Local Eats

Gravenhurst is really starting to come into its own with great food establishments popping up all over town. Our favourite? The Oar… a cute restaurant with an awesome menu that can satisfy every taste. The staff are super accommodating to allergies and the portions are a great size!

DISTANCE: 31 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to ‘The Oar’ in Gravenhurst.

MUST TRY: Lobster Mac & Cheese! If you are into lobster, the portions are generous!

While small, The Pearl is a staple in west Muskoka. Whether dining in, grabbing to go, or shopping pantry essentials, it is worth a visit and the menu is delicious. Open seasonally (summer).

DISTANCE: 29 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to ‘The Pearl’ in Bala.

MUST TRY: The Bomb breakfast sandwich... it really is ‘the bomb’.

This one is popular, so book in advance! Crossroads has an amazing patio paired with an amazing menu. Distinctly European in offerings with efforts to use local ingredients wherever possible. It is pricey, so keep that in mind.

DISTANCE: 66 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to ‘Crossroads’ in Rosseau.

MUST TRY: The Georgian Bay pickerel gives you a great local option!

‘The Rosseau’ is located in the iconic Windermere House, a fabled hotel in the heart of Muskoka. This classic, fine-dining restaurant gives you a sense of long-lost Muskoka summers with a contemporary menu that will satisfy a variety of palates. While Muskoka may not be on your sushi hotspot list, surprisingly the sushi here was top notch and the mussels were delicious!

DISTANCE: 62 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to ‘Windermere House’ in Windermere.

MUST TRY: As above, try the mussels out if that’s your thing. Their sushi, when offered, is exceptional.

There is something quaint and authentic about Tall Trees. It exudes Muskoka warmth while offering a menu that is diverse, global, and flavour forward. This is a popular establishment, for good reason!

DISTANCE: 55 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to ‘Tall Trees’ in Huntsville.

MUST TRY: The Limoncello Cheesecake is the perfect indulgence on a summer day,

This little Italian sandwich outpost is little more than a dockside room that serves up some seriously delicious handhelds. Packed with generous meat, delicious veggies and a house-made focaccia… it is really worth the trip.

DISTANCE: 46 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to ‘La Focaccia’ in Port Carling.

MUST TRY: The ‘Estate’ or ‘Estate Piccante’ are delicious!

If you’re looking for a European-style seafood spot (with other dishes available too), this is a great option right in Huntsville. The menu includes Portuguese chicken, Angus steak and a large, robust seafood offering, so there is something for all tastes. Book in advance!

DISTANCE: 57 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to ‘Portuguese House’ in Huntsville.

MUST TRY: Seafood risotto if that is your jam!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include El Pueblito in this list. Mexican is one of my favourite cuisines and Bracebridge scores big points for El Pueblito’s presence on the scene. We’re talking traditional Mexican here, fish tacos, carne asada, flautas, tostadas, burritos… this will scratch the itch if Mexican is on your mind.

DISTANCE: 39 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to ‘El Pueblito’.

MUST TRY: The chicken or potato flautas are delicious, fresh and generous.

This restaurant is located within the Muskoka Bay Resort which means the cliffside view is beautiful. This establishment is larger and serves a lot of people so the service isn’t overly personal but the food is decent and the location is accessible.

DISTANCE: 36 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to ‘Cliffside’ in Gravenhurst.

MUST TRY: Their seasonal buffets at Thanksgiving, Easter and other holidays are a great way to celebrate.

This is cottage-fare at its core, so it isn’t high-end, presentation-centric food but it is delicious, well-made and hits that comfort-food spot. We’re talking perfect french fries here!

DISTANCE: 50 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to ‘Cast Iron’ in Baysville.

MUST TRY: It’s gotta be the poutine!