Harbourview Marina & Restaurant
5 Bay St., Brighton
613-475-1515
There’s a sense of calmness about the Harbourview Marina & Restaurant with its boats bobbing in their slips. But the East Indian dishes from Jay are perfect to spice things up. Order the butter chicken poutine and be amazed – or just a laid back classic like the fish (haddock) and chips. Dine in or try patio seating for those crisp fall breezes.
Sitting on the Dock at Presqu’ile
75 Harbour St., Brighton
613-475-4142
On a cool fall day, the view of Presqu’ile Bay is almost as good inside as on the patio. Order the Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts topped with parmesan cheese and roasted almonds. Or, move right into the chicken wing category – a local favourite are the wings made with Saucy Dotty’s gourmet BBQ sauce. Reservations are recommended.
Flavour with Flare
28 Doxsee Ave. S., Campbellford
705-632-0505
Enjoy the intimate setting of this 32-seat bistro, complete with soulful jazz and some lovely wines that can be ordered by the glass. It’s a relaxing spot to hang out. If it’s a nice fall day, sit on the storefront patio and dig into some seafood mac and cheese. Antonia’s also has the distinction of perfecting a prize-winning butter tart. (Part of the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour)
Comfort Food at its Finest
CJ's Tap & Grill
1 Strathy Rd., Cobourg
905-372-9784
CJ’s, just off the 401, has some nicely seasoned starters like the Coconut Shrimp with sweet Thai chilli. The Club House Trio, which can come as half a club, salad and red pepper soup, is one of our favourites. CJ’s also offers some of the best cheesecake around.
Tasty with Some Great History
28 Bridge St., Campbellford
705-653-5262
Enjoy dining in this 1890s heritage home set back nicely off the main street. Dorset Mitchell, Caper’s owner and chef, serves up some memorable signature dishes like the Turkey, Apple and Brie Club (with both apples and applewood smoked bacon). Steaks are a specialty here, or try the Bison Burger with locally sourced meat. There’s a good Kids Menu.
Small Pub with Big City Vibes
26 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 653-0001
This gem of a place prides itself on being a small town pub with some metropolitan influences. Its delicious pizzas are laced with locally sourced, fresh ingredients like arugula and basil. With patio season ending, take a cozy table inside. The assortment of craft beer and creative cocktails will make you wish it was your own little pub just around the corner.
Tower of Rings and More
52 Front St. N., Campbellford
(705) 653-3939
Hand cut and house made define 52 North’s signature onion rings. There’s also a French onion soup with caramelized onions and melted cheese, the kind you’ll want to write home about. The Kids Menu here is also carefully crafted with Mac n’ Cheese, a Quesadilla or a half pound of their jumbo wings. Warm hospitality also defines 52 North.
Italian and Locally Sourced
165 Division Street #201, Cobourg
(905) 377-9100
See why this “Authentically Italian” kitchen and wine bar has foodies buzzing with praise. Start things off with the Grilled Calamari and housemade mini crab cakes. Cucina Urban’s Grilled Chicken Pizza is another must-order item, lovingly layered with pesto, fresh local artisan buffalo mozzarella and red peppers. Great wines too.
Feel the Heat
74 King St. W., Cobourg
(289) 252-2282
The El has a Euro vibe that’s fun and eclectic. Check out their wide range of gourmet burgers, many served with house made pickles. Enjoy the delightful flavours of their Tuna Poke bowl or feel the heat with their Angry Bird chicken sandwich, complete with sriracha, crispy jalapenos and spicy jack cheese. Delicious food goes beyond the meat here too. With many dishes, they’ll add crispy tofu.
Famous for the Halibut
8 Front St. E., Hastings
705-696-3993
Definitely make a stop here for the “best fish and chips ever.” Rave reviews go to the halibut with its light and crispy batter, and the special, homemade tartar sauce. Wings, burgers and satisfying breakfasts round out the menu. And, for a little later, take away some coconut cream pie or cherry cheesecake.
