Owner Kelli Dingle and Chef Erik Talbot at the Whistling Duck Restaurant in Brighton, Ont. /Sarah Hyatt/MBC
Looking to visit one of the best summer patio restaurants with a waterfront view? If so, you don’t have to look beyond Brighton, according to Destination Ontario.
Destination Ontario – which was established in 1999 and is described as the lead tourism marketing organization for Ontario, Canada online – recently named the Whistling Duck Restaurant among the best in Southern Ontario, citing its stunning picturesque view of Presqu’ile Bay on Lake Ontario from the lovely lakeside back deck patio, and more.
Located at 75 Harbour St., you can make your way to the restaurant by car, boat, bike or foot.
“It’s a total honour – it’s mind-blowing is what it is,” says owner Kelli Dingle, of the recognition, which couldn’t have come at a better time.
It was only at the end of April that the Whistling Duck reopened its doors after a devastating fire that caused a lot of smoke damage last July.
Dingle described a long haul with renovations and the like following the fire – which also followed the COVID-19 pandemic. And so, this feels like a huge win for staff who’ve worked incredibly hard, and who continue to strive to create a casual, enjoyable atmosphere at the waterfront restaurant, says Dingle.
Dingle purchased the restaurant formerly long known as Dougall’s on the Bay back in October 2016.
The restaurant has received awards and nods before. This includes recognition by Cottage Life Magazine for its patio, named one of top 10 must-sees, and during the pandemic, received provincial recognition through the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario for staff going above and beyond when it comes to safety, as well as other accolades through the Quinte area, explains Dingle.
But this latest win means a lot after nine-and-a-half months of rebuilding, says Dingle.
It was through the loyal customers of Brighton that Dingle first heard of the recognition.
As word hopefully spreads, Dingle has shared hopes it may increase traffic and visitors – not just to the restaurant but to the greater community, which Dingle says has supported and cheered on staff for their efforts and resilience all this time.
The support and kindness amongst the business community, through friends and family, and so many others have been a huge inspiration to just keep on, starting with the initial purchase, through the fire and to now, explains Dingle.
The Whistling Duck tries to appeal to all ages with its menu, which changes with the seasons. With new drinks daily, lots of homemade foods, soups and more, all with a local focus, you can check out the casual dining restaurant at 75 Harbour St. and/or learn more online.
The Drake Devonshire Inn on the edge of Lake Ontario in Prince Edward County in Wellington also made the list.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
