Merrill House

Dining at Merrill House Restaurant in Picton was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. We began with the escargots—twelve of the best we've had outside of Paris. Perfectly tender and bursting with garlic and parsley, they were a true standout. The leek and potato soup followed, offering a creamy texture without being overly rich, accented beautifully with subtle hints of dill. We also ordered a side of shoestring fries. While the truffle mayo was indulgent, the fries themselves were a bit overdone for my taste, with too many burnt bits that distracted from the flavour. The main course was a white wine braised boneless rabbit Dijonnaise. Absolutely incredible—rich and flavourful, the rabbit melted in the mouth, and the homemade egg noodles it rested on brought everything together with a comforting, elegant touch. Dessert sealed the evening perfectly: two profiteroles filled with pistachio ice cream, a creative and refreshing twist on the classic French version. Light, nutty, and not overly sweet—just the right ending. The ambiance of Merrill House is something to fall in love with. The blue velvet chairs, gold cutlery, white tablecloths, and wooden floors give the space an artistic and luxurious feel. The Egyptian-themed dining room might seem unusual for a French-leaning menu, but somehow, it works—and adds a touch of whimsy to an already memorable setting. We were a bit surprised by the high price point. For example, the escargots were $28 for 12, whereas in Paris they typically run around €18.50. While we felt the quality justified the price, it's worth noting for other patrons who may be more budget-conscious. Overall, Merrill House offers a refined and beautifully curated dining experience that’s well worth the visit.

A beautiful spot! My partner and I have come here twice to celebrate our 5 year anniversary and recently a birthday. It’s our local choice for celebrations. Food is delicious, and the atmosphere is unique! Highly recommend to those who wish to have a fine dining experience but also try something new. Our server Valorie was very accommodating and helped us decide what to order. Some of the best service in the county. Will be back for our 6th year anniversary and birthdays to come!