Hang with Local Writers
27 John St., Port Hope
(905) 885-8702
This nugget of a pub has been named by a few (in the know) as their top pick for a “casual environment” and “the place you might even get to hang out with the local writers and filmmakers.” The creative industry is drawn to the County. In fact, you can find out more about our famous scenes from the silver screen here.
Cinnamon Swirls and Farm-to-Table
74 Main St., Brighton
(613) 475-0711
This is the place to experience a perfectly-made, gigantic cinnamon bun. Lola’s adds just the right amount of sugar and spice. Take your time and enjoy it, enhanced by the natural richness of Lola’s freshly brewed, organic, fair trade coffee. Fresh baking is an art form here. Lola’s is also noted for farm-to-table lunch specials.
The Flavour of Montreal
26 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 800-1152
With an innovative Sunday Brunch, The Social puts its own spin on Eggs Benedict and the classic Brisket sandwich. You can even indulge in their strawberry stuffed French toast. A Feast Ontario restaurant, The Social prides itself on locally sourced, farm-to-table items and a wide selection of craft beers to accompany delicious dinners.
Crazy Cookies and Local Fare
(905) 885-8303
Over the years, Dreamer’s has become known for its Crazy Cookie, loaded with caramel, nuts and chocolate, then topped with more chocolate and a signature chocolate drizzle. This Port Hope corner bakery is also a great stop downtown for many other sweet treats, breakfast bagels and flavourful hot lunches. Dreamer’s prides itself on starting with locally-sourced items.
Ribeye Perfection
26 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 800-1152
You’ll find TwentySix beside The Social Bar and Table. Settle into this impressive bistro space with 170-year-old brick and beams. The cocktails menu excels, and expert bartenders will introduce you to the tasty art of the whiskey flight. Dinner from Chef Liam Potvin features small plate appetizers and creative mains, including TwentySix’s signature ribeye served with chimichurri. Brunch offers caviar and more.
Rustic Italian Simplicity
1 Walton St., Port Hope
(905) 885-1198
You’ll find Trattoria Gusto in the historic Waddell Hotel along the banks of the Ganaraska River. Unwind and sample some of Chef Darryl’s antipasti, such as the Calamari or Artichoke Fritti, just lightly fried with lemon and parmesan. From there, you can linger over pasta, risotto, panino, amazing braised beef – and can top your meal off with a melt-in-your-mouth Tiramisu.
Savoury Soups and 5 Stars
Our Lucky Stars Café and Coffee Roasters
16 Main St., Warkworth
705-924-1212
Take a drive to the charming village of Warkworth to Lucky Stars. This café, started in 2012 by Toronto expats Elizabeth Aiken and Trevor Spot, helps support the local food chain in the County. The couple collaborate with farms and area producers to serve the best creative, whole food possible. The fair trade coffee, roasted in house, is also superb.
Butter Tarts or BBQ Chicken Pizza
16 Bridge St. N., Hastings
(705) 696-2920
Bridgewater has both sides of the delicious dough spectrum covered. You’ll find rich, flaky, homemade butter tarts here – or a creative pizza. Try a freshly-baked pizza crust smothered in BBQ chicken, or a garlic lover’s delight, with the secret seasoning baked right into the dough. Craving a fall picnic? Try 6 tarts and a 16” pizza along the Trent-Severn Waterway.
Destination Dining
337 Covert Hill Road, R.R. #1, Warkworth
705-924-1829
Villa Conti is a destination road trip. This restored farmhouse offers views among 35 acres of vines producing grape varieties such as Cabernet Franc and Marquette. Owners Tommaso and Bambina are happy to share their Italian traditions with you here. Try Chef Tomasso’s Family Style menu offering assorted plates, including antipasto, hand-made pasta, entrées and Italian desserts. Call ahead to reserve.
Want more places with both sweet and savoury to go? Try any of these stops in Northumberland County to take home some warm local baking.
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