Auberge Willow - Hudson

The location of the restaurant is quite nice, and the staff is polite. However, the food fell short of our expectations; it felt more like elevated pub fare. Wh... read more The location of the restaurant is quite nice, and the staff is polite. However, the food fell short of our expectations; it felt more like elevated pub fare. While I appreciate that pub food can be delicious, given the reputation and pricing at The Willow Inn, we anticipated a higher standard that was not delivered. The oysters we had as a starter were excellent, but the cold cuts and bread were only average at best. Our request for the burgers to be cooked medium or medium-well was declined; we were informed that they could only be served medium rare. Ultimately, the burgers were not consistently cooked to medium rare. Additionally, the pork chop was quite dry. On a positive note, those in our group who ordered the Fish and Chips seemed satisfied. Unfortunately, the vegetarian option listed on the menu was unavailable.

We tried several dishes from the menu because we had a hard time deciding. I'm so glad we did! The staff was wonderful, and the food was incredible, all made wi... read more We tried several dishes from the menu because we had a hard time deciding. I'm so glad we did! The staff was wonderful, and the food was incredible, all made with fresh ingredients.

My husband and I have visited this restaurant a few times before and have always left satisfied. However, this weekend, we went with two other couples and had a... read more My husband and I have visited this restaurant a few times before and have always left satisfied. However, this weekend, we went with two other couples and had a different experience. Our new waitress was very nice, and the rest of the staff was friendly as well. Unfortunately, there were no carts available for our wine bucket, so she had to place it directly on the floor outside our table. To make matters worse, our appetizer ended up on another couple's plate, and when the waitress realized it, instead of getting us a replacement, she simply mentioned, "Oops, they ate yours." My husband and I decided to share a steak, which arrived pre-sliced. The kitchen clearly knew what they were serving, but the pieces were so fatty that they were practically inedible. The side dish consisted of just eight French fries in a bowl. By the end of the meal, my husband and I were still hungry! Given the price of our bill, I was extremely disappointed. It was meant to be a special occasion for my husband's birthday, and we were so put off by the experience that we ended up going somewhere else for dessert.

I had dinner for two on the patio, and it was a gorgeous August evening. The view of Lake of Two Mountains was breathtaking. However, the real highlight was the... read more I had dinner for two on the patio, and it was a gorgeous August evening. The view of Lake of Two Mountains was breathtaking. However, the real highlight was the meal itself. Everything was absolutely perfect, and the service was exceptional. The dishes resembled works of art on the plates; each item was beautifully prepared and served to perfection. The flavors were extraordinary, and I already find myself eager to return and explore more of the menu options. This place truly deserves more than the five stars we can give. Michelin should definitely take note of this hidden gem waiting to be discovered!

The service was outstanding, and our server had an impressive knowledge of the menu. My boyfriend and I went there to celebrate our anniversary and chose the ch... read more The service was outstanding, and our server had an impressive knowledge of the menu. My boyfriend and I went there to celebrate our anniversary and chose the chef's choice option, which costs $125 per person (both diners must select this option). I was initially a bit unsure about it, but I decided to give it a shot. Unfortunately, I found the dishes to be a bit too oily for my liking, and considering the price, I felt it was excessive for what we were served. The meal included four courses and dessert.