Where to eat: the 50 best restaurants in Ottawa

It’s over 40 courses but it comes in 6 rounds so no need to wait for each course. In some cases it was nice and in some with warmer dishes, having to wait to eat something is not ideal (there was a round with soup and by the time I ate it, it was room temp). If you are in Ottawa and celebrate a special occasion or just a foodie, I recommend coming here. My favorite was the a balloon filled with helium with a string made from food roll up that you bite into. The dishes were fun and the chef was very creative with the ingredients. The service was also lovely!

Atelier is a hidden gem in the heart of Ottawa. The building itself is unassuming, yet upon entering, you are transported to a culinary world of carefully curated creativity. Each dish was exceptional and explained down to the T by our server. This restaurant is an experience that couples artistry with gastronomy. The staff were incredible, knowledgeable, accommodating, and made my birthday dinner experience one for the books. Their Manhattan's are ON POINT as well. 10/10

The service was impeccable and the food was both delicious and creatively presented. When the first couple of courses were served I was worried that we have to go for a meal after our meal, was I ever wrong. The servings of the savoury courses turned out to far more filling than expected and the desserts were amazing. This is a dining experience that may be a little bit on the pricey side but is something that should be on your list.

The service was impeccable, with each dish presented very creatively and played in an appealing manner. Overall the food was good, though I did find the balance to be off on some of the courses - I found them to be overly sweet and missing acid, heat, and that umami element. Still a great experience though and I am glad I went!

I rarely eat this well and that’s saying something coming from a loyal Nobu client. From start to finish, L’Atelier in Ottawa was a complete surprise. We had no idea what we were going to eat before arriving and each of the seven courses was an explosion of flavor, creativity and balance. Every plate was a visual masterpiece and a culinary journey on its own. From the delicate crab topped with caviar to the vibrant vegetable garden suspended in glass, the presentation was simply breathtaking. The tartare was perfectly seasoned and layered with textures that played beautifully together, while the dessert was a stunning combination of color, freshness and precision. The service was as refined as the dishes, our waitress knew every detail of each creation and guided us with genuine passion. This restaurant deserves to be discovered and celebrated. It’s now without hesitation in my top five dining experiences worldwide.

Fabulous experience! Presentation was outstanding, and the food delicious. A novel concept that we look forward to trying again in the winter. A must visit restaurant when in Ottawa.

Service was impeccable—attentive without being overbearing, and each dish was explained with passion and precision, which deepened our appreciation for the dishes. I felt we were offered a dining experience that was as intellectually stimulating as it was delicious.

I’m not easily impressed and I don’t usually write reviews, but this restaurant and especially Al, truly deserves it. We had a wonderful dinner here and were warmly welcomed by the very friendly staff. The atmosphere made our evening in Ottawa truly enjoyable. To top it all off, we were served a delicious dessert along with a selection of (dessert) wines, ensuring we could choose the perfect match. Such a beautiful way to end the night and our trip in Ottawa. :) Once again, thank you Al, it was unforgettable!

I had an outstanding dining experience at BECKTA Dining & Wine Bar in downtown Ottawa. The service was super warm, welcome and inviting. For the mains, both dishes were exceptional. The seared duck magret and hanger steak were both cooked to perfection. They were both flavourful juicy with the nice vegetables and sauces. The matcha lime cake was absolutely superb.refreshing and unique, A dessert worth coming back for on its own.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Beckta Dining & Wine Our recent visit to Beckta was far more than just a meal—it was an experience full of grace, intention, and deeply meaningful hospitality. I surprised my aunts with an end-of-life bucket list road trip, and this dinner was a special part of that journey. Thanks to your extraordinary team, it became one of the highlights of her entire trip. To Clay Cardillo, Thank you for your thoughtful coordination and warmth. You made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived and were so kind in helping accommodate our special request. Your professionalism and genuine care were so appreciated and truly helped make the evening seamless and special. Also thank you for calling me to discuss accessibility. So wonderful there was an elevator in house!! To Bill, our server: You brought such kindness, charm, and attentiveness to our table. Your service struck the perfect balance of warm and respectful, celebratory yet comfortable. You made my aunt feel truly seen and celebrated, and I can’t thank you enough for that. To Kyle and Lukas, The food was absolutely exceptional—every plate was prepared with such care, balance, and flavour. Thank you for honouring our special request and adding a touch of pasta for my aunts. It may have seemed like a small gesture, but to both of them, it meant the world (me as well). That kind of attentiveness and personalization is rare and deeply appreciated. To the host who greeted us (I’m so sorry I didn’t get your name): Thank you for the warm and gracious welcome. Your energy helped set the tone for a beautiful evening, and we felt like we were in good hands the moment we stepped through the door. And to the entire Beckta team— Thank you for the beautiful birthday touch on my aunt’s parfait. It was thoughtful, elegant, and brought such joy to her face. That small moment added so much heart to an already unforgettable meal. My one aunt has since purchased a piece of artwork to remember this journey—a tribute to every person and place who helped bring her bucket list dream to life. Each of your names is now part of that piece, woven into the story of a trip full of kindness, grace, and unforgettable moments. Thank you for your hospitality, your heart, and your exceptional food. Beckta truly represents the best of what hospitality can be. With deep gratitude, Emily & Elaine & Laura

