World-class Dining @ The Best Restaurants in Orillia

Photo courtesy The Common Stove

Looking for a world-class dining experience on your doorstep? Check out Contributor Sue Kelly’s picks of the best restaurants in Orillia.

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The centre for all things delicious in ‘Lake Country’ Ontario, the city of Orillia offers an array of fabulous eateries. 

From deli-counters and lakeside patios to hidden gems offering either casual or and fine dining experiences, this rapidly evolving Central Ontario city is becoming something of a gourmands’ paradise. Whether you’re searching for a unique culinary experience or a culturally diverse menu, you will find that authentic food experience here.

Read on for a taste-test of some of the best restaurant in Orillia. These carefully curated selections are sure to satisfy every preference, price-point, and palate in Lake Country.

And while you’re at it, why not consider making it an excuse for a romantic getaway? Check out our list of the top hotels and resorts in Orillia for some  ideas of popular places to stay.

Test Your Tastebuds at The Best Restaurants in Orillia

The Common Stove (Riley Recommended)

The beauty of the Common Stove is that it is anything but common. This very hip new dining experience melds the traditional with the contemporary, all of it forged around a wood-fire grill used to cook locally sourced meats and vegetables. The rustic warm ambience fuels its mantra – a place to gather for good spirits, community, and conviviality.

One of the uncommon features about this fine Orillia restaurant is that it not only offers inside dining, but also dining al fresco in a cozy outside lounge that’s more alleyway than patio… and it’s awesome. Pick-up, fixe prise, and a retail store where you can purchase fine artisan cheeses, organic honey, maple syrup and bottle shop wines, are also available to tempt the palate.

The popular Sunday roast beef dinner is a must-do. This sumptuous feast includes prime rib roast beef, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, roast carrots and broccolini, and unlimited house gravy and horseradish. Finish it off with their famous sticky toffy pudding for dessert.

Riley Recommends: Read our full feature story on the top-notch dining experience at The Common Stove. 

Reservations & Menus: www.thecommonstove.com

Lot 88 (Riley Recommended)

Slide into a booth or a table and enjoy everything you’d expect from a traditional steakhouse, but with a unique twist. Lot 88 offers the option of having a lava rock grill at your table and personalizing the cooking of your meat or seafood. Your five senses will come alive as you savor a choice of beef, steak, lamb, salmon, or lobster.

Located just off of Hwy 12, Lot 88 is the newest addition to fabulous eateries in Orillia. If you’re in the mood for a unique and fun dining experience, consider making a reservation at this intimate restaurant. The menu is extensive, including fresh crisp salads, pasta, and delicious desserts.

Riley Recommends: Read the full feature story on LuxuryOrillia at Play with Your Food at Lot 88

Reservations & Menus: https://lot88steakhouse.com/orillia/ 

Era 67

Created and inspired by Canada’s rich heritage, Era 67 is a popular destination for those craving your grandma’s homemade fare, but with a unique flare. Located in downtown Orillia, it’ a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or grabbing dinner before going to see a show or for a flutter at Casino Rama.

This exceptional Orillia restaurant has it all: fine dining, a summer lounge and casual patio, live entertainment, private dining bookings and catering services. Offering a wonderful selection of entrees, its menu includes steak, seafood, pasta, poutine, and a kiddos menu.

With a plethora of delicious food options, it’ll be difficult to choose… but you can always come back again.

Reservations & Menus: https://era67.com

Grape & Olive Wine and Martini Bistro & Smokehouse

Located at Orillia’s BEST WESTERN PLUS Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre (see our list of the Top luxury Hotels in Orillia for more details), The Grape and Olive Wine & Martini Bistro offers exceptional breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Whether you’re visiting for a conference, a meeting or simply a special dinner out, the Grape & Olive is sure to satisfy.

An ideal place to gather with friends and colleagues, consider starting your meal with a tasty appetizer of warm olives and fresh bread. Then onto the main event. A unique feature is the Smokehouse, serving up generous entrees of succulent smoked beef-brisket, ribs, sausages, turkey and much more. Don’t forget the delectable desserts, array of martinis and over-sized wine list. You’ll be reminiscing long after your meal is complete.

