Nestled on the shores of Lake Erie’s Rondeau Bay, just outside the gates of Rondeau Provincial Park, Dove’s Bayside Bistro is Chatham-Kent’s newest “Destination” Dining experience.

Casual Fine Dining at its best, Dove’s Bayside Bistro uses only fresh locally grown produce while in season.  Owners Dava & Yvon Robichaud and Paul Trudell say they specialize in Steak & Seafood, and everything in between.  Their “Million Dollar” Sunsets are available at no extra charge!    

Dove’s new extensive menu provides something for everyone – includes appetizers such as “Dip This” - an assortment of crisp corn chips to dip in their house made Hummus, Spinach and Cheese Dip and Black Bean Salsa OR Steamed East Coast Mussels in your choice of Tomato or White Wine Cream Sauce.

Light Lunches featuring Dove’s Specialty Rueben Sandwich – piles of shaved corned beef and sauerkraut, topped with melted Swiss and grainy Dijon mustard, loaded on locally baked marble rye – OR Warm Spinach & Mushroom Salad, crisp baby spinach greens topped with fresh strawberries, sugared pecans, feta cheese, button & portabella mushrooms and red onions sautéed in raspberry balsamic reduction.  

“Our 8oz Homemade Burger has been deemed the ‘Best Burger in Canada’ by local author and neighbour Bill Stephen.   

Main Courses include hand cut and gently seasoned New York Strip loins and some of the best Lake Erie Perch and Pickerel in the area. Seafood is an important and delicious part of the menu, and where local fish isn’t an option, Canadian choices are used, as in our Atlantic Salmon and East Coast Mussels and Lobster (when in season). 

There is also a kids menu featuring fresh made to order Mac & Cheese, Pepperoni & Cheese Pizza, and Fish & Chips. 

Wine is also a large part of the dining experience, and local wine has become one of Owner’s Dava & Yvon Robichaud’s passions.  The Wine list boasts some of the Lake Erie North Shore’s finest blends; hand selected, and includes 25 wines from seven of the thirteen local vintners available.  As part of the owners commitment to use and promote local, only wines from this region are showcased on their wine list.  Wines by the glass range from $5.85 for a 5 oz pour of Pelee Island “Chardonnay” or $ 6.85 for Smith & Wilson’s “Chambourcin” to $9.95 for Sanson Estate Winery’s “Bird Dog Red.” 

This past April the Bistro hosted its first “Wine Maker’s Dinner” featuring the wines of
Smith & Wilson Estate Winery.  George & Mary Jane Smith gave a private group of diner’s insight into pairing wines with food.  They also launched their Gold Medal wine “Clearly Red” at this event, which is a featured wine at the Bistro, apart from their list.

“It was difficult enough to limit what was put on our list, I decided to feature the other wines that I have fallen in love with, including some from the wineries that are not showcased on our current list.  I also hope to have a wine makers’ dinner featuring all thirteen wineries,” explains owner Dava Robichaud.  I would also like to feature the breweries that have been very supportive to us since we opened, especially Sleeman, with a Brewer’s Dinner.  With all the beers available, why not learn how to pair beer with food too!” 

The Bistro has also hosted several Murder Mystery Dinner Theatres, Holiday Parties, and most recently, small intimate Wedding Receptions.  Owner Dava Robichaud reports, “I have been told by the parents of both couples who got married this past September, that the reception we provided to help celebrate these special days were second to none!  That is quite a feather in our cap, as these events allow us to step away from our normal every day menu and take our dining experience to another level.  The staff enjoy the experience almost as much as the guests!  We as a team look forward to more!”

Dove’s Bayside Bistro, 11521 Wildwood Line, Rondeau ON, (519-674-3888)  55 seats indoors, 30 on licensed patio (seasonal)  Average check for lunch $ 13.00 and $ 30.00 for dinner.  Summer  hours in effect Mon - Wed, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Thursday (Blues & Bones Rib Night) 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Breakfast served Saturday  from 9-11 & Sunday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Later hours apply if and when entertainment is scheduled for Saturday nights.  During Summer months, Sunday afternoon entertainment is scheduled for the patio from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. (Weather Permitting) See Events page for details.