About Us

A true gem on Bala Bay, Lake Muskoka

Full house patio with patrons enjoying their drinks and meals on a summer day with a server pouring drinks | Lakeside Bala Restaurant, Fine Dining in Muskoka and Bala
Outside on the patio with flowers and tables set up | Lakeside Bala Restaurant, Fine Dining in Muskoka and Bala

The Fine Dining Experience

Steak, Seafood & Fresh Pasta

Our culinary focus is on exquisite fine dining, featuring a menu rich with steaks, seafood, and fresh pasta dishes. Start your meal with one of our delectable appetizers and finish with a selection of tempting desserts. Our kitchen is led by Executive Chef Andreas Drechsel, a European-trained Certified Chef de Cuisine with over 40 years of experience. Chef Andreas and his talented team are dedicated to crafting an exceptional dining experience that delights the palate. Our front-of-house team, with its experienced servers and full bar menu, is committed to providing impeccable service, ensuring your visit is nothing short of extraordinary.

Choose from three distinct dining areas: the intimate Cottage Dining Room, the charming Boathouse Dining Room, and a spacious outdoor patio adorned with beautiful flowers, set in a lovely courtyard by the water’s edge.

Explore a Visual Journey through the past of Lakeside Bala

The site of Lakeside Bala is steeped in rich history. Acquired by the Ford family in 2006 with the intent of expanding their marine business, it has since evolved into the fine dining establishment you see today. Many locals may recall this spot as a bustling marina and hardware store. The story dates back to 1919 when McNab and Norris founded their boat works and garage here. They crafted boats through the winters, and a few of those timeless vessels can still be seen gliding through Bala Bay on Lake Muskoka.

Here, we invite you to explore a visual journey through the past—a pictorial history of this location, showcasing its transformation from 2006 to the present day, where Lakeside Bala continues to thrive in 2024 and beyond. Enjoy!

Come enjoy with us. It is worth the drive!

  • "We were totally blown away!"

    "We were totally blown away! The food was incredible and the portions were very generous. The service was also excellent. They treated us to some complimentary appetizers, which was a lovely touch. I hope this place gets the support it deserves! Thanks for a great experience."

    STEFANIE MAKAGON
    GOOGLE REVIEW

  • "Martin and Cassandra are such gracious hosts."

    "My husband and I went for a casual dinner, and we were more than pleased with the amazing flavours of the dishes we ordered. Everything exceeded our expectations. Atmosphere is second to none – the view is the best in Bala for sure. Martin and Cassandra are such gracious hosts – they made our experience memorable. Can’t wait to go back and try other dishes!"

    CHRIS ZAVITZ
    GOOGLE REVIEW

  • "The Chefs made every course truly unique."

    "We had the most amazing 8 course dinner on New Years Eve. The Chefs made every course truly unique with outstanding flavours and presentation. The restaurant and bar staff were equally outstanding to insure that the evening was perfect. Can't wait till next year."

    BRAD BURGESS
    GOOGLE REVIEW

  • "Absolutely exquisite food!"

    "Absolutely exquisite food. When you really want to treat yourself to a culinary delight for dinner – you should go here. You will not be disappointed. We had the beef tenderloin, the seafood linguini, and the sticky pudding for dessert. You won’t find anywhere better."

    JANET STEAD
    GOOGLE REVIEW

  • "Our server was fantastic!"

    "My wife and I along with our daughter and partner had an amazing dinner at lakeside yesterday. Louie, our server, was fantastic, warm and welcoming. The salmon was the best we have ever had, loved the topping and fresh veggies. Will be back soon for dinner and dessert – that you can count on."

    LES COLBECK
    GOOGLE REVIEW

  • "Absolutely amazing place!"

    "An absolutely amazing place with extraordinarily delicious food that went above my expectations – the starters, the soup, and the desert. I highly recommend the sautéed shrimp – it was better than any other place I have been to in the GTA. The dessert was decadent and irresistible. I’ll definitely be going there again and again."

    MANAL SENJAB
    GOOGLE REVIEW

  • "Beautiful dining inside and out."

    "Nice restaurant. Beautiful dining inside and outside next to the lake. We tried the Chicken Parm and Chicken Quesadilla and they were so freshly made – tasty and mouth-watering dishes. Thanks to our server Journey, and amazing Chefs Chrys and Kate."

    SAHIL ANAND
    GOOGLE REVIEW

  • "The staff are attentive and friendly."

    "Good service, nice setting, and very good food. The soup specials tend to be very good and they vary them quite a bit. The shrimp and scallop bake appetizer is scrumptious and the seafood linguini is excellent. The staff are attentive and friendly."

    ROYDYN C
    GOOGLE REVIEW

  • "Very attentive to strict dietary restrictions."

    "Good food, good service and very attentive to strict dietary restrictions for one member of our party. (Called a few days before and spoke with the chef) Portions are on the generous side. Reasonable prices. Lovely patio on the water. We will definitely be dining here again!"

    PAULETTE WADE
    GOOGLE REVIEW

  • "If you haven't stopped in, I recommend it."

    "Lakeside Bala is a real treat in the Muskoka neighbourhood. It fits the bill of being a true restaurant as it does focus on the dining experience. The owners have been relentless in developing an atmosphere that my parents would love for a quiet dinner and so would I to take friends or family to enjoy a good meal with wine. It’s a perfect date night destination among other things."

    GARETH SELTZER
    GOOGLE REVIEW