Best Restaurants in Tobermory (2023)

Summer is the time to enjoy the best restaurants in Tobermory, Ontario, as almost all of them shut down during the winter. Tobermory is a beautiful tourist town that draws thousands of tourists in the summer months, and most restaurants start opening up in May of each year to accommodate that.

Good To Know: Tobermory has two main harbours: Little Tub Harbour and Big Tub Harbour. Most of the restaurants, shops and hotels are located in Little Tub Harbour, which is the main harbour and also known as “Tobermory Harbour.” 

Personally, I specialize in travelling with young kids, so I’ve gotten to know the things to do in Tobermory with young kids, and I’ve also from personal experience, I’ve acquainted myself with the Tobermory restaurants and what options they have: high chairs, kids meals, and options for different dietary restrictions.

With or without kids, I visit Tobermory almost every summer and have tried almost all the restaurants in the area. Whether you’re camping in Tobermory, doing a day trip or staying for a weekend, we’ve got you covered on the best restaurants in Tobermory.

So let’s jump in!

Best Restaurants in Tobermory, Ontario

Here’s everything you need to know 12 best restaurants to eat in Tobermory, including which ones do dine-in, take-out, or have vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and kid’s meal menu options.

1. Pharos (Princess Hotel Restaurant)

Pharos is the restaurant attached to The Princess Hotel, which you can’t miss on the far south side of Little Tub harbour.

Pharos is more of an upscale restaurant in Tobermory that serves Greek-style food; we’ve been there for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also do take-out pizza.

Pharos has a fully shaded outdoor seating area, as well as a comfortable dining area inside with AC. If you make a reservation, specify if you’d like to sit inside or outside and if you’ll need a highchair. 

Pharos opening hours are daily from 10 am to 8 pm.

• ✅Take-out
• ✅Dine-in
• ✅Vegetarian options
• ✅Vegan options
• ✅Gluten-free options 
• ✅Kid’s meals
• ✅High chairs

2. The Crowsnest Pub & Restaurant

The Crowsnest Pub & Restaurant is probably the largest restaurant in Little Tub harbour and one of the best places to eat in Tobermory if you’re looking for a view. They have an interior upstairs and downstairs, and a balcony that overlooks Little Tub harbour. 

Because of their size, Crowsnest has tons of highchairs, so unlike some other local restaurants, you don’t have to worry about whether you’ll get one or not if you’re eating with young ones.

The Crowsnest is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

• ✅Take-out
• ✅Dine-in
• ✅Vegetarian options
• ❌Vegan options
• ❌Gluten-free options 
• ✅Kid’s meals 
• ✅High chairs

3. Shipwreck Lee’s

Shipwreck Lee’s is one of the best restaurants in Tobermory, for its environment and delicious bar-style food. Being a mostly outdoor restaurant, it feels like you’re eating on a real pirate ship! The whole interior, and even the staff are decked out to fit the pirate environment.

Shipwrecks Lees mainly serves fish and chips. On the menu, you’ll also find onion rings, poutines, and burgers. It’s greasy galore, and it’s delicious!

All of the tables are picnic bench style, so it’s hard to position a high chair. Babies would be best seated in their stroller or on a parent’s lap. Older kids will appreciate the decked-out pirate theme and the fact that the staff are all dressed as pirates.

The eating area doesn’t have a real roof, as its partially outdoor. In the evening, because of the position of the sun, some of the tables will be in direct sunlight. You can either sit in the sun, or request a shaded spot. If you request a shaded spot, your wait may be a little longer… but it’s well worth the wait to be able to eat at Shipwreck Lee’s comfortably.

Since Shipwreck Lee’s is a partially outdoor restaurant, they are not able to stay open in the rain. If it is pouring heavily, Shipwreck Lee’s will have to shut down temporarily until the weather improves.

For dinner in the summer, get there early and make a reservation, and walk around while you wait.

Good to know: Shipwreck Lee’s now has TWO locations in Tobermory: one in Little Tub Harbour on 2 Bay street, and the other one at  3 Eliza street.

Shipwreck Lee’s opening hours are open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 9:30 pm.

