With the traditional restaurant, we decided to stick with a conventional meal starting with a…read moreCaesar salad ($13) that's very garlicky - enjoyable for me but could be a lot for others. Topped with fluffy croutons, tender crumbled bacon bits, and Parmesan cheese slivers, it's a simple and classic take on the starter. The prime rib ($44) was surprisingly large for 8oz covered in a well-seasoned crust that was fairly salty, so much so that I wish the restaurant left their gravy (not au jus as the menu describes) on the side. At least there was plenty of horseradish to counteract the saltiness. The buttery mashed potatoes seem to have chunks of the spuds added into the mash giving the side a nice contrast. On the other hand, the asparagus became mush as it's served under the meat, and the Yorkshire pudding was airy but dry. I guess you can't win them all. The Old Station House doesn't take reservations, but fair-weather months offers additional seating along their wrap around porch along with their rustic dining room. Still, I'd recommend visiting early (or much later) to avoid disappointment, especially if you're in the mood for prime rib that's subject to availability.

Food Always Delicious Service is friendly and knowledgeable ambiance is for all everyoneread more

I hate one-star reviews. Panning a place makes me sad. This joint, however, deserves it…read more Husband's family has owned a cottage in Muskoka for darn near 100 years. Everyone has their favorite place to eat on the lakes. Moon River Lookout doesn't make anyone's list (and after our dinner last week, we know why). It's too bad, too, considering the food is actually quite good. Well-prepared, fresh local ingredients, lovely flavors and textures. The chef is clearly not the problem here, tho. The glaring problem is the service, which is deplorable in every sense of the word. It would be easy enough to dismiss our bumbling, sadly trained waiter as a fluke...if not for the fact that the manager on duty the evening we dined here was an example of some of the poorest managing I've ever encountered. If I listed everything that went wrong with the meal -- from the moment our party of six stepped through the door to the minute we high-tailed it out said door -- we'd be here all day, so a telling example: Tried to order wine -- oh, sorry, just sold the last bottle of that wine you asked for to that party I seated 15 minutes after you, but whose drink order I took instantly all the while ignoring you...also, just so you know, wine prices are "several dollars" higher than the ones given on the wine list. Say wha? Who does that? It was one thing like this after another until it really reached the point where we felt like we were almost being discriminated against. Do our faces scream "American"? Does my lack of wrinkles make you think I can't afford you? What gives? All that really matters is that when the manager learned how truly unhappy we were from the waiter, she entirely disappeared. Never came over to talk to us or ask what our concerns were; never came to apologize or offer recourse. Just straight. up. disappeared. Moon River is a place that presents itself as a fine-dining establishment (few and far between in Muskoka) with high priced, albeit delicious, food to boot. But the unjustifiably poor service and treatment we received means we will never be back.

It was a dreary day, so we decided to drive to Bala for dinner. I called ahead and reserved…read more Tiffany, the owner, called back quickly to confirm our reservation. It got better from there on. The restaurant is quaint but nicely decored. It does overlook the water. Tiffany looked after us and was attentive, friendly and very welcoming. The food was exceptional. I had the Shrimp Diablo and it was scrumptious for an appetizer. My main was the prime rib with Yorkshire pudding. Perfectly done and very delicious. My only criticism was the horseradish offered was sweet, not spicy. My wife had the soup and Pickerel and was as pleased as I was with my main. We shared and I agree. The pickerel was delicious. The deserts were plentiful and varied. I speculate they were home made. Very good finish to a great meal. Really a four and half star place for sure. Highly recommend calling ahead and a must place to go and enjoy a meal. The Bala cranberry festival starts in two weeks and is well worth the visit. Finish with a great dinner here. Enjoy.

We had a large party there and it was such a nice location. Unfortunately because there were 14 of…read moreus they made us order a head of time, which I understand stand but still was a little annoying. The cocktails and all the mains were really good. The view is stunning. I would not suggest getting the creme brûlée as it was not the greatest.

