Eat and Drink

We’re a dining out kind of town with some amazing forkfuls of delicious coming your way! This is real, farm-to-table country where restaurants partner with local producers for fresh and natural whole foods. Did we mention tasty? Delight your taste buds and impress your friends. Bring them!

Wait until you try Marwan’s Grilled Halloumi Salad at  Marwan’s Global Bistro. The chef tops fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes, double-smoked bacon and toasted cashews with the Middle Eastern cheese and a house-made honey mustard dressing. Delicious! Or his beloved Halloumi BLT Panini. “Not everyone knows what halloumi is, but it’s such a great cheese and it’s become a staple here. People come in just for that.”

Marwan went from culinary school in London, Ontario to experience food culture and work in Italy, Africa, Singapore—he’s been to 35 countries—to bring unique flavours and organic, local ingredients with his own spin for his dream restaurant in downtown Port Perry. You’ll see his photographs from his world travels on the walls.

The Piano Café and Inn in the heart of downtown Port Perry is family-owned and looks just like it did in the late 1800s on the outside, thanks to a labour of love restoration. Inside, you’ll find tuck-right-in home cooking, like hearty soups and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches (they have an annual grilled cheese competition with proceeds to the local hospital foundation).

Nestleton Waters Inn on the shore of a spring-fed pond is a picturesque setting for exploring local, seasonal cuisine by Executive Chef Aaron Moss. His popular Dinner Dates events feature a tasting menu and insights on each fabulous course.

For charcuterie plates and craft brews, the Old Flame Brewing Co. is the place to be. “You can just sit down and relax, and take it all in,” says Jack Doak, founder and beer-lover. (You might recognize him from Dragons’ Den where he successfully pitched his Original Hockey Lace Belt.)

“I like to hear it when people say, you’ve got to come to our brewery. It’s part of the community,” he says. And it is, situated in the landmark 1884 Ontario Carriage Works building and lovingly restored to mirror its former glory days. Try the light and refreshing Blonde, a German Helles-style lager that originated in Munich. It’s a great beer for the summer.

For wine, head to the source at the countryside Ocala Winery where the family-friendly orchards and vineyards overlook a valley that leads to the town. Wines made from their apples and pears are gift-inspiring! You can pick your own apples, too, take a hay ride and try the signature apple pie. There’s much more to explore…