Cottage Cravings: The Best Restaurants in Muskoka

The holiday season is upon us, which means a lot of good reasons for celebrations and getting together with loved ones for festive drinks and delicious meals. And where better to celebrate the season than in in one of the many excellent restaurants in Muskoka?

With cottage country transformed into a postcard-perfect winter wonderland thanks to its average of 130 inches of annual snowfall, enjoying a celebratory cocktail at a great Muskoka restaurant tops many people’s lists of unforgettable things to do in Muskoka at Christmas.

Whether you’re staying at a high-end Muskoka resort or enjoying quality time with the family at a luxurious cottage rental, the Muskoka restaurant scene is one of the best in Ontario. Visitors are always pleasantly surprised to learn that the Muskoka region is home to many world-class restaurants, from authentic Italian cuisine to classy dining experiences at some of Canada’s top luxury resorts.

Be sure to read through our guide to the best restaurants in Muskoka…. you’ll find something for everyone’s taste.  

The Best Restaurants in Muskoka

Allora is located in the heart of Huntsville’s historic downtown and specializes in authentic Italian cuisine.  The restaurant is well-known for the freshness and authenticity of their ingredients and dishes. 

When you enter the restaurant, you’ll be met with a modern décor of clean lines embedded with cozy elements such as the distressed leather chairs as well as candles and fresh flowers placed on each table, making the ambiance warm and inviting. 

Allora has a beautiful bar with an inventive cocktails list.  In fact, cocktails here are superb, with favourites including the whiskey blackberry medley, a must-try with its fresh crushed blackberries.  The restaurant also offers seasonal cocktails, perfect for experiencing the flavours of the season. 

 The restaurant’s open kitchen is led by Chef Nick. Also the restaurant’s owner, he and his staff artfully use the wood burning fire to turn out the most delectable pizzas made with ingredients imported straight from Italy.  Chef Nick definitely knows bread, as he comes from a family of bakers, and you will most certainly eat the pizza crust here, as it is delicious.

You’ll also want to leave room for dessert as Allora’s lemon meringue cheesecake is out of this world. So, too, is his Ricciarelli (also known as the Italian wedding cookies).  The flavours and quality of these and other dishes served at Allora are on par with any restaurant in Italy.

 Reservations at what is undoubtedly one of the top restaurants in Huntsville are highly recommended, and the restaurant can be booked for private events. Visit www.alloramuskoka.com for more details. 

Crossroads Restaurant, Rosseau

Crossroads Restaurant is one of the more revered upscale fine-dining establishments in Muskoka. Located in the heart of the region between the beautiful community of Rosseau and only minutes away from the shores of Lake Rosseau, it’s as popular for its food as it is the gorgeous lake views from the large patio.

The restaurant décor is elegant while being warm and welcoming. In the summer months, the patio is adorned with fresh flowers, while in winter the restaurant is lavishly decorated for Christmas, adding some holiday cheer to your evening out.  

 Crossroads serves refined and seasonal cocktail and food menus.  The owners proudly source local ingredients and work with local farmers to offer delicious and sophisticated dishes. During the winter seasons, the restaurant offers a special three course holiday menu as well as holiday takeout options.  The restaurant is also available for private parties and hosts outdoor winter wonderland cocktail parties in their decorated heated outdoor tent, as well as a special New Year’s Eve Dinner. 

Reservations are a must at this very popular Muskoka restaurant. For more details, visit www.crossroadsrosseau.com.

Wabora Restaurant, Bracebridge

Wabora, located in the beautiful town of Bracebridge, is one of the best regarded restaurants in Muskoka, if not all of Ontario. It’s truly a luxury to have such delicious and unique cuisine available in cottage country, especially when one needs a break from grilling on the BBQ.

Wabora offers an extensive menu of sushi and rolls and a large selection of teppanyaki dishes.  The restaurant is great for both a casual lunch or a celebratory dinner with family and friends.

To view the full menu and more details visit www.wabora.ca.

Where to Stay in Muskoka

Looking for somewhere classy to stay while sampling the very best restaurants in Muskoka? Here’s just a handful of our favourite places to stay while you’re enjoying Muskoka’s awesome food scene.

Rent a Cosy Cottage

Muskoka Cottage – This luxurious cottage rental in Muskoka is perfectly positioned to enjoy all of the best Muskoka restaurants. The property is located on beautiful Lake Vernon and only a short drive from downtown Huntsville. Guests can enjoy luxurious amenities at the cottage and the surrounding area while relaxing in the serenity of nature.  Additional information and booking details of this Muskoka cottage can be found at www.muskokacottage.com.

The Top Luxury Muskoka Cottage Rentals – Check out our list of the best luxury cottage rentals in Muskoka for 2023.

Stay at a Luxury Resort in Muskoka

Muskoka has many world-class hotels and resorts to enjoy. Read through our list of the top luxury Muskoka resorts and hotels for great ideas.

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Guest Contributor Yana Yagupolsky is a writer for muskokacottage.com and a lover of travel and design. Muskoka is one of her favourite places in the world, and she is passionate about sharing everything it has to offer with others.