Food is the top of the top, traditional blended with something innovated. Duck Leg Confit is a must try! We love the staffs there, Sergio, Jocelyne, and all of them! They are professional, flexible, friendly, and most of all, fun! We certainly will return to Beckta in short future.

I was pleasantly surprised this time, significant improvement from previous times. The food was tasty and it was beautifully presented. The service was excellent and the venue is very beautiful and historic. I will definitely return.

Great night at Beckta. Some innovative dishes and some great flavours... service is very laid back which can make it slow but they are letting you call the shots.

I coordinated a group dinner for 30 people in the wine bar at Beckta early this October. From the beginning, all planning was done remotely as we were coordinating from Texas. I thought this would make things difficult, but to my surprise, it went very smoothly! Astrid got our request started for the space, and our organizer, Christine, was wonderful and made sure to check all details, allergies and food intolerances, and logistical items to make our dinner perfect. Our group (diverse and strongly opinionated foodies), were very happy with the food. They were particularly pleased by the range of meal options available in our prix fixe menu that made the dinner enjoyable for everyone (including one diner with 8 separate allergies). As we wrapped up, I received many comments about how great the dinner was this year and how it exceeded expectations. The service from planning to executing the in-restaurant experience was excellent. The team that served our group was friendly and organized. Everyone's drinks remained full, the timing of the courses was perfect, and the servers were unobtrusive but highly attentive. The only note we received was that the restaurant was a bit loud which made conversation at the tables a bit difficult, but our group has many older people, so I'm not sure how true this would be for others. Overall we had a great experience working and dining with Beckta!

Food was excellent. Good spot for those looking for seafood or pasta. We ordered tuna from the raw bar that was delicious. The warm buns and butter are a must as well. The server/bartender was very knowledgeable about the wine selection and picked out a funky wine to pair with the early part of the meal (pictured), and another for the pasta later (not pictured). Great wine selection, full bar, and a couple of nice craft beers.

You will likely find this place on most dining guides, and there is a reason for that. Their food is great and the service is impeccable. I would recommend 4 or 5 dishes if you are just two people. Their starters are great. We had the leek salad, tuna crudo, and the beef tartar. All these dishes were a knockout. Their pasta was great too. Sadly, we didn’t have room for their famous baked Alaska (which is gigantic!), so if you want to order that you might want to go lighter on the pregame. I would 10/10 recommend this place to anyone visiting Ottawa.

I think if you want a table, it’s best to make a reservation. The prices are reasonable. A nice thing about their pasta is that they offer both small and large portions, so you can try different kinds if you’d like. All the food was delicious — even the complimentary house-made bread. The cocktails were great, and overall, the prices were fair. I would like to come back. This place is better than North Navy — better and cheaper!

A very nice, art deco vibe with sit down and bar service. Hostess and servers were all very courteous. Food was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Kale salad, roasted duck, tuna crudo and bucatini were amazing. Lemonade mocktail was refreshing. Will definitely be back. If you come early when they open you can likely get a table or else reservations probably better than not because it fills up fast. Plenty of street parking. Free after 530p till morning on Saturdays.

