If you’re on the hunt for great food with a side of lakeside charm, Barrie has you covered! Nestled along the shores of Kempenfelt Bay, this vibrant city is more than just a stop on the way to cottage country—it’s a destination in its own right. From its stunning waterfront and thriving arts scene to its incredibly diverse food scene, Barrie has something to satisfy every craving.
Whether you’re a local looking to switch up your usual dining spots or a visitor ready to explore beyond the beaches, you’ll be amazed by the variety of restaurants in Barrie. As a local, I love the mix of cozy cafés and upscale bistros to international cuisine, there’s no shortage of delicious eats to discover. And I’m always checking out the latest restaurants popping up.
To help you navigate Barrie’s booming food scene, I’ve put together a must-try list of the best places to eat in Barrie to help you find the ideal spot to feed your crazing. Whether you’re in the mood for casual comfort food, fresh farm-to-table fare, or bold global flavors, I’ve got you covered.
B’Spoke Kitchen & Market
Since opening its doors in 2021, B’Spoke Kitchen & Market has been one of the top places to eat in Barrie. With its unique concept that includes a collection of different restaurants under one roof, you’re guaranteed to find something to feed everyone’s appetite.
Menu options are diverse and include pirogis, bespoke bowls, epic bangers and so much more. One of my go-to dishes on the menu is their Cauliflower Fritters. But I also love all of their pirogi options. A great shareable is their Pirogi+ Sampler that comes with a number of different flavour profiles. Plus, save room for dessert as there’s a pirogi dessert!
B’Spoke Kitchen & Market is great for date night, girl’s night out – hello fun cocktails! – and even take out to enjoy down at the beach.
Insider Tip: Reservation are a must, especially for dinner.
Address: 55 Collier Street
North Country
If you’re craving top-notch barbecue in Barrie, North Country is the place to be! Located right at the iconic 5 Points intersection downtown, this spot serves up mouthwatering smoked meats in a laid-back, country-meets-modern setting.
North Country’s Smoked Brisket and Baby Back Ribs are local favorites, but they don’t stop at meat! Vegetarians will love the smoked jackfruit and the insanely good smoked cauliflower bites –which are my favourite menu item! And fair warning—portions here are large, so come hungry!
Beyond the food, North Country is also a great hangout spot, especially in the summer. Their patio is one of the best in Barrie, with twinkling lights, picnic tables, and even an Instagram-worthy wing mural. Whether you’re after great eats, live music, or just a fun night out, this spot has it all!
Address: 10 Dunlop Street East
Rim Thanon Thai Kitchen
When it comes to finding Thai food in Barrie, there’s countless options. But my favourite Thai restaurant in the city is Rim Thanon Thai Kitchen. The name, Rim Thanon, means ‘streetside’ in Thai and references their classic dishes inspired by the food stalls of Bangkok.
As soon as you enter, you’ll be transported to Southeast Asia thanks to their cool vibe, full of colourful hanging flags, map of Thailand and other unique details.
Come for the vibe and return again and again for the food! Recipes for each dish have been passed down through generations and are crafted to perfection. You’ll find countless options on the menu that include curry, noodle, soup and rice dishes. A few top picks include; Curry Pad Thai, Khao Soi and the Mango Salad.
Insider tip: If you’re looking for a great place to go for lunch in Barrie, Rim Thanon Thai Kitchen offers awesome lunch specials.
Address: 221 Cundles Rd E Unit #11
Bacio Trattoria
If you’re craving authentic Italian food in Barrie, Bacio Trattoria is a must-visit! I love its stylish vibe and fun, colourful hanging lights, making it the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal on date night or with friends.
Everything here is made from scratch with top-quality ingredients—no fast food shortcuts, just fresh, expertly prepared dishes. Their menu is packed with Italian favorites, from perfectly cooked pasta to crispy pizzas. Fan favorites? The gnocchi and risotto are definitely worth trying!
And don’t forget dessert! Whether it’s their homemade gelato or classic tiramisu, you’ll want to save room for something sweet. If you’re looking for a little taste of Italy right here in Barrie, Bacio Trattoria is the place to be!
Address: 62 Dunlop Street West
Casa Mia
Casa Mia has been a downtown Barrie favorite for over 30 years, and it’s easy to see why! This family-run restaurant serves up the best of Greek and Italian cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
Their menu is packed with Mediterranean flavors, from fresh seafood to hearty pasta dishes. If you’re in the mood for Italian, the Parmigiana al Forno or Linguine Pacifico are always a favourite of mine. More of a Greek food fan? Try the Souvlaki Nemeatiko or Chicken El Greco—you won’t be disappointed!
They also have a great wine list and a kid’s menu, making it a perfect choice for date night or a special family dinner. Plus, they offer holiday specials, so keep an eye out for those! If you’re craving a little taste of the Mediterranean right here in Barrie, Casa Mia is the place to go.
Address: 88 Dunlop Street West
Dunlop Street Diner
Step into Dunlop Street Diner, and you’ll get a little taste of Barrie’s history—literally! The walls are lined with photos of what Dunlop Street looked like 100 years ago, including the very building the diner now calls home.
If you’re a brunch lover, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re craving a classic bacon-and-eggs breakfast or something a little sweeter like Traditional French Waffles, they’ve got it all. But the real star? Their Eggs Benedict. With fun twists like the Namaste and O-M-BRIE, you’ll want to come back just to try them all!
Perfect for a brunch date with mom or a pre-adventure fuel-up, Dunlop Street Diner serves up fresh, locally sourced ingredients, house-made bread, and a menu packed with vegetarian and gluten-free options. If you’re looking for a great spot for breakfast in Barrie, this is the perfect place!
