Vacationing in Muskoka is hungry work! Whether you’ve spent the day paddle boarding the lake, hiking Muskoka’s natural waterfalls, or just running around the cottage with kids, it is easy to work up a big Muskoka appetite! From casual dining dockside to finer fare you may want to put shoes on for, where to eat in Muskoka is a fun culinary adventure waiting to happen. And we’ve tried them all, so you don’t have to. Here is Jayne’s Cottages top 8 favourite Muskoka restaurants.
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8. El Pueblito, Bracebridge
The atmosphere of this unique restaurant reminds us of all the things we love about Mexico. El Peublito has a large menu of authentic Mexican cuisine, including many vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Start with a margarita and homemade guacamole and chips before diving into Muskoka’s best burrito. Excellent service and fun events throughout the week keep the atmosphere lively. Celebrate Taco Tuesdays with the family with $4.00 tacos. Learn a new skill and swing by for ballroom dancing at 8:30 on Saturday nights. Reservations at El Pueblito are recommended in the summer as the restaurant fills up.
155 Manitoba St, Bracebridge, ON, +1 705 645 1935, No website
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7. Abbey’s Bakehouse, Minett
Set up in a rustic, re-purposed church on the lakeside, Abbey’s Bakehouse is a not only a great place to grab a pastry, but also a visual and historical wonder. Set in a 19th century church the bakery offers time-tested favorites like butter tarts, cinnamon buns and chocolate chip cookies, it also offers savory breakfasts and sandwiches as well as an excellent collection of teas, coffees and other beverages. Abbey’s Bakehouse is a great way to start your morning, especially if you have a use for the slips it offers for locals to dock their jet skis. It’s also a short walk away from both the JW Marriott and Cleveland’s House Resort.
Abbey’s Bakehouse, Juddhaven Road, Minett, ON, +1 705 765 7603
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6. Loondocks, Port Carling
Loondocks has a spacious waterfront patio overlooking the Indian River, and a chef committed to providing local cuisine with unique flair, making this casual fine-dining venue the perfect place for an evening out. Its eclectic menu offers a unique blend of French, Canadian and Italian items, and a spectacular collection of house-made desserts. Chef and owner Kevin Dynstee suggests the venison tartar, accompanied by wild Muskoka leeks, poached quail egg, prosciutto and taro root. Loondocks also boasts a diverse wine list that offers well-priced bottles from Canada and abroad. Be sure to make a reservation as this restaurant is very popular.
Loondocks, 98 Joseph St, Port Carling, ON +1 705 765 5191
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5. Webers, Orillia
This famed hamburger restaurant on Ontario Highway 11 has attracted visitors to Muskoka since 1963. Part fast-food, part Muskoka institution, Webers is synonymous with Muskoka weekends. Webers grills their burgers over charcoal, with a grill man said to be able to flip up to 800 patties an hour! When you arrive at Webers (a converted trailed), there will be a lineup. But don’t worry! It moves very fast and the restaurant even built a footbridge over the highway to provide access for guests from the southbound side. Come with cash because they don’t take credit cards. The restaurant is open weekends from Thanksgiving until Christmas, but closed from January to March break.
8825 Hwy 11 N, Orillia, ON, +1 705 325 3696
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4. Windermere Pub & Patio
A favourite for locals and guests alike, the Windermere Pub is the place where family and friends come together in a casual Muskoka setting. Housed in the stately Windermere House, a Victorian-style hotel built in 1870, the pub and patio are a 1-minute walk from the marina and Windermere Park. The patio overlooks majestic Lake Rosseau, providing the perfect backdrop to relax, enjoy a wide selection of beverages, and order from the grill menu, sushi menu, or pub menu. Down a short flight of stairs is the pub and its own patio, menu of snacks, entrees, and draught beer. In summer months the atmosphere comes alive with live music every Friday night by the awesome Matt & Dave Band. Sit back and listen, or get up on the floor to dance the night away!
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3. Crossroads Restaurant, Rosseau
As a regular at Crossroads Restaurant, Jayne knows that no trip to Muskoka is complete without a stop at Crossroads overlooking Lake Rosseau. Their philosophy is ‘Pure, Simple and Delicious’, and the seasonal menus reflect the availability of ingredients. This commitment to providing fresh and local food also prompted them to keep customers updated with menu changes and new offers through their e-newsletter. This location is the perfect summer destination to enjoy a refreshing gourmet cocktail or craft beer on the patio while listening to great live music.
Crossroads Restaurant, 2 Cardwell Rd, Rosseau, ON, +1 705 732 4343
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2. Wabora, Bracebridge
Craving sushi after a day in the sun? Me too. Check out Wabora for the best sushi Muskoka has to offer!
Wabora offers a blend of western and eastern dishes, with an extensive Japanese and Korean menu, including steak, bento boxes, sushi rolls and bulgogi. Along with more than 40 rolls on the menu, from the usual California roll to Crispy Crunch, a melange of fresh avocado, cucumber and shrimp tempura, crab meat and spicy salmon, the restaurant boasts seating for 200, and employs more than 25 wait staff (in the winter) and 14 chefs.
The restaurant is fully licensed and offers customers a “fun” experience with its entertaining hibachi tables where the food is prepared and cooked in front of patrons.
The restaurant accepts reservations and is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily except in the winter, when it is closed on Sundays.
292 Wellington St. Unit 17, Bracebridge, ON +1 705-646-9500
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1. Turtle Jack’s, Port Carling
Maybe we like beers on patios by water too much… but we couldn’t help but top this list with Port Carling’s sweetheart, Turtle Jack’s.
Turtle Jack’s premium-casual dining experience started with an idea that was born right off the dock, where people could enjoy the best fresh foods served in a relaxing atmosphere. Turtle Jack’s is right smack in the middle of Port Carling, right on the water with a large patio, cozy indoor seating and a private dining area. Indulge in their flavourful cottage inspired menu, pair your meal with a signature cocktail, or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery with a draught beer or wine for an amazing experience by the lake.
123 Medora St, Port Carling, ON, +1-705-765-1753
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