Finding a great meal in Barrie is easier than ever, as the city’s dining scene has evolved into a vibrant mix of waterfront staples, farm-to-table innovators, and global comfort food. Whether you are a local looking to switch up your weekend routine or a visitor exploring Kempenfelt Bay, the culinary landscape offers something for every craving and budget. From historic downtown brick facades to sleek modern bistros, the atmosphere is as varied as the menus themselves.
The best restaurants in Barrie share a common thread: a commitment to quality ingredients and a deep connection to the community. Many chefs here lean on Ontario’s rich agricultural bounty, sourcing produce from Simcoe County farms and pairing dishes with local craft beers and VQA wines. This focus on regional flavors means menus often shift with the seasons, giving you a reason to come back again and again to see what is new.
Navigating the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming, especially if you are trying to satisfy a group with different tastes. You might be searching for a romantic date night spot with low lighting and a curated wine list, or perhaps you need a casual lunch spot that serves a burger worth bragging about. Understanding the distinct personality of each establishment is key to making the right choice for your specific occasion.
We have done the legwork by analyzing local favorites, consistency in service, and the overall value of the dining experience. The list below avoids fleeting trends and focuses on establishments that have proven their staying power through excellent hospitality and memorable plates. You will find everything from high-end steakhouses to cozy noodle bars, ensuring that your next reservation is a guaranteed hit.
Before we dive into the specific recommendations, it is worth noting that Barrie’s layout means parking and location matter. Many of the top spots are clustered near the waterfront or along Dunlop Street, making them perfect for a pre-dinner stroll or a post-meal drink. Keep this in mind as you plan your itinerary, as combining a great meal with the city’s scenic views elevates the entire evening.
Whether you are a self-proclaimed foodie or simply hungry for a reliable place to eat, this guide serves as your roadmap to the city’s finest tables. We have prioritized flavor, atmosphere, and the kind of service that makes you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. Let’s explore the dining rooms and patios that define the Barrie food scene.
Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar Barrie
| Address | 129 Park Pl Blvd, Barrie, ON L4N 0L1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (705) 712-2561 |
Awesome place to dine out. Good food, nice ambience, lively staff and good service.
We tried the Spinach and Artichoke dip which was very flavourful. The bread can be a bit better.
We also ordered the Spicy Fungi pizza, that is primarily with mushroom toppings and it was vegetarian. The non-alcoholic drinks we ordered were quite refreshing and good. The dessert was excellent.
Additionally, they even celebrated my anniversary by providing us with a small cake on the house.
Overall a nice experience and awesome place to go out for dinner(or maybe other meals as well).
What started as a great meal turned into an unforgettable dining experience, thanks to both the incredible food and the amazing people behind it.
The Chicken Parmesan was absolutely delicious—perfectly cooked, tender, and topped with gooey melted cheese. Paired with creamy mafalda pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a generous dusting of Parmesan, it was comforting, flavorful, and beautifully presented.
One of the best parts was being seated right next to the live preparation station, where we got to witness the culinary magic unfold.
A special thank you to Lola, who took such great care of us throughout our visit with attentive and friendly service.
To Stella, thank you for preparing the fresh mozzarella right in front of us and for taking the time to explain and showcase the live preparation process. Your passion for what you do made the experience even more memorable.
And to Abby, your warm, congenial smile and patience were truly appreciated. Thank you for happily answering every one of my food-related questions with such enthusiasm—it made the visit so much more engaging and enjoyable.
Exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and a team that clearly loves what they do. It’s experiences like this that keep guests coming back. Highly recommended! 🍝🧀🍺
Really enjoyed our experience;the mushroom truffle mafalde and spicy funghi pizza were delicious and full of flavour. our daughter loved her kids’ cheese pizza and especially the make your own sundae — a big hit.
The zeppole were a little dry and not quite flavourful enough for me, so I’d probably try another dessert next time.
Big shoutout to Megan for her caring service and beautiful smile…
Great vibe, decor, cleanliness, and overall a very satisfying family experience.
Definitely coming back.
What a fun spot!
We went on a Thursday evening after the dinner rush. Our server Melissa was attentive, fun and friendly.
Food was fantastic in their made from scratch kitchen. I had the gluten free Sophia pizza with hot honey and it was yum. The crust wasn't my favourite but the flavour made up for it. Loved the pizza scissors.
I'm from BC and visiting my brother and his wife; we celebrated our June birthdays. We received a delicious warm brownie as a treat and apparently normally has a firework on top but they'd run out, so they gave us a discount for future visits.
We need this in BC!
Had a wonderful experience at Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar Barrie! The food was delicious, the atmosphere was amazing, and the whole evening felt special.
We started with the Bellini - the peach flavour was fantastic and so refreshing. The Spicy Funghi Pizza was definitely a highlight - full of flavour, perfectly made, and one of the best pizzas I’ve had in a while. 🍕
A big thank you to Melissa, who was serving us. She was friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. Great service really makes a difference!
Overall, a great spot with amazing food, a beautiful atmosphere, and excellent service. We will definitely be back!
LUCA Barrie
| Address | 55 Mulcaster St, Barrie, ON L4M 3M3, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 8:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 4:30 – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (705) 737-3333 |
I had such a great experience at Luca Berry. The ambiance is beautiful, bright, airy, and filled with natural light, which makes it feel incredibly welcoming from the moment you walk in. The staff were all so friendly and cheerful, which really added to the overall vibe.
I ordered the Pizza Rosso, and it was phenomenal. A perfect take on a classic, fresh ingredients, incredibly flavourful, and the dough was light, airy, and just delicious. We also had the burrata, and wow… absolutely out of this world very delightful.
Overall, such a lovely experience. I’ll definitely be back!
LUCA is hands down the best restaurant in Barrie! The seafood crudo platter is a must get along with the peppercorn steak! The beef carpaccio on its own is great but the puree takes it to another level. Always excited to come back and try every dish because we have not had a single bad experience yet.
The food was excellent!! We ordered a salami pizza which was light and delicious. It had a hint of hot honey which was very good on the pizza. We also ordered beef pappardelle and the beef short rib that came with the pasta was to die for. So tender and so flavourful! Our sever was great - quick service, she was very friendly and checked in throughout the meal to ensure everything was good. Can’t wait to go back!!
