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    Bronte Boathouse

    3.6 (29 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Bronte Boathouse Photos

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    BRONTE BOATHOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Touristy
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    a view of a harbor with boats
    Jocelyn C.

    A gorgeous setting for a special night out! Nestled between rows of boats and yachts is the Bronte Boathouse. The exterior is nothing special, a large building with a lighthouse, a large patio with comfy cushions with an ice cream parlor, Dickies, attached to the restaurant. The interior is modern, made of white walls, large windows and nautical-themed decor. Compared to Snug Harbour in Port Credit, I like this place a lot more. I made a reservation for 4:00 for 6:15pm about 5 days in advance and even noted that it was for my husband's birthday - and yet we were seated at the first table by the door, definitely not ideal. I pointed to other empty tables and the hostess insisted that they were reserved. During our almost 2 hour dinner, those empty tables were never seated (even though if you check online, the next available reso would be after 8pm). We were seated and left with the menus for longer than anticipated before our waiter finally showed up. He seemed new and didn't even know it the beer on tap was hoppy (made with hops). We had looked at the menu before showing up, so we quickly ordered the food. Drinks were ordered and sat at the bar, melting and condensating, as we can see it from where we were sitting. We asked 2 different servers if we can just grab it ourselves before our waiter finally showed up to walk the drinks 2 steps to our table. Like I said, it's either he was new or maybe assigned too many tables, I don't know. For apps, we ordered the frito misto and crab cakes. The former was served in a long skinny plate with large shrimps, calamari and deep fried beans - batter was light and the lemon aioli complimented the deep fried seafood nicely. The crab cake was surprising light and flavourful, despite it's dark colour (maybe they needed to change the oil?). I knew it was going to be good as soon as I stabbed my fork into it's fluffy interior. I found a tiny piece of crab in the crab cake, so it must be the real thing! For drinks, I had the non alcoholic frozen raspberry lemonade and my husband had the watermelon mule (lime slush, vodka, fresh watermelon juice and ginger beer). At the bar, they have several slushy machines going and they make for the most refreshing drinks, especially during the summer months. For entrees, we got the fish and chips for both kids (came with 2 pieces of haddock each), linguini pescatore (heaps of seafood which included clams, shrimps, mussels, calamari, heirloom tomatoes) and seared salmon (this was cooked perfectly and was juicy and fresh). After dinner, the kids went next door to Dickies to redeem their voucher for a kiddie cone (as part of the kids meal). The guy that was working even asked if my kids want 2 half scoops so they can try 2 flavours. He served the biggest kids scoop I'd ever seen! All in all, it was a nice night out with the fam. The setting was perfect, the food was surprisingly good and the ice cream parlour plus playground outside definitely makes the night that much more enjoyable.

    Freyhan D.

    I'll just preface this by saying that this might be a little shallow and maybe an overly bitter review, but I'm going to throw it out there anyway because I think it's still good info for people to know! First of all, let me start with the positives. They've got a relatively easy booking system online to make reservations, and the location of this restaurant is absolutely super. You are pretty much right by the water at the marina, and it's a great location to walk around either before or after your meal and just enjoy the atmosphere. Sitting out on the patio here is awesome, although a little dirty and grimy in some parts, surrounded by a bunch of bugs and unkept dirty cushions, but I guess you can really ask for too much of an upscale experience without paying the upscale prices. I will also say that the food was good and had decent value for what you were paying. With all that being said, I'm letting my emotions take over for letting this get only three stars versus the normal four that I would like to give it. And the reason was, partly due to slow service for half of our experience, if not no service at all, and then the fact that we had gone there for a birthday and I indicated this and told them numerous times, with the slightly selfish thought that they would give us a little celebration slice of cake or some sort of dessert, and never got anything. Now the reason why I'm upset about this is not to expect it anywhere and everywhere, because of course not everywhere does this, but I saw another waitress bring this over to someone else at a different table for the exact same scenario. So I know they do it, but I guess our waitress wasn't aware or didn't care enough or just didn't click even after the multiple hiddens. Putting it on the reservation notes when it explicitly asks for it, mentioning it to a waitress, these are all things that you think would be enough but I guess aren't. So like I said, a little shallow of an expectation I know, but that combined with the fact that a waitress completely disappeared after bringing us our food, not once to check up on us to see how the food was, not wants to bring us more water seeing that our jug was empty before our food even came, and then having to wait around to get our bill, these two things had me a little uneasy about giving this four stars. Everything else, great!

    Ahi Tuna Sandwich
    Rachel M.