My friend and I have been to this restaurant several times. It has become somewhat of a tradition for us because the food is consistently exceptional. Even the bread and the house-made butter are memorable, which says a lot about the care put into the menu. Every dish we have tried over multiple visits has been impressive, and the kitchen deserves recognition for that level of quality. I also want to note that our bartender was very knowledgeable about wine. She took time to explain pairings and origins (France, Ontario county, etc.), and at dessert she offered us an exquisite amaretto and a high-quality spiced rum for my friend. Those details were appreciated. During this visit, however, the service dynamic at the bar did not align with the overall standard of the restaurant. While we were seated at the bar, the bartender and another staff member were at moments engaged in personal conversations. I have worked in hospitality management, so I understand staff communication happens, but in a high-end environment those conversations should remain discreet. Anything said at the bar can be heard from one end to the other, so what guests hear should ideally relate to service or the dining experience. After we had already paid and tipped, I decided to offer feedback. I said to the bartender directly that staff should be mindful of what is said at the bar, since conversations can be overheard and misinterpreted. I was not trying to obtain anything; I directly expressed that discretion matters in environments like this. The reaction was unexpectedly defensive and disproportionate. The bartender insisted that I was “accusing” her and demanded that I repeat exactly what she had said. Her tone escalated enough that other staff members paused to observe the exchange. At that point, I became reactive as well, which I acknowledge. However, the dialogue did not involve insults or raised voices on my end, and once I realized the conversation was becoming unproductive, I chose to end the interaction. I thanked her, my friend praised the food again and we said goodbye, leaving respectfully. I really enjoy this restaurant, and that is why we keep coming back. This feedback is not about the kitchen or the venue, but about the service dynamic at the bar on this particular evening. In a restaurant operating at this level, professionalism and discretion are part of the guest experience. I hope management reviews this, because the kitchen consistently delivers excellence and deserves service that reflects the same standard.

One of my favs right now. Their oysters and the kale salad are amazing. I’ve had their pastas too and all were great. One of the absolute bests things is their homemade bread. Delish!! Great service too!! Zero complaints. I always leave very happy!

We had such an amazing experience here. The staff went above and beyond to make our night special and every detail was perfect. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. You can feel how much they care about their guests. Easily one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had.

North &Navy has been on my “to try list” for a long time. Sadly, the wait was in vain. Our antipasti, Chichetti and our Primi, Ravioli Incompiuto were well presented and creative, however flavour and temperature were lacking. We had two Main dishes. The Halibut & Peperonata was over cooked ( fish was chewy ) , over seasoned and had an abundance of oil on the plate. The Tournedos Rossini was a confusing flavour and texture. combination. Temperature barely warm . Overall, an ok taste. Whey Panacotta dessert, another confusing texture and flavour just not good. Thankfully we were offered a replacement ( tiramisu) which was marginally better. In our selected menu items, the Italian influence was not obvious. Cocktails, service and wine won our stars. Very happy on that front . Sadly we will not return.

We recently celebrated a friend’s birthday at North & Navy in their private dining room. Since we were a group of 16, we had a set menu, but the staff kindly let us order from the regular menu as well. The private space was intimate and charming, which made it perfect for the occasion. One small drawback was the seating — the table had a mix of comfortable leather chairs and less comfortable wooden ones. It would have been nice if everyone had equally comfortable seating. Our server, Rasheen, was excellent — warm, attentive, and made sure we were well taken care of throughout the evening. The food was enjoyable, though the portions were on the smaller side. That said, we still left satisfied. The drinks leaned a bit strong, but they were flavorful and well-crafted. Overall, it was a lovely spot for a special celebration.

I had an amazing time at North and Navy! The food was incredible - I tried the white truffle pasta, the butternut squash mezzaluna, the halibut panne and gnocchi, and the tiramisu. All were amazing, but the truffle pasta and tiramisu were the highlights. My server/bartender Quinn went above and beyond helping me choose food and wine, and suggested an amazing wine pairing for the truffle pasta. She was super knowledgeable about everything behind the bar (there are some bottles with cool stories back there!). She made the experience great!

Best appetizer even had! Cocktail is very good! We tried 4 different type of them. We tried 3 types of main courses since we don’t want to miss anything! Surely will come back on our next trip!

