15 restaurants on the water in the Kawarthas
There’s something truly magical about dining lakeside, especially during the warm, inviting months of summer.
The beauty of the outdoors, scent of pine trees in the air, gentle sound of water lapping against the shore, the soothing serenade of songbirds—it all combines to make your meal even more delectable.
Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a family gathering, or a casual meal with friends, the Kawartha Lakes has a variety of waterfront restaurants that will be the perfect dining destination.
Check out our round up of 15 restaurants on the water in the Kawarthas.
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2 waterfront restaurants in Fenelon Falls, Ontario
Fenelon Falls has two restaurants on the water that provide distinctly different dining experiences from one another.
The Locker at the Falls Restaurant: Located in the heart of the village beside Fenelon River near the bridge that spans over the falls. The two dining levels at The Locker provide great views of the famed Fenelon Falls and the river it cascades into.
Water View: Fenelon Falls and Fenelon River.
Menu: Apps, Side Orders, Wings, Nachos, Oven-Baked Flatbreads, Wraps/Sandwiches, Burgers, Big Boy Burgers, Mains, Salads, Big Bowl Salads.
A Few Suggestions: Extreme Garlic Bread, Double Decker True Canadian Big Boy Burger, Tomahawk Pork Chop.
Reservations: Not required.
Eganridge Resort, Golf Club & Spa: If you’re in the Fenelon Falls area and it’s a lakeside view you’re seeking as a compliment to your meal, make your way to Eganridge. Here you can dine while taking in an expansive, beautiful view of Sturgeon Lake. The resort’s main dining area is a restored, century-old barn that has an elegant rustic feel and large, tall windows to let the view in. You can also eat outside on the deck.
Water View: Sturgeon Lake.
Menu: Seasonal menu featuring elegant, upscale appetizers and entrees.
Reservations: Recommended.
A restaurant on the water in Bobcaygeon, Ontario
The Royal Moose Grill & Waterfront Patio: Visiting or cottaging in the Bobcaygeon area? The Royal Moose Grill & Waterfront Patio is the spot for dining by the water. You know the old saying, “Go big or go home?” well the Royal Moose is proof of that. It boasts the largest waterfront patio in the Kawarthas.
Water View: Bobcaygeon River.
Menu: Apps, Burgers, Pasta, Wings, Salads, Mains, Wraps/Sandwiches, Soups.
A Few Suggestions: Double Decker Nachos, Chicken, Mango & Avocado Salad, Crispy Bobcaygeon Chicken.
Reservations: Not required.
Buckhorn, Ontario is home to 3 waterside restaurants
Variety your thing? Then Buckhorn in the Kawartha Lakes region is a great spot to be because it’s home to not one, not two but three restaurants by the water.
Mainstreet Bar & Grill: Lock 31 in Buckhorn is one of the busiest locks on the Trent-Severn Waterway. It also happens to be where the Mainstreet Bar & Grill is situated. Take a seat on the waterside patio and you can watch vessels of various sizes come and go while you partake in a succulent meal and refreshment.
Water View: Lock 31 and Upper Buckhorn Lake.
Menu: Apps, Salads, Burgers, Dawgs, Wraps/Sandwiches, Poutine, Pastas, Mains.
A Few Suggestions: Charcuterie Board, The Married Salad, Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich.
Reservations: Not required.
Bellys Restaurant: Looking for a casual, chill spot by the water for lunch or dinner–Bellys Restaurant will fit the bill. Sit outside at a picnic table or on the deck. If rain clouds roll in there’s indoor seating. Fun vibe with boats arriving via Big Bald Lake. Eclectic menu. Bellys even has their own beer!
Water View: Big Bald Lake.
Menu: Apps, Shareables, Salads, Mains.
A Few Suggestions: Mexican Street Corn, Jerk Chicken Baos, Crab Rangoon Dip, Chimichanga, Scallop Salad.
Reservations: Not required.
Treetops Dining Room at Westwind Inn: The dining room at the Westwind Inn is aptly named as you are literally situated amongst towering pine trees overlooking Lower Buckhorn Lake. With large windows on three sides, you can sit anywhere in the dining room and have a great view. The atmosphere is country casual, the menu is upscale with a variety of palate pleasing entrees prepared daily by the Inn’s chef.
Water View: Lower Buckhorn Lake.
Menu: Country casual dining, seasonal menu.
Reservations: Required.
3 waterfront restaurants in one place in Woodview, Ontario
Viamede Resort: Just 5 minutes north-east of Burleigh Falls is the hamlet of Woodview which is home to Viamede Resort. Viamede overlooks Stoney Lake and gives you three waterside dining choices on their property. The Boathouse and 1885 restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, while Mount Julian is the resort’s fine dining restaurant. Another nice thing about Viamede is no tipping is required. They pride themselves on paying their employees fair wages which means the price on your bill at the end of the meal is the price you pay.
