Blue Willow Tea Shop — Restaurant in District Municipality of Muskoka

We came here for high tea while visiting the area, based on the many positive reviews — unfortunately, we were very disappointed. There were six of us, and the bill came to over $300. The restaurant charges per person, even for an 8-year-old child who didn’t eat any sweets. While that policy is understandable (though a bit unreasonable), what really let us down was the food quality.

The savory options were very limited — the only meat was a tiny piece of bacon inside a mini burger. The desserts tasted like they came from a supermarket in bulk, not freshly made at all.

But the most unacceptable part was the fruit. It was clearly not fresh — visibly dull, with browning edges. When we asked about it, the server insisted that it was “very fresh,” “just bought,” and “just cut,” and even told us that all the other guests were enjoying the food and only we had complaints. Please see the photos — I’ve never seen such “fresh” fruit before.

Taste can be subjective, and we don’t usually comment on service. But food quality — especially freshness — is non-negotiable. Unfortunately, this experience was not worth the price, and we would not return.

Latest review：

I do not accept the explanation about the watermelon not being fresh, because it was very clear that the fruit was not fresh. The pineapple and melon skins were already turning dark, and the strawberries were dry and discolored. These fruits had not even come into contact with any cream, and the photos clearly show their condition.

I didn’t feel any sincerity from the owner in addressing our concerns. I was told that there were 80 guests that day and we were the only ones who complained. However, during the meal, I overheard guests at the next table quietly expressing similar dissatisfaction about the food — they just didn’t bring it up to the staff, perhaps because they were more polite.

Maybe I’m a more particular or even “mean” guest, but after paying this price, I simply cannot accept being served food that is so clearly not fresh.

While I understand that businesses want to defend their reputation, dismissing customer feedback instead of taking it constructively is not the best look. I sincerely hope you take this as a chance to improve,...

I cant even express how disappointed I am in this place. For multiple reasons. I had originally booked for 4 adults, then called back and asked to add 3 more and they said they could not accommodate. Having restrictive seating due to covid 19 I could completely understand. Just my husband and I ended up going, as we could not have the entire group join us. They only have 4 breakfast options on their menu, which is fine. Easy to make a decision on what to eat. However, what my husband ordered, is not what he recieved. My eggs seemed as though they were cooked then possibly microwaved? They were like a rubber sponge....if that makes any sense. We brought this to the attention of our server and he brought over whom I assume was the manager maybe the owner? I'm not sure. She immediately had her back up and before even saying anything to her she looked at my husband and said "that's exactly what you ordered....the only difference is"...and right there proves it was NOT what he ordered. An english muffin breakfast sandwich is NOT opened faced egg on brown toast. I told her my omelette didnt seem right and without even asking to remake, or try to fix anything she took the plate from infront of me and told my husband and I to leave. My husband said I'll take the bill, she said no just get out. At that point we were the ONLY people on the patio, so I'm not sure why the could not accommodate the rest of my family. But I guess it's a good thing! We will never be returning to...

July 3 2019.. Just had breakfast at Blue Willow and I have to say the restaurant has completely went downhill since the new ownership has taking over from Sue. The waitress was so unaware of what the staple items were on the menu ( scones, mini crepes) that she had to go back 3 times to ask, considering the breakfast menu is very small.. Our food took over 45 minutes to come to the table, when it did our waitress didnt know which of the 2 omelette that were order and had to go back to the kitchen to find out. At the time there was only 3 table of guests in the restaurant.. after several bites we found hair in the omlettes.. so disgusting. Spoke to witness and she just removed the plate with little apology.. all the time this was going on the owner was taking calls in the very small dining area with little care to the current guess that were becoming annoyed. They didn't care about our remarks and told us that " they will take our recommendation: into consideration . Sue the previous owner built a tremendous reputation for customer service, great food and atmosphere and in a span of months it's all gone. Trust me if you go in you'll notice the difference in 2 minutes.. What a shame.. if I could give it a ZERO rating I would.. avoid at...