Haliburton
Restaurant Dining Reviews
BONNIE VIEW INN
A Lake Kashagawigamog landmark since 1901, Bonnie View Inn has seen a few changes over the years. While the atmosphere in the dining room has retained all the warmth and charm of an old lakeside resort - reminiscent of days gone by, owners Andrea and Monti have updated the menu to offer discriminating diners an array of innovative and sophisticated appetizers and entrees such as Chicken Filo Cordon Bleu and Sirloin and Shrimp Ricotta. A comfortable bar/lounge and a wine list - which includes some interesting selections, add to the great dining experience. By consistently serving fine quality meals and offering great service, Bonnie View has built up a loyal clientele and can be quite busy, especially on weekends and during the summer months.
Fully licensed. Check range is in the mid to high range for Haliburton County.
Located on South Kashagawigamog Lake Road, approximately 10 minutes from Haliburton Village and 20 minutes from Minden.
Reservations please. 705 457-2350
GRILL ON THE GULL
When the Grill on the Gull opened a couple of years ago, despite the obvious care and attention to detail put into the renovations of the restaurant, the food and the service were very inconsistent - a problem very common to new restaurants. Happily, the Grill on the Gull has worked out the kinks and has entered into a new phase, providing area residents and tourists an above average dining experience. The food is consistently good and the wait staff is efficient and courteous. The chef prepares some very creative fare and the presentation is outstanding. The dining room is pleasant, although on the small size. During the warmer months, meals are also served on the riverside patio. Grill on the Gull is fully licensed. Check average on the high side for the Haliburton Highlands.
Located on Bobcaygeon Road in Downtown Minden.
Hour vary – Call to inquire. Reservations may be necessary during the busy summer months. 705 286-3886
HEATHER LODGE
If you haven't been to Heather Lodge in a while, you are in for a treat. The lodge has been given a total makeover and it has never looked better. Friendly staff serves delicious home cooked fare in the bright, casual and comfortable dining room that offers a wonderful view of 12-Mile Lake from every table. While the menu may be somewhat limited, dinner guests will not have any trouble finding something to satisfy their appetite. Fabulous coffee and terrific desserts top off a really enjoyable meal.
Heather Lodge is not licensed but does welcome customers to bring their own bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner. Reasonably priced - about the mid level check range.
Located about 5 minutes north of Minden on Hwy #35
Hours vary. Reservations are required. 705 489-2357
HEATHERWOOD DINING ROOM – DELTA PINESTONE RESORT
The Heatherwood is a traditional hotel dining room that is tastefully decorated and offers diners a view of the resort's pool and pond. The room is equally suitable for an intimate dinner for two as well as for small groups and corporate dining. The fairly elaborate menu is updated regularly and includes such favorites as prime rib steaks and pasta dishes, but also offers more unusual selections such as Braided Tasmanian Trout and Slow Roasted Venison Osso Bucco. The Heatherwood's wine list is extensive and the restaurant is known for its special holiday festive menus. As you would expect from a Delta resort, both the quality of food and service is consistently high. Fully licensed. The check average is inline with that of other nationally branded resorts -not cheap but less expensive than an urban specialty restaurant.
Located on Highway 21, between Minden and Haliburton Village.
Open for dinner 5pm until 9pm. Reservations are appreciated. 705 457-1800
KOZY KORNER
The Kozy Korner Restaurant has moved down the road to a new and improved location in downtown Haliburton Village. The only thing that has changed is the location, which is now considerably brighter, but still comfortable and kozy. Expect to find the same good home-cooked food as before served by fast and efficient staff. Always busy, regulars count on the hot coffee, hot food and generous portions. Not for intimate dining, but a great place to meet friends and fill up on home cooking. Leave your tip and pay at the counter. Low check average - great value. Not licensed.