Water View: Stoney Lake
Mount Julian: Serves 5, 7, or 9 course tasting menus. Reservations required.
1885: Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Boathouse: Serves lunch and dinner. Sit inside or outside.
Note: Menus are not provided on the Viamede website.
Waterfront dining at Lock 27 in Youngs Point, Ontario
Lock 25 Tap & Grill: Head approximately 17 minutes south-east of Buckhorn and you’ll hit the small, Kawartha Lakes village of Youngs Point. Established in 1825 it is home to Lock 27 of the Trent-Severn Waterway and right there overlooking beautiful Clear Lake is the Lock 27 Tap & Grill. Head out to the deck and take in the view of the water and the boats, while sipping on a locally sourced beverage.
Water View: Clear Lake.
Menu: Apps, Salads, Wraps, Burgers, Wings, Poutine, Sandwiches, Patio Classic Entrees, Pasta.
A Few Suggestions: Pierogi Poutine, Big Crunch, Lock Platter.
Reservations: Not required.
Two restaurants on the water in Lakefield, Ontario
There’s the village of Lakefield and then there’s the countryside and lakes of Lakefield which is where you’ll find two waterside dining options to choose from.
Frederick’s at Beechwood Resort: Located a few minutes north of the village of Lakefield is Frederick’s at Beachwood, a waterfront restaurant that provides an awesome view of Lower Buckhorn Lake. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Frederick’s serves up fine country cuisine. Dine in air-conditioned comfort or on the lakeside patio—whatever you prefer the meal and the view will be delicious.
Water View: Lower Buckhorn Lake.
Lunch Menu: Apps, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, Wings, Tacos, Burgers, Pizza.
Dinner Menu: Apps, Soups, Salads, Entrees.
A Few Suggestions: For lunch, the Seared Tuna Salad of the Chicken Brie Pesto Panini. For dinner: Kansas City Smoked Ribs or the Catch of the Day.
Reservations: Not required.
Hobart’s Lighthouse: Also a few minutes north of the Kawartha Lakes village of Lakefield but a little further east is Hobart’s Lighthouse. Here you can gaze out onto Stoney Lake and the marina below while indulging in upscale pub fare. Dine inside or out.
Water View: Stoney Lake.
Menu: Apps, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, Burgers, Entrees, Steak.
A Few Suggestions: Swiss Onion Soup, Cheese Fritters, Almond Crusted Maple Glazed Salmon, Centre Cut New York Striploin.
Reservations: Not required.
Waterfront restaurant in Peterborough, Ontario
The Riverside Grill Peterborough: Planning to spend a day in Peterborough? Cap off your outing by enjoying a meal by the water at The Riverside Grill. Situated along the Otonabee River, part of the Trent-Severn Waterway, the patio at The Riverside is the place to be for a good meal, great view and your favourite beverage.
Water View: Otonabee River.
Menu: Soups, Salads, Appetizers, Burgers, Sandwiches, Entrees.
A Few Suggestions: Cheeseburger Spring Rolls, Mac N Cheese Bites, Triple Patty Smash Burger, Squash Ravioli.
Reservations: Not required.
Waterside dining in Keene, Ontario
Elmhirst’s Resort: In the southern end of the Kawartha Lakes region on the shores of Rice Lake is Elmhirst’s Resort. The property’s Hearthside Dining Room features a seasonal menu and tables overlooking the lake. The food is exquisite at this Keene, Ontario restaurant and so is the view.
Water View: Rice Lake.
Menu: Salads, Soup of the Day, Appetizers, Entrees, Steaks, Pastas.
A Few Suggestions: Beet Salad, Baked Brie, Koefte Plate, Meatloaf, Duck Carbonara.
Reservations: Recommended.
Casual restaurant on Rice Lake in Bewdley, Ontario
Lakeview Bar & Grill: If you’re craving a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner spot the Lakeview Bar & Grill on Rice Lake is a great place to stop.
Water View: Rice Lake.
Main Menu: Wings, Burgers, Fish & Chips, Wraps, Sandwiches.
A Few Suggestions: Lakeview Hunger Quest, Lakeview Mighty Burger.
Reservations: Not required.
Whichever Kawartha restaurant on the water suits your appetite it’s sure to be a relaxing, rejuvenating experience. Enjoy the view and your meal!
Have a sweet tooth?
Take a day and go on a Circle Tour of Central Kawartha Bakeries.
Photo Credits: Timothy Hales Bennett, TripAdvisor, The Lockers at Fenelon Falls, Eganridge Resort, The Royal Moose Grill & Waterfront Patio, Mainstreet Bar & Grill, Bellys Restaurant, Westwind Inn, Viamede Resort, Lock 31 Tap & Grill, Beechwood Resort, Hobart’s Lighthouse, The Riverside Grill, Elmhirst’s Resort, Lakeview Bar & Grill.