4.5/5 ⭐️
Luca is definitely one of Barrie’s standout restaurants. The food, atmosphere, and service were all excellent, and you can tell a lot of care goes into both the menu and the dining experience.
What I ordered:
🥗 Caesar Salad
🥩 Beef Carpaccio
🐙 Octopus (main)
🍗 Chicken (main)
Everything was beautifully presented and really well prepared. The beef carpaccio was a great starter — fresh, flavorful, and nicely balanced. The Caesar salad was also very good. For mains, the octopus was cooked perfectly and the chicken dish was delicious and well executed.
One thing I really like is that the menu changes every three months, which keeps things interesting and gives people a reason to come back and try something new.
Service:
Matt was our server and he was fantastic — friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu without being overbearing. Great service always elevates a meal, and he definitely did that for us.
One downside:
The $50 corkage fee felt quite steep. Previously it was $25 if you brought an Ontario wine and $35 for non-Ontario wines, which felt more reasonable. The jump to $50 is pretty significant, and it’s honestly the highest corkage fee I’ve seen anywhere 🫣
Overall though, Luca is a great spot in Barrie with excellent food and service. I’d definitely go back. 🍷✨
Matt, our server was absolutely fantastic. He answered all our questions, dealt with multiple food allergies and even had the bartender tweak the sugar level to the perfect whiskey sour. His recommendations were on point and his patience was above par. The food was excellent and the drinks were delicious. The lighting could be a little brighter for the 40+ crowd but otherwise the atmosphere was wonderful.
One Eyed Jack Restaurant & Bar Barrie
| Address | 165 Wellington St W Unit 10, Barrie, ON L4N 1L1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (705) 999-7874 |
We recently visited One Eyed Jack for our 5th anniversary, and it was truly an amazing experience! Everything from start to finish was top-notch.
A huge thank you to the manager, Alex, for going above and beyond to make our night extra special with a delicious ice cream brownie dessert. We also want to highlight our server, Chrissy; she was fantastic, checking in on us regularly to ensure everything was perfect. She made sure our calamari was perfectly crispy and recommended their new pepper blaze chicken wings, which were a great suggestion.
For our mains, the medium rare steak and mash were incredible — the peppercorn sauce made it standout. Combined with their delicious piña coladas, it made for the perfect meal. This is easily one of the best restaurants in Barrie and a must-visit for anyone looking for a pleasant dining experience. We can’t wait to come back!
Dined here with a table of 4, and we really appreciated the great service. Our drinks came out quickly, and while we waited, we were entertained by a magician named Jason. He did a fantastic job!
The food was delicious! We ordered the Jambalaya with noodles and wings, and both were great. The interior was beautifully curated, and the overall vibe was amazing. Would definitely come back!
It was my first time visiting One Eyed Jack in Barrie. Since it was during the week, we didn’t need a reservation, which was convenient. I went for dinner with a friend and we started with a couple of appetizers.
The coconut shrimp was very good—nice and crunchy and served with tasty dipping sauces. We also ordered the calamari. The portion size was generous and great for sharing, but it wasn’t the best I’ve had. The batter wasn’t as crispy as it should be and the pieces were cut a bit too thick for my taste.
For the mains, we ordered the lobster and steak. The lobster was decent and cooked properly—I asked for it grilled and it came out well for the size. The New York steak, however, was disappointing. It didn’t appear to be properly char-grilled, and the fat hadn’t rendered or charred enough to add flavor. I ended up trimming most of the fat and just eating the meat inside. I’ve definitely had better steaks elsewhere.
The local beers were okay, and the service was fine overall.
One issue that stood out was the booth seating. The tables are extremely tight. I actually had to move the table just to sit comfortably. When I mentioned it to the server, she said that this is a very common complaint, which makes me wonder why nothing has been done about it if they already know it’s an issue.
Unfortunately, based on this visit, I’m not sure I’d go out of my way to give it another try.
One Eyed Jack Restaurant & Bar in Barrie is such a great value spot. The portions are huge for the price, and everything we tried was honestly yummy—classic comfort food that hits the spot. The vibe is casual and relaxed, perfect for a laid-back meal with friends or family. Service was friendly and quick, and we left full and happy (with leftovers!). If you want affordable, big portions that taste great, this place is a solid go-to.
First time at One Eyed Jack. I wish there was one closer to our home. The ambiance from when we walked in was great! Fun/Sporty/ Family Friendly. Our server Taylor was personable, friendly and fast. Food was delicious - kudos to the chef/kitchen staff. Prices were very reasonable. Will definitely be back, next time we’re in Barrie.
Il Buco
| Address | 31 Dunlop St E, Barrie, ON L4N 1A2, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (705) 735-9595 |
My wife and I had a spectacular dinner here last night. After a relaxing day at the Vetta Nordic Spa this was the perfect place for a. Ice, quiet Italian dinner. My wife started with the tomato basil soup which was hearty and delicious. For her main she feasted on the spaghetti del mare while I throughly enjoyed the healthy serving of veal parmigiana. For dessert she had the flourless chocolate cake (I think that’s what it was called) while I savoured the caramel vanilla tartufa. We each also sipped a latter to wash it all down. Cory, our server was fantastic! She was friendly and very attentive. Loved the decor also, with the soft table lighting and rows of red wine bottles accenting the walls.
My only criticism is about the facility… you need to climb stairs to go from the street level up to the restaurant level inside the building. Once there, if you need to use the washrooms they are down a much longer set of stairs. No useful elevator is present. Elderly patrons and those with bad knees should take note.
I am a Chinese. Forgive my English. This is the first time for me visiting this restaurant. I would like to say this was a wonderful dining experience! The food was incredibly fresh and full of flavour, every dish was beautifully prepared. The service was warm, attentive, and welcoming from start to finish.The lakeside view made the atmosphere even more relaxing and memorable.Definitely a five-star Italian restaurant that I would happily visit again.
My hubby and I went here for a date and it was absolutely wonderful 🥰.
