Cheeky Duck Vineyard - Lakefield, Ontario

Ryan M.

This was our first visit to Cheeky Duck after hearing about the restaurant from friends and following them on Instagram. We booked ourselves for Sunday brunch here. We left full and really happy. The service, food, and atmosphere were on point. The team here is working hard to deliver a great experience. This is a definitely a hidden gem that the area is lucky to have.

We were promptly greeted and sat near a window which offered a nice view of the property. The staff were all very kind and made us feel appreciated, which is a really great touch.

The dining area is cozy; watching the roaming farm life really adds to the experience. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this!

The food was exceptional. We had the brisket hash and French toast, with a side of fried potatoes and hash… phenomenal. Not to mention the special on Sunday is $5 mimosas!

We will be back for dinner.

Jess F.

Cheeky Duck vineyard and restaurant is beyond anything like I've experienced. Pulling onto the property is like a fairytale. Beautiful wholesome property nourished with care---- happy animals grazing and greeting with delight, peaceful serenity awaits inside and outdoors during your dining experience.
The outdoor kitchen gifts tradition at its finest, offering the most delicious of dishes with quality food, farm to table! I find it hard to eat out with all the additives and seed oils, but not at Cheeky Duck! Chas & Josh and their sweet little family bring you an experience in healthy food as equally delicious! Anyone we've recommended here can't wait to go back.🙏🏼

W J. W.

Birthday dinner celebration for 6 for a friend. This place is a gem with fabulous food intimate setting and great staff. Thank you Josh for opening this incredible spot just outside Lakefield Ontario. We will definitely be back. Likely the best dining experience in Peterborough county. 😎

Sarah M.

Run, don’t walk to this new restaurant in Lakefield (just outside of town)! They opened Canada Day weekend and we went tonight - fabulous! Michelin trained chef and it shows. Amazing sharing plates (we found 4 to be the right amount and were quite full), wonderful service and in our opinion, reasonable for the quality of food. Wow. The brisket was like butter and the bark on it was crispy delightfulness. We also had the burrata salad (which comes out with smoke), the smoked trout and a pizzetta (small but delicious pizza). And the setting!!! They have done a beautiful job of the restaurant and patio and we loved that it’s on their farm where they grow many of the things on the menu. We even met the cheeky ducks! Just sensational.😀

We will be back to sit at the bar which is small but lovely, and/or the back patio which is gorgeous.

Don E.

This was our first time visiting the Cheeky Duck for an amazing brunch. I delighted my Palette with the poached eggs and pickerel and my husband decided on the egg and brisket.We loved our meals as the quality of food showed it was chef prepared. Our server was attentive and offered his favourites as read the menu. And the mimosas, just the right touch.
The atmosphere ensured our stay was as warm and comfortable as our own home.
We will be back maybe to enjoy the new outside dome.
Certainly is a destination place.

Frost D.

A beautiful restaurant with a modern country-style patio, against the backdrop of a cute little vineyard. The patio is visually very pleasing.
The indoor restaurant is in a large garage sort of room with a very contemporary flare.
My wife and I didn’t have reservations, but the restauranteur was very kind to make a spot for us in the patio. I highly recommend reserving since it is always quite busy.
The cuisine is designed to be shared and are served on little skillets.
The menu is compact, but it packs a variety.
My personal favourite was the “Fire-Rotisserie Lamb” & the “Wood-Fired Cauliflower”.
The lamb was succulent with bits of chars which were bursting with delicious flavours. The cauliflower was a refreshing accompaniment with subtle yet complex tastes. The “Duck Meatball Skillet” was quite pleasant tasting, with sweet notes complimenting the richness of the duck. The “Truffle Crispy Potatoes” had a very interesting concept and presentation, but it did not work for me. Though the outside of the thinly sliced potatoes shaped together in the form of cuboid were crispy, the middle portion was soggy, and the aioli lacked the flavour of Truffle.
My wife had a glass of rosé and a white, and enjoyed them both. I hope there will be some reds in the future, since quite a few of the items in the menu, in my opinion would be complimented by a full-bodied red.
My two suggestions would be firstly to ensure that the handles of the skillets be placed inwards when they are placed on the wood bark board. Due to my relaxed mannerism, I had accidently touched my forehand on the handle that was sticking out, which resulted in a slight burn and scarring. I was able to cool it off with cold water from the rest room, which was beautifully decorated and equipped with a Toto seat!
Secondly, I would suggest a few more shades in the vineyard side of the patio during mid-afternoon. The sunlight was quite intense.
Overall, I highly recommend this place, and I will be frequenting it.

Kimmy G.

This may be the most gorgeous spot in Ontario. If you are anywhere near lakefield, you must make a stop at Cheeky Duck Vineyard for a 5 star dinner and delicious wine. Not only is the fire roasted cauliflower and pineapple drool worthy, the staff is incredible! The host, James, welcomes everyone with open arms. Leo, the bartender, puts his love into every drink. Chas, the owner, makes you feel at home. Josh, the chef and owner (who by far makes the best brisket in town), is one of a kind. Will definitely be back!

Todd B.

Exceptional meal. The brisket may be the best beef I've ever had. Incredibly friendly staff and great ambiance. I can't recommend this place more!