Hit and miss northern Italian cuisine! This restaurant has been on our “maybe” list for a number of years – many great reviews / high ratings but based on their sample menu, we were not sure if we would enjoy the dinner offerings. Having recently spent two amazing weeks touring northern Italy, my wife and I decided to finally try this restaurant to celebrate my birthday. One word can sum up our experience … disappointing! Here is what we ordered: - Negroni / mocktail Negroni as well as two glasses of wine - Polpette / Beets & Blue Cheese - Butternut Squash Mezzaluna / Uni Orecchiette - Zeppola alla Tiramisu (shared) My wife’s mocktail was very good but my drink was not enjoyable – overly bitter and did not even come close to the real deal in Italy which we drank several times when we were there. My glass of white wine (from Piedmont) was very good – my wife’s Lambrusco was not its traditional red colour – it was rosé (unexpected but still good). The polpette were ordinary at best – not much taste. Also, there was no cheese sprinkled on the polpette (which is the way the dish is usually served). When my wife asked for some cheese, our waitress gave her a small bowl of grated cheese. It was tasteless and was clearly not Parmigiano Reggiano. When asked, the waitress did not know what type it was and had to ask someone in the kitchen – she later told us that it was Grana Padano. We know both cheeses very well and it did not taste like either one. Honestly, we were appalled! Parmigiano Reggiano is a northern Italy staple – a fine dining restaurant claiming to be a “northern Italian kitchen” should be ashamed serving some cheaper substitute. The beets / blue cheese dish was very good – although the portion was extremely small and oddly covered with endive leaves. Since it was about the same price as a “primi”, I would have expected more than a few dollops of blue cheese on a few paper-thin slices of beets. Before ordering, the waitress told me that the mezzaluna was served in a brown butter sage sauce – so, I was expecting it to be somewhat on the savoury side. However, the sauce was way too sweet for my liking (similar to brown sugar) and the dish was not very warm. My wife’s uni orecchiette was excellent. The dinner did end on a good note as the zeppola was very good and we were not charged for it (presumably because it was a birthday celebration or maybe due to our negative feedback to the waitress). The presentation of the dishes was very good and the ambiance was cozy (except for the odd music selection). This was an expensive dinner that should have been consistently much better at that price. We will not be going back.

I would give this 3.5 stars. The restaurant is super cute, our server was fun and lively, but the food fell flat a lot of the time. Portions felt extra small, and the empty tortellini was crazy. Still good, but wouldn’t return.

The restaurant is very cozy. The server Logan was amazing, he knew a lot about food allergies and made our stay very pleasant. The food was hot and full of flavour. Lots of GF options.

Town has been around for years. There's a sense of confidence and consistency in what they do. The vibe is chill and unpretentious, great for a relaxing evening out. Dishes are packed with flavour, showcasing real care in the kitchen. The Croatian wines paired beautifully with the meal. Service was friendly and attentive without being intrusive. A solid spot.

Food was good, service was decent. Was very warm in the restaurant and the ambiance wasn't anything to write home about, but nonetheless would absolutely go again. Took us about 30 minutes to find parking and walk over, so give yourself plenty of time if you're going on a weekend.

Had never been here before so I wasn’t expecting much and honestly it was underwhelming. I wouldn’t say it’s an Italian place other than serving pasta and meatballs. The pasta is fresh but for the price the portions are not worth it. There’s no option to add protein to any dish unless it specially says so under that one pasta dish. I heard great things about out the meatballs so that one didn’t disappoint. The watermelon tomato salad was good but again small. Very large beer menu and wine, cocktails were a bit underwhelming. Ambiance is nothing to note, intimate and small with candles. I’m not a picky eater and love all food but this was the first menu I didn’t find a lot on there that I wanted to try. I know they change up their menus often so there might be better options another time but I don’t think I’ll be going back as there’s other restaurants that are just as good if not better with fresh pasta, protein and worth the price tag. Service was fine though, attentive and water was topped often.

This place was fantastic! The restaurant is cozy with a nice ambiance, while it was still able to accommodate for our larger group! They present seasonal cocktails which were incredible, as well as nailing some classics. The carpaccio is some of the best I’ve ever had, and a good portion size. Our group loved all of the food we got, with nothing but great things to say. The service was fantastic as well, our water did not go empty, drinks were always offered to be topped off, and food was very timely. I super duper recommend this place!!!