    This place was the perfect balance of family friendly while not feeling like a restaurant overrun with children. The location is perfect and given the vibes, we felt okay having our baby there (and many other people had kids) but it felt like it would also be a cute place to go for a girls night out. So overall, a restaurant good for a whole variety of needs and it's views are top notch! Since I was there with a baby, I should say the staff were great with him. There is not a change table in the men's bathroom though. The staff was also great at dealing with my brother-in-law's allergies. Our waitress clearly had not heard of his allergy before and she really took the time to make sure he would be okay and kept checking in to make sure he was alright (and that we as a table had what we needed). The food was all quite good. It's not the best food I ever had but each item was enjoyable. So you likely won't go wrong with whatever you pick.

    View from the patio
    Sel Z.

    Everything about this restaurant is just divine - the food, the ambiance, the view from the patio, the service. During our visit, the restaurant's operations seemed like a very well-oiled and tightly run ship. Everything was smooth - from the booking, being seated, food service, etc. The service was excellent by all staff: from the host at the front, to the waitress (Montana) who served us (super friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond to ensure that we had a great dining experience). This seemed to be the vibe I got from all the other staff as well (great teamwork and commitment to providing high quality service). We saw how much setup it required to get the patio ready, the need to pivot at moment's notice due to unpredictable weather and rain, and the proactivity that the manager took to notify people with reservation about the changing weather and patio situation. Kudos to all the staff at Bronte Boathouse. The food was excellent. Everything came out quick, and the taste and quality of all the dishes we ordered were top-notch. A detailed review of our orders: 1) Za'atar & Lemon Roasted Vegetables - Well roasted and not overcooked. The veggies went really well with the chickpea hummus (with extra crispy chickpeas on top!). 2) Blistered Brussels Sprouts - This was my FAVOURITE DISH out of everything we ordered. You can ask for the sauces (including aioli) on the side. The Brussels sprouts came out crispy and hot, and charred really well. 3) Ahi Tuna Poke - This was decent. I liked that it came with a good amount of diced cucumber (I love cucumber) and tuna. There are better pokes elsewhere, but this was ok for a continental restaurant serving a mix of different menu items. 4) Heritage Grens Salad - The leafy greens were fresh and nicely crisp. The sliced green apple gave it a nice tangy sourness and extra crisp. 5) Kashmiri Seared Atlantic Salmon - I really liked the spices they used on the salmon (not overpowering, but really tasty). The asparagus were a bit soft but nicely seasoned as well. I liked the lemon mint yogurt that it came with. 6) Seafood Hot Pot Boil - This came out piping hot. It contained a generous amount of all kinds of seafood (rock crab claws, cold water shrimps, mussels, clams, salmon), as well as baby potatoes and sweet corn. It could be a very hearty meal on its own. You can really taste the Old Bay seasoning in the broth. The ambiance and view from the patio were so scenic, with direct view of the harbour / marina and boats. It was an open-air patio with partial covering from the umbrellas. Bronte Boathouse probably has THE most scenic spot for a waterfront patio in Oakville. It made eating outside that much more enjoyable. Highly recommended if you're in the area.

    Chicken Piccata
    Trina V.

    Beautiful spot. Great location right on the water. Lots of seating on the big patio. It was nice as the top section of the patio has glass railings which block the wind nicely. The furniture is really nice with comfy casual sofas to sit on. The service was great and our server Olivia was so friendly. The food was delicious as well! We will definitely be back!

    I'm front of the restaurant
    Hollie L.

    This place has an amazing atmosphere!!! The food was all incredible too! We had the mussels hi h we fine but the lobster roll was so good and the brownie was to die for!

    Chicken + shrimp stir fry
    Celine D.

    Food rating: 3 stars, location rating: 5 stars! My parents visited the area last week and thought the Bronte Boathouse was a beautiful place to enjoy a family dinner so we reserved a table. (Use their bookenda link online to reserve ahead or you will not be able to find seating at peak times, we witnessed many people trying to get in without a reservation with no success.) The Boatbouse overlooks a lovely marina with many boats docked, the view is even nicer when the sun starts to set. It's a little chilly by the water so bring a sweater to be safe! The food was pretty good, a lack of photos online and on the menu led to my order of ceviche being very different than what I expected. We ordered the PEI mussels and Kentucky Fried calamari to start, they were delicious! The portions are not too large but not too small as well. My parents' meals of the salmon and stir fry were good, they didn't think it was anything special. My brother ordered the Mexican street corn pizza which I would definitely order again; it was an interesting take on the dish. In the past when I've ordered ceviche it was the same shape as the one Boathouse provided, just more seafood and less avocado. The ceviche was more of an elevated guacamole, it wasn't bad but just not what I expected. If you're looking to dine on the water and enjoy some moderately priced seafood this is the perfect spot. You can also take a walk before/after your meal on the boardwalk.

    Lobster & Shrimp Cobb Salad.

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    4 years ago

    I really loved the food and drinks! The service is really great and it's a great spot for a date night!

