The Best Restaurants in Thornbury

Written By

Robin Winship

almost 4 years ago

Located just under two and a half hours from Toronto, Thornbury may not be on your radar when it comes to food destinations in Ontario (but that is about to change). A town located within the Georgian Triangle that neighbours Blue Mountain and Collingwood, Thornbury’s charm only continues to grow; with its close proximity to the ski resort and beautiful Georgian Bay, there is something to incentivize people to visit the area every season. Laying claim to being Ontario’s largest apple-growing region, Thornbury has a vibrant food and drink scene worth exploring. Check out our guide on everywhere to eat next time you find yourself in Thornbury, Ontario.

The Orchid Restaurant

An institution in Thornbury and the go-to destination for all-day breakfast and bottomless coffee, The Orchid Restaurant is one of the first restaurants you'll see driving into town along King Street. Open since 1997 by Jennifer White, The Orchid has always been thought of as a gathering place for the locals and remains committed to serving your average working folk, with the goal to keep prices down and portions generous. Ideal for fuelling up before a day of exploring Thornbury or enjoying a large breakfast before a day spent on the slopes, you can't go wrong with the Breakfast Club, Eggs Benedict or signature 'The Orchid', consisting of eggs, bacon, home fries and toast!

Bread and Butter Co.

Tucked off the main street with its sleek and minimal design, owner Riley Smith's Bread and Butter Co. indicates a transformation to Thornbury, the newfound desire for city folk to escape the hustle and bustle for greener pastures. Awash with clean whites and cool blues, Bread and Butter Co. is your one-stop shop for lifestyle junkies. Pick fresh market produce from the fridge to complete your dinner or grab a pair of vintage Levi’s, ceramic mugs, tea towels or really, anything you didn’t realize you absolutely need until pursuing through the boutique. A pit stop at Bread and Butter Co. for your morning coffee is likely to turn into a 45-minute shopping detour - in the best way possible.

Good Grief Coffee Roasters

Every town needs a place to gather for a cup of coffee, and Good Grief is just the place for the people of Thornbury. Located on the main strip of Bruce Street, Good Grief is equal parts a local’s spot and a must-visit for tourists. Opened by business partners Jesse Keast and Alix Haddy, Good Grief’s pastel hues, white brick walls and terrazzo tables make customers naturally want to linger in the space, whether it's for savouring a cappuccino on a slow weekend morning or for hunkering down with a cold brew to get through the workday. Equal parts coffee shop and roasters, Good Grief is a must visit.

The Bivalve

Operating out of Good Grief’s space is The Bivalve Oyster & Libation Co., a raw bar catering service specializing in pop-ups, special events and private dinners, operating as a to-go place on a pre-order basis only! Founded by husband-and-wife duo Lauren Carter and Rory Crozier, The Bivalve is the place to slurp high-quality East Coast oysters or indulge in lavish seafood platters. After moving from Toronto to Thornbury in 2018, the two brought their hospitality expertise to Thornbury. The pair met while working at a restaurant in Toronto that had a real focus on its raw bar. Crozier eventually moved on to work in the beverage industry with brands such as Moët Hennessy and Pernod Ricard. Marrying his two passions, The Bivalve also emphasizes wine and champagne pairings and incorporates tastings into its business model. With dreams of opening a brick-and-mortar location in the town, The Bivalve’s presence in Thornbury only continues to grow.

Pom Pom

Just a stone’s throw away from beautiful Georgian Bay, the main strip of Thornbury naturally attracts sun tanners away from the water’s edge - looking to cool off on a hot summer day. Given prime real estate, Pom Pom is just the place to grab a cone before meandering further into town or along the waterfront path.

Every beach town needs an ice cream shop and co-owners Rheanna and Andrea knew this when throwing up the serving window of Pom Pom’s, and the two have never looked back. Find your favourite nostalgic childhood flavours at the pint-sized pastel-coloured storefront (which can’t be missed with the giant ice cream cone out front!).

Saucy Pasta and Gourmet Foods

With a location in Thornbury and now Collingwood, Saucy Pasta is beloved by the local community for its high-quality fresh pasta, sauce, frozen meals and even extensive gluten-free options. With house-made dishes ranging from Loaded Potato Ravioli, Black Truffle Canneloni, Chicken Parm and more - you’ll never struggle to find something delicious and unique at Saucy Pasta. Founded by Rick Gillman and supported by his wife Tracy, Saucy Pasta operates on a to-go basis and has grown from a pasta delivery service into two booming storefronts that cater to the Grey County area. With an overwhelming amount of support and demand for Rick’s Italian products (a freshly milled sauce being the start of it all), expect to see big things from Saucy Pasta!

The Mill Cafe

Residing in a historic building perched along the edge of Beaver River, The Mill Cafe is quite likely the most scenic stop for lunch or dinner in the Thornbury area. The prime seat of the house is the back patio overlooking the Beaver Dam, where one can enjoy a cold pint or glass of prosecco alongside mains like surf & turf, seared salmon or venison loin. Owned and operated by husband and wife duo Chef Andrew Barber & General Manager Sylvia Gardulski, The Mill will likely come up as a must-visit when asking a local where to eat when in Thornbury.

Bruce Wine Bar

Owned by husband and wife chef Shaun Edmonstone and Nicole Paara, Bruce Wine Bar offers a full-service restaurant dishing out wood-fired pizzas and rotating dishes based on local produce and seasonality. During COVID, the two converted the downstairs seating area to a full-service bodega, which continues to serve local products, to-go meals, wine, craft beer and more! At the helm of Bruce Wine Bar’s award-winning kitchen, chef Edmonstone has plenty of experience in the industry. Working years at Toronto’s now-shuttered Pangea Restaurant and the Windsor Arms Hotel, Bruce Wine Bar is undoubtedly an integral part of Thornbury’s food scene.

Sterlings Restaurant

The sprawling Sterlings Restaurant is the destination for waterfront dining in the Thornbury area. Located just off the main strip, enjoy lake views on their massive patio while feasting on their Mediterranean-inspired menu. Find patatas bravas, blistered shishitos, conservas, dips, ceviche, octopus and more on their dinner menu. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, make sure to check out their local marketplace on the way out, where they sell a selection of local goods.

Fabbrica

From celebrity chef Mark McEwan, Fabbrica’s Thornbury location is bringing refined and inspired Italian fare to the main strip. Sit back on their lush patio and enjoy wood-fired pizza, burrata, fritti, pappardelle with braised short rib and more! If you have yet to try chef McEwan’s food at the Toronto Fabbrica location, now your chance during a visit to Thornbury.

This story is sponsored by Thornbury BIA.

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