The 20 Best Restaurants in Kawartha Lakes

The Cat & The Fiddle Lindsay offers hearty pub-style comfort food, with dishes prepared hot and to order. Guests highlight the prime rib and flavorful wings, along with a broad menu that suits both lunch and dinner. Service is described as attentive and efficient, contributing to a consistently satisfying dining experience.

Kawartha Dairy is a classic ice cream parlour known for its rich, creamy ice cream and extensive selection of flavors. Portions are notably generous, with even the smallest sizes offering a substantial treat. Service is efficient and organized, helping lines move quickly on busy days. The setting suits both quick stops and leisurely visits for ice cream enthusiasts.

Kelseys Original Roadhouse offers classic roadhouse fare, from hearty appetizers to stacked burgers and other crowd-pleasing mains. Dishes arrive hot with notably generous portions. Service is described as quick and attentive, whether dining indoors or on the spacious patio, though indoor seating can feel a bit close between tables.

Fenelon Fish & Grill specializes in traditional fish and chips, highlighted by moist, flaky haddock in a light, not overly greasy batter. Generous portions, neatly packed takeout, and thoughtful touches like sauces and lemon wedges make it a popular choice for carryout as well as dining in. Friendly, efficient service and consistently hot, well-prepared seafood define the experience.

Set in a charming century home, Ziraldo's Italian Steakhouse offers Italian-inspired dishes, seafood, and fresh salads with thoughtful presentation. Guests can choose between indoor seating, a porch, or an intimate patio tucked alongside the building. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, with staff offering helpful suggestions and pairing ideas. Desserts and coffees receive frequent praise for rounding out the meal.

Gyros & Pizza Express serves a mix of Greek-inspired street food and freshly made pizzas in a casual, takeout-focused setting. Guests highlight the flavorful gyros, shawarma, and Greek-style fries, as well as thin-crust pizzas with crisp bases and balanced toppings. Friendly, accommodating staff and quick preparation contribute to its appeal for a convenient, satisfying meal.

Ziggy's Fish & Chips and Caribbean food specializes in freshly cooked fish and chips with light, crisp batter and hand-cut fries. Diners highlight the flavorful halibut, creamy coleslaw, and generous portions served piping hot. The friendly staff and decor featuring tea towels from around the world create a casual, inviting atmosphere.

Mickaël's Café is a charming bakery offering an array of freshly baked breads, bagels, cookies, and pastries with a distinctly European touch. Guests highlight the excellent texture and flavor of specialty loaves and the buttery richness of shortbread. Almond croissants, brioche, and classic French-style breads showcase careful craftsmanship and attention to detail. A welcoming spot for thoughtfully made baked goods in a small-town setting.

The Original Just For The Halibut Taphouse & Grill specializes in classic fish and chips, with halibut praised for its light batter and tender texture. Guests also highlight other seafood options and appetizers for their rich flavor. The setting is cozy with an older, relaxed décor, and service is described as friendly, attentive, and efficient, accommodating both adults and children.

The Riverside Inn offers hearty, comfort-style fare in a relaxed cottage country setting. Guests highlight generous portions, from popular fish sliders to burgers, salmon, and schnitzel, often leaving with leftovers. Attentive staff and hands-on owners create a welcoming atmosphere for both small parties and larger groups, with indoor and patio seating contributing to its appeal.

Wheatsheaf Café is a compact, stylish spot known for its fresh salads, grilled panini-style sandwiches, and housemade desserts. Guests highlight vibrant greens with homemade vinaigrette, inventive flavor combinations, and rich chocolate tarts. Attentive, considerate service and quick turnaround make it a popular choice for a relaxed lunch.

Kawartha Slices & More offers generously topped pizzas with a well-regarded crust and fresh ingredients. The menu extends beyond pizza to include items like whole dinner options. A selection of cakes, pastries, butter tarts, and local jams and preserves adds a bakery and market feel. Friendly, efficient service completes this welcoming neighborhood spot.

Teriyaki Town serves a mix of Japanese and Korean dishes, from fresh-tasting sushi and tempura to Korean fried chicken and bento-style meals. Warm sake and careful presentation enhance the experience. Service is attentive and personable, and the intimate dining room offers a cozy, quietly romantic atmosphere that contrasts with its modest exterior.

Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio offers classic pub favorites and pastas in a casual setting by the locks. Guests choose between a lively outdoor patio and comfortable indoor seating, often accompanied by music. Consistently well-prepared dishes, such as burgers and Cajun chicken pasta, pair with prompt, attentive service for a relaxed, welcoming experience.

Fresh FueLL specializes in health-focused fast-casual fare, featuring generously filled wraps, customizable salads, and smoothies with many ingredient options. Homemade sauces, dressings, and soups add a personal touch, with vegetarian and plant-based choices prominently featured. The counter-service space is clean and inviting, and the staff provide attentive, helpful service for both dine-in and on-the-go meals.

Slices N' Scoops is a popular local spot known for fresh, flavorful pizza by the slice and an extensive selection of Kawartha ice cream. Guests choose from many flavors and refreshing slush drinks. The casual, family-friendly setting includes a terrace with direct views of the nearby canal lock, while the efficient team keeps lines moving quickly.

Corner Bites Eatery serves satisfying comfort food, from hearty sandwiches and melts to fresh soups and salads. Guests note the flavorful broccoli and cheese soup and the appeal of house baking aromas on arrival. A cozy, old-school dining room and attentive, personable service create a relaxed spot for both sit-down meals and takeout.