Grape & Olive participates in a variety of local food events including Flavours of Lake Country, Tap Into Maple, and Barrielicious. Choose from the seasonal patio, dining room, take-out and Doordash delivery.

Reservations & Menus: www.thegrapeandolive.com

Riley Recommends: Why not make a weekend of it and book a stay at the Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn along with your dinner? Check out LuxuryOrillia‘s preferred accommodation provider at Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn for the best rates, reviews, and reservations.  

St Germain’s Steakhouse  

Thanks to the Chippeawa’s of Rama First Nation, you can spice up your life with a trip to Casino Rama and enjoy superb dining at St Germain’s Steakhouse, one of the finest restaurants in the Orillia area. Located on the eastern side of Lake Couchiching, you will be amazed at this auspicious edifice ready to entertain you.

If you have a craving for beef or seafood then St. Germain’s is the perfect destination. Rib-eye, tenderloin, striploin and porterhouse cuts are their specialty, along with delicious
seafood options as lobster out of the tank, to sea bass and salmon. Coupled with an award- winning wine list and delectable desserts from an award-winning pastry chef – you have it all.

While you’re there, you might try your hand at the slots. Maybe you’ll win enough to pay for your meal and a return trip to one of the top restaurants in Orillia. 

Reservations & Menus: www.casinorama.com/st-germains-steakhouse/

Theo’s Eatery 

Consistently rated among the top restaurants in Orillia, Theo’s Eatery is a family owned and operated establishment that’s been around since 1993. Known for its authentic house-made Canadian, Greek, and Italian fare, it never disappoints.

Relax and unwind in the cozy Mediterranean-themed surroundings as you peruse the extensive menu options. Known for its homemade pizza, it is fresh from start to finish. Generous, delectable portions and friendly staff are the hallmark of Theo’s success.  

Reservations & Menus: www.theoseatery.ca

The Willow   

When you think of The Willow, a Casino Rama restaurant, think of the five ‘Fs’: a friendly fantastic favorite serving fresh fusion food. Enjoy an intimate and upscale East meets West a-la-carte experience in this newly decorated far-east setting.

Offering traditional Chinese, Cantonese, and Canadian entrées, you will not be disappointed. If you’re short on time, select a dish from the express lunch combos or daily Dim Sum. And if the casino keeps you busy into the evening, The Willow is open until midnight to satisfy your every need.

Reservations & Menus: www.casinorama.com/the-willow/

Tailwinds Bar & Grill

Tailwinds Bar & Grill is nestled on the shores of Lake St John, ten minutes from Casino Rama. Considered the crowning jewel of Orillia Rama Regional Airport, it is truly a hidden gem. This mouth-watering culinary adventure boosts the regional airport as one of the top fly-and-dine destinations in Canada.

Whether you live or cottage nearby, or are just passing through, Tailwinds provides an opportunity to get up close and personal with the world of flying. It’s interesting to watch a plane land and take-off while dining-in or sitting on the patio. Connect with folks heading to the wilds of northern Ontario, chat with a pilot or enjoy the artifacts and aviation lore of days gone by. 

Offering an extensive menu as delicious as its location is unique, Tailwinds is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The novel location is perfect to host any event – from weddings, private parties to corporate gatherings. The dining room, patio and the surrounding green space make for an unforgettable venue that your guests will talk about for years to come.

Reservations & Menus: www.tailwindsgrill.ca

Book a Stay at the Best Hotels in Orillia

Riley Recommends: Nothing says “I love you!” quite like a romantic dinner followed by a romantic overnight getaway in Orillia. 

Check out our list of the Best Hotels in  Orillia for ideas and reviews of great places to stay.

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Enjoying her culinary journey, contributor Sue Kelly searches for the five Fs in a food experience: friendly, fantastic, flavorful, fresh and fulfilling… something she found in heaps while researching the best restaurants in Orillia