Gourmet Delights and Unforgettable Dining Experiences in BruceGreySimcoe

Not only does BruceGreySimcoe boast an incredible shoreline, towering escarpment cliffs and amazing outdoor activities, the region offers some unforgettable dining experiences. With award-winning chefs heading north to open new locations alongside creative culinary startups with deep connections to the land, you’ll want to plan your vacation around these gourmet destinations.  Read on for some of the best local food experiences in BruceGreySimcoe. 

 

The Gate
Flesherton, Ontario

 

This casual Mediterranean restaurant located in Flesherton opened on December 10, 2023 and remains a relatively undiscovered gem.  Chefs Jonathan Gushue and Philippe De Montbrun offer modern European cuisine in this mainstreet location. The Gate is a cozy and casual space offering seasonally-inspired cuisine. Dine at the limited-spaced kitchen counter and watch the team create the magic. The dining room boasts a beautiful, historic brick wall with soft natural light. A thoughtfully-curated wine list can be enjoyed in the lounge space in the back. The Gate also offers cooking classes and catering in homes. Find out more on their website and reserve your table at The Gate Restaurant - Flesherton, ON | OpenTable  The team plans to open a sister location specializing in French cuisine, The Vale, this summer in Kimberley.

 

Naagan by Zach Keeshig
Owen Sound, Ontario 

 

Chef Zach Keeshig has been gaining a lot of attention in recent years for his progressive aboriginal cuisine and his upscale 9-course tasting menu using foraged and locally sourced ingredients.. From collaborations with well-known restaurants like Canoe and The Pine to guest chef appearances at high profile events, Zach still finds time to offer off site woodland dining and foraging experiences and educate local youth on sustainable foraging practices. This summer, for the first time, Naagan by Zach Keeshig will open the doors to a more permanent home in downtown Owen Sound.

Chef Zach had this to say about the new bricks and mortar location. “Getting the keys to our new home in January of 2024, we have been busy renovating the space turning it into our dream restaurant. It is located at 279 10th St. E, Owen Sound Ontario in the historic Chicago building; a designated heritage site with cathedral ceilings and lots of natural light.” 

Everything I do is inspired by my indigenous heritage and the connection I have with nature. The restaurant is designed to resemble the inside of a log cabin or a sweat lodge, with floor to ceiling wood. Dried bouquets of edible and medicinal plants, such as sumac and cedar, hang throughout the space and beautiful artwork from local indigenous artists adorn the walls.

Dining at Naagan is about more than just food; it's an immersive experience that guides the guests on a gastronomical adventure through 9 courses of progressive aboriginal cuisine. If myself and my team have not foraged or grown the food itself, then I make sure I am sourcing only the freshest ingredients from local farmers, fishers, or hunters.” 

Stay tuned to the Naagan social channels for updates on opening dates and reservations. 

 

Down Home by Sumac and Salt
Grey Highlands, Ontario

 

Hannah Harradine and Joel Gray invite you to join them at Down Home Farmhouse Restaurant for their Summer Series. Enjoy an evening on the farm located in the rolling countryside of Grey Highlands. You will be welcomed to the property with a seasonal botanical drink as you take a few minutes to tour around the gardens. Joel will be working out of the woodfired outdoor kitchen and you’ll enjoy the 10-course tasting menu in their covered outdoor dining area overlooking the gardens. Hannah and Joel strive to tell the stories of local farmers and producers through their collaborative tasting menus and curious dining.To book, visit www.downhomerestaurant.com and keep an eye on their socials to be the first in the know for date releases. 


 

Marilynne 
Markdale, Ontario 

 

 

This farm-focused restaurant in the heart of Grey County is named after Chef Brandon Bannon’s grandmother who left the city in the 1960’s with her husband for a simpler life on a farm in Dundalk. The cuisine at Marilynne harkens back to family gatherings and the menu is inspired by simplicity and connection to the land. Meals at Marilynne’s are made with love from local ingredients provided by local farmers. Whether you head to happy hour on the patio or plan to go for a Sunday roast, dining at Marilynne’s is an experience you will never forget. Make your reservations via the website here or call 519-986-1537. 

The Pine
Creemore, Ontario 

Recently named as #40 by Canada’s Best 100, The Pine in the village of Creemore is a must for the discerning culinary crowd. With carefully curated and hand-picked ingredients and a menu designed around what local farmers can provide in season, The Pine focuses on sustainability while serving up delicious and creative cuisine. Chef Jeremy’s travels in Italy, Hong Kong and Mainland China infuse all of the dishes on this elaborate tasting menu.  Book your immersive tasting now.