The abundant resources and access to farm produce mean you can eat well in Temiskaming Shores, and I certainly did. Farm to Table dining is a way of life. We had the privilege of being hosted by Vivianne and Roger Chartrand, local ambassadors, entrepreneurs, and chefs extraordinaire. During our tour, we tasted a number of delicious meals including a breakfast buffet (loaded with seasonal fruits, maple-infused bacon, homemade beans, and pastries) and a home cooked lunch featuring tender roast beef with Vivianne’s delicious salads, potatoes au gratin and homemade desserts.
You may not have the opportunity to dine at Vivianne’s table but not to worry; the region offers some stellar eateries where you can eat and shop like a local.
Where to Eat in Temiskaming Shores from Casual to Gourmet:
Café Meteor, Haileybury
This Parisian styled café is located near the marina and offers a delicious array of breakfast sandwiches, gourmet coffees, and French pastries. The décor of Café Meteor Bistro was inspired by the famous steamboat S.S. Meteor which navigated Lake Temiskaming for over 40 years. Historical photos line the walls and along with memorabilia from the ship.
Everything served at this Café is produced and sourced locally. Owners Nicole Guertin and Jocelyn Blais are focused on sourcing all produce locally ensuring that customers are offered only the best of what the region has to offer. Lunch offerings include healthy choices of soups, sandwiches, and salads. For evening fare dinner-to-go is available from their well-stocked fridge.
Roosters Bar and Grill, New Liskeard
A popular spot for locals and visitors alike, situated on the New Liskeard’s waterfront, convenient for lunch, dinner and late-night drinks. Guests staying at the adjoining Waterfront Inn can easily venture over for meals. The menu is quite diverse from a typical pub fare of burgers and chicken wings to full-on meals including pasta, steak, and seafood. Best of all the food is simply delicious and service top-notch. Most summer evenings the patio overlooking “Lake Temiskaming” is full of diners enjoying beautiful lake sunsets.
Ali’s Grill and Bar, New Liskeard
Looking for fine dining and gourmet cuisine, then Ali’s Bar and Grill is your go to destination. It’s been open for just under a year and highly recommended by the locals. On the menu are salads, pasta, fish, fowl and grilled dishes. They have an excellent wine list with a wide selection. Greek salad and firecracker shrimp are excellent starters. Try the fish meal of salmon or trout cooked to order, you won’t be disappointed.
Thornloe Cheese Shop, Thornloe
Cheese lovers rejoice! It’s worth the drive to Thornloe, 23 Kilometres from Temiskaming shores, just to visit the cheese shop. They’ve been using local farmer’s dairy milk to make their curd and cheddars for over 71 years. If you want to create your own cheese board, pick up their blue, aged cheddar and asiago along with a spicy jalapeno cheese.
The Pantry Bulk Food Store and Market Eatery, New Liskeard
The Pantry Bulk Food Store is a specialty grocery store, which includes a Market Eatery where customers can pick up food for taking out. Each day a menu is posted on their Facebook page listing what’s available for lunch. Freshly made gourmet sandwiches, soups, and desserts are available. On Saturdays, they feature mouth watering cinnamon buns.
Learn more about what to see and do in the region:
Read my recent post on Temiskaming Shores: A Hidden Gem in Northeastern Ontario
If you go:
Temiskaming Shores is approximately 5 hours north of Toronto by driving.
If you fly, the closest airport is North Bay’s Jack Garland.
Visit Northern Ontario’s and Temiskaming Shores official website for more information about the region.
