craving authentic Indian cuisine then head to Tara to reignite your taste buds.
Limoncello Bistro
One of Barrie’s hidden restaurant gems is Limoncello Bistro. While it’s located downtown, it is set off of a side street and has the perfect little patio. With privacy from the street and a string of pretty little lights it’s one of the most charming restaurant patios in Barrie. With Chef Francesco at the helm the city now has a slice of Sicily to savour.
Chef Francesco grew up in a Sicilian family and spent his childhood watching his Nonna and mother cook. After completing culinary school he went to study in Italy, where he perfected his skills. He now is proud to call Barrie home and thrilled to bring his outstanding southern Italian menu to hungry guests at Limoncello Bistro. A few of our favourites from the menu are the Mini Rice Balls, Linguine Siciliani and the Eggplant Tower. They also have a range of pizzas, paninis and more!
With true Italian blood behind the reins and food that uses locally sourced and fresh ingredients Limoncello Bistro will win over any palate! Whether you’re looking for a cozy summer patio in Barrie or a romantic restaurant to win over that special someone in your life, Limoncello Bistro will have you singing Buon appetite!
Lockeroom food
One of the best sports bars in Barrie is The Lockeroom! Celebrating 30 years in 2022, The Lockeroom Sports Bar & Grill is a favourite for locals, so it’s no surprise it has been voted Barrie’s best sports bar. Whether you’re looking for one of the best places in Barrie for a burger or somewhere to watch the game with friends then The Lockeroom is the perfect spot in the north end of the city.
The menu at Lockeroom offers up all the classic comfort pub grub you’ll want and more! If you’re looking for the best chicken wings in Barrie theirs have been voted the BEST! You can order them naked or hand dusted with a range of mouth-watering wet or dry rubs. They use locally raised, never frozen chicken wings and the house favourite is their dry rub Cajun sauce. For burger fans you’ll want to wrap your mouth around Lockeroom’s Famous Burger. It’s stacked with two Canadian beef patties, smoky bacon, peameal, Canadian cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, an onion ring, all on an Ace Bakery gourmet bun and topped with a dill pickle. They also have some of the best nachos in Barrie!
With 18 drafts on tap, awesome pub fare and a warm and inviting Cheers-like vibe you can’t go wrong with choosing The Lockeroom for dinner in Barrie! For sports fans you won’t miss a beat with every game being broadcasted playing on one of their many screens. Come hungry for an energy-filled meal and leave full and happy!
The Farmhouse
One of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Barrie is also home to one of the best restaurants in the city. Built in the early 1890’s as a hotel, The Farmhouse has a fabulous location next to the Allandale Railway Station, now for the GO Train, and right across from the lakeshore. If you’re looking for Barrie restaurants with outdoor seating and sweeping views of Kempenfelt Bay then plan to dine at The Farmhouse.
The Farmhouse offers a Canadian cuisine inspired menu that’s diverse. Many consider them the best weekend breakfast spot in Barrie and for many good reasons! They serve eggs benedict in a range of styles, use Feltis Maple Syrup from Sebright, Ontario, bread comes fresh from Barrie’s famous Fox’s Bakery and they make freshly squeezed juices daily. Dinner at The Farmhouse is just as fine with House Smoked BBQ Ribs, White Wine and Thyme Braised Chicken Supreme or their incredible Mac & Cheese.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect Barrie brunch spot or a fabulous dinner out, The Farmhouse restaurant will satisfy your craving. If you plan on visiting during the summer and want a great seat on one of Barrie’s best patios then be sure to make a reservation.
Cocina Mexicana
When many think of all you can eat restaurants their first thought is Chinese food. Ricardo Serrano, Veronica Serrano and Ulises Hernandez brought a twist to buffets with Barrie’s first all you can eat Mexican buffet restaurant, Cocina Mexicana. Located in Barrie’s south end, it’s already won a host of awards ranging from Best Family Restaurant to Best Buffet in Barrie.
Cocina Mexicana serves up real authentic Mexican food. This isn’t Tex Mex! Along with a large selection of Mexican cuisine to choose from for their dinner buffet they also offer a brunch buffet and take out. Food is sourced from local farmers when possible so you know your food is always fresh. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert too! A couple of popular choices are Pastel Tres Leches and the Classic Donas.
Whether you’re looking for a taste of Mexico or great family-friendly restaurants in Barrie then head to Cocina Mexicana. With a vibrant atmosphere, welcoming service and some of the best Mexican food in Barrie, this is one restaurant you’ll want to dine in. Don’t forget to come hungry!
