+7 Best Haliburton Restaurants: Places to Eat in the Haliburton Highlands

Nestled in the picturesque cottage country of the Haliburton Highlands is the charming small village of Haliburton. Along with a long list of activities and sights, there are a diverse array of places to eat in Haliburton. I’ve been travelling to Haliburton for over 40 years, thanks to my grandparents having a cottage in town. So, I’ve done all the belly work for you by eating my way around to bring you the best Haliburton restaurants.

7 Best Haliburton Restaurants to Eat At

Rhubarb Restaurant

The best restaurant in the Haliburton Highlands is Rhubarb! Set on the shores of Mirror Lake in Minden, Rhubarb offers an exceptional experience in dining! While the highlight is the always the delectable food, the vibe inside is next level.

Upon entering you’ll find a cozy enclosed front patio. Inside the restaurant is an upscale dining room with an exposed brick wall, large potted plants, and a cottage chic aesthetic. Plus, if you’re visiting during the day, you’ll find views of the lake.

There are a number of reasons why Rhubarb is one of the top Haliburton restaurants. One of the reasons is the stand out dishes they continue to serve! They source much of their ingredients from local farmers and producers, making for a fresh local taste.

Rhubarb’s menu is eclectic and offers a selection that will suit everyone’s appetite. It includes everything from a Garden Herb Leek Falafel to Cold Water Artic Char. There are also a variety of appetizers, sharables, and desserts. I few stand out menu items are their crowd choice Pork Schnitzel and my favourite, the Sundried Tomato Leek Linguini Puttanesca.

I highly recommend saving room for dessert and drinks! For dessert, I loved their Spiced Rum Pecan Cake. They also have a great list of wines and beers, which feature many local Ontario brands. Their drink menu features fabulous brews from Boshkung Brewing Co, the on-site brewery.

When planning a trip to Haliburton, a stop at Rhubarb Restaurant is a must!

Tip: This is a popular restaurant all year round, so reservations are a must!

Rhubarb Restaurant Information

Address: 9201 ON-118, Minden, ON K0M 1J2
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 12pm – 8pm, Sunday 11am – 8pm, Monday & Tuesday Closed
Phone: (705) 489-4449

Hook Line & Sinker

The newest restaurant in town is Hook Line & Sinker! And it instantly became one of the best restaurants in Haliburton thanks to its cool vibe and fun cocktails! Plus, you can’t beat the prime location!

Hook Line & Sinker is located in downtown Haliburton Village, right across from Head Lake. It’s owned and operated by a mother and son duo from Creemore. They have been cottaging in the Haliburton area for over a decade and fell in love with it. So, when a space, formerly Baked and Battered, came up for purchase, they caught it up, hook line and sinker!

As soon as you enter, you’ll be wowed by the fun cottage inspired décor. With large interior lit canoes suspended from the ceiling, a cozy fireplace, and a bar standing center stage, it’s a great space for family dinners out or celebrations!

The menu at Hook Line & Sinker is large and varied! It includes shareables, soups, salads, burgers, and of course, fish and chips. Families will be delighted to see a great kid’s menu too! Working with local Haliburton butcher, McFadden’s Meat Market, you can guarantee freshest in every bite.

A few stand out menu items include their various taco dishes, the Chimichurri Steak Stack and Vegetable Teriyaki Noodle Bowl. They also have a line up of great cocktails like the Toasted Marshmallow Espresso Martini. And they partnered up with local Boshkung Brewing who created a Hook Line & Sinker pilsner for them!

For those visiting during the warm summer months, you’ll love their patio! With sweeping lake views who can resist an afternoon of great food and great food!

Hook Line & Sinker Information

Address: 126 Highland St, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
Hours: Sunday & Tuesday to Thursday 11am – 9pm, Friday & Saturday 11am – 10pm, Monday Closed
Phone: N/A

Castle Antiques & Cafe

One of the coolest places to eat in Haliburton is Castle Antiques & Café! Specializing in antiques from Ireland, the large shop is also home to an assortment of collectables, local artisan products and a cute café.

Nestled among the antiques is the café counter. Here you’ll find an assortment of tasty baked goods that are fit for all! The café specializes in creating incredible food that is both vegan and gluten free. Everything is homemade from dressings to the bread. The menu includes fresh salads, sandwiches, and soups that change daily. I love their cookies and sandwiches!