The food was amazing and the atmosphere was also very clam and intimate. I LOVED IT HERE !!!!
This restaurant definitely lived up to its reviews and recommendation. Ordered the beef carpaccio salad and Pappardelle Funghi E Tartufo. The beef was lovely, possibly could’ve used a little less acidity but would order again. The pasta was well cooked and creamy. A little heavy, simple palette as advertised. Our server was present, communicative, informed and personable. She did a fantastic job. Finished off with a tiramisu which did not disappoint. The atmosphere was a little dark (black ceilings) and red walls all throughout. Not accessible for individuals who can’t use stairs. Food was adequately priced for the quality!
This place is EXCEPTIONAL! We stopped by on our way back to Toronto and were looking for a restaurant with a view of the water. Not only is the view gorgeous, but the food was delicious, John (our server) was attentive and personable, they had a robust selection of very tasty wine, and everything was very reasonably priced.
Thank you to John, the chefs, and the whole team for taking such great care of us. We will be back in two weeks!
Michael & Marion's and The Side Door
| Address | 89 Bayfield St, Barrie, ON L4M 3A7, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (705) 721-1188 |
5/5 Stars ⭐
Michael & Marion’s is one of those hidden Barrie gems that somehow flies under the radar. The vibe and ambience are terrific—warm, welcoming, and upscale without feeling pretentious.
The atmosphere is one of the highlights. The bar area has a sophisticated, jazzy vibe with live music, while the dining room feels warm and inviting ✨
A special shoutout to our server, Kate, who was absolutely spectacular. Attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable without ever being overbearing. She really elevated the evening and was just lovely to chat with 🥰
The drinks were also spot on. As someone who orders a lot of Negronis, I appreciated that they were made properly—with one large ice cube and an orange peel. It sounds simple, but a surprising number of places get this right. If you’re bringing your own wine, the corkage fee is also extremely reasonable at only $25 🍷
For appetizers, we ordered the calamari and the Wagyu sliders, both of which were excellent. For our mains, we had the sushi bowl and the house-made gnocchi with chicken and shiitake mushrooms. Both were absolutely delicious 🧑🏻🍳👌🏽
Overall, a fantastic dining experience from start to finish. Great food, great service, and a great atmosphere. We’ll definitely be back! 🤩🙏🏼
Michael and Marion's and The Side bar is definitely a gem!! The overall atmosphere of the restaurant was nice and cozy
The food was amazing and very delicious. Came here for my brother's birthday, our server Dani was wonderful and so pleasant. We definitely will be coming back as we've heard the tomahawk steak is highly recommended.
We celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary at Michael & Marion’s and had a wonderful evening. Our cocktails and mains were delicious, and the complimentary champagne was such a thoughtful touch that made our celebration even more special.
A big thank you to our server, Ryan, for his friendly, attentive service. He truly made our experience memorable. We can’t wait to come back!
It was a last minute decision to try Michael & Marions for our 36th anniversary dinner. We are so happy we did. We had a fantastic evening filled with absolutely delicious food and drink. The icing on our cake was our fantastic server Ryan. He truly made us feel special and his knowledge of fine tequila quite impressed me. After our dessert we were given complimentary champagne to close out our celebrations.
We had: Calamari and Kale Salad appys
Stuffed Chicken and Steak (cooked to perfection)
Flourless Chocolate Cake
By chance, a last minute reso. That in itself, a story for another time.
Reception on the phone was poor so George answered the phone (name was actually Ryan), and I “Dodson” (actually me, Joshua) made the reservation. The “gag” ran all night, which made the experience ever more excellent.
We had drinks, appy’s, main, and a dessert, all split.
The blue, purple, and green “one” martinis, all excellent; sneaky, if you will. 4 should not have been that easy to drink over the course of the 2+ hours we were there.
George, I mean Ryan, lol, made sure to have all our dishes split, or prepped the table so wifey and I could split them.
Caesar salad to start. Solid. Not too much dressing, correct amount in a bowl. Nothing fancy, but also, nothing from a pre-packaged tin or jar. Love that. Personally, I didn’t like the bacon, but wifey did.
Bulgogi Ribs; epic. Nearly perfect fall off the bone. Exceptional and very “different” dark sauce, with peanuts. An unexpected flavour, but definitely a winner.
Steak and veg, with an add-on lobster tail and add on mushrooms.
Steak, perfectly cooked.
Lobster, perfectly cooked.
Veg, perfectly cooked.
Opinion; I didn’t like the sauce. For me, I prefer steak to just be steak. Same with the veg. Wifey on the other hand, said she would drink the sauce it was so good.
The steak, AGGRESSIVELY seasoned. Again, I wasn’t a fan, this time though, I did enjoy it. But wifey was a big fan. If you don’t like this kind of thing, say so, I’m certain they will accommodate.
The lobster tail, immaculate. However, preferably served nearly out of the shell. This isn’t a finger food place, should let have to use my fingers to get the good stuff out. Though it truly was really good.
Large mushroom side; wish it came with the steak main as standard, but it was super tasty.
Peach cheesecake. Down home style; it was refreshing to not have a “pretentious” dessert, one that felt like it came out of grama’s kitchen.
We will be back; even if it’s just for too many martinis and a rack of those ribs.
🤙
Boardwalk Restaurant
| Address | 24 N Village Way #9, Barrie, ON L4N 6P3, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (705) 482-9245 |
Really enjoyed this place! The food was delicious, the service was great, and the atmosphere was really nice. We tried the fish and it was so good, and the seafood was fresh and flavorful too. The brisket was another favorite. Definitely recommend the brisket and fish if you come here!
Woww it’s an amazing experience. I love it. The food taste yummy and the service is fast. Highly recommended if you go with family or a date. I wish they have a patio. But the waiter is very friendly and I will be coming back for more dishes.
Giving this restaurant a 5 stars because of the ambiance and cuisine. Mediterranean cuisine is a style of food that is lacking in Barrie and we were so excited to try this new restaurant. The ambiance is quiet, clean and decorated elegantly. Its the perfect place to go for a dinner date or if you want to comfortably speak and catch up with a friend.
