Enjoy Canadian cuisine made with fresh, regional ingredients, including prime rib, trout, and vegan options.
Sip on signature cocktails, local wines, and beers in our historic lounge or on the patio.
Host celebrations in our private lower-level room, perfect for parties and corporate events.
Customize meals with gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan choices, prepared with care.
Learn about the 19th-century schoolhouse history through stories and decor during your visit.
Phenomenal food, amazing atmosphere and great service. Our server told us the history of the building (an old school house) and then proceeded to take our order. They made sure to take allergies and preferences into account and were very detailed. Had a pasta dish with grilled tofu! It was super filling! Definitely will go back!
Unfortunately not a good experience at all. The food was very flavourless. Service was disappointing. Buns were falling apart and soaked and mushy at the same time. The staff actually told us they disliked the buns and that they were bad. Took 25+ mins for our can of beer and martini to arrive. Took another 40 minutes for the food to arrive despite there only being 3 other tables with customers. Very disappointing as this restaurant was recommended by a friend to check it out. Unfortunately would never go back. Thankfully the manager gave us 50% off the bill for the 3/4 of the meals we didn't finish. Would have happily spent $95 elsewhere.
Service was 5-star and the restaurant has a great calm vibe. We enjoyed the pre-dinner drinks and the Kale Caesar was fantastic. My only gripe is that the 'Roast Prime Rib' we ordered came out as grilled Ribeye steaks. I’m happy with a steak, but it’s a different experience than a traditional roast, and it felt like a bit of a bait-and-switch since it wasn't mentioned by the server. Overall a good night, but the mains didn't quite live up to the $250 price tag.
I did a little research on the building Borealis Grille and bar is within. I found out that it is a restored 19th-century schoolhouse, which was originally “the Pine Grove schoolhouse” you will find lots of old pictures of the children that attended there so many years ago. It was built in 1889 and is the second-oldest schoolhouse in the region. What a cool piece of history for everyone to enjoy. I would like to give a big warm shout out to one of the very best Waiters I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Luigi! He is fantastic and I absolutely love when he sings traditional Italian songs. A dinner and a show. He really should be famous! I always request to have him be my waiter but of course he is often busy and highly in demand and sought after. he always takes a moment to come and bring his good energy and charms to brighten my day and make me feel special. Thank you Luigi! I hope I will have the honour next time. The atmosphere is nice and a perfect spot to have a Christmas party. It is decorated nicely with florals and a Christmas tree. There is a private room in the lowest level I have not seen myself but have noticed food being delivered down there for parties. The food is sourced local so that is always a good thing. My dining companion ordered the Manitoulin Island seared trout and he really enjoyed. I tried some of his quinoa and it was very tasty. We shared a beef vegetable soup and I had the blackened chicken taco salad. Will definitely be returning and hopefully get Luigi because he is a real hoot!
Delicious food and stellar service! We visited Borealis Grille & Bar in Kitchener today for a belated birthday celebration for our son. The restaurant had a great vibe and atmosphere. We sat inside, but the patio looked nice from the large wall of windows. All of the staff were warm and welcoming, and our server, Luigi, was exceptional! He was very friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable about the menu. He had a good sense of humour and seemed to enjoy interacting with guests, even as the restaurant became busier. The menu offered locally sourced options and a variety of selections, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan choices. We ordered Barrie’s Farm Nachos, Blackened Chicken Taco Salads, and Cheddar Burgers. The prices were reasonable with good portion sizes. The food was delicious, timely, and well-presented and the homemade iced tea was refreshing. Overall, we had a great experience and will visit again when in the area. Thanks again for birthday wishes Luigi! Cheers! Luana :)

Historic charm meets locally sourced cuisine and craft cocktails in a restored 19th-century schoolhouse.
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Borealis Grille & Bar offers a unique dining experience in a beautifully restored 1889 schoolhouse, blending historic ambiance with modern Canadian cuisine. We specialize in locally sourced ingredients, offering a diverse menu with gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. Enjoy our signature cocktails, prime rib, and trout dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for celebrations or casual nights out. Our dedicated staff, including the renowned Luigi, ensures exceptional service and a memorable visit.
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