There’s at least one person in your life who talks about the perfect fish fry and refers to certain pies as ‘flaky.’ Maybe it’s your neighbor, or maybe you’re that person, and all your friends sigh when you insist on checking the sunset schedule. They aren’t wrong. But neither are you. Food here is spectacular, and here are the best places to eat it.
barBURRITO
$ | (519) 396-5006 | WEBSITE
If fast food were a person, it would look at the way people treat sit-down restaurants and immediately develop an inferiority complex. Then, after moping for a bit, it would open a place like barBURRITO. barBURRITO is a spot in Kincardine where the burritos come in generous portions and fillings are available in several varieties.
The simple counter setup features a clean preparation area behind the staff, and, with its bright lighting and straightforward seating, the whole place feels more like a dedicated taqueria than a typical fast-casual chain. There’s also a focused menu, like the tasty fresh burritos and an extremely popular crunchy chicken burrito.
The Daily Grind
$ | (226) 923-2370 | WEBSITE
The Daily Grind is usually our back-up plan when we’re grabbing coffee in Kincardine and we’re worried a place might be too busy – but if coffee is your priority, come here first. They make everything fresh on the premises, with a focus on quality and presentation. The space is cozy and inviting with beautiful decor and a quiet seating area, and it’s great for either some solo work or a casual chat with friends. The living artwork is so cool – the moss is alive!
Erie Belle Restaurant
$$ | (519) 396-4331 | WEBSITE
At Erie Belle, lots of the fish options are local, and pretty much everything is from the Great Lakes. So if you’re looking for some fresh cod or haddock with a light, non-greasy batter, this is your best option in Kincardine. It’s a friendly lakeside spot that looks sort of like a cozy cabin you’d find by the water, and there’s plenty of classic fare like fish and chips and lobster rolls.
Knotty Pine Restaurants
$ | (519) 396-3132 | WEBSITE
Important Chinese food gossip: Knotty Pine Restaurants is under new ownership but still serves reliably good Chinese cuisine. And, much like the approach regulars probably take, you shouldn’t expect luxury. There are several standout dishes on the menu, and they’re all reasonably priced like you’re in a neighborhood spot full of comfort food. Bring a big group – they managed to prepare a buffet for 40 people in just 45 minutes, and the chicken balls are some of the best you’ll have.
Best Friends Bakery & Ice Cream
$ | (519) 396-2555 | WEBSITE
Not unlike “pre-diet” or “before-gluten-free,” we like to use “Before-Best-Friends” as a marker of time. Ever since it opened, this Kincardine bakery has shaped what eating dessert looks like in the area. This is partly due to its charming location, but mostly because of their focus on gluten-free and non-gluten-free treats, and the cozy atmosphere. Get the cherry ice cream – it’s our favorite.
Pizza Hut
$$ | (226) 396-2222 | WEBSITE
Ask someone to characterize a quintessential, somewhat-generic pizza chain, and they’ll inadvertently describe Pizza Hut every time. It’s brightly lit and full of red plastic booths, there’s a large digital menu board of the consistently available pizza options, and the Kincardine space is about as spacious as a family minivan. Not to mention, most people in here look like they spent an afternoon craving cheesy, crispy Melts and learning how to appreciate fast, friendly service.
Locals
$$ | (519) 396-9366 | WEBSITE
If you find yourself in Kincardine, it’s essential that you know about Locals. It’s a lively spot with framed old magazine pages and neat decorations, and it’s perfect for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a late-night bite (which is something we’ve definitely enjoyed here). You can grab a table by the front windows to soak up the natural evening sunlight and share some loaded waffle fries with friends, or you can just find a seat on the patio and enjoy a great meal outside.
They typically have delicious burgers and special items like the braised lamb and chicken caesar wrap, with a variety of other great food options as well.
McDonald’s
$ | (519) 396-4414 | WEBSITE
Not only is this McDonald’s a great spot to grab a quick meal on the go, but it’s also perfect for when you’re running errands around Kincardine and need something reliable that hits the spot. The space is consistently clean and well-kept, with bright lighting and comfortable seating, and you’ll notice the friendly staff, led by the Guest Experience Manager, who go above and beyond to make sure you have a positive experience.
The drive-thru is quick and polite, and while the menu offers the same classics you’d expect, the food here somehow tastes better than at other locations—especially the fresh cookies. Just remember to check your order before driving away, and maybe ask for light ketchup if you’re not a fan of excess.
Boston Pizza
$$ | (519) 395-3966 | WEBSITE
Boston Pizza takes pizza and family dining very seriously. You can tell from the friendly servers like Jean and the professional bartender Michele, who go out of their way to make guests feel welcome. Aside from these things, Boston Pizza is a fairly normal pizza spot that makes a pretty good Jambalaya and a bunch of other options, from the meat carnivore to fish and chips and buffalo chicken pizza, and it gets packed on special occasions like a 40th anniversary.
