31 Dunlop St E, Barrie
A nice Italian place in Downtown Barrie, the Il Buco Ristorante offers a new appreciation of Italian cuisine. Even though the name means a “hole in the wall”, Il Buco is far from a simple eatery. The master chef creates a menu that looks and tastes great, which is supported by a carefully curated wine list and a pleasant and professional staff.
Fresh local ingredients, a lot of house-made ingredients, and a lot of love and devotion make Il Buco a very pleasant place to spend a romantic dinner with your loved one. Or maybe take the family out for a special occasion dinner, as they cater to larger parties as well as two-seat tables.
Il Buco has a great lunch menu which you can enjoy from Tuesday to Friday, and an even better dinner menu available from Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays. Being a part of the list of the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in Canada for 2017 has made Il Buco a very popular place, so it is only accessible by previous reservation.
The many visitors that have dined at Il Buco have a lot of good things to say, and according to online reviews, very few complaints.
Pros:
- Excellent laid-back, comfortable atmosphere
- Tasteful interior and great menu choices
- Vegetarian and vegan options
- All credit and debit cards accepted
- Friendly and professional staff
Cons:
- Not suitable for kids
- Reservation only, no walk-ins
- Second-floor location
Founded in 2010, Il Buco Ristorante has become a staple in Downtown Barrie. The excellent service has led to many satisfied customers, which later led to Il Buco becoming a part of the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in Canada for 2017 and has also earned an OpenTable Diners’ Choice badge. It is indeed the most popular restaurant in Barrie, a title that is completely deserved.
Located near the banks of the beautiful Lake Simcoe, this restaurant features deep red wine-coloured walls, wooden décor and subtle lighting for a truly intimate atmosphere during dinner. The outside terrace allows al-fresco dining while you enjoy the view of the lake and the cool breeze.
The menu reflects the chef’s inventiveness, skills, and Italian roots. There are authentic house-made pasta dishes, house-made lasagna, fettuccine, meat cooked in wine sauce as well as a variety of house-made dressings, and everything else you can expect in an Italian restaurant. The pleasant aroma of garlic and basil, the antipasto dishes and the bright colours of the fresh Caprese salad will awaken your senses and transport you to Italy, and to top a romantic dinner in Il Buco, you should try the excellent cappuccino or tiramisu.
