Greystones Restaurant and Lounge: A Historic Building Meets a Brand New Dining Experience in Orangeville, Ontario
Greystones is an upscale dining experience in Orangeville where you can clearly see they’ve thought about even the finest detail in their dogged pursuit of becoming one of the top restaurants in the region. So far, so good.
The historic stone exterior of Greystones. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
When Bri and I last visited Orangeville, we were on the hunt for a new, memorable dining experience that would add to our weekend that we were spending away away from Toronto in York Durham Headwaters. We had been fortunate enough to land on the Mono Cliffs Inn for lunch earlier that day, and were nothing short of impressed. Needless to say, we were hoping for a similar outcome with Greystones.
The building itself is 170 years old, but it wears its age as gracefully as you could imagine. Lights adorn the outside and perfectly accent the inviting stone walls. Before we even stepped inside, we could tell by the care put into restoring this 1852 gem that Greystones was focused on doing things the right way.
We were seated in The Lounge - the type of room where you notice more and more details and touches as you spend more time within it.
The hand painted red feather mural, the lengthy wood and marble bar top, the soaring glass wall that lets just enough light into the room to establish a connection to the outdoors, but still maintains an intimacy inside.
And that’s just The Lounge.
The real eureka moment happened when we began to look at the menu and spotted some of our favourites from Scaramouche (one of Toronto’s most famous restaurants, and one we adore) also on this menu. We mentally connected the dots and realized that Keith Froggett, the chef-owner of the Toronto icon had teamed up with his son Ben to establish Greystones Restaurant & Lounge.
We’re awfully happy they did because this instantly becomes one of, if not the, place to be in the surrounding area.
A Bit More About Greystones
Greystones sits right on Broadway, Orangeville’s main strip. If you’re driving down Broadway, you’re not going to miss it.
The building itself, formerly a tavern, then a steak house, was actually constructed about twenty years before the Orangeville officially was designated as a town. Understandably, it was designated as part of the downtown’s Heritage Conservation District in 2022 under the Ontario Heritage Act.
I don’t want to give the impression that it’s one large stone building though, and that’s about it. There’s a large dining room, a glassed-in lounge, a cafe, and two private dining areas for those looking to host events and so on.
The Restaurant is housed in the heart of the original building, and is noted for its rustic warmth. Somehow, they’ve managed to make it feel historic but not pretentious, and modern, but not in a way that clashes with the origin story of the building.
Keep your eye out for the little details. It’s the little touches that wooed us on our visit, particularly the hand painted murals. You’ll also want to visit The Solarium, set off from the main room, and adorned with antique paintings.
The Lounge (pictured above), where we dined, has a classic feel to it. Like the rest of the building, everything is positioned just so as to establish an atmosphere. To me, it felt like a sojourn back to a time of art-deco opulence. It’s a place that’s ripe for celebration and occasion, even if that occasion is celebrating the fact that there’s a new restaurant in town worth experiencing.
They also have the Greystones Cafe, which operated from 8am-5pm. It’s primarily a grab and go style place serving up great coffee and made-in house baked goods from a renowned pastry chef, Kasten Alvarez, as well as sandwiches, salads, and other light fare prepped by Sam Bavaro, the sous-chef. They also have wine and craft beer, which can be enjoyed on the fully licensed patio when the weather is right.
The Menu at Greystones Restaurant + Cafe
Kudos to head chef Shigetaka Wakai, that’s all I can say.
The Dinner Menu
The Dinner Menu is divided into small plates, mains, and sides.
In terms of small plates, their House Made Hummus is a favourite, especially since it comes with an artisanal sourdough baguette for two. However, we went for the Fresh Burrata Salad featuring little gem lettuce, celery hearts, heirloom radishes, fine olive oil, meyer lemon, green goddess sauce, and toasted hazelnut picada. Needless to say, we did not regret our choice.
They’re well known for their seafood prep at Greystones, so don’t hesitate to start with something like the Tuna Tartare, Octopus or Oysters if you’re so inclined.
In terms of mains, to me, the crown jewel here is the same crown jewel at Scaramouche and that’s the Peppercorn Tagliatelle. It’s one of my favourite dishes, period.
You’ve got house made pasta with sautéed top quality beef tenderloin, truffled mushrooms, madeira cream, cracked black peppercorns, and a sumptuous parmigiano crust.
We also tried the Braised Beef Short Ribs which were red wine slow braised and accompanied with whipped parsnip potatoes, wild mushrooms, and gremolata. Yes, they were as good as they sound.
I asked about other dishes that you should have on radar for next time, and my feeling from that is any of the House Made Pasta is going to be sensational, the Shellfish Risotto should not be overlooked, and the Halibut, with a herb and mustard crust, may be a very solid bet.
For reference, their sides, at least when we were dining, consisted of Parmesan Frites, French Green Beans, Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes, and Sautéed Mixed Mushrooms.
The Dessert Menu
Do not miss the chance to eat the Coconut Cream Pie. It’s the same pie that’s has kept patrons coming to Scaramouche since time immemorial, and there’s a reason for that - it’s literally the best coconut cream pie you’ll ever have.
You can let preference guide you here with the dessert menu, but you should know that they’re also well known for the Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte and make a mean Crème Brûlée.
If dessert wine is your thing, they also typically have a few options in 3 oz glasses, plus a nice assortment of coffee & tea. They make a good espresso for anyone who is curious.
Honestly, if it’s even remotely in your taste profile, get the Coconut Cream Pie and thank me later.
The famed coconut cream pie. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
The Cafe Menu
I was downright thrilled to they served Gryfe’s bagels here, as they were a Toronto treat for me growing up. You can do a Toasted Bagel, Breakfast Bagel and Smoked Salmon Bagel.
In terms of sandwiches, I lean towards the Peameal Bacon Sandwich, since it’s made with house made maple-brined peameal bacon - but I’ve heard great things about all the sandwiches, and particularly the Porchetta Ciabatta.
You can also have pressed sandwiches, and a small selection of salads, as well as a quinoa bowl.
This Orangeville Restaurant is Worth the Visit
Local councillor Debbie Sherwood recently noted that, “Many visitors to our town come to enjoy the culinary offerings as well as the heritage, including the historic downtown walking tours. As one of the oldest permanent structures in the town, it was important to preserve the integrity of the building, and the end result is impressive.”
I think they’ve done that and more. The building looks like it’s been there forever, and that its history has been very much respected. At the same time, you’ve now got this restaurant and cafe that is making waves around its present function in the town, and very much looks to be a mainstay.
Having dined there, I’m sure Bri and I will be back to mark a future occasion, and I certainly don’t doubt that the same quality and service will be there to greet us when we do.
We want to humbly thank York Durham Headwaters for hosting us as media. All opinions are completely our own.
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