Great Eats off the Highway

August 25, 2022
Family toasting at a restaurant looking over a marina

The secret to every great road trip.

What’s the best part of a road trip? On-the-go snacks and new restaurants to discover of course! Northumberland County has great places, not far from the highway, to pick up healthy snacks or decadent sweet treats for the road. We’ve also got you covered if you need a break from the car and want to enjoy dining inside or on an outdoor patio with great atmosphere and friendly locals.

Collection of baked goods on a counter at a café

Eating West to East

 

Port Hope

Starting in Port Hope, stop in to Suntree Natural Foods Marketplace to pick up healthy snacks, homemade breads, and local produce. They have options that work for those with diet restrictions (gluten-free, dairy-free, etc) so everyone can stay energized on the road.

Milly’s Market is a must-visit. You can pick up coffee, snacks, lunch specials and even gelato. Shop the freezers for to-go items you can heat up at the hotel or maybe even at your campsite. Browse the shelves for unique foodie pantry favourites with both local and international flair.

If you’re looking for a patio with a casual atmosphere, in the historic downtown core and – of course – delicious, family-friendly food, check out The Beamish House in Port Hope. Classic pub fare is served in a relaxed environment and there’s an extensive selection of pints on tap. Perfect for the end of a long day. If you are planning on enjoying a few pints, check out our local accommodations as well so you get the full Port Hope experience.

Cobourg

In Cobourg, you’ll want to stop at Brynn’s Fresh Market where you’ll find fresh produce and baked goods including decadent treats and mouth-watering breads. You’ll also luck out with to-go items that change depending on the produce and products that are in season.

Prep Food Co. is a cozy spot for coffee and conversation with friends, with a side of something sweet of course. Lunch options are delicious and feature meals like Poké bowls, Vegetarian Foccacia or sandwiches like Cuban or Jerk pork. The vibe shifts in the evening for gourmet food in an intimate setting. Connected to the café is a small butcher shop and market that sells pre-made foods prepared in house including soups, pastas, chicken meals, dressings and sauces.

Cobourg is well-known for its beach and marina. If you want to stretch your legs, take in the view and park the car for a bit, you can park right by the marina and enjoy a delicious Italian meal at Cucina Urbana. With the only patio in Cobourg that has a full view of the marina, this is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. If you need a little temptation, we’ll just say things like: lobster dip, truffle mushroom arancini, Margherita pizza (or a margherita, hold the pizza), and seafood linguini. Leave room for some New York style cheesecake or house-made tiramisu too. One extra bit of good news? You can walk off all this delicious food with a stroll along the beach afterwards

Grafton

Grafton may be small but it’s mighty, and there’s more food here than you might think. If you go north off Highway 401, you can head to Ste. Anne’s Bakery. At the only certified gluten-free bakery in the area, you’ll find a variety of breads, baked goods (if you’re getting macarons, get some for us too, they’re SO good) and lunch meals. In the warmer months, you can also pick up some gourmet food truck fare at Academy Hill Grill located just outside the bakery. Whatever you choose, you can take advantage of their picnic tables or take your treats with you on your explorations.

Head south off Highway 401 instead and you’ll end up in the village of Grafton where you can stop at The Lass & Ladle. As we write this, we’re thinking about the Montreal Smoked Meat sandwich with a side of fries and now we really need to finish this article and go get one! In the shop you’ll also find sauces, baked goods, soups and other to-go options. They also carry Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream so really, you have no reason not to stop here.

Colborne

A little further down Highway 401 is Colborne. This quaint village has great options for road trip snacks & park-friendly picnics. Alchimista Coffee Bar offers locally roasted coffee and local (see a theme here?) pre-packaged sweet treats. The walls are constantly changing as they change their exhibition of local artist’s work monthly and on Friday and Saturday evenings they’re open late for handcrafted cocktails and mocktails.

Across the street is the Counter on King, located inside Retro Rewind. Soak in the nostalgia as you browse the retro collectibles while your delicious daily lunch special is prepared. Take your fresh sandwich, wrap or baked good over to Victoria Square, just across the street. The park has picnic tables and a lovely gazebo with a great view of the downtown shops. Leave yourself some time to explore the small shops, there are some great hidden treasures here. Another option, if you want a little nature with your meal, is the Cramahe Ecology Garden on Rotary Park Drive. There’s even a playground for the kids. It also comes in handy if the adults want to work off their lunch on the monkey bars.

Of course, we can’t talk about road stops off the 401 without mentioning The Big Apple. You can’t miss it, just look for the big smiling apple. This stop includes a petting zoo, mini-golf course, a giant apple (go inside and climb to the top for a great view), a large candy shop, food truck and, of course, homemade apple pies and other apple treats. There’s even a dog park so your fur baby can get out and stretch their legs too. You can easily spend a couple of hours here.

Brighton

Brighton is a little bit further off the 401 but it’s worth the drive to Tin Roof Dairy Bar to get some Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream. If the troops are really hungry, head just down the road to Vito’s. This is a great stop for gourmet pizza or traditional Greek dishes. Or, if you’re looking for baked treats (did someone say butter tart? Date square?), visit Lola’s on Main Street. So good.

Take the opportunity to stroll downtown Brighton and enjoy quaint shops, unique products and even a bit of green space at the park right downtown. A perfect place to enjoy a picnic or maybe even some live entertainment in the summer time.

Wherever you stop in Northumberland County you can enjoy delicious food, friendly locals and beautiful views. Start the car!

More Places to Eat & Drink

Get a taste of Port Hope

More Places to Eat & Drink

Get a taste of Cobourg

More Places to Eat & Drink

Get a taste of Grafton and area

More Places to Eat & Drink

Get a taste of Colborne and Brighton

More Places to Eat & Drink

Get a taste of Trent Hills

Mouth watering moments

Hamburger and French fries
Fridge filled with premade meals and sauces
Person preparing an espresso
Man standing in front of produce at a small market
Club sandwich and salad on a plate

Recommended Reading

More adventures in Northumberland County

search