Rita Roll featuring beautiful vista of sailboats.
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The Oar Restaurant

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A charming gastropub in Gravenhurst offering refined tavern fare with a relaxed atmosphere, waterfront views, and live music.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Rita Roll featuring beautiful vista of sailboats.

The Oar Restaurant

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming gastropub in Gravenhurst offering refined tavern fare with a relaxed atmosphere, waterfront views, and live music.

"You can’t beat the view at The Oar! Always a highlight of our vacation."

TIP

Reservations for Celebrations

Book ahead for special occasions to ensure smooth and timely service.

Weekday Visits for Speed

Consider weekdays for potentially quicker service, especially during busy times.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 8PM

Cuisine

Gastropub

Price

$$$

Phone

+1 705-687-8618

Address

530 Muskoka Rd N, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1G3, Canada

Website

theoar.ca/

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Waterfront Views

Stunning Waterfront Views

Dine with a picturesque backdrop of sailboats and the marina. The view is frequently praised as a highlight.

Google Review
Fresh Sushi & Seafood

Fresh Sushi & Seafood

Enjoy a variety of sushi rolls and fresh seafood dishes, often mentioned as a tasty option.

Google Review+1
Lively Atmosphere with Live Music

Lively Atmosphere with Live Music

Experience a fun night out with great live music and a welcoming atmosphere.

Restaurants in GravenhurstGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sundays are better at The Oar 🌊✨ Good food, great drinks, waterfront vibes, and nowhere else you’d rather be. Grab your crew, sip something fun, and let the weekend do its thing 🍹⚓️
@theoarli
60 likes • 2.8K views

Reservations for Celebrations

Book ahead for special occasions to ensure smooth and timely service.

Weekday Visits for Speed

Consider weekdays for potentially quicker service, especially during busy times.

Be Mindful of the Bill

Request an itemized bill to verify charges, as handheld machines can lead to errors.

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Tips

from all over the internet

Reservations for Celebrations

Book ahead for special occasions to ensure smooth and timely service.

Weekday Visits for Speed

Consider weekdays for potentially quicker service, especially during busy times.

Be Mindful of the Bill

Request an itemized bill to verify charges, as handheld machines can lead to errors.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Oar Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with a focus on fresh, home-cooked food and an excellent wine selection, often complemented by live music and a cozy ambiance. While many praise the delicious cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, some diners have noted issues with slow service, perceived high prices for portion sizes, and a lack of flexibility with menu substitutions or dietary accommodations.

"It was our first time dining at this restaurant, and we were truly impressed! The chef’s cooking was outstanding—every dish was not only delicious but also beautifully presented. The dining environment was elegant, with artworks by local artists hanging on the walls. The dining hall and patio are decorated with paddles, adding a unique touch. We were very satisfied with the experience and would love to come back to try more dishes."

金玫Barrie 华人地产经纪 Mei Jin

"Lots of potential here but some of the decisions regarding the menu make it hard to recommend. They make it very clear that no substitutions are possible, which is fine in general, but makes things challenging when considering the eclectic menu on offer. For us it was quite limited and many of our group had a hard time finding something that worked. I had the burger, which was great, but anyone viewing their old menus online will be surprised that reliable options are now gone (e.g. meatballs and spaghetti). The quality was generally very good, but providing a few more options would have made the whole experience for our group much more enjoyable."

Lee Beech

"Definitely 10 stars. Great live music, great food. The atmosphere was amazing and the staff were very friendly and attentive. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a fun night out. I will definitely be coming back again soon!"

Adam

What People Like

Stunning marina views
Delicious home-cooked food
Live music and great atmosphere

What People Dislike

Slow or inattentive service
Expensive for portion sizes
Inflexible menu and dietary options

Frequently Asked Questions

The Oar is known for its waterfront views, live music, and home-cooked gastropub fare. Popular items include sushi and seafood dishes.

Restaurants in GravenhurstGoogle Review

Yes, The Oar offers a variety of vegetarian dishes on its menu.

An insider's guide to the best Muskoka restaurants for fine casual diningFine Dining
    
        - Town of GravenhurstThe 11 Best Gluten-Free Take Away Spots in Gravenhurst

Yes, The Oar is a great place for a bite with family, with a welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu options.

Google Review

It is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for special occasions, to ensure timely service.

Yes, The Oar often features live music, contributing to a fun and lively atmosphere.

Restaurants in GravenhurstGoogle Review

While The Oar has some gluten-free options, some reviews suggest limited flexibility in modifying dishes for allergies.

The 11 Best Gluten-Free Take Away Spots in Gravenhurst

Some diners find The Oar to be expensive, particularly regarding portion sizes for the price.

Google Review+1

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Featured in these publications

Fodor’s Travel

Restaurants in Gravenhurst

A cut above the rest, The Oar entertains guests with its beautiful pinewood floors and rustic cabin-like interiors. Burgers and steaks can be had but the upscale tavern menu has been known to include specials like quinoa-stuffed portobellos on a layer of avocado chimichurri and pan-fried locally caught pickerel, plated with root veggies and pecans. Expect live music from locals and even an occasional Canadian star like Jim Cuddy.

