10+ Amazing Restaurants in Collingwood: Where to Eat in the City

Collingwood is a popular destination for year-round adventures. In the winter, you have Blue Mountain resort a stone’s throw away where many go hit the slopes and enjoy the fresh powder of the season. Once the warm weather hits, the summer crowds flock to the crystal clear waters of Georgian Bay and to the cusp of cottage country. Of course, Collingwood is one of the best places to find some incredible food in the South Georgian Bay area. Let us give you the lowdown about some of the best restaurants in Collingwood for a fantastic meal.

Al Carbon

Located in the heart of Collingwood, Al Carbon has become a staple for many since it first opened in July 2020. This Latin-American restaurant serves authentic Peruvian cuisine with an Argentinian kick. Before you’re even seated, you’ll immediately notice the sleek interior. Light, modern décor contrasts with dark furnishings to create an elegant vibe perfect for a date night or girls night out.

Chef Damir Tas’ passion for food began at an early age as his father was a chef who owned a number of restaurants along Croatia’s Adriatic coast. He spent many days learning alongside the talented staff that worked in his father’s kitchens. As charcoal is a crucial element of Croatian cuisine, it has become a staple in Chef Tas’ creations. It wasn’t until a trip to Latin America that he realized the commonalities these cuisines share. His goal is to bring people together with his food at Al Carbon.

Featuring a seasonal menu using only the freshest ingredients, patrons will be treated to unique flavours you won’t find anywhere else in the city. You can see both the Latin American and Croatian influences with dishes like ceviche as well as cevape on the menu. No matter what you choose, each dish will be elegantly presented and cooked to perfection. Whether or not you’ve had Peruvian cuisine before, you need to pay Al Carbon a visit.

Al Carbon Information

Address: 61 Hurontario St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 2L7
Hours of Operation: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays
Take Out & Reservations : Call 705.446.0306 or email info@alcarbon.ca
Average Price per Person: $25-40

Baked & Pickled

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican eats in Collingwood, Baked & Pickled is the place to go. It was no easy task but owner Paul Luckett scoured local markets and distributors to source the flavours needed to bring those tastes of Mexico to the city. You’ll find quality ingredients sourced right from Mexico in every dish!

Whether you’re a fan of burritos, tacos or enchiladas, you’ll enjoy the delicious eats found at Baked & Pickled. This is not your run of the mill Mexican restaurant! One thing we love about Baked & Pickled is that it’s a great spot to get plenty of eats without breaking the bank. Their portions are quite large and they have specials almost daily, making it easy to stay on budget while indulging in one of the best restaurants in Collingwood.

Be sure to check out their Facebook page so you don’t miss any of the daily specials. We can say for certain that their burritos are absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection. There’s no shortage of meat or veggies in their burritos and we already can’t wait to get back to try some of their fish tacos!

Baked & Pickled Information

Address: 137 Hurontario St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 2L9
Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, closed Sundays
Take Out & Reservations: Call 705.446.2253 or order in person
Average Price per Person: $10-15

1858 Caesar Bar

If you’re a fan of Canada’s iconic drink, you’ll want to plan a stop at the 1858 Caesar Bar. Located on the corner of Third Street and Hurontario, chances are 1858 will first catch your eye thanks to the restaurant’s floor to ceiling windows. What you may not know is that 1858 is the first Caesar Bar in North America! Let’s just say they’re the experts on this signature cocktail.

Step inside and place your order at the counter but be warned. With over 45 unique Caesars to choose from AND the option to build your own custom Caesar, you have some tough decisions ahead of you! A few of their concoctions are a meal all on their own like the Surf and Turf which has a mountain of delicious toppings including shrimp, steak, lobster and more. If you’re looking for something more substantial than a liquid dinner, you’ll find some quality comfort food on the menu. Once you’ve decided, make your way to an available bar stool – preferably by the window so you can enjoy some quality people-watching.

Let us end this by saying that 1858 is not your average wine and dine restaurant! With a vibe reminiscent of a sports bar but without the obnoxious yelling of profanities at the refs, 1858 has a healthy exuberance that will breathe life into any evening on the town.