The food and drinks menu is filled with different options, which are unique and contrast the average "bar food" restaurants you find in Barrie. For the food, we tried the wild 6 mushroom pizza, the Wagyu burger and Schnitzel.
The food presentation was beautiful and the portions were huge for everything that was served.
That said, the only food that I would order again would be the pizza, which was flavourful, delicious and tasted premium.
The burger and Schnitzel unfortunately lacked flavour. I was hoping that the burger would have had a more distinctive sauce, but I could barely taste it. As for the Schnitzel, I think it could have benefited with the addition of some spices and cooked for a little less time.
Overall, it was a positive experience and we would come back to try different food options and drinks.
The food and service were top notch. Some of the best we've had at a local restaurant in a very long time. Everything is fresh, portions are large and prices are on point. We were a group of ten and from the moment we arrived until we left everything was amazing. We will definitely be back.
I’m honestly so happy to finally have a high-end restaurant like this in Barrie 🤍
Everything we tried was incredibly delicious and tasted so fresh — you can really tell the quality of the ingredients. The flavors were rich, well-balanced, and just so satisfying.
The mushroom pizza was a solid 10/10 honestly the best I’ve had so far. The dough was absolutely spectacular… perfectly soft, airy, and flavorful. You can tell it’s made fresh and not frozen.
The space itself is absolutely beautiful warm, cozy, and designed so nicely that you instantly feel comfortable but still get that upscale vibe. It’s the kind of place you want to stay at for hours.
The service was amazing attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience even better. And the drink selection? So many unique and creative options, definitely something for everyone.
Highly recommend this spot I will 100% be coming back ✨
The Iron Skillet Barrie
| Address | 534 Bayfield St, Barrie, ON L4M 5A2, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (705) 722-5804 |
I went for the first time and I was impressed with the portion size to begin with as well as the quality of the food . Prices are on point for today's dining experience. Everything is homemade. I tried the Cajun Blackened Chicken club...it was nicely seasoned not spicy at all very mild the bacon was thick and veggies fresh ...fries and coleslaw well were also very well done . Have a look for yourself I posted a pic of half of the club ! Its was worth another visit for sure ! I cant wait to try the Schnitzel I saw coming out of the kitchen next ..
Went there for Sunday lunch after snow valley. Staff was nice, food was good and price raisonnable. 1 Kids pasta (9.99) was big enough for 2 x 3-5 y.o kids (didn't finish). California wrap was very good and very generous on french fries. Chicken teriyaki bowl was OK. Ended up $54 before tip for 2 main + 1 kids. (They provide free pop or juice to kids)
Great find in the Barrie area. One heck of a meal tonight with friends. Try the classics (schnitzel or paella). Chef had terrific flavours. Veggies cooked just right. I had the featured braised Lamb Shank for St Patrick's Day and it was delish. Looking forward to trying something different next time. Big portions as advertised. Brandon, thanks for the terrific service.
Great place for date night! The food is class A! Portions are on point, the servers were great, very knowledgeable and hospitable. The owners/chef were gracious and came out to greet us for my wife's birthday which we were very honored by and made our evening even more special. Local Family owned and operated adds to the charm.
Can't wait to go back!!!
When we arrived at 5:15’ish there were two tables with diners the rest was empty. We waited five minutes plus to be seated. I ordered a club. The bacon was cold and laden with congealed grease, the tomato’s were too thickly cut, no mayo, and the lettuce was shredded and browning. The chicken edges were coated in heavy pepper. While the club was piled high with chicken, bacon, and tomato the bread was so hard I could not eat it. The fries were cold and stuck together in a congealed lump. I literally pick up one fry and had ten more attached to it. The fries were limp and the grease taste was overwhelming. The coleslaw was off. It had a distinctly odd taste which I could not eat it. My friend had chicken fingers. They were hard and dry like they had been sitting under a heat lamp all day. Her fries too, were a huge lump and she too could not eat the slaw. While both plates were full of food and looked impressive when first placed on the table, it was not enjoyable or worthy of the cost. Our meal cost $53.00 and was a waste of money. We both left more than half of the meal on the plate because it was so bad. The Waitress was overtly bubbly when we arrived, telling us the house special was prime rib with Yorkshire pudding at $30.99/plate. Far too expensive for a strip plaza eatery. The club was $19.99 and the chicken fingers about the same. We had a Pepsi and ice water. The waitress did not ask how the food was or if there was a problem. She did not even offer doggie bags. She clearly knew the meal was a miss! How this place won any acclaims is beyond us. We chose this place based on all the positive reviews! We ordered a basic uncomplicated meal. It was so extraordinarily disappointing, we had to share our own experience.
RUDY
| Address | 114 Dunlop St E, Barrie, ON L4M 1A4, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (705) 503-3767 |
Ok so I debated on what score to give this location, but for sure wanted to be honest. The cashier Krista was AMAZING when you walk in she greets you, smiling and informative about what choices you may like if you ask for the recommendation. She was amazing! The burger was cooked perfect and was seasoned just as well, fries had just enough salt and were a perfect size. My downfall was the banana pudding (I know sounds dumb) but it’s not real banana pudding, especially for the price. It’s basically pudding with bananas and graham crackers finely crushed on top. Banana pudding has wafer cookies through out layered with the bananas. Now you see why I debated the score, because everything g else was amazing but for sure deserves a great review for the food.
There is no parking as it’s on “Main Street” so people park in front on the street and sadly nothing is available we had to park 10 min down the street and walk. The dinning is small as well, with only 3 tables for 2 and 1 table for 4 so if you want to dine in on a cold day you may not have a table. We drove from Toronto to try the food which is why it was a must to eat indoors. I would recommend they spend a little money and buy shades or put tint on the glass as well as it gets very hot while sitting in the sun while eating. You can’t move away because all tables are there at the window. But again this is just my honest opinion and I’m sharing the negatives and positives. But I would HIGHLY recommend visiting and giving them your business as the burgers and fries are truly amazing. I have 5 stars because I felt 4 isn’t fair based off me not liking the banana pudding. 😂
I don't know if Olivia B packed my take out order but she was amazing! I asked for lots of salt and vinegar - every time I order a poutine take out the salt and vinegar is always forgotten. She went above and beyond!
