Peterborough Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Peterborough

December 24, 2017 Mikaela Didonna

Peterborough (/ˈpiːtərbrə, -bərə, -ˌbʌrə/ ( listen)) is a cathedral city in Cambridgeshire, England, with a population of 183,631 in 2011. Historically part of Northamptonshire, it is 75 miles (121 km) north of London, on the River Nene which flows into the North Sea 30 miles (48 km) to the north-east. The railway station is an important stop on the East Coast Main Line between London and Edinburgh.
Things to do in Peterborough

1. Hot Belly Mama's

380 George St N, Peterborough, Ontario K9H 3R3, Canada Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Takeout American, Bar, Pub, Canadian, Cajun & Creole, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$157 +1 705-745-3544
Excellent
45%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 400 reviews

Hot Belly Mama's

Reviewed By honint123 - Peterborough, Canada

I've eaten here many times. It's good quality Southern-based food and the staff are friendly. It's a little crowded and noisy but the atmosphere is fun. Definitely worth a visit

2. St. Veronus Cafe And Tap Room

129 Hunter St W, Peterborough, Ontario K9H 2K7, Canada Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Belgian, Bar, European, Pub, Canadian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks HK$63 - HK$243 +1 705-743-5714
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 346 reviews

St. Veronus Cafe And Tap Room

Reviewed By sonoharasarah - Peterborough, Canada

What a great beer selection!! So many to try! The food is excellent as well. Good downtown location too.

3. Rare

166 Brock St, Peterborough, Ontario K9H 2P4, Canada Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Steakhouse, Canadian, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner HK$188 - HK$746 +1 705-742-3737
Excellent
69%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 123 reviews

Rare

Reviewed By daisylooHamilton - Hamilton, Ont.

We had the pleasure of dining at Rare this past weekend, and loved every bite.
We had Reservations (a must) and were greeted and seated promptly. Our server was knowledgeable and attentive without being intrusive.
The smoked pork soup was absolutely delicious, with lots of vegetables and shredded smoked pork in a lovely broth. Both my husband and I loved it. It was so flavourful. Our dining companion had the roasted Brussels sprout and beet salad with goat cheese and greens, that was also very delicious.
For two of us, our main course was the strip-loin steak, which was tender and cooked to perfection. The steak comes with a nice selection of fresh vegetables and a choice of potato or risotto. Everything was very good and bursting with flavour.
The third entree was the burger and my husband really enjoyed it.
The portions are a good size and we were all to full for dessert unfortunately.
The restaurant was comfortable, clean and had a nice atmosphere.

4. Riley's Pub

251 George St N, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 3G9, Canada Seating, Street Parking, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Takeout, Reservations, Waitstaff, Accepts Credit Cards American, Bar, Pub, Canadian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$55 - HK$149 +1 705-750-0375
Excellent
33%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 202 reviews

Riley's Pub

Peterborough's finest venue for great food, fun and entertainment Riley's is the place to be in the Kawarthas. Under one roof we have it all; a great pub with lots of nooks and crannies; a comfortable fireplace lounge and a pool hall with lots of tables for the billiards player. We offer up live entertainment 7 days a week. There is no better patio in Peterborough than our roof top hideaway. Our menu is extensive and offers something for everyone. If beer is your passion we have twenty drafts on tap; both domestics and fantastic imports. For the sports fan we offer all the events on on our plentiful flat screens. Catch all the action! Come, Live the Life at Riley's!

Reviewed By littlesttraveller

Riley’s never disappoints... They really do have something for everyone! Between the pool hall, nightclub, pub, and rooftop patio in the summer, it’s always a top choice when we have a night out. The food is always consistent with great quality and large portions. Servers...MoreThank you for your review. We look forward to seeing you again.

5. Soupcon

187 Charlotte St, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 2T7, Canada Takeout, Seating, Outdoor Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available Canadian, Soups, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch HK$24 - HK$71 +1 705-749-5747
Excellent
61%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 79 reviews

Soupcon

Reviewed By Zilvar - Peterborough, Canada

My wife and I were taking our friend out for her 99th birthday, looking for a restaurant that specializes in soups, since she can't eat solid food. Found Soupcon on Tripadvisor and we weren't disappointed. The soups are wholesome fresh and home -like delish. The beer bread is very good and fresh baked. It's not a full service restaurant, no hot drinks, just soups and sandwiches (not sure if salads). It's not fancy, but service is great and very friendly and most importantly, great food!

6. The Magic Rolling Pin

302 King St, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 2S5, Canada Delivery, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Accepts Credit Cards Canadian, Healthy, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch HK$55 - HK$94 +1 705-745-6556
Excellent
67%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 124 reviews

The Magic Rolling Pin

The Magic Rolling Pin is set in a beautiful Victorian style home in the downtown Peterborough area. Our intimate rooms are perfect for that special lunch or "just because" tea and dessert. Our warm atmosphere and friendly faces add to the ambiance of the elegant tea room and delicate decor. Our service staff is focused on delivering a memorable experience sure to be talked about afterwards. Please join us! We look forward to having you. Join us for an elegantly served lunch starting at 10:30 am, including finely crafted entrees, seasonal salads, and divine desserts all enjoyed with your favourite loose-leaf tea. We are also known for our traditional afternoon tea service beginning at 2:30 pm. Catering, take-out and private functions are available.

Reviewed By Kate K

I booked a tea for 4. Cost over $150. Was mediocre at best.
While having our tea, we could hear owner shouting at staff member. Most offputting.
Likely won't return any time soon.