1858 Caesar Bar Information

Address: 58 Hurontario St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 2M1
Hours of Operation: Wednesdays & Thursdays from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm, Fridays & Saturdays from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, Sundays from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm, closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Take Out & Reservations: Call the restaurant at 705.446.9919 
Average Price per Person: $25-35

Tremont Cafe

If you’re looking for fine dining in Collingwood, Tremont Cafe is the top spot in the city. While it is no longer in its iconic location at the Tremont Hotel, patrons will be treated to the upscale service and tastes. As soon as you settle in, you’ll feel as if you’re a regular even if it’s your first time visiting thanks to their kind, attentive staff.

Tremont Cafe is a little different from the other restaurants on this list as they only offer a four-course experience for indoor dining. Serving gourmet European cuisine, you’ll find dishes from across the continent. If you plan to visit in the warmer months, they have a gorgeous patio that perfectly pairs with their top-quality eats. The Tremont Cafe also has an extensive wine and cocktail list including classics like the Aperol Spritz. We don’t know about you, but this drink immediately transports us to Europe! If you’d like to enjoy these five star eats without the high price tag, they have some great options for take-out including eggplant parmigiana, sweet potato gnocchi and more.

This Collingwood restaurant is definitely more for celebrating special occasions rather than a go-to spot for a bite to eat. No matter what reason you find yourself at the Tremont Cafe, you’ll be impressed with the impeccable eats.

Tremont Cafe Information

Address: 100 Pine St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 2N9
Hours of Operation: Monday through Sunday 5:00-10:00 pm
Take Out & Reservations: Call 705.293.6000 or visit them online
Average Price per Person: $70-$90

Sushi Hon

There are a number of great sushi restaurants in Collingwood but what sets Sushi Hon apart is that they’re the only restaurant to offer Aburi Oshi Sushi. What’s this exactly? It’s the process of using binchotan charcoal to flame-sear the fish which is then marinated in aburi sauce to pump up the flavour. You gotta try some! Also, we’d be amiss not to mention that they were awarded the Taste of the Town of Collingwood People’s Choice Award in 2016.

Sushi Hon’s menu is quite vast – there are over 60 sushi rolls to choose from alone, and that’s just one section of their menu! Of course, you’ll have the typical California roll or spicy salmon roll but we recommend some of their specialities like their salmon flame roll or king dragon roll. They also have other tasty dishes like their beef tataki in case you have a preference for land-based protein.

While they’re not offering it currently, they do typically have an all-you-can-eat option when open for indoor dining. Until this happens, it’s take out or bust. If you’re an avid sushi go-er and know what you like, chances are you’ll want to order off the à la carte menu. However, the best bang for your buck is definitely their combo dinners or one of their sushi boats if you’re ordering for two or more people. If you’re at all concerned about portions, don’t be as they’re definitely on the larger side!

Sushi Hon Information

Address: 70 Hurontario St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 2L6
Hours of Operation: Wednesday through Saturday 3:30-8:00 pm, closed Sundays, Mondays & Tuesdays
Take Out & Reservations: Call the restaurant at  705.444.0099
Average Price per Person: $20-$30

Low Down

While the local newspaper that used to sit at 65 Simcoe Street is no more, it has become one of the city’s trendiest restaurants – the Low Down. Owners Cassie Mackell and Jeff Beltran have transformed the space into a cozy, intimate restaurant serving up Asian-inspired snacks that eat like a meal.

The Low Down’s menu is fairly small, which we can appreciate. As the saying goes, “jack of all trades and master of none” which is definitely not the case here. Each of their food offerings is expertly crafted to ensure every dish is bursting with flavour. For our vegan and gluten-free readers, many of their dishes can be adapted to suit your dietary needs. Some items on the menu change seasonally such as their bowls, however one staple that you must order is the Bahn Mi Fries. Crispy fries are crowned with your choice of crispy char siu pork belly or tofu, pickled carrot and daikon radish, scallions, chillies, sesame seeds and cilantro. Finally, this work of art is topped with both black garlic mayo and spicy mayo for a flavour profile that is unmatched.

If you’re a fan of cocktails, you’ll certainly want to indulge in the Low Down’s offerings. Whether you gravitate to classics like an Old Fashioned or have adventurous taste buds, it’s guaranteed you’ll find an adult beverage that tickles your fancy from their wide range of flavour profiles. Enjoy a single-serving kit with all the fixings or a full cocktail kit to go that makes 8 servings of your cocktail of choice.