On my receipt she wrote - I got you 😉 then put a nice little note on an extra brownie in the bag!
A great little experience to end my night!
Thanks so much Rudy staff!
I thought the burger was absolutely fantastic! Cooked to perfection and came out relatively quickly. Fries were nice and fresh. Only small complaint was the price, a double burger combo was around $25.
Place was extremely clean, and service was great!
RUDY is simply mediocre at best. They make a good burger, but it is nowhere worth as much as they charge. The portion sizes were rather small considering the price. For 2 rude dude combos with fries upgraded to poutines and an order of pickle chips, it was well over 60 dollars. The burger was meh, there was absolutely nothing special about it. The "Rudy sauce" tasted like absolutely nothing. The gravy on the poutine tasted like gravy from a packet and was way too salty, however the cheese curds were quite good. The pickle chips could have been more... pickle-y?? Overall, its a decent meal but its no where near worth its price.
I recently visited RUDY and had a great experience. The dining space is on the smaller side, but it’s impressively clean and well kept. The food arrived in a timely manner, and I ordered the Rude Dude, it definitely lived up to expectations. The fries were perfectly salted, and the drink cups are generously sized, which is always a nice bonus.
One thing I really appreciated is that you don’t leave smelling like food, which isn’t always the case at burger spots. The staff were also very friendly and welcoming. Overall, I’d highly recommend giving it a try.
TEQUILAZZO
| Address | 15 Cedar Pointe Dr Unit 18, Barrie, ON L4N 5R7, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (705) 558-4065 |
I will start this by saying the service was very good. My waiter was very friendly and checked on me multiple times!
The food needs some work. The guacamole had almost no avocado in it. It was basically avocado coated tomatoes and onions. Flavor was good, chips were good, but for $15.50 I really think that there should be more avocado.
The quesabirria was a good size, coming with three. I do wish the consomé for dipping was bigger. I ran out by the second taco. The meat was tender but I wish it had more cheese and flavor.
The salsas were okay. Mild had no spice and medium was so spicy I couldn’t eat it. I didn’t even try the hot after the medium was too much for me.
The skinny margarita was not great…
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you haven’t been here yet, you NEED to go! I’m telling you, this is one of the best restaurants in Barrie! The food is absolutely incredible — so fresh, delicious, and full of amazing flavours. 🇧🇷🌎
But what makes this place even more special is the people. They are so warm, friendly, welcoming, and entertaining. You feel like you’re part of the family the moment you walk through the door.
The food is something different and special, with incredible flavours from South America. Every bite is delicious, and the whole experience is just so much fun. Seriously, don’t think twice — GO! You have to try this place. I promise you won’t be disappointed. ❤️ This is definitely a restaurant I’ll be going back to again and again!
First time trying this restaurant and it did not disappoint!!
Atmosphere and vibe were great. Service was 10/10 (Valentina was amazing).
Food was flavorful, delicious and plentiful. We had some apps to share (plantain, empanadas and chicharrones) and all were delicious. I had the fried tilapia and it was crispy, salty and buttery. Finished with pastel des tres leches for dessert…. Milky creamy and sweet.
Will be back asap!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What an absolute gem in Barrie! From the moment I walked through the doors of Tequilazzo, I felt like I had been transported straight to Latin America. The atmosphere is vibrant, authentic, and full of warmth, making the entire experience feel like a mini getaway.
The food was incredibly fresh, full of flavour, and beautifully prepared. You can truly taste the quality in every bite.
What made the experience exceptional, though, was the outstanding hospitality. Edgar and Yani were incredible hosts from the moment we arrived. They were welcoming, attentive, and genuinely passionate about making sure every guest had an amazing experience.
If you're looking for authentic Latin American cuisine, a lively atmosphere, and service that makes you feel like family, Tequilazzo is a must-visit. I'll definitely be back and highly recommend it to anyone in or visiting Barrie!
Super tasty food and cool atmosphere. Had the empanadas (Colombian and cheese & mushroom), the pupusas (cheese and chicharron), nacho & chips, and quesabirrias. For dessert, chocoflan and churros. All were delicious and hit the spot. The corona on draft was massive, served in 26oz mugs. Service was very friendly as well. Recommend if you're looking for some Latin American cuisine that hits the spot and is well seasoned. Been to other Latin American spots in Barrie and found them to be bland in comparison. They have daily deals, happy hour, and seems like this place turns into a vibe on weekends as well. One thing to note which I really did not like, the payment tip amounts were 18%, 20%, 30%, 35%. Like that's pretty ridiculous in my opinion for pre-set amounts and it felt greedy. I understand I can enter a custom amount, but that took a star away from me. 35% lol, that is soooo greedy to even be a pre-set option. Debit machines by Clover, via a quick youtube search, have the ability to change their tip amounts by the owner. Open until like 2am.
The Farmhouse Restaurant
| Address | 268 Bradford St, Barrie, ON L4N 3B7, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:45 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:45 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:45 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:45 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:45 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (705) 737-0522 |
Stopped by Barrie for a night and randomly found this breakfast spot the next morning — honestly one of those “why is this place not permanently attached to my house” experiences.
The Fried Chicken Benny was dangerously close to perfection. The fried chicken was juicy enough to make other fried chickens question their life choices, and even the home fries were so good I kept eating them long after I was already full. No self-control. No regrets.
The mussels were also a surprise hit. Eating them alone, the garlic flavour comes in like it owns the place. But once you dip them into the sauce? Massive upgrade. To me it tasted a bit like a Thai-style sauce — maybe there’s a heroic amount of lemon juice in there. I could be completely wrong scientifically, but emotionally, it was correct.
Service was super friendly too. It was ridiculously hot that day, and the moment I sat down they brought me ice water like they had sensed my suffering from across the parking lot. They even helped turn my coffee into an iced coffee situation, which deserves respect.
Even the restaurant itself was clean, comfortable, and impossible to complain about.
One of my husband and I’s favourite restaurants. The food is amazing and the atmosphere is so cosy. Great views of the lake from the balcony.
We love this restaurant so much we got married in their event space on the second floor!
