The Rosseau at Windermere House — Restaurant in District Municipality of Muskoka

I don’t love giving ratings like this, I really wish there was half star option because it was more like 3.5

We greeted upon entering the lobby , they kindly showed us where to check in with the host for our reservations at the restaurant.

My guest (4 of us) stood there for 2 drinks (we watched the bartender make it and saw it served and no one had come to us. I went and asked someone if they could check us in, and they were kind and said to go outside (on the patio) to check in with the host.

We headed outside and she was standing with an ear piece by a barbell and never once made eye contact, she then helped an older gentlemen holding a bottle of wine in a wine cooler and he followed her around, she looked frustrated. Then I saw another guest ask her where it was to check in and she was annoyed that this guest interrupted her as she was speaking to another server about the inconvenience the man with the wine bottle was putting her through. We waited a few more minutes before someone else came and sat us.

They sat us at our table, with a beautiful view and a wobbly table, our server came to us shortly after and he was kind, prompt and informative, he gave great recommendations and let us know it was super busy and that he apologize: for any delays. Communication is key, and I wish we were just acknowledged by the host.

We were recommended : Sake, The campfire margarita Espresso martini Halibut special Salmon sushi Slow cooker shot ribs Frito Miso Bread and butter Ceaser salad White sangria The chicken and corn pure dish

All were good, however: -The halibut was quit dry to an almost chewy texture : but seasoned well -The bread and butter: delicious - this butter and salt could be the reason I return -The chicken dish was delicious, but the pasta with pesto was over worked and hard and overly salty -The short rib and potatoes were delicate and full of flavour -The frito misto was as expected -the ceaser salad was heavy in radicchio : which I was the only who loved it at my table -drinks were good, if you like a very Smokey margarita get this !

Presentation -beautiful

Our server him self was so wonderful, I think his demeanour really set us up to succeed.

The atmosphere, well there was a lawn with Muskoka chair and there could have been music also the fans above us didn’t work and the restrooms could Have used some TLC from maintenance.

We...

Elegance. Inspiring. Creative. This is what awaits you at this restaurant, right on the edge of the Lake Rousseau.

Nestled on the crest of a beautiful hill, you are greeted before the doors of a beautiful building. A relic of the past in modern times, Windermere House holds one of the most esteemed restaurants I've been able to dine in.

It is no understatement to say that there is no place on Earth like here. Where you are greeted like an old friend, treated with the utmost respect, and fed well beyond humanities needs.

The aura of this place holds a captivating position. The music is light, airy, firm; yet modern and groovy. The setting is classic, with a twist that reminds you of surrounding forestry that we dine in. Warm, light, with echoes of here's n there's.

Service could almost be matched by a direct serve from Novak Djokovic. Clean, quick, honest and playful, you'll enjoy your time with any server. An honourable mention to Kepryn, top tier,ask for personally. Will not regret 🫰

One could make at least 7 respectable reviews about the food served, I will try to restrict it to a paragraph (albeit a long one).

There is something here for everyone; if you simply cannot find anything, leave, eat more food in the world, and come back. Thai Mango salad is the entire world of flavour, poured into a dish. From a slight spicy leaf, to tomato with a bite, there is nothing short of taste and decadence in this dish. As a main, I had the Short rib. My god, you wanna eat something so heavy and yet so light ? Try it. Asparagus, grilled. Potatoes, whipped and soft. Beef, tender, and filling. The jus & gremolata along with it is beyond complimentary.

To wrap this short essay of a review up, assuming you made it to the bottom, I'd like to have a few more words.

The Chef that has curated, perfected, and masterly crafted this menu deserves the utmost respect of any who walk into the dining area. The Menu is a work of art, not far from any of Monet or Basquiat. To eat is to live; here they make you think living is to eat. Who knows what this living legacy will craft next ? Dine at The Rousseau and be blessed with more than a full stomach,...

Had dinner July 25th at the inside dining room. Called earlier in the day, no answer to multiple calls to make reservations. I ended up leaving a message for our reservations with a call back number. We called again at 2 hours prior to our arrival ( because we were boating there), finally someone answered and were totally clueless about our reservation and told us they just gave thier last table away at the time we wanted. They asked us to come 30 mins later, which we did however that meant we were boating back late at night.

The Muscles were gritty, the Chivice was mainly mango and not fish ( more of a Tatar than Chivice, horrible). We ordered the halibut special for 57 bucks each. Tiny peices, they compensated with an odd mixture of terrible veggies ... terrible. we asked for desert, which took 20 mins to come for a pre-made brownie pie.

The view is amazing, but seriously, the food and service sucks. Save you time and money and have a much better meal at Sherwood Inn which has a fantastic view and great food. Or better yet, go to any other restaurant in Muskoka and have a better experience. We have been going to Windermere for over 10 years, and by far this is the worst year ever. The new owners need to clean up the place and provide better service and food, or they won't last long. Locals already avoid the place, and long-time cottagers are also not impressed. For $300 bucks for 2, I expect the food to be better than I can cook. So save your money, spend $200 bucks on 2 wagu steaks and you will have a...