Where To Eat In Collingwood: A Local’s Guide To The Best Restaurants and Cafes

If there’s one thing that Collingwood does right (besides stunning views of Georgian Bay and easy access to Blue Mountain), it’s food! If you’re wondering where to eat in Collingwood, wonder no more. In this post, I’ll share my favourite Collingwood restaurants with you.

I’ve spent plenty of time exploring this lakeside town and believe me when I say that there’s no shortage of amazing places to eat. Yes, I’ve eaten at many chain restaurants, but in this post, I share the lesser known restaurants, cafes, and brewpubs that are frequented by the locals.

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Duncans Cafe

A friend recommended that I go to Duncans Cafe for a freshly made breakfast. This is the place the locals go and for good reason.

Duncans does serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but it’s breakfast that it’s known for. The menu is extensive and you can choose anything from standard bacon and eggs (which is always me) to eggs benedict. The atmosphere is very casual and laid-back, but the service and food are top-notch. If you’re wondering where to eat breakfast when you’re in Collingwood, I highly recommend Duncans Cafe.

Gibson & Company – Hidden Café Vibes

Tucked away in a downtown laneway, Gibson & Co. is literally the kind of secret locals whisper about. It will be impossible to just happen across this cafe, you will have to actually look for it or use a GPS to find it. Believe me when I say that it’s well worth the search.

Gibson & Company serves a variety of coffees by day and cocktails by night. Simple breakfast items such as fresh croissants and salads can be purchased throughout the day, while at night charcuterie is on the menu. Whether you visit day or night, you’ll fall in love with the atmosphere of this hidden gem.

Lakeside Seafood & Grill

If you’re wondering where to eat in Collingwood if you’re seeking a more romantic and upscale venue for a date night or simply a good dinner, then the Lakeside Seafood & Grill is it!

This restaurant is located in the Living Water Resort and is a well-kept secret among the locals. While the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s the dinner that really shines. The soft-lit, laid-back ambiance is the perfect setting for a delicious prime rib or steak dinner with your loved one (or on your own).

Black Bellows Brewing Company – Where Beer Meets Art

There’s a reason why this brewpub is a favourite among the locals. The quirky brewery sits inside a historic building filled with local art, community spirit, and creative energy.

I had read about this popular brewpub online and knew that I had to go. I was not disappointed! This non-beer drinker loved every one of the samples that came with the Seasonal Tasting Flight, and I was pleasantly surprised with how delicious the food was. Every bite was fresh and piping hot!

Dags & Willow – Gourmet on the Go

Tucked away on a side street directly across the street from Parking Lot A in downtown Collingwood, you’ll find Dags & Willow. They have an endless supply of cheese and crackers, as well as fresh and frozen meals. This hidden gem is where the locals go for gormet treats.

This is the ideal spot to go for a quick meal to heat up in your hotel room or freshly baked bread and spreads for a night-time snack. The staff went over and beyond to help and make recommendations.

The Smoke – For Serious BBQ Lovers

If comfort food is your love language, The Smoke is your happy place. This BBQ joint is famous for its slow-cooked brisket, pulled pork, and indulgent sides. Portions are generous, the atmosphere is laid-back, and it’s the perfect way to refuel.

Since I’m a lover of club sandwiches, that’s what I ordered. The sandwich consisted of loads of smoked chicken and the thickest bacon that I’ve ever seen, all served on grilled sourdough bread. I loved it so much that I told the server I would be back to have it again. This is one restaurant that you’ll want to eat at again and again.

Hungry Sumo: For Sushi Lovers

I admit that I’m not a huge fan of sushi. I’ll eat it, but it’s not my favourite. I did dine at the Hungry Sumo when I was in Collingwood, as I met my aunt and uncle there for lunch. Keeping in mind that I’m not a sushi lover, it was pretty good. Recognizing that many people love sushi, I decided to include this restaurant in the best places to eat in Collingwood.

The restaurant is housed in an old house and offers an extremely laid-back, family style atmosphere, which I enjoyed. The menu was extensive and it was difficult to choose among all of the options. Unfortunately I’m unable to make recommendations as I don’t remember what the food items that we ordered were called lol. My aunt and uncle who are extremely picky eaters, thoroughly enjoyed the meal.

1858 Caesar Bar

The 1858 Caesar Bar is a fun stop after a day of shopping. The extensive 5 page caesar menu will have you scratching your head in awe. I wasn’t able to decide, so I opted for the caesar flight. The flight came with 1 mild, 1 medium, 1 spicey, and 1 extra spicey. I wasn’t able to drink the extra spicey lol.

You can even create your own caesar from a full page of extras to add, which includes items such as pretzels, bacon, and even lobster tails. They also have a limited food menu which includes items such as french fries and chicken wings.

1858 Caesar Bar is extremely busy and service can be quite scattered. Make sure you have lots of time when visiting. It’s a must-experience next time you’re visiting Collingwood.

Driver’s Tip: Arrive early, otherwise you’ll have to line up outside to wait for a table.

Heavenly Cafe: A Sweet Tooth

The Heavenly Café is often considered the best cafe in Collingwood thanks to its warm, welcoming atmosphere and consistently delicious baked goods. Known for its cozy charm and friendly service, this local gem serves up freshly made sandwiches and a wide variety of daily made baked goods. It is especially touted among the locals as having the best carrot cake around.

The Heavenly Cafe is located in Cranberry Mews, which is right across the street from Living Stone Golf Resort, the hotel I stayed at during my visit to Collingwood. Fortunately it was well within walking distance, so I visited when I was craving a sandwich, and I made a point of picking up some sweet treats to enjoy for an evening snack.

Press Market: A Healthy Choice

After a few days eating and drinking at all of the amazing restaurants in Collingwood, I needed something on the healthier side. That’s when I came across Press Market.

Press Market serves smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and healthy bites which were much needed and actually tasted amazing. I opted for the taco bowl, which was full of rice, beans, tomatoes, and taco shells. It was so large, I could only eat half of it! This is the perfect stop after a morning hike or if you are just looking for something on the lighter side.

Best Restaurants In Collingwood: In Conclusion

Collingwood might be known as the gateway to Blue Mountain, but its restaurant scene deserves a trip all on its own. If you were wondering where to eat when you visit Collingwood, you’ll no longer have to wonder. All of these restaurants have been tried and tested personally by me.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a coffee in a cozy café, sipping on a flight of craft beer, or craving an upscale dinner overlooking beautiful Georgian Bay, Collingwood has it all. Who said you had to take a food tour, when you can create your own?

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