Ray's 3rd Generation — Restaurant in Caledon

What if I were to tell you that there’s a hidden gem of a restaurant located somewhere inside the province of Ontario that unequivocally offers a dining experience which will shake you to the core and make you thankful for being a sentient, free-living, western-hemisphere dwelling carnivore?

Ray’s Third Generation Bistro is a true revelation to those who have never heard of the name, and a definite re-affirmation for those fortunate enough to savour a worthwhile meal even as the world is falling apart around them. A long time ago, it was simply known as Ray’s Bakery; an unassuming little village eatery started by Gavin & Vera Ray back in 1966 and nestled deep in the heart of Alton (in olde english: Old Town) – a tiny community where Caledon seemingly meets Narnia.

This is where the serenity of the Canadian north can be felt in ways unimaginable. The scenery is gorgeous; babbling brooks and clustered trees align the corners of Main and Queen Street West – that’s where you’ll find salvation. Because Ray’s is really for that someone who’s struggled mightily with a desire to escape civilization and locate a really nice and safe place to eat. A sanctuary that’s not only endured the pandemic, but has emerged as an inspirational force for over five decades in their local community because of it.

As you head inside, you’ll be struck by the rustic interior that combines a delicious homage to retro popular culture fused with gorgeous music from an era where Led Zeppelin ruled and Bob Dylan crooned. The patio outdoors is nearly as impressive as the interior which harbours the faint architectural echoes of a home that was once lovingly converted into something special. At some point, you’ll notice the proprietor of this delve in all his fastidious splendor; once you get past the urbane tattoos and mischievous glint in his eye will you only then realize that owner and head chef Jason Perkins might be the last of the culinary renaissance men still living in the northern hinterland that’s yours to discover.

He’s a veritable one-many army who’s gone the mercurial mile to honour his family legacy with complete diligence and boundless creativity. His smile is infectiously disarming and resonates with a singular appreciation for his customers – it’s a uniquely Canadian genteel warmth; a jovial, heartfelt declaration for each and every patron that walks through his Hobbit-hole of small town, big country hospitality. Every dish he meticulously designs, cooks and prepares can be found on a simple chalkboard that beckons your hunger and fondles your curiosity simultaneously – as if it knows you’ve come from Gondor and need to find a wizard, fast.

First impressions are, for the most part, the whole raison d’être behind owning a restaurant. And that’s where Perkins and his band of merry men and women conspire to offer something as unique as it is forgotten during a virulent pandemic; stellar service, delicious food, and a world class dining experience. Your very first visit to this establishment is likely to leave you stunned that something this splendid existed for so long while you were busy wasting your time with sodium-riddled franchised pretenders and their predictably overpriced and undervalued options. If you don’t impress easily, prepare to be easily impressed.

From their signature Yorkshire Pudding to their outrageously scrumptious Shepherd’s Pie to the decadent Crème Brûlée that’ll leave you wondering if you’ve died and gone to heaven; Ray’s is elegant simplicity and pure consumer value at a time when our basic traditions are being torn apart at the seams and replaced with the mumbo-jumbo of highly mediocre indulgences. Whether you choose to stay for the ambience, drop in for a quick snack, or plan your evening at home with a superb take-out platter; it’s just a matter of time before you’ll realize with total, unbridled confidence that you’ve just stumbled upon Ontario’s best...

I’ve been to this restaurant many times and usually love it here, which makes this visit especially disappointing due to a particular server. This occurred Saturday Aug 16 in the patio for dinner.

I ordered the surf & turf (medium rare) and the steak came out much closer to well done. When our server checked in, my partner mentioned mine looked more cooked than expected. Instead of offering to have it redone or providing any solution, she glanced at it and said it looked medium rare to her. I didn’t realize my meal was up for debate, and I don’t know why she was speaking as if she was the one eating it. Normally a solution is given or something is done to make up for the issue. This is not great customer service.

After that, her attentiveness noticeably dropped: plates sat on the table for a while, no dessert menu was offered, and it felt like she was avoiding us. Later, we noticed another table had the same issue with an overcooked steak — and she offered to have theirs redone. I thought that was very interesting! When my partner pointed out the inconsistency, she doubled down, saying their steak was actually“well done” and that the restaurant has a top chef, instead of simply acknowledging the clear difference in treatment. I’ve never experienced a server overstepping in this way and having questionable“authority”.

It left me questioning if there was some sort of micro aggression bias at play since we don’t fit the common racial demographic of this establishment. Ultimately, the clear difference in treatment compared to the other guests for the same issue was disappointing and uncomfortable.

The food here is amazing and it’s too bad one unprofessional server ruined the experience and made us...

Wow...this place was disappointing for the high rating.

We didn't have a reserve as we were from out of town and were recommended by the staff at Millcroft. We were told we could be squeezed-in as long as we'd be done eating within an hour.

Being one of two places to eat in the area and with my wife's allergy restrictions we chose this place. The steak and mashed potatoes we got were garbage. My wife's well-done steak was medium, we should have just returned it to get it cooked properly but we wanted to stay within the hour timeslot we were given. The steaks were some of the most over-priced bland steaks we have ever had. The mashed-potatoes were highly disappointing as well. I can honestly say there was not on thing we enjoyed consuming. The bread was very floppy, it had the quality of sliced bread even though it looked to be something much better.

By no means the price of the food represented the quality, some price gouging with the monopoly they have in the small town with very limited choices. At least with the Millcroft you have excellent food and service. This is one place we will never return to and will stick with Millcroft every single time. Constantly dealing with the flies as well was a huge turn-off.

Parking was limited but we were able to get a spot and were welcomed by the pleasant smell of garbage coming from their dumpster, this should have been our first indication of what to expect.

Maybe it was the regulars who were quite elderly who give it such a high rating who lack taste buds, but we were very confused as to why this place was so highly rated. Very...