Bucket List: 8 Restaurants Along The Rideau You Need To Try

Summer is made for dining out. As the summer sun reflects off the water in Rideau Canal region, summer vibes flow easy over conversation, sun-kissed skin, drinks and platters shared with friends and loved ones. We rounded up 14 intriguing and delicious restaurants along the Rideau to guide your taste buds.

1. Yellow Canoe

 Find food that soothes the body and soul here and think local at this licensed café and bakery. Soups, desserts and sandwiches are all made from scratch in the teeny kitchen and served in the dining room or patio. Yes, there really is a yellow canoe here! If visiting in the summer, be sure to snag a spot on the garden patio as it overlooks the Merrickville blockhouse and historic locks on the Rideau Canal.

2. The Goose and the Gridiron

This restaurant, pub and patio dates back to 1856 and adapts to any occasion. Enjoy the cozy home setting with friends, or a romantic night out. The Goose and the Gridiron is known for its inviting atmosphere, friendly service and homemade meals.

3. The Cove

Feel right at home at the restaurant with a vintage feel and welcoming ambiance. Superb locally-inspired food keep the kitchen hopping all year through – but it’s in the warmer months, that the waterview patio comes to life surrounded by gardens, shady trees and outdoor live music entertainment. 

4. The Baldachin Inn

Little bit of history with your entrée? Yes, please! Built-in 1860, The Baldachin Inn was once the largest department store between Chicago and Montreal. Now, it’s one of Ontario’s few heritage-designated interiors featuring stained glass, overlooking the Rideau Canal. Look here for daily lunch and dinner specials of European cuisine drawn from the world’s finest traditions.

5. Main Street Restaurant

Specializing in family and patio dining, this restaurant has a brilliant kids menu, full breakfast menu with local maple syrup, and also provides top-notch take out, in addition to its dinner offerings. Try a signature burger here or one of their pizzas with fresh dough made in house!

6. Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery

Find your happy place at Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery. High-quality wine is paired with eating well and celebrating life every day. Wood-fired pizza cooked outside in an oven right before your eyes accompanies mouth-watering steaks on a menu that highlights the vineyard’s elegant wines. Sit in one of the chairs on the hillside and take in the views of the lush vineyard and of tranquil Sand Lake. Stop in for a tasting or stay for dinner and conversation. Your call.

7. Salamanders

You won’t leave hungry at this exciting three-in-one destination overlooking the water in downtown Kemptville. Think fusion Cajun and creole with a Canadian twist! With an elegant ambiance, a pub for a lighter atmosphere, and an outdoor patio accenting the picturesque river setting, Salamanders is a new experience every time.

8. Brigadoon

You know that feeling when you happen upon a memorable place that turns a meal out into a special experience? It’s here at Brigadoon in Oxford Mills.The building has roots dating back to 1853 and was built out of the stone quarried from the local river bed. The intrigue of the history in the former general store and post office marries wonderfully with the delectable dishes that come out of the kitchen here. It’s also a spot for afternoon tea! Be sure to call the day before to take tea, with petite sandwiches, cream puffs, scones and tarts served with your hot tea. Eyeball the bar here, too – it’s made from the old counters used in the one-time store.

With so many delicious options we bet mouths will be watering and taste buds will be tingling all over the Rideau region. Dive into local, homemade food made and get a bit of comfort on your plate!