Low Down Information

Address: 65 Simcoe St Unit 5, Collingwood, ON L9Y 1H7
Hours of Operation: 4:00 to 8:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sundays & Mondays
Take Out & Reservations: Call the restaurant at 705.446.0306
Average Price per Person: $10-20

Are you looking for more fun places to eat in the Collingwood area? Check out these fabulous Simcoe County food trucks!

Fish & Sips

If you’re looking for the best fish and chips in Collingwood, you’ll find it at Fish & Sips on Hurontario Street. With a passion for this dish spanning three generations, owners Paul and Tanya ensure that every customer has a great meal out that’s reasonably priced for individuals and families alike.

At Fish & Sips, you’ll never find products that have been previously frozen. They use the freshest and as locally sourced as possible ingredients to bring you flavours you’ll be craving for weeks to come. Their potatoes are chipped in-house daily, sometimes twice depending on demand! When the taters come from a farm just a few kilometres away… well, it doesn’t get much fresher than that. One thing to note is that we’re talking chips here not fries, so they might not be as crispy as you may be used to at other spots. Despite this, we think you’ll agree that they’re delicious, especially once you season it to your liking at their condiments bar!

While their top-seller is their haddock and chips, do yourself a favour and go for the Fisherman’s Platter. You’ll get their top meal as well as scallops and shrimp, each battered and cooked to perfection. They also have deep-fried Mars bars on the dessert menu… just sayin’ so that you save some room!

Fish & Sips Information

Address: 206 Hurontario St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 2M2
Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Saturday 3:00-8:00 pm, Closed Sundays & Mondays
Take Out & Reservations: Call the restaurant at 705.293.7477 or order in person
Average Price per Person: $15-$20

The Smoke

Carnivores, this Collingwood restaurant is for you. The Smoke takes barbecue to the next level as chef and owner Cam takes his meat very seriously. With five smokers on-site, the only thing not made from scratch on the menu is the bread and sweet potato fries. Every single style of meat is smoked using Cam’s secret spice concoctions to create meals that every meat eater will salivate over.

If you’re a big eater, you’ll absolutely love The Smoke as this is where you’ll find some of the biggest portions in Collingwood. Take their pulled pork nachos for example. While it’s listed as an appetizer, this dish is an absolute feast as tortilla chips are topped with a quarter pound of pulled pork, mac and cheese sauce, smoked old cheddar, coleslaw and two of The Smoke’s signature BBQ sauces – Carolina Mustard and Hot Vinegar. With eats ranging from wings to brisket to ribs on their menu, you’re doing it wrong if you leave this restaurant hungry.

While we mentioned 1858 above as the main Caesar game in town, The Smoke gives it a run for its money. They actually won best Caesar in Ontario back in 2019 so you know they mean business. Go big or go home with their iconic Full Loaded Caesar decked out with a burger slider with cheddar and wild boar bacon, dill pickle spear, smoked cheddar, back rib AND two wings. You won’t need much to eat after this!

The Smoke Information

Address: 498 First St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 1B8
Hours of Operation: Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 12:00-6:00 pm, Thursdays & Sundays from 12:00-7:00 pm, Fridays & Saturdays from 12:00-8:00 pm, closed Mondays
Take Out & Reservations: Call 705.293.5522 or email bbq@thesmoke.ca
Average Price per Person: $15-25

Brunello at 27 on Fourth

If you’re looking for a true Italian experience in Collingwood, Brunello’s is the place to go. The restaurant is nestled in an adorable house that has been converted to offer a unique dining experience you’ll enjoy. Admire the wooden beams in the ceiling and the fresco walls adorned with vineyard artwork as you take in the delicious scents while waiting in anticipation for your meal.

Whether you enjoy a spread of appetizers like their signature bruschetta or dive into a full meal such as their scrumptious osso buco, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better Italian restaurant in Collingwood. However, if you’re a fan of handmade pasta (and honestly, who isn’t?) then you’ll definitely need to try one of the pasta dishes on the menu at Brunello. Can’t decide? Well, that’s all the more reason to return for a second visit… or third… or fourth…

No matter how many times you visit, the hospitality Chef Mario shows his guests will ring through each time. Settle in for great eats and a small taste of Tuscany in the heart of Collingwood.