4 . Coconut Joe’s Harbour Bar & Grill

At Coconut Joe’s Harbour Bar & Grill, you feel like you’re on vacation in the Carribean. You may need to walk a little farther down Little Tub Harbour to get here, but its well worth the treat for a Carribean-style dinner.

Coconut Joe’s doesn’t take reservations; it’s first come first serve, and I often see a line-up for dinner. So, get here earlier than you expect to eat.

Coconut Joe’s is limited in the number of highchairs they have; when we were there (in 2022) there only seemed to be one – and it was in use, so we just had to hold our baby on our lap while we waited. The food was delicious, and you have a nice view of the lake ahead.

There were some creative vegan and vegetarian options, and fruity cocktails. Perfect for the Ontario tropics!

Coconut Joe’s Opening Hours for 2023 are TBA, but we’ll update as we know more.

• ❌Take-out
• ✅Dine-in
• ✅Vegetarian options
• ✅Vegan options
• ✅Gluten-free options
• ✅Kid’s meals
• ✅High chairs

5. Las Chulas

Las Chulas is primarily a take-out restaurant, serving Mexican food. With friendly service and a home-style touch to authentic food, you’ll be glad you tried this hole-in-the-wall joint.

Cristina Sosa, Mexican Chef, uses her family’s secret recipes and fresh locally-sourced ingredients to cook delicious tacos, sandwiches. Las Chulas is one of the few places in Tobermory open for breakfast, and it also serves coffees and smoothies.

Las Chulas does not have an eat-in area, but there is a picnic bench outside for you to enjoy the food there if you want. Most people tend to pick up and bring it back to where you’re staying.

One thing I love about this place (aside from the fact that it has vegan options) is that it’s right across from a playground – perfect if you’re visiting Tobermory with kids! You could grab burritos and snacks, head over to the little playground and have a picnic.

Las Chula’s Opening Hours are Monday through Thursday from 9am – 8 pm, and Friday to Sunday from 8 am to 9 pm. Perfect for an early morning breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

• ✅Take-out
• ❌Dine-in
• ✅Vegetarian options
• ✅Vegan options
• ✅Gluten-free options
• ❌Kid’s meals
• ❌High chairs

6. Peninsula Ice Cream and Treats

It’s hard to resist the soft-serve ice cream on the harbour, especially when it reminds you of a tropical vacation! Peninsula Ice Cream and Treats is right across from the Crowsnest, and at the heart of Little Tub harbour. Perfect for a little treat as you’re going for an evening or afternoon stroll.

Peninsula Ice Cream and treats is family-owned, and serves more than just ice cream: inside you’ll find fudge, candy, slushies and baked goods. Our favourite however, is their soft-serve.

Peninsula Ice Cream and Treats Opening Hours are 12 – 10 pm daily. Perfect for a midday or late-night treat.

• ✅Take-out
• ❌Dine-in
• ✅Vegetarian options
• ✅Vegan options
• ❌Gluten-free options
• ✅Kid’s meals
• ❌High chairs

7. Tobermory Brewing Company

Tobermory Brewing Company is one of the few restaurants in Tobermory  open year-round. 

Serving a selection of craft beers and ‘bar-food’ options, Tobermory Brewing Company has a range of food options, including vegetarian options, too!

Tobermory Brewing Company Opening Hours are Thursday and  Friday 4-9 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 12- 9pm.

• ✅Take-out
• ✅Dine-in
• ✅Vegetarian options
• ❌Vegan options
• ✅Gluten-free options
• ❌Kid’s meals
• ✅High chairs

8. Snack Shack

The Snack Shack is a food truck parked during the summer months at the end of highway 6, just a short walk from Little Tub harbour.

At the Snack Shack, you can find things like burgers, hotdogs and deep-fried pickles, but also some ethnic options like samosas and Jamaican patty.

Snack Shack doesn’t have a website and their opening hours for summer 2023 are TBA. We’ll update as we know more!

• ✅Take-out
• ❌Dine-in
• ✅Vegetarian options
• ✅Vegan options
• ✅Gluten-free options
• ❌Kid’s meals
• ❌High chairs

9. Stella’s Gelato and Cafe

Stella’s Gelato and Cafe is a great place to grab a coffee or sweet treat while you’re walking around Little Tub harbour. 

