Welcome to Paddle & Plate—a tasty tour of the local food scene in the Kenora area! From your favourite local hangouts to hidden gems, hole-in-the-wall spots, food trucks, lakeside patios, and even some surprising places you didn’t even know existed, I’ll fill you in on all the best bites the Kenora area has to offer!
Our adventure begins at a spot in Kenora where the view is as good as the food—The Boathouse Lakeside Grill. My partner and I recently stopped by for lunch, and wow! What a spot!
From the moment you step onto the patio, you know you’re in for a treat. On the day we visited, a couple of guys were playing classic rock tunes on their guitars while enjoying drinks at a table nearby, and it added to the laid-back, fun vibe of sitting in the sun on the patio. The patio itself is hands-down the best in town – built right out over Lake of the Woods, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy a little lakeside magic. Bonus: you can even arrive by boat, with the Matheson Street dock right beside the restaurant!
Service here is always top-notch. The staff are friendly, welcoming, and happy to offer menu suggestions. And the food? Absolutely incredible.
We kicked things off with the wild mushroom flatbread. The mushrooms had the perfect texture—soft but not mushy—and the feta cheese added just the right touch of salt and tang. For mains, my partner went with the lobster roll, which was light, fresh, and packed with flavor. The lemon dill aioli paired beautifully with the lobster, bringing a little citrusy punch to every bite. I had the prime rib sandwich, and it was perfection—tender, perfectly seasoned beef with a smear of sour dijon mustard that cut through the richness of the meat just right. As our sides, we both opted for the garden salad—a surprising highlight (who expects that from a salad?!)—with fresh, crisp vegetables paired with a dressing that packed a wow factor thanks to its beautiful acidity.
If you’re into grabbing drinks, you’re in luck! They have an extensive menu of specialty cocktails, perfect for sipping on the patio while enjoying the view.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch with friends or coworkers, planning a beautiful date night, or just looking for a relaxing weekend lakeside experience, The Boathouse checks all the boxes and then some. Casual atmosphere, fantastic food, killer drinks, and a patio that can’t be beat—what more could you ask for?
