Barrie buzzes with culinary hotspots, from the shores of Lake Simcoe to the bustling downtown core.
Among the city’s top eats, 147 Ristorante offers a taste of Italy, while The North Restaurant serves up contemporary fare with a twist.
Dive into our top 13 picks for the best Barrie restaurants that’s as memorable as it is delicious!
1. 147 Ristorante
Picture this: You’re sitting by Barrie’s waterfront, dining as if you’re in Italy. That’s 147 Ristorante for you. Their Italian cuisine has a modern spin, creating a top-notch fine dining vibe.
Seafood lovers will swoon over the Frutti di Mare—a seafood and pasta delight with a garlicky tomato sauce. For a lighter touch, the Caprese Salad is generous with cheese. Don’t miss the Calamari, it’s famously melt-in-your-mouth. Plus, they boast a wine list for every taste and budget. It’s a blend of excellent service, unforgettable dishes, and an ambiance that screams “elegance.”
What to order: Frutti di Mare, Caprese Salad, Calamari
Address: 147 Dunlop St E, Barrie, ON L4M 1A6
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2. The North Restaurant
Welcome to The North, where a charming century home meets exceptional dining. It’s perfect for celebrations or just a fancy night out.
Their Grilled Beef Striploin is the talk of the town, paired with goat cheese mash and a pear arugula salad. Love seafood? Their oysters are fresh and come with a variety of toppings for a personal twist. It’s a Barrie favorite where the vibe is just as impeccable as the food—a must-visit for those seeking culinary adventures.
What to order: Grilled Beef Striploin, Half Dozer Oyster’s
Address: 49 Mary St, Barrie, ON L4N 1A4
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3. Scotty’s
Tucked away in a local strip plaza, Scotty’s is the hidden gem of Barrie. With consistently amazing meals and top-tier service, it’s a local staple. Regulars rave about everything on the menu, but the Chicken Marsala? It’s a revelation. And for dessert, their homemade Lemon Chiffon cheesecake is a creamy dream. This spot has a loyal following for a reason, and once you dine here, you’ll understand why—it’s just that good.
What to order: Chicken Marsala, Lemon Chiffon
Address: 636 Yonge St, Barrie, ON L4N 4E6
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4. Cocina Mexicana
Step into Cocina Mexicana, and you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to Mexico. They offer an all-you-can-eat menu that’ll satisfy any Mexican food craving without breaking the bank. The Camaron Tacos are a standout—grilled or breaded shrimp, your choice—and don’t forget the hot sauce for a spicy kick. And the Suizas Enchiladas? They’re a fresh and tasty must-try. Friendly staff, fantastic food—this place is a slice of Mexico in Barrie.
What to order: Camaron Tacos, Suizas Enchiladas
Address: 144 Burton Ave, Barrie, ON L4N 2R8
5. KoHyang Restaurant
Craving Asian comfort food? KoHyang is your spot. They serve a blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai, and Korean dishes. The atmosphere? Cozy and welcoming. Their Lemongrass Chicken and Pork Chop dish is a flavourful favorite, and the House Special Pho is not to be missed, with its perfectly seasoned broth. Whether you’re Asian or not, KoHyang feels like a home away from home with its hearty homemade meals.
What to order: Lemongrass Chicken and Pork Chop, House Special Pho
Address: 33 Bayfield St, Barrie, ON L4M 3A6
6. Mexhico
Mexhico stands out in Barrie with its vegan Mexican cuisine that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Even non-vegans will be impressed with the marinated dishes served on beautiful, hand-painted Mexican dishes. The Huarache will challenge your appetite with its generous servings. And their Guacamole and Tacos de Barbacoa are bursting with flavours and textures. If you’re in for a treat that’s both delightful and artistic, Mexhico won’t disappoint.
What to order: Huarache, Guacamole, Tacos de Barbacoa
Address: 37 Dunlop St W, Barrie, ON L4N 1A1
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7. Il Buco
Il Buco is all about the experience—plush and intimate, with a beautiful lake view to complement the Italian fare. It’s the go-to for a romantic evening out. Their Enrico’s Famous Garlic bread is a creamy, garlicky indulgence. And the lasagna? It’s a unique take on the classic, packed with authentic Italian goodness. Locals and tourists flock here for a taste of Italy in Barrie, especially during the busy summer months.
