Finding authentic carbonara or perfect Neapolitan pizza in Orillia can feel like searching for a truffle in the woods—daunting, but oh-so-rewarding when you strike gold. Let this guide be your compass. These seven spots will have you twirling pasta by the lake, chasing the scent of fresh focaccia down the street, and savoring tiramisu long after the sun sets over Lake Couchiching.
Portage by the Lake
$$ | (705) 325-6505 | WEBSITE
With a wine list as extensive as the nearby recreation trail, and a kitchen that serves until 10pm nightly (unlike many spots in Orillia), this hidden gem inside the Best Western is where we go for glasses of superb reds, perfectly cooked steak, and tender osso buco. Start light with the caesar salad–it mixes creamy dressing with fresh croutons–and then move on to their amazing pasta, which puts other Italian spots to shame.
Enjoy it all in their peaceful dining room, which is well-lit without being too bright, or at their spacious tables near the windows overlooking the lake.
Boston Pizza
$$ | (705) 329-0994 | WEBSITE
Boston Pizza is a spacious restaurant in Orillia, and it’s one of our favorites for great pasta and even better chicken parmesan. Everything here is served in generous portions—from the well-loved onion soup with garlic bread and cheese that appears on many tables, to the chicken and mushroom fettuccine in their Tuesday specials. And while you might find pizza and salads on lots of menus, Boston Pizza also offers tougher-to-find comfort like splitting meals and extra bread at no charge.
East Side Mario’s
$$ | (705) 329-2800 | WEBSITE
East Side Mario’s has built a reputation over the years—after all, it’s consistently ranked among Orillia’s best Italian spots. By day, this restaurant shines on its own thanks to its family-friendly atmosphere and reliable lunch deals. But come evening, the lights stay warm, the chatter remains lively, and it turns into a welcoming place for celebrations or casual dinners.
Skip the hesitation and dive into the menu highlights: the garlic parmesan chicken wings are flavorful, the pasta dishes arrive hot and fresh, and you’ll want to save room for whatever dessert special they’re offering. If you’re in a rush, at least trust the fast, friendly service from staff like Robbylee or Taylor, who make even a quick meal feel special.
Rustica Pizza Vino
$$ | (705) 259-6000 | WEBSITE
There are few things that get us out of bed when we’d rather be sleeping: a fire alarm because our apartment neighbor can’t make toast, avoiding a long line at the carwash, and a slice of eggplant ricotta pizza from Rustica Pizza Vino. Bathing in golden dough, each pizza comes packed with flavorful seasoning, vegan garlic aioli, and a vacation vibe that makes every bite enjoyable.
Besides that, their menu is full of staples like Margherita and cacciatore pizzas, pasta dishes, arancini balls, and an unforgettable vegan primavera sprinkled with zucchini fritters.
Pizza Hut
$$ | (705) 327-0111 | WEBSITE
When we discover a pizza joint as reliable as Pizza Hut Orillia, it’s tempting to keep this family-friendly spot all to ourselves. But when this welcoming restaurant on the main strip started serving those fantastic and satisfying pizzas with such great customer service, we knew we had to tell everyone about it (it’s our duty).
Since Pizza Hut Orillia is always ready for hungry families, plan your visit anytime, and make sure to bring your appetite since you’ll almost certainly be ordering seconds.
Bedrock Cafe
$ | (705) 689-8920 | WEBSITE
Some things we’ll never forget: the smell of fresh-baked bread on Sunday mornings, the first snowfall of the season, and that first bite of the Panzerotti from Bedrock Cafe. With its homemade dough stretched thin and filled with rich, slow-simmered sauce, the Panzerotti is crispy, chewy, and perfectly foldable. A fresh-made pizza comes piping hot from the oven—the crust has been baked until golden, making it sturdy enough to hold all the toppings without losing any of the crunch.
It’s Italian comfort food at its best.
Pizza Pizza
$ | (705) 327-1111 | WEBSITE
Similar to its reputation across Ontario, Orillia’s Pizza Pizza delivers exceptional, affordable Italian food in a space that’s cozy enough to pop in with family on any evening. We love the SUPER PAN CRUST, fresh toppings with a delicious balance of flavors, and all the pizzas, which are simple but have great quality and texture. It’s a perfect spot for a casual dinner, especially since the service remains polite and efficient throughout the night.
Come for that tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella that melts perfectly, and an impressive variety of slices that feel like a flavor explosion. There’s probably going to be friendly chatter among the staff, and someone might even randomly start recommending the garlic drizzle that adds a rich, tangy finish. Either way, you’ll be savoring every last bite of that golden crust on your plate.