Copper Kettle Restaurant

One of my favorite restaurants. Fine Czech cuisine with local and seasonal ingredients prepared like art by the nicest couple who love to cook. Funky antique decor.

The owners are semi-retired and only open on demand and generally only on weekends. Reservations are required. Just leave a message and they will call back. Bring cash, they do not accept cards. There is an ATM at the bank in downtown Pakenham. Budget ~$75/ person.

Food is excellent. We had Weiner Schnitzel (of course), Goulash, Smoked pork chop for entree's. Started with a fresh house salad - she sent her husband out to their garden for fresh veggies. There's a short list of good wines and Czech beer. Dessert are seasonal years as well.

For us, we go back every year or 2. Always dependable and excellent. If you're in the Pakenham area, it's worth a visit.

This is a lovely, quirky little Czech restaurant run more as a hobby than a business. Reservations are required: if they don't know they have someone coming, they likely won't be open. Note that they accept cash only, so leave your prestige rewards program credit card at home. It's run with a very personal touch, which may be disconcerting to folks used to the more "professional" style of big city fine restaurants. The beverage list is relatively short, but I'm a fan of Czech beer (among others) and so didn't suffer for it. There are a few wines, but the whole list fits on a small sheet.

"Hobby," in this case, does not mean that anything is amateurish about the food, though. Appetizers, mains, and desserts were excellent, with fresh and good-quality ingredients prepared with skill and presented with understated elegance. The soup of the day with wild mushrooms and potatoes seemed to involve fungi that came from a local field or forest. Smoked salmon was tasty and accompanied with all the right bits. The meat for the mains was well-trimmed and flavorful. Sides were varied and nicely cooked. The tiramisu was delectable, with echoes of palacinka-based desserts I've had at other Eastern European restaurants.

Prices are not cheap, but when all was said and done, I think we did quite well. We didn't leave hungry by any means. We'll be back!

Excellent food from a limited menu allowing for special attention to the items available. Peaceful dining with the right amount of attention provided. A very enjoyable evening all round!

My wife’s family was in town, and we wanted to bring them somewhere special. Mission accomplished ! The appetizers and main courses were all to die for, and the service was extremely warm and friendly :) We will without a doubt be returning to the Copper Kettle !

Amazing food and service! Would highly recommend! A true taste of Europe from a charming family.