Lakeside Bala Restaurant

Unwelcoming Experience

I recently visited and had an experience that left me feeling quite unwelcomed. From the outset, the atmosphere was off-putting. Before even being allowed to sit, I was asked to review the menu and pricing. This has never happened to me before at any other establishment.

The request to "look at our menu and see if this fits you" felt less like a courteous heads-up and more like profiling. It created an immediate sense of discomfort and made me question if I was somehow not deemed suitable for dining there based on appearance or assumptions about my financial status.

This approach not only felt odd but also extremely unwelcoming. Dining out should be about hospitality and making guests feel valued from the moment they arrive. Unfortunately, missed the mark entirely, turning what should have been a pleasant meal into an unpleasant memory.

I hope this feedback might encourage a reevaluation of their greeting policy to ensure all guests feel respected and welcomed.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 5

We were celebrating our 10th Anniversary in Muskoka Lakes and this restaurant was absolutely perfect for our special dinner. The views were incredible and the food was simply fantastic. Louis went above and beyond to make our experience a very memorable one.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was not cooked all the way and for being a fine dining place the food was not good what so ever , me n my family went today we where rushed and the options were not all as it seems . 100%. Do not recommend and would not go back

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Wonderful place to eat, amazing food and views.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had a reservation for 2 and we wanted to be seated outside but the staff sat us inside. However, there was a nice view. I asked if there’s any spot we can sit outside and the staff said no. Meanwhile the entire time there was a spot available outside for 2. We both realized there was full of white rich people outside and indoors it seemed like people who didn’t look rich were indoors. My husband is Portuguese so he looks tan and I also had ripped jeans on. There was plenty of room outside but it seemed that they choose their audience. The appetizer was crab cake and it was ok but it was $28 for 2 small cakes. We also had beef cheek with this Italian pasta that was bland and no texture of flavour. I could not finish my dish and that cost me $ 38!! The server asked if I was enjoying my meal and I said it was ok. She said just ok?? Never asked if I wanted to replace it with something else or never discounted a meal. We will not go again.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 2

Wir waren dort zu viert und haben einen tollen Abend gehabt. Der Koch aus Deutschland ist sehr nett und hat ohne Probleme ein veganes Gericht für eine Person aus unserer Runde gezaubert. Alle anderen haben Gerichte von der Karte bestellt. Das Essen war hervorragend und absolut lecker. Hier hat alles gepasst. Die Location, das Personal und der tolle Service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Christmas party dinner with Lakewood construction my wife's employer. Great food and drinks. Very nice atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fish

I emailed Lakeside Bala Restaurant about getting a gift card to celebrate my girlfriend's retirement. Cassandra emailed me back promptly and we arranged for her to drop off the gift card to my girlfriend on the day of her retirement. Cassandra went out of her way to accommodate me and she made my girlfriend's day! It was extremely kind and considerate of Cassandra to help me orchestrate this gift. We will be stopping in for a meal the next time we are in the area to repay her generosity of spirit!! Theresa, Ottawa, Ontario

Amazing food. Friendly staff, great atmosphere I’d give them 6 stars if I could ?????

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wow what a beautiful stop. Food, server and restaurant were amazing. View is wonderful. Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wow what a wonderful restaurant we found in Bala. Girls trip to Bala and had dinner here. There was a wicked storm out but Lakeside didn't loose power thank god. The food was amazing and our server was fantastic. Would highly recommend this wonderful place.

When we got to the restaurant and parked in the driveway the owner came and started yelling at us telling we were in the way of the driveway. We told him we just got there to wait for the restaurant and he told us he would not move his car which was parked behind us until 11 unless we payed him 20$. I honestly have never been that disappointed or had anyone that disrespectful to me I would never support a restaurant like that please don’t yourself.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The food is amazing!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Like every business right now they were short on help but that didnt change the quality of food or atmosphere of the resturant The food was delicious and worth the hour drive

Very delicious , excellent service and reasonable price.