Barrie is such a perfect city to live in for so many reasons, and when it comes to the exploding foodie scene in Barrie, people are often blown away by the unexpected hidden gems around town to choose from. We have the luxury of strolling Dunlop St and the Kempenfelt Bay lake shore all summer long and taking in all the local eateries at our leisure. With summer over and the weather changing, I challenge you to spend a few of the gloriously warm fall and long winter nights on the bay trying new and different restaurants around town that we often see but never think to visit. Here are a few we love to get you started.
1. Casa Mia
Located at 88 Dunlop Street W you can find the magnificent Casa Mia. This restaurant features exquisite greek and Italian-inspired dishes. They have been serving up high-quality food to the Barrie area since 1992. Their fresh ingredients lead to incredible dishes such as Saganaki Opa! and the Casa Mia Chicken Pita. If Greek and Italian food is a foodie pleasure of yours then be sure to take a stroll down to Casa Mia!
2. The North Restaurant
You can find this sweet spot just off the main strip at 45 Mary St, The North never ceases to impress. Fresh farm-to-table ingredients elevate this restaurant in the most unexpected ways. We highly recommend giving the incredible Five Spice Pumpkin Seed Beef Carpaccio a shot on a cool fall day. The North’s seafood options are absolutely life-changing as well, the Mussel Shrimp Spaghetti is enough to impress any seafood connoisseur.
3. Kenzington Burger Bar
40 Dunlop St will never be the same. The KBB came in with a bang and she is here to stay. Incredible and affordable food in a casual setting is all we need when the burger craving hits, and Kenzington offers just that, with some live music on the side. When you hit up the KBB do yourself a favour and order the Slider Ceaser, which comes garnished with a little beef slider! With 6 kinds of quality poutine, 16 pre-designed burgers, and unlimited ways to make-your-own burgers, it’s no wonder how the KBB ended up featured on the food network show “You Gotta Eat Here!” Because you really do!
4. Michael & Marion’s/The Side Door Bar
A bit off the beaten path, at 89 Bayfield St, you will find one of the sweetest little places in town. Michael & Marion’s is an incredibly intimate spot with the highest of standards this is definitely a favourite of ours. This double restaurant serves as both a fine dining spot and a tapas bar. From Grilled Tomahawk Steak to House made Lobster and Ricotta stuffed Ravioli, you cannot go wrong. They also cater events (big and small) and host intimate dinner parties that you will never forget.
5. The Crazy Fox Bistro
If you’re in the mood for fine dining in a more casual setting the Crazy Fox Bistro has been serving up greatness since 1986. You can truly taste their slogan of quality without compromise through Head Chef Michael Forget’s meals. The Roasted Rack of Australian Lamb dish takes you through a flavourful journey with every bite, not to mention the Pecan Crusted Chicken which takes something so simple and turns it into the perfect foodie experience.