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    4 years ago

    Great food and excellent ambiance service! We loved the tacos and the mocktails! I am definitely going back :)

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    4 years ago

    Ordered the spicy salmon roll and really enjoyed it! My friend ordered the tuna nachos and she also enjoyed her food.

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    The Wine Bar

    The Wine Bar

    2.8(4 reviews)
    0.4 km

    My party of four visited during Taste of Oakville, and in hindsight, the evening foreshadowed…read moreitself early -- the restaurant's website was down with a 404 error, and we kept finding two different addresses (one apparently their old location). We eventually found it. Upon arrival, the door swung open and struck a seated guest -- a sign of just how small the space is. The restaurant was full except for one four-top (clearly ours), and we stood awkwardly in the entrance -- which is essentially inside the dining room -- waiting to be acknowledged. When greeted, we were asked if we had a reservation. We said yes. "Table for eight?" we were asked, which felt impossible given the size of the room. We clarified four, and were pointed to the only open table. No name was requested; we realistically could have just walked in and taken it. The space is starkly lit with aggressive bright white lighting that feels more clinical than cozy. The artwork is interesting and gives a gallery-like feel -- it seems the restaurant is aiming for a downtown Toronto wine bar aesthetic, but it doesn't quite land. Our table was missing water glasses, and the stemware was mismatched -- not in an intentional, charming way, but more in a "we ran out" way. Once seated, we weren't acknowledged or offered water for nearly 20 minutes. Not rushing guests is one thing; leaving them feeling forgotten is another. When our server finally arrived, the service set the tone for the evening. One glass of water was poured before he realized another was missing. He disappeared, returned with a glass, inspected it mid-pour, then walked away again (dirty glass). After several more trips and long gaps, everyone eventually received water -- about 15 minutes later. He was polite and friendly, just clearly untrained. He shared that the owner is also the sommelier, cook, and server, and that he liked working there because he wasn't expected to know much about wine -- an interesting admission for a wine bar. The owner greeted us warmly but asked only one guest about wine preferences -- ironically the only non-wine drinker at the table. The concept appeared to be sommelier-led, though this was never explained. If that is the intention, engaging the entire table is essential. That said, the wines themselves were enjoyable; the service surrounding them was not. The Taste of Oakville menu promised three curated 3-oz pours paired with a charcuterie board for two. The pours arrived unevenly and slowly, with little explanation of the pairings. The charcuterie boards were plain and inconsistent between tables despite containing similar items -- basic fruit, crostini, simple cured meats, small portions of brie, and two slices of truffle cheese. No crackers, spreads, or thoughtful touches elevated the experience, and presentation varied noticeably. Our second wine pour didn't arrive until our mains, and service moved so slowly we requested a wine list to order a bottle. We were told there is no wine list -- "we're not that kind of restaurant." Instead, all reds are $80 and all whites $70, and the owner selects the bottle for you after asking only red or white. The concept might work if explained upfront; without context, it was confusing. At one point, noticing my empty glass, our server poured me a random red -- which turned out to be the same wine as our first pour -- and then left without serving anyone else. We had to remind staff we were still waiting for our second curated pour. Nothing about the experience felt curated. The most surprising moment of the night came when our mains arrived. As we lifted our appetizer plates -- still holding olive pits, fruit rinds, and crumbs -- the servers told us not to worry about clearing them and proceeded to place our main dishes directly on top of the used plates. I'm still shocked. I wouldn't do that at home, let alone expect it at a Lakeshore, or quite frankly, any restaurant. Two of us ordered the tagliatelle, which was tasty but contained only two small pieces of short rib -- and was difficult to enjoy while staring at discarded rinds beneath the plate. The other two ordered brisket sliders: two sliders, no sides. They tasted good but left diners hungry. One guest joked they kept thinking the fruit rinds were fries -- unfortunately accurate. We tried to make the best of the evening, but it never delivered the cozy wine-and-charcuterie experience we had anticipated -- dim lighting, thoughtful pairings, something special. After finishing our meal, we requested our bills and reminded staff we were still waiting for the third curated pour. We were told "five minutes." Those five minutes never came. Eventually, wanting simply to leave, we paid a single combined bill and sorted it out ourselves. Dinner for four totaled $460. This was not the boutique Lakeshore dining experience we expected, and ultimately, it was deeply disappointing.

    As an Oenophile, I was excited to check out The Wine Bar in my neighbourhood. The door was open, In…read morewalked in at 4:55 to be "Greeted" by the Owner, "We don't open till 5 o'clock".......Attitude from the get go. I looked at the menu, interesting but very pricey for the offering. I looked at a row of wine bottle partially open and simply corked, no nitrogen or air extraction.....no telling how long the wine had been "Breathing"....Days? I am puzzled by the discrepancy 5 Star vs 1 Star reviews. I have no confidence in the 5 star reviews....Friends?...Self reviewed? No serious wine enthusiast would visit this establishment...bad attitude, poor value, insufficient wine care and presentation.

