Mercato & Pizzeria by Pine River Food — Restaurant in Huron-Kinloss

I have no idea what is going on with the 1 star reviews of this place but I have to say. We stopped in here on our way to Owen Sound from Windsor. The other time we had been to Pine River was years and years ago when they made and sold cheese. We were about to drive by on our trip and saw that it was open after hearing that it had closed some time ago. Slammed on the brakes and went back and we are so glad that we did. They were able to capture the same feeling inside as we entered as well - Retaining an entire side for displaying and selling cheeses. They added dining space to the center and have a cool bar on the one side. Taking a moment to realize that it was now a restaurant I absolutely had to try some pizza. I am a huge pizza lover and have tried pizza everywhere I can - especially when we're travelling. Usually I'm disappointed because we tend to have the best pizza places in Windsor with Galati so close and they are hard to top. I ordered some of their pepperoni slices that were already made. They were mind-blowing the cheese really has a unique taste! The staff was amazing - very polite, knowledgeable and were very kind to us and our children. They also made my wife a special gelatto latte and it was also amazing. To the gentleman who took care of us, I apologize, I should've gotten your name. I want to personally congratulate you on such a fantastic job! Easily some of the best pizza I've had, right up there with pizza from Rome itself on a trip....

I don’t even want to give this place one star. And this is the first time ever I have given any restaurant a review as I never complain. I was excited to try the place and my daughter wanted pancakes so off we went for breakfast. The whole Experience was honestly the worst in my LIFE. The waitress was the rudest person. She was irritated by everything … ordered pancakes for my daughter and bacon and eggs for myself. Pancakes were so raw they were wet in the middle. My four year old wouldn’t touch them. My bacon was raw and eggs didn’t even taste like food. We didn’t get any cutlery or napkins I had to ask and when I asked waitress gave a big sigh and rolled eyes in frustration. I asked for second time for daughters orange juice and got told with sarcasm it was in a cooler to get it myself (like how am I supposed to know that). We realized when we got home with my daughters orange juice that it was long expired!! While we were there an elderly man came in and asked about a group coming in sometime for Breakfast. He literally got barked at and was treated so poorly I felt so badly for him. I will never recommend this place...

I really wanted to like it. Been there twice since the reopening. Both were disappointing. I totally get what they are going for with the market feeling. Both times the food was terrible. Cold and tasteless and the service was nonexistent. I thought maybe it was just me but the family sitting next to us at one of the long tables barely touched their food. They took it to go. I watched several groups walk in, look around and walk out. No one approached them. It's a big change from what it used to be. They should have someone greeting people at the front and explaining everything. There was no one taking charge. Talk to the people that are walking out. Find out why. There is such a loyal base of people who have missed Pine River the last few years. We have a saying in our industry. Lead with the food. Hopefully they figure it out over the winter. Nothing would make me happier than to change...