Rays 3rd Generation Bistro Bakery

The tantalizing smells of delicious food hits you as soon as you walk in. The atmosphere is very cosy and inviting. We were so lucky to get a table without a reservation and I was very grateful for their efforts to get us seated. Our...server was wonderful and greatly enhanced our experience. We had a delicious salad to start and then I had the beef short ribs which was fab. My friend had the Yorkshire pudding and roast beef (it was a starter, but they had no issue with her choosing it as her main). Our dessert was the creme brûlée…which was outstanding in its simple elegance…perfectly made. I really loved it here and I hope to come back!

Positives: Great food. Negatives: Hello Ray’s, CoVid is spread by airosols. Waitress wearing a face shield but no mask, really?. Although we had a reservation, tables were left uncleared in the ‘dining area’ and we were seated close to the cash for the bakery. Seemed...unsafe since no one was checking for CoVid vaccination proof. Guitarist was a nice touch but no protection around him and no masking. I understand that restaurants are having a tough time, but these are basics: wear a mask, get vaccinated, keep customers socially distanced.

The service was good, but the server was not wearing a mask, only a plastic shield. The premises were not clean and could use a furniture and interior upgrade. The servings were too large, especially the burgers which were 8 oz. It was considered overrated for the price, but there isn't much competition in the area.

This funky little restaurant is excellent. We always make a point to stop there on our drive back from Muskoka to London. The service and food are both top-notch.

A group of four diners arrived at the restaurant at the ideal time - late afternoon - and were lucky enough to snag a table on the shaded back patio. The special appetizer of the day, mussels in a creamy sauce, was absolutely fantastic. The smoked salmon with capers was also quite good. The starters were generously portioned and perfect for sharing. After spotting the beef shank braised in beer on the website, I decided to give it a try and was not disappointed. The meat was tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, paired beautifully with local vegetables. While the salmon main course was a bit too peppery for my liking, the bolognaise pasta looked tempting. The wine selection was great and reasonably priced. We were so full from our meal that we opted for take-home cookies for dessert. The ambiance on the patio was lovely for a fall day, while the inside had a more casual pub feel. The standout of the experience was the excellent and friendly service. The prices were reasonable compared to downtown restaurants, and it was a bonus to explore the charming town of Alton.