    Photos
    The Wine Bar - Website

    Website

    The Wine Bar
    The Wine Bar - Tase of Oakville menu and charcuterie for 2

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    Tase of Oakville menu and charcuterie for 2

    Firehall Cool Bar Hot Grill

    Firehall Cool Bar Hot Grill

    3.8(26 reviews)
    0.4 km

    We had come here at around 1:30 pm on a Saturday afternoon. It wasn't too busy however, there were…read morea few tables with guests near the bar area of the restaurant. I was surprised to see how this restaurant looked; it was an actual firehall, looking quite authentic when turned into a restaurant. The servers even have firefighter uniforms on, which was something I hadn't seen before. After being seated in a booth, we had settled on the fried calamari to start, following by a cheeseburger with fries for myself, while my friend settled on the sweet potato fries and the buffalo chicken wrap. The fried calamari came within ten minutes of us having ordered. They were quite delicious, with two different kinds of dipping sauces, which went perfectly with the calamari. Next, our main meals arrived. The cheeseburger was very well-prepared, tasting juicy and appetizing. I loved the toppings, especially the in-house garlic sauce, which was a nice addition to the burger. The fries were also nice, as they were crispy, and large enough to fill me up. We then finished our meal with a delicious slice of cinnabon cheesecake, which was amazing! Service was awesome as well, as our server (with the Australian accent), came to check on us often, making sure that we were enjoying our meal. Overall, this place definitely surprised me, as I had an excellent experience in an old firehall, which I didn't expect at all. Would highly recommend this place for a delicious meal in an authentic setting.

    November 22/2025: Dinner with the Circle of Harmony group…read more Busy place in the downtown Oakville area. Menu choices were nothing special but decent. I had the "Mexican Bodega Bowl" ($23.25) with a large Canadian ($8.75). The Bowl was delicious but a very stingy portion size, didn't fill me up but very tasty as nonetheless. Our server "TJ" was a dynamic, pleasant fellow & was excellent at his job. Restaurant ambiance was a family style experience with lots of seating & quit noisy but that's what comes with a family restaurant setting. This is a do-over but with a different menu selection

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    Firehall Cool Bar Hot Grill
    Firehall Cool Bar Hot Grill
    Firehall Cool Bar Hot Grill

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    Cove Bar and Restaurant - Quinoa fritters

    Cove Bar and Restaurant

    2.6(7 reviews)
    0.4 km

    I didn't waste any time and got here on the day the patios opened up and I wasn't disappointed…read more The quinoa fritter tasted as good as they looked The loaded fries were well and truly truly loaded After tucking into these I wasn't quite sure if I could order anything other than a salad with a clear conscience... but I did The Mac & Cheese was not in my top 20. Was flavourful but rather dry and not worth the price tag The beet salad clearly beet many of the others I've tried over the years while the Jambalaya Risotto was way way more delicious than it looked PS: I was surprised given its location and the food, that this place wasn't packed when I got there And if you like an non alcoholic beverage, don't try the Barbet Wild Card

    I have wanted to try this place for two years now and last night we finally did! First…read moredisappointment was we couldn't enjoy the gorgeous patio because a party booked out the whole outdoor space. It happens so we moved on and we're put in the indoor area. It's fine but doesn't have the same charm as the breezy white patio area. This room was a touch stuffy and while the decor of fish reflected what you'd expect from a place called Cove, it was just an alright ambiance. The service was fine. Food came out quick and the waitress was friendly and helpful when dealing with my brother-in-law's allergies. The food is where they lost me. I truly wanted to love it because I was so excited to try this place but nothing really stood out as being good enough that I need to return. To start we got the quinoa fritters, jerk chicken fries, and the crab and lobster hush puppies. All of it was fine but nothing great. The jerk chicken fries came the closest but they were fairly mild and thus not particularly memorable. For our meals we got a kids fish and chips, tuna poke bowl, jambalaya risotto, and the Mac and cheese. The risotto was probably the best thing we ate, although not as spicy as you'd expect a jambalaya risotto should be. I was the one who ordered the poke bowl and I actually did not like it. For me the rice was undercooked, the nori crumbled on top just made it look dirty, and while the tuna was alright, the flavours overall just missed the mark. I don't like being negative but as excited as I was about this place, I don't think I'll be returning unless it's for a drink and to enjoy patio vibes. For food, I'd much rather eat across the street at plank.

    Photos
    Cove Bar and Restaurant - Patio

    Patio

    Cove Bar and Restaurant - Mac and cheese

    Mac and cheese

    Cove Bar and Restaurant - Exterior - Interior looks v European.

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    Exterior - Interior looks v European.

    Bronte Boathouse - bars - Updated May 2026

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