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streetsoftoronto.com

An insider's guide to the best Muskoka restaurants for fine casual dining

Indulge in the delightful ambiance of this beloved Gravenhurst gem, where a spacious patio welcomes both humans and their furry companions with plenty of room inside thanks to a somewhat new dining room addition.Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary experience crafted by the talented Chef Brett Martin, who collaborates closely with local suppliers to ensure every dish is a crowd-pleaser. Here, you’ll find a slew of cottage comfort classics like fish and chips as well as Mac and cheese as well as dishes on the fine dining side of the culinary equator including delish seafood, steak and pasta not to mention quality vegetarian fare.

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Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School: 5.9 miles: St. … how to market an athlete WebThe “Seasons” innovative menu of Appetizers, Salads, Pasta, Seafood, and Entrées is rounded off with a large selection of delectable desserts to create the perfect finish to … https://dobbernationloves.com/food-drink/bracebridge-restaurants/ THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Muskoka Lakes - Tripadvisor The Oar WebWe have lots of restaurants in Huntsville & Lake of Bays in Muskoka. Check out our list of where you should eat in Huntsville & Lake of Bays.

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Gravenhurst

Choose Your Own Adventure

The art of cuisine is evident on every plate served at Gravenhurst’s The Oar Restaurant. For nearly twenty years, this local landmark has offered a menu that combines aesthetic appeal and exquisite flavour. With decor that embodies Muskoka’s lakeside vibes, and chefs who create with only the freshest ingredients, you can be assured that your dining experience will be memorable.

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GLOBAL HEROES MAGAZINE

Where Beauty and Adventure Meet

After working up an appetite hitting these major stops, you won’t want to pass up The Oar Restaurant, a local landmark featuring all the best flavours that Muskoka has to offer. Then, relax at Muskoka Bay Resort with their on-site spa or delectable dining at The Cliffside Restaurant. Before you call it a day, be sure to catch a show at the must-see Gravenhurst Opera House.

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Restaurants in Gravenhurst Muskoka | Experience Gravenhurst

Celebrating more than 10 years of business in Muskoka - we welcome you to join us for a unique casual dining experience in one of South Muskoka’s favourite local hot spots. Our chefs have prepared an exciting lunch and dinner menu that offers up traditional and vegetarian dishes from fresh, simple, and tasteful ingredients. Open Monday through Saturday 12 noon - 9pm

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gravenhurst.ca

Fine Dining - Town of Gravenhurst

The Oar - Celebrating more than 15 years of business in Muskoka. We welcome you to join us for a unique casual dining experience in one of South Muskoka’s favourite local hot spots. Chef Brett and his team have prepared an exciting lunch and dinner menu that offers up traditional and vegetarian dishes from fresh, simple, and tasteful ingredients.

Visit Source →
atly.com

The 11 Best Gluten-Free Take Away Spots in Gravenhurst

We ended our day in Muskoka with a lovely dinner at this restaurant, which we discovered by chance—and such a wonderful surprise. In addition to offering a variety of gluten-free and vegetarian options, every dish we tried was delicious. The curried tempeh was outstanding, and the vegetarian poutine was among the best I’ve had.

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10 Takeout Joints to Support in Muskoka Region Right Now

When you can't go out for fine food, you simply must bring the fine food home instead. Luckily, The Oar is offering only the best (think: steak and mushroom pie, or fried chicken and beer-infused mac and cheese), alongside wines and weekend pizza specials. Address: 530 Muskoka Road North, GravenhurstPhone: 705-687-8618

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Toronto Guardian

What to do in Gravenhurst, Ontario while visiting

The Oar is a rustic looking restaurant that is great for dinners with the family or special events. They also run a catering company called North Catering for your special events. They also offer the ability to order groceries from their local, farm-fresh produce that they love and use in their own kitchen.

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[UPDATED 2025] Best Restaurants in Muskoka Ontario 2025

The Oar Restaurant in Gravenhurst first opened its doors in 2007 as North Restaurant. The business began as a high end fine dining concept featuring white linen topped tables and an extensive wine menu. In 2014, owners Robbie and Alain Irvine rebranded the concept to The Oar & Paddle.

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Best Restaurants in Muskoka Ontario

The Oar Restaurant in Gravenhurst began as a high-end fine dining restaurant featuring white linen topped tables and an extensive wine menu. In 2014, the owners rebranded the venue and it now features a more casual interior. The bar features 14 taps, most from local craft breweries.

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Stroll, Shop & Dine in Trendy Gravenhurst

The Oar is a cozy choice for casual dining that provides both traditional and vegetarian dishes. Carey’s Irish Pub is a relaxing choice that offers tasty chicken wings, cold beer, and other pub favourites. Boston Pizza serves casual pub fare alongside scenic waterfront views.

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10+ Great Gravenhurst Restaurants to Fuel Your Adventures

One of the most beautiful Gravenhurst restaurants is The Oar Restaurant. Located right downtown, The Oar provides an upscale cozy atmosphere, where pub meets casual fine dining. The focal point of the main dining room is a beautiful birch bark canoe hanging centre stage.

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Top Restaurants in Muskoka Region

Gather with friends and family over the inspired flavours of Muskoka at The Oar in Gravenhurst. Celebrating more than 15 years of business in Muskoka. Join them for a unique casual dining experience in one of South Muskoka’s favourite local hot spots.

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blogTO

Gravenhurst is a charming lakeside town in Ontario that's full to the brim with history

While you're down there, grab an afternoon tea at the Blue Willow Tea Shop overlooking the water, or a more substantial meal at The Oar Restaurant serving up refined tavern fare.

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The Oar Restaurant (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide