Few of us can afford a trip around the world, but we can experience cultures of other
lands through cuisine. Peterborough’s downtown has more than 60 restaurants and although
it doesn’t have examples of cuisine from every country on the globe, it does provide a
sampling of the ingredients and cooking methods that make dining out memorable.
     Peterborough has not been left behind by recent trends in East Asian cooking. Restaurants
featuring Thai, Himalayan and Indian cuisines have joined traditional Chinese and Japanese
specialties. Residents can order and enjoy sushi and dim sum.
     The Mediterranean has always been a popular dining spot. There are several Italian and
Greek restaurants in town along with European favourites, like Belgian beer-based cuisine
and Spanish tapas. Traditional dishes from the British Isles are also available.
     Moving to North America, fans of Mexican food won’t go unsatisfied, either. Diners can also
enjoy Cajun specialties like blackened catfish or visit the Caribbean for jerk chicken.
     Whether it is high-end or pub grub, there is something for every appetite. Fine restaurants
where chefs combine fresh local ingredients with innovative cooking techniques produce
unique versions of North American cuisine. Local chefs continue to experiment with ways to
use products farmed locally, including emu and buffalo, and vegetables and herbs promoted
by Kawartha Choice, which supports local farmers.
     Downtown Hunter Street is becoming Peterborough’s dining destination. Within two blocks
there are about a dozen restaurants, offering a variety of ethnic and fine dining specialties.
The municipality has expanded the sidewalks in the area to make way for outdoor dining in
summer.
     Peterborough offers a variety of summer patio dining experiences – some beside Jackson
Creek which flows through the downtown, other in tiny back laneways and on rooftops, which
give a unique view of the city from above, summer’s spectacular sunsets, and the weekly
fireworks at Crary Park.
     Peterborough also has a network of pubs and roadhouses for casual dining to meet friends
and enjoy the big game on the big screen – whatever the sport.
     All the popular fast food outlets are here – for burgers and subs, chicken and ribs. Going out
for coffee is a big thing here, judging by number and frequency of coffee chains. And they can
be found in neighbourhoods all around the city.
     If sampling this smorgasbord of international favourites is an incentive to entertaining at
home, Peterborough now has a variety of specialty grocery stores to create something special
for friends. Fresh pasta stores and Asian groceries, Polish delis, specialty seafood counters at
the supermarket, and fresh local produce are the basis for home entertaining.
     Many restaurants offer entertainment, either as background to the meal, or afterwards, to
enjoy with that last drink or late evening coffee. Some feature jazz guitar or classic rock, jazz and
blues or piano selections. Restaurants are using live entertainment to keep customers for
drinks after dinner, rather than hiring musicians to provide background music. People can
choose where to dine at least in part by the entertainment.
     Sitting as it is among the Kawartha Lakes, dining out in Peterborough includes visits to
lakeside patio restaurants in summer, and a swim or a boat ride. In summer, dinner cruises
with live entertainment take passengers up the Otonabee River and the historic Lift Lock or
south to Rice Lake. Dinner boat cruises also explore Stoney Lake north of Peterborough.
     Nearby inns and lodges offer snug cooler weather dining and heartier fare by the fireplace. Winter outdoor enthusiasts can ski, snowmobile or walk along trails to a cozy country retreat or romantic resorts.