Open daily for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 705-457-2810
MCKECK'S PLACE
A Haliburton institution! Where else in the Highlands could you be served by a hockey legend? The food is not fancy at McKeck's Place but it is served up fast and hot and it is reasonably priced. Expect to find good typical roadhouse fare. The chicken wings are terrific as is the pasta. The décor is comfortable and unpretentious with lots of hockey and sports memorabilia to view as well as several flat screen TVs. Good food and good value attract customers of all ages to McKeck's making it often a very busy place - sometimes so busy you'll have to track down the service staff to pay your bill, but nobody seems to mind somehow. Fully licensed with a variety of beer on tap. Medium check average for Haliburton dining.
Haliburton Village
Open 7 days a week.
705 489-3443
NOBLE MOTEL RESTAURANT
For a great roast beef dinner - just like mom used to make - at a bargain price, you can't beat the Noble Motel. Known for years for its all-you-can-eat roast beef dinner, the Noble Motel's smallish dining room is not fancy, but it's quite comfortable and has a lot of character. The service is quick and friendly. They even have a customer loyalty reward program. Ask for your roast beef card and get it stamped. With ten roast beef dinners you get the next dinner for free. Good value. Fully licensed.
Located on Highway #35 just north of the town of Norland.
Opened weekends. Reservations are a must in the summer.
705 454-9298
OAKVIEW LODGE
With a lovely view overlooking Little Hawk Lake, Oakview Lodge's dining room oozes country Inn charm. While Oakview Lodge may be located a little bit out of the way, the food and service make it well worth the drive. Chef Krenner Kula prepares gourmet quality food served in the comfortable main dining room or the glazed terrace. The menu includes creative entrees such as Braised Lamb Shank with Coriander, Fennel and Star Anise and Grilled Strip loin with Roasted Horseradish & Seared Rosemary Red Onion, as well as crowd favorites such as seafood, pasta. Oakview has an extensive wine list and is fully licensed. The check average is on the high side for Haliburton Highlands dining.
Located on Little Hawk Road, 10 minutes from Hwy #35.
July & August: (Can be very busy during the summer)
Monday – Friday 4pm to 9pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am to 9pm
September thru June:
Thursday & Friday 4pm to 9pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am to 9pm
Reservations please. 705 489-2463
OLD COUNTRY HOUSE
The Old Country House has been serving exceptional cuisine in Haliburton Village for nearly 20 years. The restaurant changed hands over a year ago and the new owner has tried to maintain the same level of excellence. Unfortunately, the transition has not been entirely a smooth one as there have been issues of consistency in quality and service at times. Of late, things seem to be back on track and the Old Country House is once again building back its good reputation. Tasteful dining room décor creates a very nice atmosphere, especially on the main level where an open wood-burning fireplace entices patrons to sit and enjoy a pre-dinner drink. The menu includes some inventive appetizers, great desserts and a variety of steak, seafood and pasta entrees. The daily dinner specials are generally your best bet. Watch for advertised special gourmet and wine nights. Extensive and varied wine list. Expect a check in the high range for Haliburton restaurants.
Located in downtown Haliburton Village.
Hours vary – call to confirm. Reservations are a must in the summer.
705 457-2303
PEPPERMILL STEAK & PASTA HOUSE
By consistently serving up good food at a reasonable price the Pepper Mill on Highway 35 between Minden and Carnarvon has developed a large and loyal cliental. The atmosphere is casual and the service is friendly (although at times a little on the slow side), making it a great spot for families or large groups. While the Peppermill specializes in aged Angus beefsteaks and pasta dishes, the menu offers enough variety of popular roadhouse fare to please most everyone. The Pepper Steak entrée is a favorite choice with diners. Daily specials are also available.
The Peppermill is fully licensed and expect your bill to be in the average range for Haliburton dining. The Peppermill is often a very busy place, particularly during the summer and on weekends, so think about getting there early in the evening to avoid the rush.
Open from 4pm, everyday but Tuesdays,
705 489-1939
THAT PLACE RESTAURANT
Featuring roadhouse style fare at the corner of Highways 35 and 118 in Carnarvon. The extensive menu has a wide variety of entrees that include a trip to the salad bar. Although somewhat heavy on the fried foods, the meals are served hot and plentiful. That Place also serves terrific pizza that is also available for take-out. The dining room is casual, with a view over looking the millpond out back. The walls are decorated with Haliburton memorabilia and there is a TV at the bar. Reservations are usually not necessary although perhaps a good idea for large groups or on summer weekends. Fully licensed. Medium check average.