In addition, they roast their coffee in-house! They work with coffee bean farmers in Nicaragua as well as Taking Root, to ensure they are supporting local farmers directly as well as sustainable forestry practices. And with all their beans roasted on-site, they curate the best medium-dark roast coffees in Ontario!

Entering the café from Highland Street you’ll find the seating for the café. It’s a mix of farm tables as well as comfortable couches and chairs. Surrounding the seating are some of the incredible pieces the antique shop has on display. There’s also an entrance at the back that brings you in and up to the café counter.

Castle Antiques & Café is a lovely to enjoy a light lunch in Haliburton. Or indulge in a sweet treat and refreshing coffee. Plus, take some time to browse around will likely result in a purchase of either an antique or an item from one of the many local artisan pieces.

Castle Antiques & Cafe Information

Address: 223 Highland St, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am – 4pm & Sunday 10am – 3pm
Phone: (705) 457-1155

Mckeck’s Tap & Grill

A staple in the community for over 30 years is Mckeck’s Tap & Grill. Located in the heart of downtown Haliburton, Mckeck’s opened in 1986 by Walt Mckechnie, a former Toronto Maple Leaf. While there’s televisions above the bar playing the latest games, this is so much more than a sports bar!

The vibe at Mckeck’s is the perfect blend of relaxed cottage town pub and elevated family restaurant. As soon as I walk in, I’m always struck by the stunning stained-glass windows. Along with bar seating there’s booths and a variety of tables. Plus, if you’re visiting in the summer, you’ve got to check out their incredible rooftop patio.

Mckeck’s menu is full of Canadian classic dishes like pizza, burgers, and poutine. However, you’ll also find dishes like Curry Butter Chicken and Butternut Squash Ravioli. Their menu also offers plenty of vegetarian and gluten free option, as well as a kid’s menu. For me, Mckeck’s has the best steak in town, known as the Highland Steak!

A favourite for many is their artisanal pizzas! Baked in a stone oven and made with real Italian flour and house made sauce, this is the go-to place for pizza in Haliburton!

Following their traditional pub fare, considering pairing it with one of their craft beers. They have a wide selection of local craft beer, wine, and spirits.

Mckeck’s Tap & Grill Information

Address: 207 Highland St, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
Hours: Saturday to Thursday 11:30am – 8pm & Friday 11:30am – 9pm
Phone: (705) 457-3443

Kosy Korner

Serving up classic home cooking for over 80 years, it’s no surprise that Kosy Korner is one of the top Haliburton restaurants! Located right along the main strip in town, this restaurant is kind of famous! Mike Myers mentioned them on one of his appearances on Conan O’Brien.

On many of my frequent trips to Haliburton over the last 40 years, I’ve paid a visit to Kosy Korner! It offers a warm and cozy feeling inside and yummy smells wafting out from the kitchen. You’ll find it a popular spot in town, especially on summer mornings. They reportedly go through 400 eggs a day in the summer!

Kosy Korner is the best place for breakfast in Haliburton! With all day breakfast, you can choose from the classic eggs, bacon and home fries or pancakes. Coffee is from Rainforest Alliance and always a great addition to any meal.

One of the most popular breakfast items is their pancakes! They use Red Fife Flour that they buy from Abbey Gardens. This Ontario brand of flour saw its first wheat planted in Lakefield, Ontario back in 1842. I love their commitment to using fresh and local ingredients while also supporting local businesses.

Beyond breakfast, Kosy Korner also serves a tasty lunch menu. A couple of great choices are their fresh Turkey Club Sandwich and their signature burgers, in which they use Canadian Angus beef. Plus, you’ll love the bun the burgers come on, it’s a fresh potato scallion bun!

Kosy Korner Information

Address: 166 Highland St, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
Hours: Monday to Sunday 8am – 3pm
Phone: (705) 457-2810

Maple Avenue Tap & Grill

Right next door to Kosy Korner is another of the best Haliburton restaurants located downtown, Maple Avenue Tab & Grill! This is another staple in town for both locals and tourists alike.

The best part about Maple Avenue Tap & Grill is their diverse menu! It includes classic pub grub to Italian and Greek to Asian. A couple of the top dishes are their Pad Thai, Fish & Chips, and Greek Souvlaki. They also offer a number of daily specials, so be sure to ask.