Address: 31 Dunlop St E, Barrie, ON L4M 1A2
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8. Stacked Pancake & Breakfast House Barrie
Breakfast at Stacked Pancake is a hearty affair. With plenty of options for vegetarians and kids, there’s something for everyone. Despite the hustle and bustle, the atmosphere is always family-friendly. Their Cinnabun Cakes are a dream for anyone with a sweet tooth. For a savoury start, the Philly Cheese Steak Eggs Benedict and the Homestyle Omelette are fluffy and loaded with toppings—a breakfast designed to keep you full and happy.
What to order: Cinnabun Cakes, Philly Cheese Steak Eggs Benedict, Homestyle Omelette
Address: 201 Cundles Rd E, Barrie, ON L4M 4S5
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9. Pie Wood Fired Pizza Joint
At Pie Wood Fired Pizza Joint, it’s all about the vibe—lake views, sunshine, and pizzas baked in an outdoor oven. Choosing a favorite from their extensive menu is the hard part. The Ultimate Canadian pizza is a local legend, with maple chili glaze and crispy bacon. For a tropical twist, the St. Lucia pizza combines the sweetness of pineapple and coconut with salty bacon—a true flavour escapade.
What to order: Ultimate Canadian, St. Lucia
Address: 11 Victoria St, Barrie, ON L4N 6T3
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10. Lazy Tulip Cafe
The Lazy Tulip Cafe is a haven for fresh, healthy dining. With a focus on vegan and gluten-free options, they make everything in-house. Try their Chicken Keto Salad, dressed in a homemade pesto that’s pure magic. Or go for the Lazy Tulip Chicken Club if you’re after something heartier. Wash it all down with an Iced Canadiano from their coffee bar—a perfect end to a mindful meal.
What to order: Chicken Keto Salad, Lazy Tulip Chicken Club, Iced Canadiano
Address: 151 Bradford St, Barrie, ON L4N 3B4
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11. Chaopaya Thai Restaurant
Chaopaya Thai Restaurant is a slice of Thailand in Barrie. Housed in an old Victorian home with a killer waterfront view, the ambiance is as authentic as the food. Their Pad Thai Chicken is legendary, and it’s said that once you try it, no other Pad Thai will ever compare. And the Emerald Curry Chicken? Creamy, subtly spiced, and perfectly balanced. Chaopaya is the Thai treasure of Barrie—don’t miss out on the best Thai experience around!
What to order: Pad Thai Chicken, Emerald Curry Chicken
Address: 168 Dunlop St E, Barrie, ON L4M 1B2
12. Grilled Cheese Social Eatery
Grilled Cheese Social Eatery is your go-to for gourmet grilled cheese in Barrie. Art lines the walls, but it’s the cheesy concoctions that are the real masterpieces. Ever tried Mac ‘n’ Cheese in a sandwich? It’s anything but ordinary here. And The Spirit Catcher sandwich is a dream for avocado and bacon lovers alike. Customizable options mean endless cheesy goodness. First-timers beware: one visit and you’ll be hooked!
What to order: The Mac’ n’ Cheese, The Spirit Catcher
Address: 53 Dunlop St E, Barrie, ON L4M 1A2
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13. Waiting Phở U
Craving pho in Barrie? Waiting Phở U is where it’s at. They serve up pho with rich broth, tender meats, and the freshest of herbs. Their Pho Special is a bowl of golden goodness, brimming with flavour and tradition. Don’t overlook their crispy Spring Rolls—just the right crunch. End your meal with their Vietnamese Coffee, and you’ll see why this spot is a favourite for both locals and visitors.
What to order: Pho Special, Spring Rolls, Vietnamese Coffee
Address: 181 Livingstone St E Unit 22, Barrie, ON L4M 6Z4, Canada
With great hiking trails and waterfront views, Barrie is no stranger to tourists and locals looking for the best restaurant to eat at and satisfy their hunger. If you want more recommendations, check out our list of the best restaurants in Toronto.
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.