If you’re looking for a cozy restaurant in Barrie with great food, fair prices, and a relaxed atmosphere, The Farmhouse Restaurant is absolutely worth checking out.
We stopped in for a casual early dinner and were really impressed with both the food and overall experience.
I ordered the beef dip with fresh cut fries and a romaine salad — the beef was tender and flavorful, and the au jus was rich without being too heavy. The fries were clearly fresh-cut (crispy outside, soft inside), and everything tasted fresh.
My partner had the chicken avocado club with smashed potatoes and a romaine salad — great portion size, fresh ingredients, and the smashed potatoes were a standout.
The service was excellent — a young gentleman took care of us and was friendly, attentive, and made the experience feel easy and welcoming.
One of the best parts about this place is the atmosphere — no loud music or distracting TVs, just a warm, cozy space where you can actually enjoy your meal and conversation. Perfect for a date night or relaxed dinner in Barrie.
Overall:
Fresh, delicious food
Fair pricing
Cozy, intimate atmosphere
Great service
Highly recommend if you’re searching for a quality restaurant in Barrie that delivers on both food and vibe. Will definitely be back.
Traveled for a medical appointment to Barrie with my mother and teen daughter from Espanola. Stayed the night and chose the Farmhouse for our special girl's dinner and we were NOT disappointed!
I'm going to preface this story with a bit of context, not to simply overshare with you all but to drive home the simple reason for the need for me to give you all this heads up.
I have ADHD. My mom has ADHD and my daughter has ADHD! So it's rarely when we are left unattended just us three girls that some (or more than some) unintentional debauchery is inevitable. We try to keep it contained but trouble finds us, I swear.
In saying this, I must apologize to the lovely staff of the Farmhouse restaurant that evening for tolerating the insane evening that us three tiny women unleashed on them.
If you're here to know about the food - it was fabulous. We are picky and we're immediately intimidated by all the fancy dishes on the menu, being notoriously the type of girls who order a strict diet of chicken fingers and poutine when in unfamiliar dining circumstances. Upon grilling out amazing server with our dietary concerns and intricacies, all three of us bravely broke our norms and ordered burgers.
Let. Me. Tell. You.
These burgers are to die for. Like. The cast of How I Met your Mother and Regis Philbin would all have their photos hanging on the walls of The Farmhouse claiming BEST BUGER EVER ... Something about having babies with the burgers... The jokes are all in the episode it's a good one.
The sides. The only thing I'd change is I would double my mac and cheese portion next time instead of choosing poutine as my second side (yes you get TWO SIDES) because the mac and cheese was made by angels I swear and the poutine was just meh by comparison.
I'm blanking on my servers name... He was a seasoned pro and everyone should tip him double what he deserves if they can.
I digress. ADHD remember.
The service was amazing.
We sat on the patio it was brilliant and everything was top notch incredible.
Best part is they were so kind when I returned to frantically scour the restaurant for my missing wallet that I managed to lose between paying the bill and getting back to the hotel. They took my number and were all so sweet and went above and beyond for my inattentive, feral self having a panic attack about not having a health card for my specialist medical appointment... It was a whole scene and they were the most professional and capable bunch.
Thank you so much to the staff for a lovely and memorable dining experience.
The wallet somehow was under the seat of the vehicle the whole time.
Thanks again. 10/10 will be back 😂🫶 if I'm not too embarrassed to ever walk back in after this confessional of a review.
I hope
From inside there is no view of the Lake. The menu is very limited. The food is pricy and the chef has a very heavy hand with some spices. The beef dip was awful...it was green with too much thyme I'm guessing. The sandwich itself was okay but there was a portion on the end with no meat at all. I expect meat on all of the bun. The ceasar salad came in a little glass jar that I had to pour onto a plate to eat. The dressing was very sour...I didn't finish the salad. The Mac and cheese was more like macaroni with Alfredo sauce. It was also grainy. The French toast was good but the tiny bit of cut fruit on the side is pathetic. The bacon eggs and toast were also okay but we were not offered anything to put on the toast other than the butter it came with. No jam or anything like that. The server was very polite and patient as we had to wait for one person who was late. You have to go downstairs for the washrooms...not handicapped friendly. The parking lot was horrible. Dirt and lots of potholes like you may find at a farmhouse. Overall I know I certainly won't return, lots of great restaurant options for breakfast or lunch and this is not one of them.
Bayside Variety Kitchen + Bar
| Address | 150 Dunlop St E Unit 103, Barrie, ON L4M 6H1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (705) 503-0053 |
That was a truly incredible dining experience. The service was top notch, the cocktails were expertly crafted and the food. Oh my god the food.
The appetizer absolutely blew our minds with the combinations of flavours and textures.
The mains were beautifully presented and perfectly cooked, absolutely wonderful plates. The lamb was perfect.
Sadly we didn't get a photo of the Budino for desert, but it was so amazing we were angry. Nothing should taste that fabulous. Paired with a Balzacs espresso it was perfection.
Spectacular experience. Our server Olivia was amazing. The food was delicious (we had beef tartare and bao buns), drinks were perfect and came out super quick. Olivia was thoughtful, friendly, prompt.. made our night. Thank you for an awesome evening. 💗
Amazing experience! We were treated top notch! Olivia is an incredible server. Attentive, humouress, lovely.
We had the brussel sprouts and octopus for appetizers. I loved the Brussels sprouts. The octopus had a wonderful flavor and my partner loved it. I had the duck and he had the Atlantic char as our mains. The char is incredible! Crispy skin, wondeful flavour.
We had a half serving of pasta... and it was my favourite part of the meal!
The drinks were all amazing. It is my partners birthday and Olivia brought us a Budino dessert. So spoiled! Best dessert ever.
We will come back here hands down. I live in Sudbury, but found my new fave restaurant in Barrie.
We had such an incredible meal at Bayside Variety! Every dish was packed with fresh, thoughtful flavours, and the entire experience was exceptional from start to finish.
We started with the peach burrata, which was fresh, creamy, and absolutely incredible. The fried Brussels sprouts were another standout—the pancetta and tomato jam added the perfect combination of flavour. The agnolotti pasta were delicious little pillows of perfection, and the scallop risotto was a dream—so flavourful and beautifully done.
