Bancroft may be a small town of fewer than 4,000 people, but it sure packs a whole of bite… delicious bites, actually! If you find yourself in the Haliburton area and are looking for some great meals to fuel your adventures, you need to check out these brilliant Bancroft Restaurants. They will leave you satisfied and ready to fully explore the area!
Grab a Bite at These 5 Bancroft Restaurants
Brimming with small-town charm, you’ll find a number of tasty eats in Bancroft. With beautiful patios and a variety of cuisines, don’t miss sinking your teeth into these eats during your visit!
The Granite Bancroft
One of the top-rated restaurants in town, The Granite Restaurant Bancroft is owned and operated by locals Christine Clarke and her husband along with their business partner. Even The Granite’s chef has family ties to the area! On their menu, you’ll find a variety of dishes from shareable plates to handhelds to steaks. They also have the best patio in Bancroft as it has fantastic views of town!
The Granite is a little pricier than most of the other restaurants on this list, however it’s clear that a lot of time and care goes into their meals. I indulged in their barbecue pulled pork sandwich and it was top-notch. It’s clear the pork is slow-cooked as it practically melts in your mouth as it mingles with the flavourful barbecue sauce they make in-house. Topped with aged white cheddar cheese and pickled cabbage, it’s the perfect blend of sweet and tangy. I would order it again in a heartbeat! Though I am eyeballing their fish tacos for my next visit.
The Granite Bancroft Information
Address: 45 Bridge St W, Bancroft, ON K0L 1C0
Hours of Operation: Daily from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Take Out: Yes, call 613-332-1500
Reservations: No
Average Price per Person: $20 – $40
Dave’s Place Restaurant
Before arriving in Bancroft, I did a little internet sleuthing and saw a few reviews that said Dave’s Diner is one of the best breakfast spots in town. While I’ll need a return trip to confirm this claim, I can say that I certainly enjoyed my meal!
This unassuming restaurant may throw some people off as it just looks like a house from the outside. Don’t let the exterior fool you though, as soon as you step inside you’ll receive the warmest of welcomes! This family-run Bancroft restaurant serves up a variety of eats including typical European eats like omelettes and fish and chips but also Asian dishes like lemon chicken. Let me tell you, a table beside me was finishing a plate of it and wow, did it ever smell delicious!
As I had read the breakfast is amazing, I opted for my go-to: an eggs benedict. Served with shredded hashbrowns, you have a choice of either ham or peameal bacon and you can one egg or two. I opted for the latter in both instances and was not disappointed. Not only was the meal fresh and tasty, but the service was also quick! It was just the fuel I needed for a day of adventuring. I can’t wait my next trip to Bancroft so I can indulge in some of their other menu items.
Dave’s Place Restaurant Information
Address: 4 Madawaska St, Bancroft, ON K0L 1C0
Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday/Sunday from 8:00 am until 9:00 pm, Closed Mondays
Take Out: Yes, call 613-332-0186
Reservations: Unsure, please call to confirm
Average Price per Person: $10 – $20
Bancroft Brew Pub
You can’t miss this iconic building on the corner of Bridge and Hastings! Enjoy the classic low-key atomsphere of a pub while enjoying a local pint brewed on site by the Bancroft Brewing Co. Utilizing water from deep within the Canadian Shield, the rich minerals found in it give their beers a unique taste you won’t find anywhere else!
The Bancroft Brew Pub is serving up delicious pub fare like burgers, wings and fish and chips. After a hot day of exploring, a cold pint and a hot meal on their patio is just waht the doctor ordered. They’re well known in town for having half price wings on Thursdays and live entertainment on Fridays. While things have been on hold due to the recent state of affairs, hopefully these nights will appear again soon!
Bancroft Brew Pub Information
Address: 4 Bridge St W, Bancroft, ON K0L 1C0
Hours of Operation: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Sundays from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, Thursday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Closed Mondays
Take Out: Yes
Reservations: Not accepting reservations
Average Price per Person: $20 – $30
The Muse Gallery & Cafe
This unique space in Bancroft is where your typical art gallery meets cozy cafe vibes, breaking that formality that often comes with the gallery setting. Inside you’ll find the work of six artists who create pieces in a variety of mediums and styles. Spend some time perusing the gallery as you wait for your order.
As for eats, The Muse Gallery & Cafe has a limited menu but everything is made daily. The best way to see their offerings is to visit their Facebook page where they post their specials each day. You’ll see that the majority of their eats being vegan or vegetarian, meaning a fresh and healthy meal. If you’re wondering what to try, I’d recommend checking them out on a Saturday aka maki day when they make their fresh sushi rolls. Arrive early though to avoid disappointment as they seem to sell out each time!
