A Taste of Muskoka: Craft Beers and Lakeside Dining Take Center Stage

With summer festivals and local brews gaining traction, Muskoka’s culinary scene is proving that fine dining can thrive even in cottage country.

October 21, 2025 21:25

By Noah Sinclair

Muskoka, Ontario’s iconic cottage country, is fast becoming a culinary destination. Once known primarily for its pristine lakes and pine-scented air, the region now draws visitors seeking not only serenity but exceptional local dining. At the heart of this transformation lies a booming craft beer movement and a growing collection of waterfront restaurants that celebrate Muskoka’s laid-back charm.

From Gravenhurst to Huntsville, independent brewers are crafting beers that capture the essence of the north. Muskoka Brewery’s golden ale, with hints of citrus and pine, has become synonymous with summer weekends by the dock. “Our goal has always been to brew something that tastes like Muskoka feels — crisp, fresh, and a little wild,” says head brewer Jamie Collins.

These local flavors have found their way into the kitchens of the region’s top chefs. At The Dockside Table in Bracebridge, Chef Aiden Moore uses beer reductions in his marinades and desserts, pairing each dish with locally sourced produce. “The beer scene has pushed us to think differently,” he explains. “We want guests to taste Muskoka, not just see it.”

The culinary shift has also given rise to a new kind of tourism. Food trails now guide visitors through farm stands, breweries, and pop-up dining events hosted along the lakeshore. Weekend festivals, like the Muskoka Beer & Bites Showcase, attract both locals and travelers eager to experience the region’s growing food identity.

Beyond the trends, what makes Muskoka’s dining scene special is its connection to place. Many restaurants operate seasonally, drawing inspiration from what’s available — fresh trout, local honey, and wild blueberries. It’s a menu dictated not by trends but by the rhythm of the land and the lake.

Visitors say the appeal lies in the simplicity. “You can sit by the water with a cold beer, good food, and the sound of loons in the background — it’s perfect,” says Toronto visitor Melissa Hart. For her, and many others, Muskoka dining isn’t just about what’s on the plate, but the feeling of belonging to the landscape itself.