My husband and I had dinner here last night for the first time and chose Picnic because of the great reviews. We left super confused and disappointed. Maybe it was an off night but first, the food. We had guac which definitely was not fresh and likely from a jar. Sangria and red wine not good. My husband had the beef tacos which were very bland, I had chicken which had more flavour but the taco shells were served from a cloth bag which were microwaved for sure were soggy when we got to the end. Also tacos is pretty much the only “main” on the menu.
And the service. Our waitress was nice and took our orders but the guy behind the bar came to us (twice) asking to take our drink order and we said thanks but we already ordered then after we ordered food he came and asked if we’d like to order.l our meals. What? I said we already ordered. At the end, he took our plates away and I was still eating. Restaurant service 101. If customer is chewing, leave plate. Then our waitress brought the bill and then literally left. We saw her pack her bag and go. We had to ask the guy behind the bar for the machine to pay. There’s clearly a lack of communication between the staff. We will definitely not be returning.
Kristie Stoodley
Always a great time at this spot. One of my fav's
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Connor Pinkney
Fantastic reataraunt and so glad to see the rebrand to mexician, much needed in Orillia!
Love the build your own tacos, you get 6 tortillas and it fills you up nicely. Most of the other things we tried on the menu were also great!
Only downside is restaraunt is small and often packed!
Would recommend going.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Juliana
If you are looking for a getaway from everyday humdrum restaurants this is your place. The atmosphere transports you to a Mexican cantina and the food is definitely authentic. The servers made us feel like the only diners in the restaurant. We will definitely be back.
Juliana Balogh
It was like a mini vacation in Mexico on one of the coldest nights in Orillia the music and atmosphere were perfect. Followed by fantastic service and even better food, authentic and delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Roger Singh
First time visiting Picnic Cantina since the changeover, and it absolutely did not disappoint. The family of restaurants behind this place continues to impress; there’s truly something for every palate.
We went on Friday with the family and arrived just after 3 PM for their half-price Fish Fridays. The oysters were on point as always, and the tuna tostada was the clear highlight for us, simply outstanding. The slow-cooked beef brisket tacos were next level, easily some of the best we’ve had. Even the kids loved it, which says a lot.
The new cocktail menu is also fantastic and definitely worth checking out. All around, this is another little gem in Orillia.
If you’re in the area, don’t miss it. We’ll definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mel
10/10 no notes ! Wow. Service was great, food was delish. Chicken tacos were perfect to share for two, the street corn was so good and I could eat the guac and chips every day. Can't wait to go back !
Kevin M
My wife and I had an amazing experience at Picnic Cantina in Orillia! From start to finish, everything was top-notch. Our servers, Jason and Taylor, were absolutely fantastic—friendly, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcome. The food was excellent, full of flavour, and beautifully presented. The sangria was especially tasty and the perfect complement to our meal. The atmosphere was great as well—warm, relaxed, and just an all-around enjoyable place to spend an evening. We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lissa
Ambiance was great. The service was outstanding. My only issue was since I watch my sodium, I found my food to be on the salty side. Regardless, will return!
Jackie
Cozy with unique food choices. We were the only ones in the restaurant at 3 pm because of a snow blizzard. The radio or music was loud. We prefer low level, just for ambiance, so our conversation is private and relaxed. The restaurant prefers the energy volume offers, I suppose. We had the delicious ceviche (lots of bay scallops), avocado and walnut salad (bland but nice and crunchy) and the Whole Fish, sea bass, tacos for the main dish. It looked tasty with salsa and avocado, but it was surprisingly bland. The fish was cooked perfectly. I had the Viognier wine which was recommended and it was wonderful. Overall, a nice bistro, friendly staff, well-cooked food with some needing a kick of flavour.
Our server Taylor (?) was fantastic. Food was great and ambience was nice. Nice place for date night.
Christine Brown
Unique spot for nibbles, drinks and atmosphere that allows for good conversation.
Shannon Austrom
Cozy atmosphere with a refined menu. Really enjoyed the tacos, papas, tostadas, and the clamato mocktail!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cooper Clark
First time enjoying Picnic after the change to Cantina. Food and drinks were excellent. As always in the Common Hospitality restaurants the service was above and beyond!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anthony Welch
Revamped menu is a welcome change. Great service makes it a great experience.