Closed on Mondays
705 489-4449
TRACEY'S BISTRO
Housed in a beautiful new building in the heart of Haliburton Village, Tracey's Bistro Grill has been owner Tracey's baby, from conception to delivery. Attention to detail in this restaurant is impressive, from the open concept stainless steel kitchen to the attractive architectural details and furnishings. The bistro has only been open for just over a year and there are still sometimes issues of consistency in service and food, although it is obvious they are trying hard. However, the menu is great with a variety of tempting choices and the service is friendly. The atmosphere at Tracey's is terrific - relaxed and comfortable, yet it seems like there is always something going on due to their location in busy downtown Haliburton. Tracey's is a great place to meet friends for a drink or a quick dinner before the theatre.
Fully licensed with a check average in the middle range.
Open for lunch and dinner.
Reservations appreciated but not necessary.
705 457-2795
VILLAGE CHALET FAMILY RESTAURANT
Haliburton Village has the Kozy Korner and Minden has the Village Chalet. Located on Bobcaygeon Road in the heart of downtown Minden, the Village Chalet is a busy place where people come to meet friends and get a bite to eat. By offering friendly efficient service and good home cooked meals at a reasonable price, Village Chalet's owner's Craig and Janice have built up a loyal cliental. While everything served is good, menu favorites include anything that features their delicious roasted chicken. The daily soups - especially the chicken are popular, as are the specials. If there is room for dessert, the homemade pies and date squares will not disappoint. The Restaurant is licensed. Low check average – good value. Can be very busy at times, so best to leave your tip on the table and pay at the counter.
Open daily for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with take out available.
705-286-2121
WIGAMOG INN
Wigamog Inn's large lakeside dining room – which is open to the public, features a great view of Lake Kashawigamog along with a well-presented menu with many interesting selections. The restaurant can be extremely busy in the summer when the Inn is filled with resort guests. Throughout the rest of the year, Wigamog Inn promotes a number of special themed dinners as well as multi-course gourmet dinners and wine tastings. When the Wigamog kitchen and serve staff are on top of their game, count on a first rate meal and a wonderful evening out. However, perhaps due to the seasonal nature of the resort and a high turnover of staff, the quality of service and the caliber of meals served can at times be inconsistent. Fully licensed. Expect to pay a check that is in the higher range for Haliburton dining.
Located 10 minutes from Haliburton Village on Wigamog Road.
Hours of operation vary so it's best to call ahead. 705 457-2000
WILD ORCHID THAI CUISINE
Minden was extremely fortunate when restaurant owner and chef Suwan Khamduang decided to open the Wild Orchid a few years ago in downtown Minden. Ever since then, restaurant patrons have enjoyed fabulous authentic Thai and Caribbean cuisine served in a very unique setting. Located in the century home of Gambell's Antiques by the Gull River, the restaurant is quite comfortable with a small fireplace and lots of very interesting antiques and memorabilia to view. Wild Orchid diners can shop for antiques while sitting at their table. The menu contains a good combination of traditional Thai dishes and there is always a daily special. Working in an open kitchen, Suwan and staff prepare each order from scratch using the freshest ingredients. If requested, most dished can be seasoned to suit individual tastes. Take out orders are available. Not licensed. Cost to dine is in the middle range for Haliburton.
Located just over the bridge in downtown Minden.
Open 11am to 7pm most days, however the restaurant closes for several weeks during the winter. Best to call ahead.
705 286-1532
Our Revue Policy: Our restaurant reviews are based on multiple visits. We focus mostly on the positive attributes, service, food quality and presentation of the reviewed establishments. We do not want to run down any local restaurant, so if we feel that the property does not deserve your business, we will not publish a review of it. There are many fine dining opportunities in the Haliburton Highlands and it will take some time to include them all. We do not review seasonal, fast food, curbside, takeout or franchise restaurant establishments.
Bon Appetite!
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