Crafting a culinary blog offers the delicious benefit of allowing me to venture into unique restaurants in Oshawa. I've passed by Berry Hill Food Co. countless times on my way to the office, and it has always piqued my curiosity. I've heard people sing praises about its unique food and inviting atmosphere - but I wasn't sure what to expect! So, on a snowy March evening, I let my hunger lead me inside.
Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Oshawa, Berry Hill boasts an ideal spot for dining. It is surrounded by local attractions such as the Tribute Communities Centre, the Regent Theatre, Bond|St events, and the Biltmore Theatre, making it a perfect choice for a meal before catching a live show. At first glance, its exterior might not reveal the expansive space within, but once inside, I was pleasantly surprised to find the restaurant buzzing with energy, a contrast to the wintery scene outside.
The concise menu immediately grabbed my attention (A true sign that the restaurant knows its strengths). I started with a local beer, crisp and refreshing. Craving something to warm me up, I opted for the French Onion Soup, which surprised me with its delightful sweetness after each cheesy bite.
As a fan of Calamari, I was eager to try Berry Hill's take on it. Their Honey Sriracha Calamari with Garlic Mayo was a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, cooked to perfection. Dishes with huge potential often miss the mark when they drench their calamari in sauce, masking the slightly sweet and chewy flavour. Berry Hill nailed it; their calamari was lightly seasoned with honey and Sriracha, and honestly, it was one of the best calamari dishes I've ever had!
I wasn't initially going to order the Berry Hill garlic toast (I was trying to say some room for my main course), but after the calamari - I realized that their appetizer game was strong, and I didn't want to miss out! Garlic Parmesan Bread, as it's named on the menu, was served with Tomato Passata and was a revelation, with its intense flavours hitting my palate like a bolt of lightning.
Steak Sandwiches aren't typically my go-to, but the sight (and scent) of one passing by solidified my decision to try it; and I was sure glad I followed my instinct on this because it was incredible! The perfectly cooked steak was complemented by heavenly Chimichurri, mozzarella cheese, aioli, oven-dried tomatoes, and arugula, all nestled in a fresh ciabatta. FYI, the bread was light and worked well with the sandwich! Event the French Fries served alongside were seasoned to perfection!
Sadly, I didn't save room for dessert, but I'm definitely going to need to venture back to try the famous banana bread - oh, and I've heard the brunch is one of the best in town.
Berry Hill Food Co. is located at 82 King St.