Inside you’ll find a two-level dining room with a bar and comfortable seating. Plus, during the summer you can enjoy your meal on their patio out front.

Maple Avenue Tap & Grill Information

Address: 172 Highland St, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 8am – 8pm, Sunday & Monday Closed
Phone: (705) 457-1100

SIRCH Bistro & Marketplace

One of the best places to eat in Haliburton that gives back is SIRCH Bistro & Marketplace! This non-profit supports a variety of programs in the community for both individuals and families. Their full name is Supportive Initiative for Residents in the County of Haliburton, or SIRCH.

For over 30 years SIRCH has developed an array of programs and services that stand with their mission to help ‘create resilience, reduce poverty and encourage connection.’ And nothing does that better than food! They offer two great training initiatives that teach practical skills for the retail and restaurant sector, Cook It Up and Read for Retail.

The Bistro is located in downtown Haliburton and open for breakfast and lunch. At SIRCH Bistro you can help support them by enjoying their fabulous food. You’ll find a number of menu items like soups, salads, and pizza. They also have a selection of tasty baked goods too.

After your meal, browse their Marketplace that showcases a variety of local artisans. There’s everything from candles to quilts.

SIRCH Bistro & Marketplace Information

Address: 49 Maple Ave (street level), Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 8:30am – 2pm, Saturday 10am – 2pm (Bakery only), Sunday & Monday Closed
Phone: (705) 457-1700

More Restaurants in Haliburton and Area

Truss Foodworks Smokehouse – At one of the coolest places in the Haliburton Highlands you’ll also find one of the best Haliburton restaurants! Located in the heart of Haliburton Forest is a Truss Foodworks Smokehouse. Originally a food truck, they now serve their tasty offerings in the restaurant on the property. The menu is packed with flavour and a mighty line up. It includes burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, wraps, and some awesome mains. A few must orders include their Brisket, Lumberjack burger, and the Pick N Chick, chicken sandwich. To wash it all down Truss has a fun list of signature cocktails, as well as beer and wine.

Molly’s Bistro Bakery – Another wonderful place to eat in the Haliburton Highlands is Molly’s Bistro Bakery! Located in the heart of Minden, this is another great place for breakfast. However, popping in for lunch is ideal too! You’ll definitely chuckle when you read her menu. It features dishes like the Old Fart Breakfast and the Big Jerk Burger. There’s something for everyone including vegan, vegetarian and gluten free. If you’re looking for pre-made meals Molly’s has some amazing options. She has homemade lasagna, quiche, as well as savory and fruit pies.

Twin Fires Restaurant – Enjoy a romantic dinner or seasonal lunch at Twin Fires Restaurant. Located at Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa, just 15 mins north of Haliburton Village, it’s also home to the second oldest family-owned ski resort in Ontario. Inside is a romantic setting with exposed wood beams and views of Eagle Lake. Their menu is diverse and contains fantastic dishes like Ontario Pickerel, Wild Boar Linguini, and vegetarian options like Harissa Rubbed Tofu. Plus, everything is expertly plated like a work of art! Along with a wine list that showcases Ontario wines, they have a wine cellar that you can visit.

Things to do in Haliburton

Often referred to as the quiet alternative to Muskoka, the Haliburton Highlands are home to a wealth of outdoor adventures, scenic lakes, as well as plenty of wild and historic attractions. So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Haliburton and area, I’ve rounded up a few top choices to add to your travel itinerary.

• A stroll along Haliburton Village’s main street is a great place to start! Here you’ll find a bunch of fun and eclectic shops selling everything from outdoor gear to cottagey home décor.
• Plan a day to explore Haliburton Forest! Covering 10,000 acres, the park is home to a long list of activities. It’s home to hiking trails, a Wolf Centre, treetop trekking, camping and more!
• Outdoor enthusiasts will love a hike in Barnum Creek Nature Reserve. The reserve is home to a variety of different habitats and also has a waterfall! It’s one of the best places to take in the fall colours in Ontario with a backdrop of brillant foliage!
• Take in the awesome views from Skyline Park! Just east of town sits this epic vantage point that includes the Village of Haliburton and area.

Where to Stay in Haliburton

During your visit to the area, you’ll have your pick of a variety of accommodation. Haliburton and area have everything from quaint bed and breakfasts to hotels and even resorts!

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!