My husband loved the rack of lamb, which was packed with flavour and cooked perfectly. And the budino dessert was a personal favourite—I think I’ve found my new favourite dessert!
The handcrafted cocktails were amazing as well. I highly recommend the espresso martini and the tangerine margarita!
Our server was also incredible—warm, attentive, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience even better.
Every course was memorable, and we left already looking forward to our next visit. Bayside Variety is definitely a must-try!
My fiance and I came here to have dinner on the eve before our wedding and we had a wonderful time. The restaurant is tucked out of the way in a very unassuming store front of a condo building but the inside atmosphere is incredibly nice and modern.
The food was excellent with a lot of attention to detail and excellent flavours. The cocktails and wine selection were great and creative.
We had the fried brussel sprout appetizer, the pork chop and the feature pasta that is on a rotating menu.
We will definitely be coming back!
Minh's Barrie
| Address | 73 Collier St, Barrie, ON L4M 1G7, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (437) 225-2250 |
I had a great dining experience at Minh Restaurant in Barrie. The Chicken Pad Thai was absolutely delicious—perfectly cooked with a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Every bite was fresh and satisfying.
I also ordered the Pho, and I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portion size. The broth was rich and flavorful, the ingredients were fresh, and it was a comforting, hearty bowl that offered excellent value for the price.
The food was tasty, the portions were generous, and the overall experience was very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend Minh Restaurant to anyone looking for authentic Vietnamese cuisine in Barrie, and I'll certainly be back to try more dishes!
Well! What a surprise.
Decided to order 3 items to go.
Pad Thai, Chicken Fried Rice, and Pho.
The flavours!
But not just that - the generous portions!
And…The price points!
This will be our default choice for healthier, flavourful take out, going forward!
Great food, great service. The only knock is it's on a main Street downtown. Downtown parking is okay in the evening but can be troublesome during busy times.
This is absolutely not Minh's fault and doesn't reflect the business at all. Everything and everyone was great.
Very authentic Vietnamese cuisine. I'll be honest, I don't even know how to pronounce the name of the dish I got, but it was excellent. Basically a nest of crispy fried noodles in broth, covered in a mountain of bok choy, beef, tofu, and other veggies.
If you're not feeling as adventurous, they have a lot of other options on the menu. The pad thai is really good, and I have it on good authority it's not too spicy if you're not into that. I'm sure the pho is also really good, but given the portions I'd probably have to take half of it home (not that I would be complaining :D)
Staff are friendly, service is quick, atmosphere is nice and prices are reasonable considering the large portions. It's not in the absolute downtown so parking's a bit easier to find, but if you're in the area it's easy to recommend for lunch or dinner.
Had a pleasant experience at this Vietnamese restaurant. The ambience was warm and welcoming, and the staff were polite and attentive. I tried their Cơm Tấm and it was really good — flavorful and satisfying. The only downside was that the cutlery could have been cleaner, which took away slightly from the overall experience. Still, a nice spot for Vietnamese cuisine.
The Crazy Fox Bistro
| Address | 135 Bayfield St, Barrie, ON L4M 3B3, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 4:30 – 10:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (705) 737-5000 |
The best restaurant in Barrie for couples and special occasions! My husband and I went on a Friday, we sat on the second floor, the restaurant is very beautiful inside. For starters we chose Itsumo tuna, which was divine. My main course was duck confit and it was the best duck I've ever eaten in my life, it comes with white beans and I never would have imagined it would go so well together. My husband ordered veal parmegiano which was also tasty (but in my opinion the duck won). For dessert we ordered crème brûlée and it was exceptional. Yes, the price is a bit high compared to other restaurants in the city, but it's worth paying a little more to eat fresh, quality food. If you don't know it, it's worth checking out!
Went here doing the Barrielious locallicious
and it was very nice. I highly recommend this restaurant. Never been here always wanted to go. And this was a perfect experience to try it out. Went with a friend and we had an amazing time. The waitress was very friendly and welcoming. The food was absolutely delicious. The flavours were awesome and the food was amazing.
I would have no hesitation in highly recommending that everybody try this restaurant.
And the dessert was amazing. What a perfect way to end the meal.
Lovely spot I’ve driven past a few times but finally checked out. The place is run very smoothly like a machine, we arrived later in the evening and were able to be seated without a reservation. Great choice of cocktails and friendly staff. I’d highly recommend the tuna starter. The portion sizes of the meals is above expectation and everything we ordered was great. Glad we stopped in to enjoy this lovely spot!
Smaller bistro style restaurant which means a relatively limited menu. The service was good but it was a little tardy. We were in a group on a Saturday night so it was par for most this type of establishment when busy. However, the food was excellent but a little pricey for the portion size. I had the cauliflower soup which was excellent. Wonderful favours; rich and creamy. I had the pecan crusted chicken main course. This dish was very nicely presented but I was a little disappointed in the chicken. It seemed a little grainy and chewy but the rest of the dish was very nice. The only negatives we really had were the restrooms and parking. You go down three flights of stairs to get to the restrooms and they were subpar at best. The parking is very sparse so make sure you give yourself time to find alternative street parking. This location is not accessible for those requiring special accessibility requirements.
The holistic experience was lovely! Service was excellent 👌 Food was utterly wonderful 😋 mouthwatering and savory. Best part was my husband coming with me to make this a wonderful date! We will definitely return for another romantic date.
Moxies Barrie Park Place Restaurant
| Address | 139 Park Pl Blvd, Barrie, ON L4N 6P1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (705) 230-0450 |
Went here for an early birthday lunch with my dad and my husband, and we had such a wonderful experience! The food was amazing, the atmosphere was beautiful, and the music was awesome. The staff were great, and even the bathrooms were exceptionally clean and beautiful. We really enjoyed our visit and will definitely be back! Highly recommend!
The food is delicious and presentation was inviting and beautiful. The menu has so many robust options, Moxie's classics done right. Our server was good at taking care of our table and pleasant service. The calamari were perfectly fried, whipped feta & roasted tomatoes is lovely, tomatoes could use a hard sear but meh that's just small detail. The steaks are awesome and other mains were nicely priced and full of flavor. 10/10, great experience. Would recommend and be back!