Dairy Queen (Treat)
$ | (519) 396-2237 | WEBSITE
The ice cream at Dairy Queen (Treat) isn’t necessarily better than what you’ll find at other spots on this list, but the thoughtful service and comfortable Kincardine space make it notable anyway. Everything here, including every hot dog, custom cake, and scoop of ice cream, is served with exceptional dedication. And, they have extensive menu options in case you’re looking for a place to host a casual birthday gathering or bring your children.
Kin’s Social Indian and Mexican Restaurant
$$ | (519) 386-7189 | WEBSITE
You’ll find Indian and Mexican restaurants in many towns around here, but if you want to try more than just whatever butter chicken you find in the wild, we’d suggest you go to the source. Kin’s Social is one of our favorite places to eat with a big group in Kincardine. You can bring your kids, your appetite, and whatever adventurous spirit you’re currently carrying around in your back pocket.
Plus, they have consistently delicious food where the flavors blend based on whatever dish is on the menu and the atmosphere in the room.
Sushi Won
$$ | (519) 396-6789 | WEBSITE
At Sushi Won, you can sit at a sleek sushi counter while a wooden boat filled with glistening salmon sashimi floats right to your table and the chef’s knife work keeps perfect rhythm with the upbeat Japanese pop from the speakers. Think of this Kincardine spot as an overachieving sushi joint, where you can feast on massive rolls in a chic dining room with a constellation of modern pendant lights overhead.
The sushi boat is a must-try every time, and on weekends there’s a lively buzz as families and couples fill the fancy interior, all enjoying the quick, friendly service.
Godfather Pizza Kincardine
$$ | (519) 396-4444 | WEBSITE
Godfather Pizza Kincardine changes their deals all the time. But the one constant is that it’s always full of pizzas you’ll definitely want to try. While you’re ordering, take advantage of the fresh pepperoni pizza and the fact that you can get amazing daily specials on absolutely anything on the menu. And, if you’d rather eat your pizza elsewhere, you can also stop by and pick up a hot, fresh pie to-go.
Hawgs Breath Saloon
$$ | (519) 396-6565 | WEBSITE
Hawgs Breath Saloon is a Kincardine-based eatery operating out of a cozy spot in town, and they also have a charming patio for the summer season. It’s a warm, inviting space with a beautiful bar and pub-style decor, and they serve a solid menu of classic comfort food like the Clubhouse, Pull Pork, and Tuna Melt. But mostly you come here for the outstanding food, specifically their smoked beef brisket with sides like garden salad, along with the addictive Nachos that are big enough to share.
The roasted red pepper soup and seafood sandwiches leave a lasting impression, paired with thoughtful touches like big bottles of cold water on the tables.
Grey Matter Beer Company
$$ | (226) 396-2337 | WEBSITE
If you’re serious about trying the best beer in Kincardine (from the actual source), you need to take a trip to Grey Matter Beer Company and drink lots of well-crafted local brews. This place offers an excellent selection at reasonable prices (most pints run around $7-9), so the next time you’re exploring the area, budget an hour of extra time to sample their impressive variety.
The brewery has a great atmosphere with local artists’ work displayed on the walls, making it a standout destination for beer lovers who appreciate unique flavors like the easy sipping Czech lager ‘Checkmate’ with its beautiful flowery notes, or the bold ‘Mission to Mars’ APA that’s hoppy yet not overpowering. The service is quick and friendly, and you can even bring your own food while enjoying their high-quality beers and various activities.
Akima house
$$ | (519) 396-3444 | WEBSITE
Both of Akima House’s dining options—whether you’re grabbing takeout or sitting down for a meal—offer that same impressive quality you’d expect from a top-tier Japanese spot. But if we had to pick one, we’d recommend dining in just because the cozy atmosphere makes the experience more memorable.
Whether you’re just coming to pick up the Trio Board your coworker won’t stop raving about, or you’re celebrating a special occasion here on a Saturday evening, make sure to order the premium rolls served on a wooden boat and some fresh sashimi (both of which are available for dine-in or takeout.)
New Orleans Pizza
$ | (226) 396-5555 | WEBSITE
New Orleans Pizza in Kincardine is one of the least pretentious spots for pizza enthusiasts. It’s a bright, cozy space with an open kitchen up front and a whole wall of local art behind a counter that takes up most of the area, and it tends to get pretty busy in here. But there’s a patio out back if you need a breezy place to sit, as well as a booth in the corner of the room near a shelf filled with community event flyers and cookbooks.
