Michael & Marion's and The Side Door

A large group of us recently dined at this high-end restaurant and had mixed feelings about the experience. While the steaks and salmon were good, the overall meal fell short of expectations. The vegetables were flavorless, the steaks lacked any sauce to enhance the dish, and the salads were bland with very little dressing. The bacon potato soup was thin, runny, and disappointingly lacked flavor. The presentation of the meals were on point though. The portions were quite small, and even the cheesecake dessert was underwhelming, tasting bland and uninspired. On the positive side, the staff were attentive and friendly, which we appreciated, but the seating was uncomfortably tight, making the atmosphere less enjoyable. Unfortunately, the food did not live up to the high-end promise, and we left feeling a bit disappointed.

December 19, 2024 on Google

Disappointing Experience Overall I had high expectations for this restaurant, but unfortunately, it fell short. The biggest issue was the incredibly slow service—waiting for each dish felt like an eternity. While the staff was friendly, the food itself didn’t live up to the hype. What looked promising on the menu ended up being underwhelming on the plate, lacking the flavor and quality I had hoped for. There’s definitely potential here, but they need to work on both their timing and their execution in the kitchen.

November 24, 2024 on Google

I could not rave enough about having a date night dinner here. Our outstanding server, Jade, did a phenomenal job taking care of us over our 3 course dinner. The drinks were beyond tasty, the calamari was the absolute best, our mains hit the spot and the whipped cheesecake was amazing. I could not think of one thing that could’ve gone better; hats off to the entire staff at Michael & Marion. This is an absolute gem in the city of Barrie!

November 13, 2024 on Google

Had a great experience for dinner, went for my daughter's birthday and everything tasted great especially the tomahawk steak my brother got it was cooked perfectly!! Jade was our server And she made great conversation and helped the night go smoothly and will definitely come back again another time hopefully sooner than later!

November 6, 2024 on Google

For years, Michael & Marion’s and the Side Door has been a favourite spot in the city, and it never disappoints. The vibrant, colourful, and robust flavours in every dish and drink are consistently outstanding. Each bite seems to tell a story, with fresh, well-balanced ingredients that leave a lasting impression. What truly sets this establishment apart is the variety of experiences they offer. The formal dinner room, Michael and Marion’s, is perfect for elegant dining, where we've enjoyed many special evenings. For private functions, the dedicated upper level room is ideal, and we've hosted several memorable Christmas parties there. Whether you're looking for an intimate, relaxed evening with casual drinks and delicious plates, The Side Door provides a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere that’s perfect for a low-key night out. The combination of exquisite food, warm ambiance, and top-tier service makes Michael & Marion’s and The Side Door an undeniable treasure in the city. Highly recommended for every occasion!

August 28, 2024 on Google

This was my first time dining at this quaint establishment, 2nd for my friends. Cozy atmosphere, warm friendly, attentive staff. Varied menu with dietary options. Extensive drink and wine selections. Their colour coded martinis are a must try. Everything was delicious, prepared perfectly and arrived in perfect timing. We highly recommend.

August 18, 2024 on Google

The place has a relaxing vibe and great service. Our server, Cath, was awesome. They have a great selection of alcoholic beverages. The featured pasta was amazing, and we loved it. The place is easy to find, located near the exit to Highway 400.

August 4, 2024 on Google

Ahhh, we were looking forward to some good eats after reading all the good reviews, but the food was a complete letdown. It's not worth it, in my humble opinion. Staff are outstanding here. No high chairs are available for children. We celebrated my wife's birthday and ordered handsomely from the menu and had a couple of mocktails. The wife and I both ordered the chicken breast wrapped in prosciutto ham, grilled lemon, sage pan jus, potato, and vegetables $38. I added the lobster for an additional $25. I also ordered the locally sourced sautéed mushrooms $13. We could not cut into the chicken. It was overcooked and dry. I had to put some real muscle into cutting the chicken. My wife and I were laughing at how bad the food was, it was just ridiculous. Our waiter was new, and we are not the complaining type. We simply asked for more jus, which she brought us right away. Without the extra sauce, it would not have been edible. For a restaurant of this caliber, they should know how to cook chicken to perfection. However, this was not the case. Funny thing, the bartender and the other waitresses saw us having a difficult time eating the chicken, but no one offered to do anything about it. The potatoes and vegetables were really good. Mushrooms were terrible. The lobster was great. I highly recommend it. For our starter, we had the Burrata, strawberry rhubarb chutney, grilled focaccia, and candied pistachios. It was good. Overall, customer service is great. Plenty paid street parking available (free on weekends). Unfortunately, we won't be back. Paid $190 for 2 people with a $30 tip. In my humble opinion, we would have had a much better meal at The Keg for far less money. Give them a try and judge for yourself. Perhaps this might have been a one-off, but we were really sad.

July 29, 2024 on Google