Ali k
Google
While driving through Orangeville recently, we decided to stop at Greystones, and I am genuinely glad we did. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere sets a fantastic tone. The design is beautiful, featuring warm lighting and thoughtful aesthetics that make the space feel inviting and sophisticated.
Our experience was elevated by the service. Our server, Lindsay, was helpful and knowledgeable; she navigated the menu with ease and her recommendations were spot-on. The support staff was also excellent—food runners were efficient, and table maintenance was proactive. A notable detail that speaks to the restaurant's quality: the facilities were beautiful, well maintained, and clean, contributing to the overall high standard of the visit.
Sourdough Baguette (9/10)
This was a solid start to the meal. The bread was perfectly executed—crusty on the outside yet soft and moist on the inside. The accompanying butter with sea salt was nice, but for a stronger, richer flavour, I feel that whipped butter would elevate this simple offering even further.
Butternut Squash Soup (8/10)
This soup had a beautiful, silky texture, and the toasted hazelnut was a great textural contrast. However, the apple mostarda was perhaps too subtle; I found myself wishing for a stronger "citrus kick" to cut through the richness and brighten the palate.
Wild Mushrooms on Toast (8/10)
The presentation here was lovely. The buttermilk ricotta on the toast was soft and delicious, and the veal jus was a great addition. However, we were surprised that the mushroom medley was served cold—I am unsure if that was the chef's intention, but a warm topping might have been better. Additionally, the mushroom purée seemed to be missing or applied very sparingly.
Calamari Piccolo Fritto (9/10)
This dish was technically excellent. The calamari was cooked perfectly (not rubbery at all). The addition of celery hearts and fennel was a refreshing complement, and the mayonnaise with togarashi sauce offered a well-balanced kick. My only minor note is that the plating could use a pop of colour to make it as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Sea Scallops (10/10)
This was the absolute star of the meal. The scallops were seared to perfection—soft, buttery, and delicious. The pairing with cauliflower and leeks was lovely, but the saffron vinaigrette truly tied the dish together with a sophisticated flavour profile.
Quebec Chicken (9/10)
A fantastic execution of poultry. The hickory-smoked chicken had a texture so moist and tender it felt like it had been sous-vide, yet it had the distinct finish of a great roast. The smokiness was present but not overpowering, and the blend of farro, butternut squash, and parsnip provided a comforting, hearty accompaniment.
Greystones Burger (6/10)
Unfortunately, this was the only letdown of the meal. While the flavour of the prime beef and roasted Portobello was good, the burger felt "busy" and lacked cohesion. The bottom bun lacked structural integrity and fell apart almost immediately. The accompanying fries were also disappointing, coming out tough and rubbery rather than crisp.
Coconut Cream Pie (9/10)
A strong finish to the meal. The crust was thin and sweet, allowing the filling to shine. It had a genuine coconut flavour (complete with flakes) that wasn't artificial. The white chocolate shavings were a brilliant touch that added creaminess without overpowering the coconut.
Despite the stumble with the burger, the overall experience at Greystones was fantastic. The diverse menu (covering everything from seafood to vegetarian options) is enticing, and the kitchen clearly knows what they are doing with their proteins and sauces.
Given the ambiance, the excellent service from Lindsay, and the perfection of the Scallops and Chicken, I would definitely revisit Greystones to explore more of their menu.