The Best Restaurants & Cafés in Haliburton – Where to Eat & Drink Near Your Cottage Getaway
Dining in Haliburton – The Best Places to Eat & Drink
A cottage getaway is about more than just relaxation and adventure—it’s also about savoring incredible food in a scenic, laid-back setting. Whether you're looking for a cozy café for morning coffee, a casual lunch spot, or an upscale lakeside dining experience, Haliburton Highlands is home to some of Ontario’s best hidden-gem restaurants and locally loved favorites.
From farm-to-table eateries and bakeries filled with fresh pastries to lively pubs and upscale fine dining, this guide will help you discover the best places to eat and drink within an hour of your cottage rental.
Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Haliburton
Maple Avenue Tap & Grill (20 minutes away)
📍 Location: Maple Avenue Tap & Grill
A local favorite serving homemade breakfast and hearty brunch options.
What to try:
Classic Canadian breakfast platters
Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise
Fluffy pancakes with local maple syrup
The Mill Pond Restaurant (35 minutes away – Carnarvon)
📍 Location: The Mill Pond Restaurant
A charming country-style restaurant known for its delicious homestyle breakfast and baked goods.
What to try:
Peameal bacon & eggs with homemade toast
Fresh-baked cinnamon buns
French toast with Haliburton maple syrup
Best Cafés & Bakeries & Ice-cream in Haliburton
The Little Tart (30 minutes away – Carnarvon)
📍 Location: The Little Tart
A small, charming bakery known for its artisanal tarts, croissants, and pastries.
What to try:
Butter tarts and fruit galettes
Flaky croissants and homemade scones
Locally roasted coffee and specialty lattes
Baked & Battered – Bakery & Fish Fry (20 minutes away)
📍 Location: Baked & Battered
A unique combination of a café and a fish & chips spot, perfect for coffee and breakfast in the morning or a seafood meal later in the day.
What to try:
Freshly baked muffins, scones, and cinnamon rolls
Local organic coffee
Signature fish & chips made with house-made batter
Kawartha Dairy – Famous Ice Cream & Local Dairy Products (30 minutes away – Minden)
📍 Location: Kawartha Dairy Minden
A must-visit for ice cream lovers, Kawartha Dairy is an Ontario staple known for rich, creamy ice cream made from fresh local dairy. Their Minden location is a perfect stop for a sweet treat after a day exploring Haliburton Highlands.
What to try:
Signature Moose Tracks ice cream (vanilla with peanut butter cups & fudge swirl)
Classic butter pecan, strawberry, and maple walnut flavors
Milkshakes made with their famous rich ice cream
Whether you're grabbing a cone on a warm summer day or taking home a tub for the cottage, Kawartha Dairy is a delicious part of the Haliburton experience.
Best Restaurants for Lunch & Casual Dining
Rhubarb Restaurant & Boshkung Brewing Co. (30 minutes away – Carnarvon)
📍 Location: Rhubarb Restaurant
📍 Location: Boshkung Brewing Co.
A modern lakeside eatery that serves elevated pub-style fare and craft beer from Boshkung Brewing Co.
What to try:
Lake-to-table fish & chips
Gourmet burgers and house-made poutine
Craft beers brewed on-site
McKecks Tap & Grill (20 minutes away)
📍 Location: McKecks Tap & Grill
A legendary casual dining spot with a cozy pub atmosphere.
What to try:
Signature wings with house-made sauces
Classic Canadian poutine
Locally sourced steak and ribs
The Cookhouse Restaurant at Haliburton Forest – Casual Dining in a Rustic Lodge (10 minutes away)
📍 Location: Haliburton Forest Cookhouse
Located inside Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve, The Cookhouse is a cozy and welcoming restaurant offering classic comfort food with a cottage-country twist.
Why visit?
Hearty breakfasts and lunches before heading out on a snowmobiling or hiking adventure
Relaxing lodge atmosphere with views of the forest
Locally inspired dishes and baked goods
What to try:
House-made soups & fresh-baked bread
Bison burgers and pulled pork sandwiches
Homestyle breakfasts with eggs, bacon, and pancakes
A great choice for guests looking for a casual meal before or after an outdoor adventure in Haliburton Forest.
Smoke on the Water – BBQ & Smoked Meats on the Gull River (35 minutes away – Minden or 5 minutes at Kennisis Lake Marina)
📍 Location: Smoke on the Water BBQ
For authentic, slow-smoked barbecue in a relaxed setting, Smoke on the Water offers some of the best smoked meats and comfort food in the region. Located along the Gull River, this Minden hotspot is a must-visit for BBQ lovers.
What to try:
Smoked brisket and ribs, cooked low & slow
Pulled pork sandwiches with house-made BBQ sauce
Southern-style mac & cheese and cornbread
Whether you're dining on their patio overlooking the river or taking your BBQ feast back to the cottage, Smoke on the Water is a mouthwatering addition to your Haliburton dining experience.
Best Fine Dining in Haliburton
Bonnie View Inn Restaurant (25 minutes away)
📍 Location: Bonnie View Inn
A beautiful lakeside dining experience, perfect for romantic evenings and special occasions.
What to try:
Pan-seared salmon with maple glaze
AAA steak with garlic mashed potatoes
Signature crème brûlée for dessert
Twin Fires at Sir Sam’s Inn (30 minutes away)
📍 Location: Twin Fires Restaurant
An elegant restaurant inside Sir Sam’s Inn, offering fine dining with a seasonal, locally inspired menu.
What to try:
Grilled venison with wild berry reduction
Handmade pasta with seasonal vegetables
Decadent chocolate lava cake
Best Bars & Pubs in Haliburton
Haliburton Highlands Brewing (15 minutes away)
📍 Location: Haliburton Highlands Brewing
A craft brewery with small-batch beers brewed with local ingredients.
What to try:
Hoppy IPAs and refreshing lagers
Seasonal specialty beers
Brewery tours and tasting flights
The Dominion Hotel Pub (30 minutes away – Minden)
📍 Location: Dominion Hotel Pub
One of Ontario’s oldest pubs, offering a lively atmosphere and classic pub fare.
What to try:
Craft beer and local ciders
House-made burgers and fish tacos
Live music on select nights
Enjoy Haliburton’s Best Dining While Staying at H2H Cottage Co.
Dining out is a great way to enhance your cottage getaway, whether you're grabbing a morning coffee, enjoying a relaxed lunch, or indulging in fine dining by the lake. Guests at H2H Cottage Co. Kennisis Lake and Bitter Lake cottages can explore the best restaurants in Haliburton Highlands while still enjoying the convenience of a fully stocked kitchen for home-cooked meals.
📍 Check Availability & Book Now
Your Haliburton adventure doesn’t stop here!
From scenic hikes and lakeside dining to seasonal events and wellness escapes, we’ve curated the best things to do near H2H Cottage Co. Explore More Local Experiences and start planning your perfect getaway.