What a great anniversary celebration. The atmosphere was super friendly and the customer service we received was top notch. Hope, our server was attentive and made sure that our special date night was perfect. The food was excellent and we will definitely be back!
We can’t say enough about the new Barrie Moxie’s in Park Place. Chelsea and Hope were kind, efficient and professional and they definitely elevated the entire experience. The food was fresh and the menu seems thoughtfully curated and expertly prepared.
Had an absolutely wonderful time for lunch today. The atmosphere and service were phenomenal. Only issue structurally is with it being so wide open, it is quite noisy. As long as they keep up the quality of food served today they should have no issue succeeding in that area!
Saray Turkish Cuisine - Restaurant Barrie
| Address | 94 Dunlop St W, Barrie, ON L4N 1A8, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (705) 984-0441 |
3/5 ⭐️
Came to Saray Turkish Cuisine with a group of four on a Thursday evening. First impressions were good — really nice interior ✨ and a great location right in downtown Barrie. The restaurant was surprisingly pretty dead though, especially for an evening.
Parking is a bit confusing 🚗😵💫. There’s no parking directly at the restaurant, but apparently you can park on the south side of Dunlop across the street. The problem is there’s nothing in that parking lot or on the restaurant door telling you this. We only found out because our server happened to overhear us talking about parking. A little sign would go a LONG way 😂.
Unfortunately, service was the biggest issue. We genuinely had to ask for EVERYTHING 😭 — more water, dessert menu, takeout containers, our bills, etc. At one point we purposely put the completely empty water jug at the end of the table thinking it would be obvious… nope 😂💧.
They also only have QR code menus 📱 — no physical menus. Normally I don’t care, but our server kept taking the little QR code holder away from our table. Every time we wanted to order another appetizer, our mains or eventually dessert, we had no menu and no QR code 🤦♀️. We kept having to ask him to bring it back. It honestly started feeling like they didn’t want us ordering anything else 😂. Just leave the QR code on the table!!
Also worth knowing: they don’t serve alcohol 🍷🚫. IMO this place would really benefit from getting a liquor licence — Turkish food + a nice bottle of wine would be 👌. Even the soft drinks came out warm and my friends had to ask for glasses of ice 🧊.
Now for the positive: the food itself was VERY tasty 🤤🔥. Definitely the strongest part of the experience. We ordered two appetizer dips with bread, but the bread basket came with maybe five pieces of bread 😂. Clearly nowhere near enough for two dips, so again… we had to ask for more.
Overall, great food and a nice space, but the service needs serious improvement. When the restaurant isn’t even busy and you’re constantly trying to flag someone down for basic things, it takes away from the experience.
3/5 ⭐️ — food understood the assignment 🔥, service absolutely did not 😭😂.
My family and I love eating here! The food is SOO flavourful .. our favs are the Adana kabob and the Ali nazik dish! Also love the saray salad! We will def be back. If you want a sweet but refreshing drink get the saray special.. you won’t regret it!
Amazing vibe
Nice atmosphere good interior
Good portions, delicious food,
🫶
Everything was amazing, the food and the atmosphere was incredible. Thanks to all the staff for the amazing service!
Ordered from this place for a bday and we are very happy with our choice.
Portions are huge and food is delicious! Meat was amazing and bread like little drops of heaven!
Highly recommend
Tips for Choosing the Right Restaurant in Barrie
Choosing the perfect spot often depends on the details that matter most to your dining party. While the list above represents the best of the best, the "right" restaurant for you will depend on your mood, dietary needs, and the pace of your day. To help you narrow down your options and ensure a smooth experience, we have compiled a few practical strategies for navigating the city’s culinary scene.
Consider the Waterfront vs. Downtown Vibe
Barrie offers two distinct dining atmospheres. Waterfront restaurants provide scenic views of Kempenfelt Bay and are ideal for sunny lunches or sunset dinners, but they often require a bit more patience during peak tourist season. Downtown Dunlop Street spots tend to offer a more historic, urban vibe with easy access to local theaters and bars, making them perfect for a full night out without moving your car.
Check for Seasonal Patio Availability
Given the Canadian climate, patio season is a major factor in Barrie. Many of the top-rated restaurants have beautiful outdoor spaces that are only open from late spring to early fall. If your primary goal is dining al fresco, call ahead or check social media to confirm that the patio is open and heated, as weather in the shoulder seasons can be unpredictable.
Prioritize Farm-to-Table and Local Menus
Barrie is surrounded by some of Ontario’s most productive farmland. The best dining experiences often come from restaurants that advertise partnerships with local growers. Choosing a venue that highlights local beef, freshwater fish, or seasonal vegetables not only guarantees a fresher meal but also supports the regional economy. Look for menu items that name specific farms or regions, such as "Simcoe County" or "Georgian Bay."
Plan for Parking and Accessibility
While Barrie is a driving city, parking in the downtown core can be competitive, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Before you commit to a reservation, check if the restaurant offers validated parking or if there is a municipal lot nearby. For those with mobility concerns, it is also wise to confirm the accessibility of the entrance and restrooms, as some of the older, charming buildings in the historic district have narrow layouts.
Book Ahead for Weekend Brunches
Brunch culture is strong in Barrie, and the most popular spots often have lines out the door by 10:00 AM on weekends. If you have your heart set on a specific Eggs Benedict or a specialty latte, do not leave it to chance. A quick reservation or a check of the live waitlist on their website can save you a frustrating 45-minute wait and get you to the table while the coffee is still hot.
The dining scene in Barrie continues to grow, offering a remarkable depth of flavor for a city of its size. By choosing a venue that aligns with your specific needs—whether that is a quiet corner for a business meeting or a lively bar for a celebration—you tap into the heartbeat of the community. The city’s chefs are passionate, and their dedication shows on every plate that leaves the pass.
Ultimately, the best meal is the one shared with good company in a place that makes you feel welcome. Use this guide as a starting point, but do not be afraid to wander into a new spot that catches your eye. With so many talented restaurateurs calling Barrie home, your next favorite dish is likely just around the corner.
