This 50-year-old rustic Ontario restaurant is hidden deep inside a massive pine forest
Tucked away along a quiet country road in the Ontario town of Aylmer is a restaurant that feels like a serene hidden gem nestled in the forest. Set within a sprawling 54-acre pine forest, it operates out of a log cabin that was built nearly a century ago — 92 years ago to be exact.
The Green Frog Tearoom first opened in 1978, to honour the thirtieth anniversary of Pinecroft Pottery and Giftshop, a family-run pottery business founded by Arthur Caverly.
The restaurant overlooks a pond and offers patio seating for diners to enjoy the scenery and the wildlife that often comes with it. Step inside, and you'll find a quaint tearoom with wooden accents that serves classic comfort food, including homemade breads, buns and fresh, hand-cut fries.
Since it's only open in the afternoon, The Green Frog Tearoom offers a specialty lunch menu featuring hearty dishes like Seafood Crepe, Garden Vegetable Pie, Pinecroft Chilli, Tuna Melt, and more. The restaurant also caters to dietary restrictions, offering gluten-free and vegan options to accommodate a wide range of diners.
Guests shouldn't let the restaurant's off-the-beaten-path location deter them. The eatery has become a popular destination, and visitors often make a whole day of it.
After a comforting meal at The Green Frog Tearoom, one simply can't miss the opportunity to wander through Alymer's forested grounds or browse the on-site gallery. Visitors can also watch live potters working their magic across the pond, or even join in by signing up for a pottery lesson or two.
While it may feel like a hidden gem, word is quickly catching on, and the staff recommends making reservations in advance. It's open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You may come to The Green Frog Tearoom for a simple, home-cooked meal — and you'll get that, just with a side of towering pines and decades of local history.
The Green Frog Tearoom is located at 8122 Rogers Rd. in Aylmer, Ont.
Pinecroft
