The Pine Restaurant in Creemore continues to garner national and international attention taking the 11th spot on Canada’s 100 Best list. The Pine is also listed as the best destination restaurant for 2026.
The Pine’s spokesperson Stephanie O’Brien says it’s a huge honour.
“This list is a really big thing in the culinary world," she said. "It’s the industry standard for restaurant ratings, and it proves The Pine belongs in the company of some really great restaurants.”
This year’s ranking is up from number 19 a year ago and marks their fifth year on the list. The Pine is also sited as one of the 50 best restaurants in all of North America.
The original Pine was a 12-seat space in Collingwood. Owners Cassie and Jeremy Austin moved to a converted garage on County Road 9 at the edge of Creemore just over two years ago, looking for a larger space where chef Jeremy could turn out exquisite creations inspired by his years cooking in Italy, Hong Kong and mainland China. The Pine, Creemore has 22 seats including six at the chef’s table, overlooking the kitchen. Here diners can marvel at the artistry with each course stunningly presented and wait staff moving to and from like a flawlessly choreographed ballet. The Pine, Creemore was awarded a Michelin star in 2024, which was repeated in 2025. Austin will be back at the awards ceremony in September in hopes of extending the star for a third year.
O’Brien says it is amazing for a small town like Creemore to have a restaurant of this calibre. “It’s super flattering when people drive all the way up from Toronto to dine here.”
The Pine has become well known for its 18 to 22 course tasting menu featuring luxurious ingredients, many sourced locally.
The Austins’ latest venture is Lore, a more casual dining experience at 100 Pine St. in Collingwood. O’Brien describes the menu as “seafood focused”, although there are things to appeal to non-seafood lovers as well. Lore is about traditions re-told - old favourites with a new twist, such as a T-bone steak with sea snail butter and Digby scallop nuggets. Lore offers a smaller tasting menu as well as à la carte options, or patrons can sit at the bar to enjoy a beverage and lighter fare. The new restaurant is a bit larger, with 32 seats, and unlike The Pine which has two sittings per evening, there is a bit more flexibility at Lore.
