The Creative Plate Eatery

Phenomenal and healthy, «clean» food, gorgeous views (via patio), polite and attentive staff, great drink selection. Also, the servers pay attention to all modifications without attitude (I’m mostly gluten-​free and vegan). This is a must in this area for meat lovers, vegans, and picky eaters looking for really delicious food. It is worth the slightly higher prices compared to all the mediocre fare nearby. Everything about The Creative Plate Eatery is positive.

We were a little concerned when we arrived on Easter Sunday. With only a couple of vehicles in the parking lot we almost didn’t go in. We decided to take a chance and were pleasantly surprised. Our server greeted us with a warm welcome and gave us a table by the window. She offered 4 different entrée specials and they all sounded amazing. We started with pulled pork egg rolls to share. They were great. For dinner my partner had rainbow trout with a kale chip coating, wild rice and seasonal vegetables. One end of the trout was a little dry hence 4 stars only. Mashed potatoes were included and while they were tasty, they didn’t fit well with the rice. I had the cranberry turkey burger with sweet potato fries. It was delicious. Both meals were large and served quickly. The server was excellent. My partner described the décor as «a funky eclectic cottage». The outdoor patio should be wonderful in the summer.

Made a reservation for 7 pm. Told to arrive 15’minutes early. Arrive and no table, not sure how long. Terribly managed. Lots of people running around. No bussers.

I have come here twice now and each time the food has been fabulous! My dad had the plain burger and fries and my mom and I each had the chicken Caesar salad. We asked for no croutons which they gladly obliged and also inquired about an appetizer asking if it was breaded with white flour. The waitress asked the chef who unfortunately stated it did — but there was never a bat of an eye as to why we were asking or a look of disgust. The waitress was awesome and took every question to the kitchen just to be sure! Wow! Now that’s attention! As well, when our food arrived it was presented perfectly. I personally thought of it as we definitely have a true and talented chef who prepares and values each and every dish. The Parmesan cheese was delicately placed on top of our salad and the Caesar dressing was decadent! Later re-​reading that it was made on site and had anchovies in it! That really made it pop! The dressing appeared to be placed on the dish before the salad as well as mixed in with the salad as well — but not making it mushy — just the exact amount!
I had to video tape my dad as he is never full — but he couldn’t finish all his fries once he downed the burger! The burger was a perfect size. Not a wimpy’ burger by any means but also not a Macdonalds regular hamburger either. It fit well on the bun and was just the right thickness. There were all sorts of toppings he could have had on it but specified just cheese and tomato and voila. That’s what came to the table!
I cannot say enough about the food and the service at The Eatery! And have recommended it to friends who have cottages in Bala and Gravenhurst — as THE place to go. All this, a nice view of the marina and an extensive bar list to suit everyone at your table!
Again, our absolute compliments to the chef and waitress. Well done! … And we will definitely be back! :-)

Had a great lunch! Tried the pumpkin hummus, gnocchi, wings, Caesar salad, and crabcakes. The Caesar (drink) was good as well, and had smoked paprika in it or something. Service was friendly and efficient.

The experience was superb. We arrived for a late lunch on a Sunday and were greeted with a friendly hostess/​server. The restaurant was very cozy with room for about 30 people.
The menu was a good mix of North American fare and so we had a lot of good options. My wife ordered the chicken bruschetta sandwich with a side house salad. She loved it and kept saying how fresh and tasty everything was. I ordered their burger of the day which was the mushroom & Swiss burger and got the poutine upgrade. The burger was cooked perfectly with fresh ingredients. The poutine was fantastic. The gravy was really flavorful (not sure what was in the gravy) and they finished it off with some chopped scallions.
Great experience and the live music topped it off.

We ate dinner there last night. I asked the waitress what she would recommend and she said the gnocchi. I didn’t read the menu to see that it is fried balls of yuck soaked and served in tons of butter with a few veggies and bread! When our meals arrived I was chatting and turned to my friend and said what did I order? It was unrecognizable. It took me 3 tries to get the waitresses attention until I had to follow her inside to say the dish was in no way what I expected. She said no problem we will change it. I ordered something else. She then came out and said the chef said we would have to pay for the cost of the meal because it was in the menu «the pasta was fried.» I was shocked and said ok I will pick the veggies out. By the end. .my friend had a hamburger that she said was mediocre at best but the sweet potato fries were good… I was feeling nauseous. When we paid and complained about it to the waiter he said «oh yeah, someone else tonight didn’t like it» By the time I got to the car, I fortunately found some enzymes and went back to ask for some water to take them but dispite the restaurant being packed with people they locked the door and turned off the open sign so I couldn’t get in… something out of a horror movie. Cavet emptor. .buyer beware with this place… I still feel completely sick 10 hours later from what little I ate of the dish. Definitely
telling my friends and family to stay away. I know there are not many options in the area but give this place a miss if you can. Clearly they were not interested in bad reviews just making profit from a customer.

First time here and the reviews don’t lie, the atmosphere is cozy and the burgers are out of this world. Lots of outside seating and inside is very warm and welcoming

Enjoyed a nice Saturday dinner with my mother-​in-​law complete with live music and a view of the lake. Great food that lives up to the name «creative».

I came here with my parents for lunch today. The menu is wonderful with lots to choose from including burgers, mussels, calamari, a few different and unique salads with flat iron steak, shrimp or chicken! The best medium to rare flat iron steak I have ever had! Connie really knows how to make a good med-​rare steak! Especially from a flat iron!!! That is truly a talent! My dad had the burger and was very impressed with it and the tasty fries. My mom had the banana chip and strawberry salad! Which again my mom liked as well! The coffee could be a little hotter, but that’s the only downfall.
Excellent meal!

So many delicious dishes to choose from, and the owner asked for direct feedback about all the food and really took any feedback with intent to improve anywhere possible. That made the experience that much better for me, I felt really great about it!

Amazing find between Bala and Gravenhurst. Brought the family for dinner and was delightfully surprised by the menu. Fresh mussels, steak, and new wine selection made it quite the experience. If you get a chance to come around sunset you will have a great view overlooking the water. One of the best places I have tried in Muskoka.

Stopped in for lunch on a quiet Sunday in November. Service was friendly and fast and the food was excellent. I had the steak linguine special and a pint of Lake of Bays from the tap. It’s right on the water next to Pride Of Muskoka Marine West on the road from Bala to Gravenhurst. A great lunch spot.