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.
Hours vary - Call to inquire. Reservations may be necessary during the busy summer months. 705 286-3886
HALI'S BISTRO
Haliburton Village's newest restaurant, Hali's Bistro, located at 172 Highland Street, is a welcome addition to cottage country. Offering casual fine dining, Hali's Bistro takes over where Aniz and the Old Country House (former restaurants at this location) left off. The extensive menu offers something for every taste, including chicken, steak, pasta and seafood selections, as well as more exotic fare, imaginative appetizers and decadent desserts. With two great chefs in the kitchen, you can expect creative touches like truffle salt on your fries and maple syrup reduction with your homemade cornbread. Entrées run from about $12 to $24. Hali's Bistro is fully licensed and has a wine list that offers a number of good choices. During the summer, Hali's Bistro is open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and six days a week off-season.
Call 705 455-9800 for reservations.
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 - 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. Both the quality of food and service are 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
MARK'S RESTAURANT
Mark's Restaurant is located right on Highway 35 in Minden. They serve North American style Chinese food, as well as Canadian food items such as hamburgers and fish and chips. Mark's Restaurant offers both dine in and take out and is a fully licenced restaurant. They have fast and friendly service in a spacious dining area. This is a great restaurant for family dining.
Open Daily from 11am. Call 705 286-1818 for takeout and for reservations.
MCKECK'S The Blue Line
MCKECK'S The Blue Line, formerly McKeck's Place, has retained the unique sports bar charm of NHL legend Walt McKechnie's very popular Haliburton family restaurant, but has brought a little city sophistication to its formally bare bones décor. To watch a game on one of 14 HD TV screens or to enjoy a casual meal, MCKECK'S is a very comfortable place to hang out with family and friends. The food is not fancy but it is served up fast and hot and it is reasonably priced. Expect to find good roadhouse fare with a few twists, like Curry Butter Chicken, Lobster Morsels and Asian Nachos. Good food and good value still attract customers of all ages to MCKECK'S making it, at times, a very busy place. Fully licensed with a variety of beer on tap, Children's menu, patio and live entertainment, MCKECK'S check average is in the medium range for Haliburton dining.
Open 7 days a week.
Main Street, Haliburton Village
705 457-3443
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
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
THE RIVERSIDE PUB RESTURANT INN
The Riverside Inn, located in the town of Norland, at the corner of Highway 35 and the Monck Road, is a very busy place. Chef James and his wife Margy purchased the business in 2011 and quickly turned the sleepy old pub-style restaurant around by serving delicious food (and plenty of it), fast and friendly service, and delivering great value. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Riverside's eclectic menu offers something for every taste and appetite, from traditional pub fare to signature salads, pasta, steak, ribs and fish. The Riverside also prepares food for takeout. During the warmer months, dine or have a drink on the outdoor patio. In the winter, enjoy a meal by the fire, after an invigorating skate on their ice rink. Dinner reservations are highly recommended. Call 705 454-1045.
RHUBARB
Located at the Silver Eagle Cottage Resort, on the road to Sir Sam's Ski Area, Rhubarb is worth the drive. Chef/Proprietors Christoph Carl and David Adams have a well-earned reputation in the Highlands for offering guests outstanding cuisine that focuses on regional food presented with an exciting European flair. Expect good service, innovative fine food and a wine list that contains many rare treasures. The main dining room is casually elegant and provides guests with views of Eagle Lake. In the warmer months, dine in their spectacular new lakeside screened-in porch, for a totally Haliburton experience. Expect a check average in the middle to high range for Haliburton County. Rhubarb is open year round for lunch and dinner and is fully licensed. Reservations are recommended, especially during the summer.
Call 705 754-9800 for hours of operation.
THAT PLACE IN CARNARVON
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 Mirror Lake, 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
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
Suwan's Thai Cuisine
Enjoy authentic Thai and Caribbean cuisine served in a very unique setting at Suwan's Thai Cuisine. For several years now, Chef Suwan Khamduang has been preparing fabulous Thai cuisine at her Minden restaurant, located in the century home by the Gull River. Suwan's Thai Cuisine is an eclectic, yet comfortable place to dine, with a small fireplace and lots of very interesting antiques and memorabilia to view. Diners can shop for antiques while sitting at their table. During the summer, tables are available on the screened in porch. The menu contains a good combination of traditional Thai dishes and there is always a daily special. Working in an open kitchen, Suwan and her staff prepare each order from scratch using the freshest ingredients. If requested, most dishes can be seasoned to suit individual tastes. Takeout orders are available. Not licensed. Cost to dine is in the middle range for Haliburton County. You can find Suwan's Thai Cuisine at the bright yellow house, just over the bridge in downtown Minden. Open for lunch and dinner most days, but best to call ahead for hours. Reservations recommended on weekends and in the summer.
705 286-1532
WIN YEUNG CHINESE RESTAURANT
A Haliburton favourite! Fresh, well prepared traditional Chinese fare - always served fast, piping hot and with a smile. If our personal experience is any indication Win Yeung Chinese Restaurant will not disappoint. We dine here quite often and have had some pretty wonderful meals, both sit down and take out. We especially enjoy their Eggplant and Shrimp dish, House Special Lemon Chicken, and Szechuan Beef. The dining room décor may be plain, but the atmosphere is pleasant and everything is very clean. Fully licensed and reasonably priced.
Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (Closed Mondays - September to May)
37 Maple Street, Haliburton
705 457-9649
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!