While I only popped in for a hazelnut latte during my visit (which was absolutely delicious, by the way), I will certainly be returning for more than just coffee next time I’m in Bancroft.
The Muse Gallery & Cafe Information
Address:23 Bridge St W, Bancroft, ON
Hours of Operation: Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Take Out: Yes, call 613-334-1573
Reservations: Unsure, please call to confirm
Average Price per Person: $10 – $20
Kawartha Dairy
Okay so this isn’t exactly a restaurant but no trip to Bancroft is complete without at least one scoop of ice cream from the Kawartha Dairy!
For over 80 years, this family-owned business based in Bobcaygeon has become one of the best known names in ice cream. While they didn’t start in this treats industry, it has since exploded to become a favourite brand for many across Ontario.
While you can get Kawartha Dairy ice cream in grocery stores, nothing beats a fresh scoop in a waffle cone. It will be difficult to choose what to get with a selection of 35 flavours to choose from, but I can certainly recommend their Wolf Paws as it’s their unique flavour! Rich vanilla ice cream with decadent brownie pieces? Yes please! They also have sorbet, sherbet, lactose-free and reduced sugar ice cream options so that everyone can enjoy a tasty treat from Kawartha Dairy!
Kawartha Dairy Information
Address: 29572 ON-28, Bancroft, ON K0L 1C0
Hours of Operation: Daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Take Out: Yes
Reservations: No
Average Price per Person: $5 – $10
More Bancroft Restaurants to Eat At
If none of the above Bancroft Restaurants tickled your fancy, you’re in luck as there are more food spots to check out in town. Here are some more Bancroft Restaurant recommendations to satisfy your hunger.
The Classics Diner – If you’re a fan of cozy diners and friendly service (I mean, who isn’t?), then you’ll want to pop into The Classics Diner for a bite to eat. While it’s located a little further outside the downtown core, it’s worth the extra few minutes to check out Bancroft’s newest restaurant.
For the Halibut Fish & Chips – Nestled along the banks of the York River, For the Halibut is serving up some of the best fish and chips in town. They pride themselves on fresh, high quality ingredients including hand-cut Alaskan halibut, locally grown potatoes and homemade sauces. Even their coleslaw is made daily! Located right across from the Eagles Nest Lookout, it’s a perfect spot to grab a bite to eat after enjoying the breathtaking views!
Eagles Nest Restaurant – Named after the iconic lookout that draws tourists to Bancroft, the Eagles Nest Restaurant serves up hearty eats at reasonable prices. The owners The Creighton’s make everything almost everything from scratch, even their sauces! It’s a popular spot to go for brunch but if you’re going to get anything, go for the Big Crunch Chicken sandwich.
Smokin’ Chip Wagon – Serving up your classic food truck eats for over a decade. A great spot if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat. Some reviews say they have the best poutine in Ontario and as someone who refuses to have poutine unless I’m in Quebec, I just might have to give it a try. Though their Smokin’ Burger looks mighty tasty, too!
Vito’s Pizza Bancroft – Every town needs a good pizza place and Vito’s has Bancroft covered! While their menu has a number of items including stir fry and souvlaki, their pizza is what shines. Thick crust and full of toppings, there are folks that will drive hours for this pie! It’s recommended to order the Vito’s Special – tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, ham and bacon.
Things to Do in Bancroft
You’ll need to work up your appetite between meals so what better way to do that than explore! Check out these top things to do in Bancroft and the surrounding area.
- Enjoy the best views of the area with a visit to the Eagle’s Nest Lookout, one of the top things to do in Bancroft.
- Despite being a small town, Bancroft has a big art scene. Check out some of the local art galleries as well as the murals you’ll find scattered around town.
- Enjoy a stroll along Bancroft’s picturesque waterfront as the York River runs through town.
- Learn more about the history of Bancroft as well as the surrounding area with a visit to the Bancroft North Hastings Heritage Museum.
- If you’re an avid waterfall chaser, be sure to pop by Egan Chutes Provincial Park to admire the natural beauty of the area.
- Just 20 minutes down the highway is one of Ontario’s more popular provincial parks. Don’t miss exploring Silent Lake Provincial Park as it offers some fantastic paddling opportunities, great hikes and all-around fun.
Bancroft Hotels to Extend Your Stay
There are only so many places you can eat at in a day and when you see just how adorable Bancroft is, you’ll want to extend your stay. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay overnight, check out the map of Bancroft below to see what accommodation options are available!
While hotels in town are a great option since you’ll be able to walk to most of the Bancroft restaurants on this list – you’re in a beautiful part of Ontario. Choosing a cottage in the Bancroft area will allow for a more serene and relaxing visit. Since most are within a 10-20 minute drive, it’s easy to come into town for some meals!
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