The Crusty Baker — Restaurant in North Grenville

We had reservations for Mother's Day breakfast this morning, but they were ill prepared for our arrival. After 5 minutes of waiting at the door, we were finally pointed to our table. I should add we were the first to arrive. We were seated at our table for 6 people when two guys started moving tables around. Our table for 6 became a table for 12. When I asked if it was self serve they said they were busy arranging the tables. It was loud and went on for about 15 minutes. No one greeted us or asked if we even wanted coffee or water. This was fine as it gave me time to look around the filthy restaurant. The tables, chairs, walls and floors where dirty, even the linen on the table and the aprons the guys wore were filthy. I had my mom and my mother-in law out for, what I thought was a special meal, but all of this preparation should have been done before we or anyone arrived. They should have at least swept the floor. Once the tables were finally arranged to their liking, we were directed to another table that was near the washrooms, which was I could smell. By this time a half an hour had elapsed and with it my appetite...at least there. We left to have breakfast at the local diner. We will never go back. I gave 1 star, but only ...

We were looking for a place to meet for lunch and one suggested The Crusty Baker in Kemptville, south of Ottawa, Ontario. Good idea! This place is tiny, but full of good folks, great smells and wonderful food. The menu is on a chalkboard and not memorized because it changes. Soups and sandwiches are unique and served on their house-made breads. We chose the chili, full bodied and flavorful, spiced but not 'hot' and served with it's own loaf of crusty bread. Also, the Italian Job, a sandwich with Genoa sausage, and one other sandwich which used Wilton cheese and ham, both delish! Dessert is the main event here, deep and rich butter tarts in several flavors, echenfunkle (try it for yourself), mincemeat tarts, scones in many flavors (like 'Christmas Tree' with flavors of pine nuts and spruce) cookies, cinnamon pinwheels, and pies sold by the whole pie, either savory or sweet. Check out the freezer - we did and took home a rabbit pot pie and a duck confit pot pie to remember the Crusty Baker by. Thoughtful people, nice service, handicap accessible washroom, and an ever changing stream of customers leaving with bread loaves, pies and sweets. We came late to the feast -...

My girlfriend and I stopped here today thinking about getting a few sweet treats... We ended up leaving with far more than we anticipated! The store itself smells delightful and has a, clean, home-y, rustic vibe. The layout also makes one feel safe and comfortable (in regards to covid).

We ended up purchasing a loaf of ancient grain sour dough (which is dense and delicious, the best sour dough we've ever had). We also bought some tarts, doughnuts, and the star of the show a BATTENBERG CAKE. Ladies and gentlemen, this cake is out of this world, it is sweet, but not overwhelming, it is savoury, and delicate. It s the perfect dessert to have with afternoon tea, or, after dinner, or breakfast, or anytime of day really... It is simply delightful.

Furthermore the woman working the front of the store (not sure if she s the owner) was extremely kind and knowledgeable. She was very patient and helped us find exactly what we were looking for but didn't know we wanted.

We are looking forward to going back to try some fresh sandwiches and some of the frozen dinner pies.

The Crusty Baker is our new go to place. It s...