“Friends and Family Gather Here,” reads the sign above the door of Linda’s Eating Place and Coffee Shop in Midhurst, which has been in business for more than three decades.
“The atmosphere at Linda’s is easy and comfortable. It will take you back, and it brings you back,” says owner Annette Lymbertos.
Lymbertos, who worked at Linda’s as a server before becoming owner of the business six years ago, describes the place as a cozy country diner and a lively, welcoming, little spot that has room for everybody.
“Our staff are like family, and our customers a part of that. I am passionate about what we are doing, and super proud of the staff I am doing it with,” she says.
Lymbertos tells BarrieToday that Linda’s is for those who love an old-school diner with homemade food, freshly prepared.
“The fresh battered and deep-fried English-style fish and chips, with homemade tartar sauce and coleslaw, is probably the best-kept secret at Linda’s,” she says. “Halibut, haddock, cod, and weekly feature fish are available daily.”
The daily specials at Linda's are always seasonal and at a fair price point, Lymbertos adds. “We have always tried to keep our prices fair and our portions generous.”
Lymbertos also says Linda’s is a celiac-friendly restaurant and strives to provide tasty gluten-free meals.
“We create our own recipes and batters and bake our own gluten-free bread and buns,” she explains.
To a great extent, Lymbertos attributes the longtime success of Linda’s to its devoted patrons.
“We have a really wonderful community and loyal fan base,” she says, remembering how supportive they were in the worst times during COVID-19 lockdowns.
“Many of the businesses around us consistently placed great takeout orders, and many have continued to do so even post-pandemic.”
She remembers that Linda’s regulars played an important role by helping to restore the restaurant’s social space when the restrictions were eased.
“Putting in our pretty little patio definitely helped to generate attention and get people dining out safely, when it was permitted,” she says.
With the start of the warm summer weather, Lymbertos is busy with outdoor arrangements to enable people to keep coming together.
“We have had busy patio days, and the flowers are all starting to come in nicely,” she says.
Linda’s Eating Place and Coffee Shop is at 1027 Bayfield St. N., just outside of Barrie.
More information is available at lindaseatingplace.ca.