Stella’s specializes in Italian-style ice cream, sorbets and espresso. They have a range of flavours, and options for different size cones or cups. They also have some café food and lunch items, such as bagels, paninis, muffins and other baked goods.

Stella’s Gelato and Cafe Opening Hours for summer 2023 are TBA, we’ll update as we know more!

• ✅Take-out
• ✅Dine-in
• ✅Vegetarian options
• ✅Vegan options
• ✅Gluten-free options
• ✅Kid’s meals
• ✅High chairs

10. The Hungry Hiker

The Hungry Hiker is a popular food truck on highway 6, just a few minute drive from Little Tub Harbour. Perfect for right after your hike to the grotto or to Little Cove!

• ✅Take-out
• ✅Dine-in
• ✅Vegetarian options
• ❌Vegan options
• ❌Gluten-free options
• ❌Kid’s meals
• ❌High chairs

11.  Tacomory

Drive about 5 minutes south of the Tobermory Harbour, and you’ll find Tacomory, another popular food truck.

Tacomory has delicious options for tacos, nachos and burrito bowls. They have vegan and gluten-free options as well. Save time by ordering online!

Tacomory’s hours are 11 am to 8 pm daily.

• ✅Take-out
• ✅Dine-in
• ✅Vegetarian options
• ✅Vegan options
• ✅Gluten-free options
• ❌Kid’s meals
• ❌High chairs

 12. Beaver Tails

Beaver Tails, located right in Little Tub Harbour, is the perfect place to grab a treat while you’re waiting in line for your cruise!

Since Beaver Tails is a popular chain in Canada, they have the same menu as other locations.

• ✅Take-out
• ❌Dine-in
• ✅Vegetarian options
• ✅Vegan options
• ❌Gluten-free options
• ❌Kid’s meals
• ❌High chairs

13. Pizza Forno

If you have a craving for pizza late in the night when most restaurants in Tobermory are closed, head on over to Tobermory’s only pizza vending machine – Pizza Forno!

Open 24/7, Pizza Forno can dispense a fresh, hot pizza for you in the following flavours: Pepperoni, vegetarian, meat lover’s and Hawaiian.

• ✅Take-out
• ❌Dine-in
• ✅Vegetarian options
• ❌Vegan options
• ❌Gluten-free options
• ❌Kid’s meals
• ❌High chairs

FAQ: Best Restaurants in Tobermory

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about restaurants in Tobermory, and what they serve. Save time and get all your questions answered below!

Where can I eat breakfast in Tobermory?

You can eat breakfast at Pharos for dine-in, or Las Chula’s for take out.

Where are the best fish and chips in Tobermory? 

Shipwreck Lee’s serves the best, most mouth-watering fish and chips in Tobermory

Which restaurants in Tobermory can you eat-in for dinner?

You can dine-in at Pharos, The Crow’s Nest, Coconut Joe’s, Shipwreck Lee’s and Tobermory Brewing Company.

Which restaurants in Tobermory can you get take-out from? 

You can get take out from many places in Tobermory: Las Chulas, Tacomory, The Hungry Hiker, Stella’s Gelato & Cafe, Pharos, The Crowsnest, etc.

Conclusion: 13 Best Restaurants in Tobermory

Tobermory is home to over a dozen good restaurants, many of which are small, family-owned businesses. Whether you’re looking for take-out or dine-in, there are options in this small town for all three meals.

As you can see, food trucks are popular in Tobermory with three different options: Tacomory, Snack Shack and the Hungry Hiker.

Looking for a nice sit-down meal? Your best bet is Pharos at the Princess Hotel.

Having travelled to Tobermory countless times with kids, I can say that all of the restaurants are kid-friendly. They mat not all have kid’s meals or high chairs, but children are welcomed in any of the establishments.

Final Thoughts: Best Restaurants in Tobermory

You shouldn’t have any trouble finding great places to eat in Tobermory in the summer months. We hope you found this guide helpful!