7. Apollo Grill

1840 Lansdowne St W, Peterborough, Ontario K9K 1R5, Canada Takeout, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol American, Diner, Canadian Lunch, Dinner +1 705-775-4745
Excellent
68%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 215 reviews

Apollo Grill

Reviewed By michneill - Peterborough, Canada

If you're looking for a good burger and fries that taste homemade, this is the spot! This is our go-to when we need a take-out fix, and we've never been disappointed.

8. The Food Forest

135 Hunter St W, Peterborough, Ontario K9H 2K7, Canada Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +1 705-874-1888
Excellent
77%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 154 reviews

The Food Forest

We are a brand new cafe located in Peterborough, Ontario. Our menu is 100% plant based; containing no meat, dairy, egg or gluten. We serve fresh organic juices and smoothies at our juice- bar, gourmet salads, soup, delicious desserts, cooked and raw entrees, and whatever else comes into creation in our kitchen. We also have a beautiful selection of teas and organic fair-trade coffee. Our goal is to provide delicious and healthy, common allergen-free foods with as much organic and local produce as possible!

Reviewed By stenoodie - Canada

I really enjoy dining at unique and one-of-a-kind restaurants and The Food Forest definitely lives up to it. Moreover, this restaurant is a vegan restaurant that is completely plant-based and gluten-free.
There were a decent number of customers here in this quaint little cafe. We found our own seats first before wandering over to the hostess at the cashier to ask for a menu. She brought over some water as well and informed us about the specials that day.
There were a lot of choices on their menu and I was so excited to try the food out! They had an expansive variety of smoothies, organic juices, appetizers, fresh salads, bowls and pastas, burgers, and sandwiches. I find vegan food really creative because they use plants to make “meat-like” dishes and items.
K got the Minty Green Chocolate Chip Smoothie. Since my first choice was unavailable, I chose the Banana Island instead. These were available in 16 oz or 32 oz cup sizes. Even when our 16 oz smoothies arrived to the table, they were so big! The smoothies themselves were very chilled and cold so I found myself leaving it on the table to warm up first before finishing it up.
The Banana Island Smoothie was made with homemade creamy coconut mylk, banana, vanilla, and garnished with shredded coconut. The taste was indeed very creamy and smooth. It smelled of banana and coconuts. The sweetness of the banana was evident throughout the drink. The shredded coconut on top of the drink gave some grainy texture when drinking it.
The Minty Green Chocolate Chip Smoothie was also made with homemade creamy coconut mylk and blended with spinach, peppermint essence, banana, and raw cacao nibs. This tasted strongly of peppermint and the raw cacao nibs were a little minty too. It was slightly sweet and the spinach gave the smoothie a beautiful green colour.
The Living Taco that I ordered consisted of two dehydrated red pepper and sweet corn wraps stuffed with chili walnut ground, fresh tomato corn salsa, green onions, mixed greens, and was drizzled with their “cashew sour kream”. It was plated with a side of alfalfa sprouts and a slice of lime.
Mmm, another beautiful thing about vegan thing is that it always looks dazzling and colourful. The rich textures and colours of this living taco just jumped out at me. I was so excited to grab it to eat away.
I wasn’t disappointed at all with this popular item. The dehydrated red pepper and sweet corn wraps went so well with the stuffing. Everything was so fresh from the corn salsa to the mixed greens to the chili walnut ground (which was a really unique and creative way to add protein to the taco I must say). I loved this! It tasted so refreshing and delicious at the same time.
The BBQ Black Bean and Chickpea Burger used a house recipe, a hand pressed black bean and chickpea veggie patty with savory roasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds, parsley, carrot, and caramelized onions with hints of smoked paprika and oregano. It was served on a toasted gluten-free bun and topped with vegan mayo, onions, baby greens, tomato, and alfalfa sprouts with a choice of regular or spicy homemade BBQ sauce (K picked the regular BBQ sauce). It was served with a side of kettle cooked potato chips. Wow! Even their description is a mouth full.
This was another beautiful invention of a veggie burger. I haven’t had many veggie burgers in my lifetime but this one was great! It was a very saucy BBQ burger (the extra napkins from the server were appreciated) and the veggie patty was great.
We took our time to finish up our smoothies before we went about on our day. What a wonderful vegan, plant-based gluten-free cafe this was! (They also have vegan desserts too.)

9. Ashburnham Ale House

128 Hunter St E, Peterborough, Ontario K9H 1G6, Canada Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Bar, Pub, Canadian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night 705-874-0333
Excellent
50%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 398 reviews

Ashburnham Ale House

Reviewed By SandandSouthSeas - Brantford, Canada

Good open space, didn't feel we were sharing our table. Good bar area. Liked the rustic simple wooden décor. Washrooms clean and accessible. Reservations suggested. Food was delicious, served in a timely manner and still hot from the kitchen. Staff were helpful and friendly. Greek burger, if you like lamb was delicious served with fresh cut fries. Rib eye beef pot pie (not what they called it) and thin crust pizza was really good too. Calamari yummy and also the cheese dip appie. Dinner with family so we sampled. Definitely a return to restaurant.

10. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar Peterborough

820 High St | At Lansdowne Street West, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 0G8, Canada Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations American, Steakhouse, Canadian, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night +1 705-874-8200
Excellent
48%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 231 reviews

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar Peterborough

Reviewed By Krissarb - Toronto, Canada

Never disappointed at the Keg and this time was no different. Reservations made and seated on time. Excellent attention paid to a food allergy in our group. Prime rib is our go to meal, done to perfection Great place to celebrate a birthday or anniversary.

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