Brunello at 27 on Fourth Information

Address: 27 Fourth St E, Collingwood, ON L9Y 2T1
Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00-8:00 pm, closed Sundays & Mondays
Take Out & Reservations: Call the restaurant at 705.444.8322
Average Price per Person: $30-$50

More Restaurants in Collingwood

You might not think of Collingwood as a destination for great eats but it’s definitely one of the underrated foodie cities in Ontario! If you’re looking for more options for restaurants in Collingwood, here are a few more suggestions.

98 Super Panda – If you’re looking for affordable eats and generous portions, 98 Super Panda is the perfect spot for Chinese Food in Collingwood. They’ve been voted Best Chinese Restaurant in Collingwood for 7 out of the last 10 years! Grab one of their combo dinners for a great deal and a high chance of leftovers for later! They also have a sister restaurant in Wasaga Beach if you find yourself out that way.

Black Bellows Brewing – This 1800s blacksmith shop turned brewery serves up some top-notch eats. One of the top patios in Collingwood, you’ll want to grab a seat, enjoy a pint and dig into one of their fried hot chicken sandwiches. Be sure to get a side of curly fries along with their parmesan garlic dip. It is an extra charge but trust us when we say you’ll want to put it on everything.

Harbour Street Fish Bar – Great surf and turf eats with plenty of variety. They regularly have upwards of four types of fish and chips on the menu and it’s nice and crispy. When fish and chips can survive a take-out drive of 30 minutes, you know they’re doing it right. Also don’t miss their calamari diablo but know it definitely packs some heat!

Lakeside Seafood & Grill – Located in the Living Stone Golf Resort, Lakeside Seafood & Grill is the only waterfront restaurant in Collingwood. Enjoy a seat on their beautiful patio overlooking the marina and indulge in their surf or turf dishes. One of the more upscale restaurants in this post, the menu is a little pricey but the food quality is excellent.

Northwinds Brewhouse & Kitchen – Another Collingwood brewery that serves up some serious eats. They pride themselves on their beer-inspired menu, meaning pretty much every dish is going to pair well with at least one of their beers. Most recently, they’ve added their alter-ego ‘Motopizza’ which serves up delicious Detroit-style deep dish pizzas. They also have a location in the heart of Blue Mountain Village with a sweet patio.

Sõl Kitchen – If you’re looking for a lighter, healthy option for a meal, this is the perfect spot in Collingwood. Sõl Kitchen offers a wide range of items from home-baked goods to salads to a variety of rice and noodle dishes. They also have a number of items that are paleo, vegan and gluten-free!

Tesoro – Dubbed Collingwood’s favourite Italian restaurant, their menu offers a variety of meals that extend past what you’d expect from a traditional Italian menu. From gourmet thin-crust pizzas to veal marsala, you won’t run out of delicious eats to indulge in.

Things to Do in Collingwood

As you can see, there is no shortage of great restaurants in Collingwood but chances are you didn’t only come here to eat! Here are some great things to do in Collingwood to work up your appetite.

• Did you know that Collingwood has a labyrinth? Take a stroll through Harbourview Park and check it out. While you’re there, head over to the Collingwood Arboretum and learn about a variety of coniferous and deciduous trees, shrubs and plants found in the area.
• So what happens if you’re out adventuring and hunger strikes so strongly that you need to eat like, right now? Pack a picnic! Stop at Dags & Willow Fine Cheese & Gourmet Shop and/or The Wild Stand General Store to pick up some delicious goodies. Just don’t forget a blanket to sit on!
• Learn about the local maritime history that put the city on the map at the Collingwood Museum. 
• There is no shortage of wineries, breweries and distilleries in the area surrounding Collingwood so take a trip to see them and enjoy a tasting or two.
• Explore more of the South Georgian Bay area! Collingwood makes a great home base to take in some of the amazing hikes in the region including Skinner’s Bluff, the Bruce Trail and more.

Make it a Weekend in Collingwood

With so many amazing restaurants in Collingwood, you’ll need more than just one day to indulge in them all! Luckily there are a number of great hotels in Collingwood for a weekend getaway. Take a look at the map of Collingwood below and see what accommodations stand out for you!

How many of these top Collingwood restaurants have you eaten at? Which one do you want to eat at first? Are there some other suggestions we should add? Let’s hear it in a comment below!

Looking for More Great Eats in Simcoe County?
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While we do our best to keep the information on Eat Local Ontario up to date, we sometimes miss things. If you notice something that needs to be updated, please comment or send us an email at eatlocalontario[at]gmail.com and we’ll look into it as soon as we can. Thank you!