Address: 20 Dunlop Street East
The Farmhouse
One of Barrie’s most beautiful and historic buildings is also home to one of its best restaurants—The Farmhouse. Originally built as a hotel in the 1890s, this charming spot sits right next to the Allandale Railway Station (now the GO Train) and offers stunning views of Kempenfelt Bay.
If you’re looking for a restaurant with outdoor seating and a view, The Farmhouse is the place to be. Their menu is full of Canadian-inspired dishes, and they’re especially known for their weekend breakfasts. From creative eggs benedict to fresh-squeezed juices and Feltis Maple Syrup from Sebright, Ontario, their brunch game is strong. But dinner is just as good! Whether you’re in the mood for vegan chili, pan-seared Atlantic salmon, or their legendary mac & cheese, you won’t be disappointed.
For a perfect brunch or a cozy dinner, The Farmhouse has it all. And if you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to book a reservation—their patio is one of the best in Barrie!
Address: 268 Bradford Street
Mexhico
Along with being one of the best spots downtown for Mexican food, Mexhico is the best vegan restaurant in Barrie! Not vegan? No worries, you won’t even notice the difference thanks to the fantastic flavours in each dish.
Mexhico is my go-to spot for dinner with the girls. There’s something for everyone’s cravings on the menu – from tacos to fajitas and delicious desserts, like their churros. Plus, they have a kid’s menu, cocktails and – my favourite, Mexican coffee.
You’ll feel swept away on a dreamy vacation with the authentic décor and the rich aroma of fabulous food.
Address: 37 Dunlop Street West
Tara
Downtown Barrie is packed with amazing flavors from around the world, and if you’re craving Indian food, you’re in luck! Right on Dunlop Street, you’ll find Tara Indian Cuisine, Barrie’s oldest Indian restaurant and a local favorite for over 30 years.
Run by brothers Nur and Yar Mohammad—who also happen to be the head chefs—Tara serves up incredible dishes made with fresh, natural ingredients. They skip the MSG and animal fat, focusing on bold, authentic flavors that cater to all diets, including vegetarian options and budget-friendly tapas.
The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot to sit down and enjoy a meal, but if you want to sample a little of everything, their eight-course buffet (dessert included!) is the way to go. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or just craving your favorite dishes, Tara is the place to go to spice up your next meal!
Address: 128 Dunlop St East
Lockeroom Sports Bar & Grill
A local favorite for over 30 years, it’s no surprise that the Lockeroom has been voted Barrie’s best sports bar—and once you step inside, you’ll see why.
Whether you want to catch the game with friends or dig into one of Barrie’s best burgers, The Lockeroom has you covered. Their menu is packed with all the classic pub comfort food you could want, including their famous chicken wings, which have been voted the best in Barrie! You can order them naked or hand-dusted with a variety of flavorful wet or dry rubs, but my favorite is the dry rub Cajun sauce.
Burger lover? You’ll want to try The Lockeroom’s Famous Burger—two juicy Canadian beef patties stacked with bacon, peameal, cheddar, mozzarella, an onion ring, and a dill pickle, all on a gourmet bun. And if nachos are your thing, they serve up some of the best in town with house-made tortilla chips!
With 18 drafts on tap, delicious pub fare, and a warm, Cheers-like atmosphere, The Lockeroom is the ultimate go-to spot in Barrie’s north end. Plus, with tons of screens playing every game, sports fans won’t miss a second of the action. Come hungry, grab a cold one, and enjoy the energy!
Address: 201 Cundles Rd East
Il Buco
If you’re craving amazing Italian food in Barrie, Il Buco is a must-visit! This award-winning spot has been named the top Italian restaurant in Simcoe County and even ranked as one of Canada’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants—so you know it’s something special.
Located right in downtown Barrie, Il Buco has an incredible patio overlooking Kempenfelt Bay, making it one of the best spots in the city for dinner with a view. They’ve been serving up authentic Italian dishes for over a decade, using only the freshest ingredients to create meals that keep both locals and visitors coming back.
The menu has something for everyone, from fresh salads and appetizers to hearty pasta dishes (yes, they have gluten-free options too!). Some must-try dishes include the Pollo Florentina, a chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese and spinach in a Dijon cream sauce, and their classic lasagna.
Pair it all with a glass of wine, soak in those lakeshore views, and you’ve got the perfect meal. If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Barrie’s city center, make a reservation at Il Buco—you won’t regret it!
Address: 31 Dunlop Street East
More Tasty Barrie Restaurants to Try
Magical Taste of China
The best Chinese food restaurant in downtown Barrie is Magical Taste of China! Simple décor allows the food to be the main attraction.
At Magical Taste of China their menu features authentic Chinese food that includes both traditional and vegan options. A few of my favourite dishes on the menu are: Xinjiang Style Crispy Beef, BBQ Deep fried Tofu Kabob, and the Hot & Sour Soup.
Burger Royale
If you’re on the hunt for one of the best burgers in Barrie, Burger Royale needs to be on your list! They serve up big, juicy burgers made with fresh ingredients and loaded with epic toppings.
Not in the mood for beef? No problem! They also have tofu and chicken options. And of course, no classic diner experience is complete without crispy fries and fun milkshakes to top it all off.
Common Good Social House
For a cool, laid-back vibe, check out Common Good Social House on Bayfield Street! It’s easily one of the best coffee shops in Barrie, but it’s so much more than just great coffee.
Whether you’re grabbing brunch with Mom, catching live music on a date, or meeting friends for cocktails and a bite, this place has you covered. The menu features vegan and gluten free options and has everything from the best French toast in the city to cauliflower crust pizza and sweet pastries, all served in a chic, cozy atmosphere. Definitely a spot worth adding to your Barrie foodie list!
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Whether you’re looking for something light or a hearty burger there’s a wide variety of restaurants Barrie that will satisfy any hungry belly!
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