I never ever usually give 5 stars ever but after my wonderful dinner at Lakeside last night its…read morereally my only choice. We were invited there by our friend Dorothy and her husband Gord. She is a local Realtor whom we done business with for years. My brother and his wife arrived first and was a bit early and the owner greeted them warmly and as he knew there were 3more of us coming without even being asked he asked a gentleman to move over one seat and brought over a couple of others stools so by the time I arrived I had a great seat at the bar waiting for me. Now for the Bar Tender....once again she was exceedingly warm and friendly and was delighted to tell us about the house drinks. I decided to ask it they had Margueritas as they weren't on the drink menu. She then carefully went over the different types of Tequila I could choose from which included Patron my personal favourite. She then created the best Margarita Ive ever had. My brother and his wife had Gin and Tonics created with the same care and flair as were the Virgin Ceasars ordered by our friends. We then were moved to our table and were warmly welcomed by our charming Kiwi waitress who had a wonderful sense of humour and provided terrific attentive service throughout our meal. Now for the food...I chose the Mulligatawny soup which was delicious and the Prime Rib which came with roast potatoes perfect Yorkshire pudding and a medley of beautifully cooked fresh vegetables which even included parsnips which as a transplanted Brit I thought was a creative touch... even the red wine gravy was spot on. My sister in law had The Blackened Mahi Mahi out friends both had the chicken supreme and my brother the seafood casserole. Each of these dishes was prepared with great care were creatively garnished and had generous portions... none of those tiny haute cuisine portions here.... We left stuffed but not before sampling their creme brulet which was also perfect. While outside after dinner I encountered the kitchen staff and they were equally friendly and interesting and we shared our passion for great food. Both my brother and I share a passion for great food and are no strangers to the kitchen. When guests come to our family cottage they are always delighted with our fare but once in awhile its nice to get away and let someone else do the work. Often Im disappointed when my dinner arrives has skimpy portions and I sit there thinking I could have made it better myself... theres none of that here! At the end of the day it comes down from the top as wise owners appreciate their staff and while setting high standards ensure that each staff member is treated fairly and with respect. It was apparent that each of the staff we met were happy to work there in this warm collegial environment. The final touch was that as I couldn't eat all my main course I asked our server if I could take it to go. Rather than simply drop a takeout container on the table she took it in the back packaged it up and returned it as we were leaving... we were sent off with the same warmth as when we were greeted and left feeling we had made some new friends... we can't wait to go back!....Crisco

Enjoyed two visits to this local landmark restaurant during our stay in Rosseau. It can be…read moredifficult to get a reservation during the busy summer months so you may want to plan ahead. The ambiance is lovely and welcoming with a beautiful patio that features heaters for the cooler evenings. There is also live entertainment on some nights. The summer cocktail selection is impressive and we all enjoyed them to kick off the experience. The menu is quite limited which is not a bad thing for a restaurant focused on quality but I still found it to be a bit too limited. The wine selection is also quite limited. If you love your wines, like I do, I would bring my own and gladly pay the corkage fee. We had a little bit of everything from meats to pasta and fish. We shared for the table so that we each had the opportunity to try everything. There was nothing to complain about but it didn't "wow" us. In speaking with some longtime locals, I think the popularity of this place has meant that they no longer need to go above and beyond to satisfy the local crowd and cottagers who don't mind spending a lot on a nice night out. It was just that - a nice night out.

Service was great, separated shared entrees. Food was pretty good except the fish was whole and…read morebones did not peel off very easily. Fun ambiance

Great lunch on a big travel day! The place was quiet, we enjoyed getting to walk out on the docks…read moreand see the water & boats. Great food and service! Got lots of local tips!

Amazing patio on the second floor with an amazing view onto the Georgian Bay. Very nice waitresses…read more Good food. Big portions. Free parking with the restaurant ticket.

The food is really delicious! I tried the Thai chicken wrap with sweet potato fries and it was so…read moregood. The host too a while to greet us both times we came so it was a bit awkward standing there waiting but other than that i definitely recommend the food.

Our go to when we come to town! Food is amazing and the local beer on tap can't be beat on a hot…read moresummer day

This place was wildly underwhelming. It's in a run down strip mall and the inside matches the…read moreoutside- dusty fake plants, worn past the point of usefulness, and service was as slow as maple syrup. Food was subpar and took over 40 minutes to come to the table (3 other tables of people). A local contractor sat in his booth with his phone on speaker and proceeded to have a very loud conversation with 45 minutes about sump pumps. If you want to overpay for a lukewarm, subpar breakfast, and get a lesson in the trades, this place is for you.

Fantastic find here in Muskoka! We are on a short holiday & really enjoyed our lunch here! You can…read moredefinitely tell it's a local favourite, it was busy! The server was so kind and it was such a cozy atmosphere. Prices were so reasonable (it was $60 for our family of 4) and we left with full tummies and lots of leftovers! Highly recommend!

It pains me to update this. The view here is lovely. Our server seemed very nice. They simply do…read morenot have enough staff to handle the small amount of business that they have. Staff is seasonal and this year's kitchen crew are not delivering. The beet salad was good, probably double the amount of goat cheese as last time and more than needed. The Caesar salad was very large and had strange brown dressing on it that was not great. The salmon was well cooked but had a clumpy glaze on it. Not sure why the rice was so salty. $140 for two appetizer salads and two salmon mains. No drinks or dessert. So not worth it.

Dined here with my family and young kids. Very accommodating. Staff and view were the best. The…read moreJerk Chicken was amazing and fresh. Go to spot!