My husband and I had dinner here last night for the first time and chose Picnic because of the great reviews. We left super confused and disappointed. Maybe it was an off night but first, the food. We had guac which definitely was not fresh and likely from a jar. Sangria and red wine not good. My husband had the beef tacos which were very bland, I had chicken which had more flavour but the taco shells were served from a cloth bag which were microwaved for sure were soggy when we got to the end. Also tacos is pretty much the only “main” on the menu.
And the service. Our waitress was nice and took our orders but the guy behind the bar came to us (twice) asking to take our drink order and we said thanks but we already ordered then after we ordered food he came and asked if we’d like to order.l our meals. What? I said we already ordered. At the end, he took our plates away and I was still eating. Restaurant service 101. If customer is chewing, leave plate. Then our waitress brought the bill and then literally left. We saw her pack her bag and go. We had to ask the guy behind the bar for the machine to pay. There’s clearly a lack of communication between the staff.
We will definitely not be returning.
Always a great time at this spot. One of my fav's
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic reataraunt and so glad to see the rebrand to mexician, much needed in Orillia!
Love the build your own tacos, you get 6 tortillas and it fills you up nicely. Most of the other things we tried on the menu were also great!
Only downside is restaraunt is small and often packed!
Would recommend going.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you are looking for a getaway from everyday humdrum restaurants this is your place. The atmosphere transports you to a Mexican cantina and the food is definitely authentic. The servers made us feel like the only diners in the restaurant. We will definitely be back.
It was like a mini vacation in Mexico on one of the coldest nights in Orillia the music and atmosphere were perfect. Followed by fantastic service and even better food, authentic and delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time visiting Picnic Cantina since the changeover, and it absolutely did not disappoint. The family of restaurants behind this place continues to impress; there’s truly something for every palate.
We went on Friday with the family and arrived just after 3 PM for their half-price Fish Fridays. The oysters were on point as always, and the tuna tostada was the clear highlight for us, simply outstanding. The slow-cooked beef brisket tacos were next level, easily some of the best we’ve had. Even the kids loved it, which says a lot.
The new cocktail menu is also fantastic and definitely worth checking out. All around, this is another little gem in Orillia.
If you’re in the area, don’t miss it. We’ll definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
10/10 no notes ! Wow. Service was great, food was delish. Chicken tacos were perfect to share for two, the street corn was so good and I could eat the guac and chips every day. Can't wait to go back !
My wife and I had an amazing experience at Picnic Cantina in Orillia! From start to finish, everything was top-notch.
Our servers, Jason and Taylor, were absolutely fantastic—friendly, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcome. The food was excellent, full of flavour, and beautifully presented. The sangria was especially tasty and the perfect complement to our meal.
The atmosphere was great as well—warm, relaxed, and just an all-around enjoyable place to spend an evening. We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ambiance was great. The service was outstanding. My only issue was since I watch my sodium, I found my food to be on the salty side. Regardless, will return!
Cozy with unique food choices. We were the only ones in the restaurant at 3 pm because of a snow blizzard. The radio or music was loud. We prefer low level, just for ambiance, so our conversation is private and relaxed. The restaurant prefers the energy volume offers, I suppose. We had the delicious ceviche (lots of bay scallops), avocado and walnut salad (bland but nice and crunchy) and the Whole Fish, sea bass, tacos for the main dish. It looked tasty with salsa and avocado, but it was surprisingly bland. The fish was cooked perfectly. I had the Viognier wine which was recommended and it was wonderful. Overall, a nice bistro, friendly staff, well-cooked food with some needing a kick of flavour.
Restaurantji Recommends
Our server Taylor (?) was fantastic. Food was great and ambience was nice. Nice place for date night.
Unique spot for nibbles, drinks and atmosphere that allows for good conversation.
Cozy atmosphere with a refined menu. Really enjoyed the tacos, papas, tostadas, and the clamato mocktail!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time enjoying Picnic after the change to Cantina. Food and drinks were excellent. As always in the Common Hospitality restaurants the service was above and beyond!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Revamped menu is a welcome change. Great service makes it a great experience.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
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