Chef Henrie Bistro & Café — Restaurant in District Municipality of Muskoka

We visited Chef Henrie Bistro & Cafe for the first time a few weeks ago. It is a charming restaurant, hidden in a non-descript plaza in MacTier. The restaurant has a fine dining but casual vibe. There is a lovely patio with several large tables as well as indoor dining with white table cloths, a fire place and large windows overlooking the patio.

The staff are very friendly and attentive, especially Chef Henrie’s parents who are eager and proud to share the story of how their son became such an excellent chef.

The first visit for my family was for lunch on a Sunday. We enjoyed traditional European Wiener Schnitzel sandwiches with salad and fried chicken sandwiches with potato wedges. We were warned that the chicken does take a longer time to cook as everything is made from scratch and the chicken is large. When the food arrived, it was a feast for the eyes and stomach. The chicken sandwich was enormous and heavy, it was big enough to share and it came with a generous portion of seasoned, hand made potato wedges. The chicken was juicy inside and the breading was crispy and tasty. The schnitzel sandwich was just as I like it, perfect, traditional breading, thin and tasty as it should be. The salad was a generous portion of spring mix with a delicate creamy dressing accompanied by a small serving of cucumber salad. We enjoyed our lunch so much that we made reservations to visit again for dinner the following weekend.

We decided to bring our friends along for dinner the following weekend and we were able to enjoy their more extensive dinner menu. We wanted to try many dishes so we all ordered different options and we shared. We enjoyed the Wiener schnitzel so much before that we decided to order a dinner portion which was huge! It was bigger than the dinner plate! We also ordered Linguini Bolognese, Eggplant parmigiana, chicken parmigiana, beef stroganoff. Every dish was absolutely delicious and very fresh. The sous chef was not there that day but Chef Henrie managed to get everything out in a reasonable time, without sacrificing any quality. The restaurant was packed with families enjoying a warm, and happy environment. We also ordered desserts: Carrot cake, chocolate cake, Bundt cake, apple strudel, cheese cake and ice cream. We devoured the desserts and they were on the same caliber as the meal. We had so much food that there was plenty to bring home and we all had lunch from the leftovers the next day.

When the bill came, we were surprised by the unusually reasonable prices of everything. This restaurant is a must visit if you’re anywhere near MacTier and it is very close to Port...

When I saw their bi-weekly special of beef goulash ($39) on the menu, I was torn… do I go with the popular schnitzel or order the goulash and risk disappointment again? Luckily, my husband agreed to share.

I find most Torontonian goulash tastes like beef stew with a sprinkle of paprika. Chef Henrie brought me back to Europe. Yes, his recipe contained lots of paprika but the tomatoey sauce also had a rich depth to it that was the perfect pairing for the boiled spaetzle. The tender beef was left in large chunks as was the hearty soft potato. Even the sauerkraut was surprising - served hot, not overly acidic, and had an underlying richness that my husband thinks may be bacon, but I can’t place.

Who would have thought I’d like fried mushrooms ($14)? I certainly didn’t. Then I bit into one of the hot steaming finely breaded fungi, I continued reaching for more of the crispy juicy nuggets. The pickle-filled tartare sauce made it even better. Tip: save this sauce for the goulash, it goes wonderfully with the potatoes.

With several schnitzels on Chef Henrie’s menu, the Hunter schnitzel ($38) was a delicious choice. The thinly pounded pork was covered with finely ground breadcrumbs and fried until crispy but still very moist. The mushroom sauce was not overly salted so it didn’t cover the taste of the meat but was seasoned enough to compliment the fluffy spaetzle.

The schnitzels also arrive with a side salad and their Caesar was citrusy and light. The breadcrumbs were crushed into small pieces so that it mixes into the creamy leaves for texture.

It’s not all meat and potatoes at Chef Henrie, the menu also incorporates dishes for vegetarians like the sage and brown butter gnocchi ($28). It’s a sizeable portion and a nice consistency - pillowy but not overly mushy. If you like a sweet and savoury dish this, is it.

Take your main to go if you must as you have to try their desserts. The apple strudel ($12) is a lighter option with the paper-thin pastry that encapsulates so much apple! The spiced filling contains a mixture of mashed and slices of the fruit for contrast and the whipped cream was the perfect sweetener.

The bienenstich ($12) was a bit richer, a fluffy honey cake sandwiching custard and covered with a caramelized almond and coconut topping. While it looks like a plain vanilla cake, it’s a great mixture of textures...

Chef Henrie Bistro and Café offers a truly authentic Austrian dining experience, and their award-winning schnitzel is an absolute must-try! Camera man Mike, (who travels the world) said it was the best schnitzel he’s ever had! The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a cozy, European-inspired atmosphere that sets the perfect tone for a delicious meal. The décor is warm and welcoming, with a touch of old-world charm that complements the traditional cuisine.

The menu focuses on classic Austrian dishes, and every plate is crafted with precision and care. The schnitzel, their signature dish, is simply outstanding. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it’s clear why this dish has earned awards. Whether you opt for the classic veal or chicken schnitzel, you won’t be disappointed. The portions are generous, and the accompanying sides—enhance the overall flavour profile without overshadowing the star of the show.

The service is impeccable. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share the rich history behind each dish. They provide recommendations that make you feel like you’re getting a true insider experience of Austrian cuisine. The chef’s personal touch in ensuring the quality and authenticity of the food shines through, elevating the entire meal.

In addition to their stellar schnitzel, the menu offers a variety of Austrian favourite, from hearty stroganoff to delicate apple strudel. Each dish is beautifully presented and full of bold, comforting flavors.

Whether you’re a fan of Austrian food or simply looking for a standout meal, Chef Henrie Bistro and Café is the place to be. It’s a culinary treasure that transports you straight to the heart of Austria. Highly recommend! Special thanks to Henrie and France for the...