Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Simcoe County

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Simcoe County? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

PICNIC

4.9

4.9 (329)

CAN$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Orillia

About the restaurant

In the heart of downtown Orillia. Part old-world tapas bar, part old-town grocer and deliciously fun.

Chef Joel's cuisine is inspired by the tapas bars of the Basque country (Southern France & Northern Spain) with a focus on seafood, preserved meats and raw foods. Join us for lunch, dinner or snacks & drinks 7 days a week.

Shop the provisions shop for ‘pic up & go’ snacks. You’ll also find steaks from The Common Stove and a curated selection of over over 75 wines and beers in our bottleshop.

Tapas & Wine Bar
Fresh Bread & Bottleshop
Live Music & Oysters
Patio Seating & Provisions Shop
Groceries & Gifts
Wine Club & Scotch Socials

PICNIC: a deliciously good time!

Top review

MarkVIP

Dined on Dec 17, 2024

Once again we thoroughly enjoyed PICNIC’s half priced Tappas last night. The food was terrific and their house red was delicious! Always a treat!

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4.8

4.8 (268)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

International

Port Severn

About the restaurant

With its contemporary appeal and design, the 10,000–square foot clubhouse at Oak Bay is the ideal setting for your next golf tournament, a family function, or a wedding for up to 90 people. While the clubhouse is licensed for 180, a smaller, intimate wedding with the club’s stunning setting is ideal.

Top review

Barbara

Dined on Oct 23, 2024

The experience was amazing! The food was excellent! Staff were great!

Fabbrica At Thornbury

4.8

4.8 (1137)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

Thornbury

About the restaurant

Chef Mark McEwan brings his rustic Italian cuisine to Thornbury. Using traditional techniques, heritage flours and the highest quality produce available, the Fabbrica culinary team lets ingredients shine. From handmade pastas and seasonal salads to wood-fired pizza and regional antipasti, there is something for every taste. We look forward to seeing you.

Top review

Mary

Dined on Dec 18, 2024

Outstanding and our server, Peter, was spectacular!!

Couchiching Craft Brewing Co.

4.8

4.8 (44)

CAN$30 and under

Brewery

Orillia

About the restaurant

Our Taproom offers a full dine-in and bar experience with full views of our brite-tank room, as well as a full service patio. Offering delectable bites from our Red Seal Chef, Brandon, who utilizes local and fresh ingredients. Find the perfect pairing with our selection of beer, wine, and cocktails today!

Top review

Paul

Dined 5 days ago

Perfect environment for a night out with friends. Great live music, excellent food, fantastic service.

Chez Michel

4.8

4.8 (382)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

French

Creemore

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Barb

Dined 7 days ago

I would go back any day of the week. The french fries are an absolute must, they were fresh and hot and perfectly seasoned. The corned beef toasted sandwich was loaded with corned beef - I could only eat half, and took the other half home.

Moxies - Barrie

4.7

4.7 (242)

CAN$30 and under

Contemporary American

Barrie

About the restaurant

Moxie's restaurant is a contemporary casual restaurant offering a globally inspired menu and hand crafted cocktails in a vibrant and interactive atmosphere. Moxie's has over 50 locations across Canada and 6 US locations in Dallas, Houston, and Miami.

Moxie's is located at Georgian Mall, just minutes up Bayfield Street from Hwy 400. Our Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson has created a menu offering a wide-array of steaks, burgers, pastas and seafood! No matter the occasion, whether it's a business luncheon, a dinner date, or late night drinks with friends, Moxie's offers something for everyone.

Moxie's features daily drink specials and a relaxing patio. We offer a delectable blend of unique cocktails, flavourful wines and a variety of beers to choose from. Next time you’re in the neighbourhood, be sure to pop in!

Top review

ColleenVIP

Dined on Nov 29, 2024

As always another great day at Moxies. Had my favourite meal chicken Madeira rigatoni.

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Experience

New Year's Eve!

Walker House

4.7

4.7 (967)

CAN$30 and under

Contemporary American

Port Elgin

About the restaurant

Bruce County’s casual dining and special events destination. Perfect for any occasion!

Our mission is to bring our community together and deliver memorable experiences, as we have done for over 100 years! We serve delicious food in a warm atmosphere with a team that treats you like family.

Top review

Catherine

Dined 7 days ago

Great venue to share a delicious meal and celebrate the season. Friendly and speedy service piping hot meal

The Hog & Penny

4.7

4.7 (98)

CAN$30 and under

Pub

Orillia

About the restaurant

Orillia's Pub! An authentic British pub in the heart of downtown Orillia.

Top review

MarkVIP

Dined 4 days ago

We enjoyed another wonderful evening at the Hog & Penny. We drank cold beers, and ate delicious food! Another terrific experience!

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4.6

4.6 (248)

CAN$30 and under

Mexican

Collingwood

About the restaurant

Fresh flavours dominate the experience at Bent Taco. This relaxed eatery specializes in inauthentic Mexican cuisine, served in an eclectic space—complete with an outdoor patio. Choose from a menu packed with tacos, burritos, tortas and ceviche. Spoil yourself with some of the restaurant's amazing nachos, elevated with guajillo, or enjoy a delicious Baja fish tacos, tossed with pickled cabbage and apple. Bent Taco also serves a short-but-appealing list of vegan/vegetarian-friendly fare. The restaurant's intimate space and friendly ambiance provide a nice tonic for a fun romantic date or casual dining with friends. Ice cream sandwiches provide the perfect cap to any meal. Bent Taco is open most days, except Monday and Sunday.

Top review

ramonaVIP

Dined on Nov 30, 2024

Fantastic drinks, food, service and ambience! Loved the entire evening. Served so helpful and patient. Beautiful spot and top quality food! Can’t wait to come back!

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Popular dish

Bent Fried Cauliflower Taco Kit

Popular dish

Baja Cauliflower

Beertown Public House - Barrie

4.4

4.4 (811)

CAN$30 and under

Comfort Food

Barrie

About the restaurant

Beertown Public House is the destination for the instinctively curious. We fuel your fascination for all things purposefully crafted, whether that's beer, cuisine or design. Our Guests know that life is too short for the ordinary. With 40 beers on tap and over 60 in bottles, there is a beer for everyone. Our Chefs have taken as much time as the brewers to craft everything that goes onto each plate.

If your desired reservation time is unavailable, call us directly at 705-999-0212. Please understand we are leaving some space available for walk-in Guests. Please stop by if you’re in the area.

Our team looks forward to serving you!

Top review

Kailey

Dined 7 days ago

Great variety of gluten free options including drinks which were high quality and flavourful. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Was a little loud however it was a busy Friday night before Christmas.

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