Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Central Ontario

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Central Ontario? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Rare Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (38)

CAN$51 and over

French

Peterborough

About the restaurant

Welcome to our vibrant, creative and loving home!

Rare Restaurant + Bar was inspired by Chef Andrew and Mai in Fall 2022. They envisioned a great place to go for unique food, stiff drinks and a memorable experience between friends and family. Quality is at the forefront of Rare's values. As a team, we deliver the best culinary experience to our guests.

Isn't life better with great food and easy conversation? Let Rare take care of that for you.

Top review

Lisa

Dined 6 days ago

After booking then changing our reservation more then once they were amazing and were so accommodating. Our waitress was the best, we don’t get out much and she was so great. The food was so yummy; our waitress recommendations we great; Thank you. Definitely will come back to Peterborough and Rare will be where we will come back too.

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Peterborough

4.7

4.7 (2475)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Steakhouse

Peterborough

About the restaurant

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar serves the finest cuts of succulent steak, aged for tenderness and grilled to perfection. Prime rib is a Keg specialty, slow roasted, hand carved and perfectly seasoned with special Keg spices. The restaurant also serves delicious seafood, memorable appetizers, crisp salads and decadent desserts. A casual ambiance and friendly, very knowledgeable staff are proud and reliable trademarks of The Keg Steakhouse & Bar. You'll find a truly comfortable and satisfying dining atmosphere accompanied by a fun and up-scale bar setting where guests can enjoy an excellent wine list, signature Keg martinis, and fresh squeezed juice cocktails.

Top review

Heather

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent meal and service. Sienna went above and beyond - I hope the next time I amat the keg she will be my server - she was a pleasure to talk to

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4.7

4.7 (936)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

Peterborough

About the restaurant

One Fine Food restaurant offers a dining experience that is sure to appeal to everyone from shoppers taking a break from perusing the market, to foodies looking for a delicious meal in a casual, unassuming atmosphere. The restaurant features carefully sourced food, authentic Italian flavours and recipes.. With an open kitchen and wood-fired pizza oven adding to the ambience, our interactive style of dining elevates the experience of simply enjoying a great meal to one in which guests leave having had a shared experience with our chefs.

Top review

Marianne

Dined 2 days ago

Server was very attentive ,my steak was excellent but over done.

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4.7

4.7 (263)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

Peterborough

About the restaurant

Please note, if Open Table is showing no availability for the date and time you are looking for, please do not hesitate to call us at 705.743.3339.

We have a 15 minute grace period. Please call us if you are running 15 minutes later than your reservation time.

Bar Vita offers italian-inspired cuisine in a stylish setting. We use fresh ingredients to bring our country-flare to classic Italian cuisine.

Patio and indoor seating available. Please indicate your preference and we will be happy to accommodate.

Top review

Alicia

Dined 7 days ago

Hannah is amazing! The food is amazing! The live music on Friday nights is soo nice

Capra Toro Peterborough

4.7

4.7 (720)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

Peterborough

About the restaurant

Capra Toro is Peterborough's Italian dining spot. We offer a wide variety of authentic Italian dishes, wood fired pizza, and great music. Capra Toro is your place for good food, good times, and good music.

Top review

Eileen

Dined 7 days ago

As always great food, staff!! Fabulous time. Thank-you!

Gusto Grande

4.7

4.7 (149)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

Lindsay

About the restaurant

Welcome to Gusto Grande, experience the soulful vibrancy of our authentic Italian-inspired cuisine. Set in the Kawartha Lakes area, many of our foods are prepared with locally sourced ingredients ensuring we deliver the highest quality product. If you are in the mood to enjoy casual-fine dining and exceptional food in a stylish art deco setting, then Gusto Grande has a place setting just for you!

Top review

Leigh

Dined 3 days ago

This is our absolute favourite restaurant in Lindsay. The food, the wine, the ambience, the staff is all top shelf. It’s not just a restaurant, it is an experience. And, if the chef is reading this, please please please put the lamb chops on the every day menu and not just for the occasional special. The lamb chops are divine!!

AGAVE BY IMPERIAL

4.5

4.5 (181)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Mexican

Peterborough

About the restaurant

Trendy, authentic restaurant with elevated Mexican plates, many tacos, tequilas and a full service bar. AGAVE is located in the heart of George Street, Peterborough and is a great place to meet up with friends or a perfect destination for celebration. With an electric and multicultural concept, AGAVE makes everyone feel welcome; either because of the fresh and vibrant décor, authentic Mexican food, the full service bar, the atmosphere or the excellent service offered to our guests.

Top review

Amy

Dined 6 days ago

Loved it! Super busy but service was quick and smooth. Always a great spot to eat.

The Publican House

4.4

4.4 (895)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Pub

Peterborough

About the restaurant

After years of planning and work to restore the historical building that inspired the brewery, The Publican House restaurant and tap house is opening its doors to you! The 170-year old building has been reborn using original elements wherever possible, with a modern twist to create a unique and inviting space.

With a focus on local, we have incorporated a new spin to pub food featuring a wood fired pizza oven, high quality fresh ingredients and recommended beer pairing options with daily specials.

The bar features all of our Publican House beers, crafted on-site, along with new specialty brews developed monthly and available exclusively at The Publican House. Rounding out the menu will be locally produced craft beer, speciality cocktails and wine from around the world.

The Publican House; your neighbourhood pub, built on history.

Top review

Dusana

Dined 2 days ago

Service and food were great. Beer was really good too!

One Eyed Jack - Peterborough

4.4

4.4 (42)

CAN$30 and under

Grill

Peterborough

About the restaurant

Our menu is prepared with locally sourced ingredients ensuring we deliver the highest quality product. If you are in the mood to enjoy casual-fine dining and exceptional food in a stylish art deco setting.

Top review

Cynthia

Dined on Apr 17, 2025

Amazing! Had ages 8 to 68 with us and it was great for all. Terrific service for a busy night - great food and atmosphere.

One Eyed Jack - Lindsay

4.3

4.3 (30)

CAN$30 and under

Grill

Lindsay

About the restaurant

One Eyed Jack is the Pub & Grill to be at! We value unforgettable service, great food and the perfect atmosphere. With over 310 Seats and HD 1080P TV’s placed perfectly for all sporting events, we are the perfect place to turn when you are looking to relax. Come on down and let our staff show you what One Eyed Jack is all about!

Top review

Pat

Dined on Apr 4, 2025

We always have a great time going out to One Eyed Jacks in Lindsay. The food is always great. Service is excellent.

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