Jack & Stella — Restaurant in District Municipality of Muskoka

This place was absolutely gorgeous. We were completely blown away by the atmosphere. The only thing is that we had gone there specifically to have dessert and coffee. We didn’t realize that they change over to dinner service after 5 and so they are no longer a cafe (this by the way is not very clear on the website unless you read the small print on the menu). The hostess made it sound like there were not desserts at all? Ok no big deal we decided to stick around anyway and have a drink. The waitress brought over the dessert menu and we ordered the cookie. This cookie took a VERY long time to come out. Which wouldn’t have been so noticeable had we been able to have coffee to warm us up as it was a chilli night. When we asked for coffee we were told they can’t serve coffee since they have switched to dinner service and the baristas have gone home? We couldn’t even order a drip coffee or a tea. She did say I could order an espresso martini which I thought was odd. I looked at the menu on the way home and lo and behold they have a couple of coffee options and a tea on the dinner menu. I think some training or education is needed because this place has lots of potential. Would...

This is a cute spot and it feels really homey inside the store and outside on the back patio. However, be expected to break the bank.

The smoothie was delicious and a bit bigger than I would have expected, it also comes in a mason jar you can take away. I can justify the smoothie costing what it does given the size but I am shocked by the prices of everything given the quality and service.

For 3 smoothies, 2 sandwiches and 2 croissants we spent almost $100. While the smoothies taste good and are a bit bigger than smoothies that normally cost at same price of $13, I still think this overpriced for what you get. The pastries are almost $6 each which I think is a lot and the simple blt is $14 which is way too much for what you get. We waited over 30 minutes for the food and smoothies.

I’d really only recommend the smoothie since you can also bring the glass they serve it in back for a discount the next time. Everything else is not worth the wait or the money.

The wait times have always been so long, even when the place is empty. With prices so high you would think that the service would be a bit better...

Jack & Stella is everything you want in a neighbourhood gem: quaint, homey, and instantly welcoming. By day, it's a cozy café; by evening, it transforms into a charming dinner spot, serving Italian-inspired dishes right by the water.

What truly makes this place shine is Heather, the owner, who spreads her magic into every corner. Her warmth gives the entire space a comforting, intimate energy. Then there’s Chef Matt, a Cordon Bleu-trained artisan, whose every dish is a testament to his skill and creativity.

The food is a standout. I began with the whipped feta and arugula salad: light, tangy, herb-kissed, and simply exquisite; perfect for summer. I then dove into the spicy nduja pasta which was creamy and thrillingly balanced. Everything was delicately paired with a Beausoleil rosé (a St. John restaurant pick), and I was blown away.

It’s the kind of meal that hints, even insists, that this chef may be a world-class talent in the making.

If you find yourself near Bala Falls (and trust me, you want to be), do yourself a favour and stop by Jack & Stella. It just might be Muskoka’s best...