The Mussel & Toast dish wasn’t really impressive, some of the mussels was too rare, while some was overcooked. The fish inside the dish wasn’t fresh so it had a quite unpleasant taste and smell. The service was great and nice ambiance.

Everything was delicious but the real star was the Miso Butterscotch Pudding. I'd eat it everyday if I could 😭. Service was good and the place is small and cozy.

Esculent place for an upscale date night. Service is excellent and the meatballs are the juiciest I’ve ever had!

I brought my girlfriend here for date night just after Valentine’s Day. This place has a lot of great things going for it including the service which is great. We told our waiter that we were vegetarians and he had times of great suggestions for substitutions. He even predicted the right portions for us. We had some cocktails which were divine and so in all it was good! Where things could have been better were with the prices of some of the dishes. The tacos were great but the veggie taco was tiny compared to all the others (half the quantity for $9). The butter noodles were very tasty but I would have gone with a different type of noodle instead of spaghetti noodles. And there were only 4 slices of tofu for the lettuce wrap (which came with 6 pieces of lettuce). Great space, awesome service, but I was hoping for something a bit more got the price… I suspect that the meat options would have been much more satisfying. But still worth a visit.

As a wedding photographer, I’m always excited when I get to work at Sidedoor!! The venue is absolutely stunning, modern, intimate, and full of character, making it a dream backdrop for wedding photos. The natural light in the front of house space and stunning downstairs reception space offer so many creative opportunities for a versatile venue!! Beyond the aesthetics, the food is incredible and the staff are attentive, welcoming, and a pleasure to collaborate with on the day-of!! It’s clear they care deeply about the couples they host and the experience they provide. A definite gem in the heart of downtown!!

Dined at Sidedoor with my brother & sister in law. Really enjoyed all the dishes we tried! We shared 6 dishes, Honey Garlic Chicken, Popcorn Chicken, Gnocci, Braised Beef, Russet Fries, and Rice. Really enjoyed each dish, portions were very generous! Our server was great, friendly and ontop of our table. Restaurant was clean, with an open, cool vibe. Would definitely come back

We had our wedding at Sidedoor and could not have asked for a better experience. From start to finish, everything was handled with such care and professionalism. Olivia, their event coordinator, was incredible to work with — she guided us through both the big and small details with ease and confidence, and it’s clear her experience in the industry is unmatched. On the night of our wedding, Earl, the GM, was there to ensure everything ran seamlessly, and he absolutely delivered. The entire staff — from the kitchen to the bar staff, to the servers — went above and beyond. The food was amazing — our guests are still raving about it — and they were flawless in handling quite a lot of allergies. Many of our family and friends have already gone back for dinner since! If you’re looking for a venue that combines incredible food, an outstanding team, and flawless execution, Sidedoor is the place. We are so grateful to them for making our wedding day unforgettable.

I had not been to Sidedoor located in the ByWard Market in about ten years and was quickly reminded why. • The setting is beautiful and the restaurant location is central to the market. We sat in the bright glass room filled with natural light but the restaurant was almost empty at lunchtime. • We tried the crispy chicken bao and the lunchbox special which includes two tacos, soup and salad for $27. It is a great concept but despite the lovely presentation, everything tasted flat and underwhelming. Neither of us finished our meals. • Service was pleasant but surprisingly slow considering how few guests there were. It is a shame, because the venue itself is beautiful and well-located, but based on this visit, the food just fell short. I was reminded why I had not been back in a decade.

We went for happy hour, service was great Max created a fun spicy marg my husband loved! Tacos were also delicious- definitely recommend.

Very average Asian fusion, not bad but not great. Vietnamese pancake was my favourite. Datsun is still better for fusion.

A great restaurant with a unique concept. Buffet style, you plate your food options and pay by the weight of it. Food is amazing, very rich flavours and big variety of desserts, salads and main dishes. Busy place (because of the good food) Highly recommended place to have a good meal, try it and I’m sure you will fall in love with this place.

You can’t help but feeling healthy coming for a meal at the Green Door Restaurant & Bakery! This buffet offers so many options, you’re bound to find one or a hundred things you might want to try. If, like me, you suffer from your eyes being bigger than your stomach, you’ll want to be mindful here as you pay for your food by its weight! You may want to refrain from piling up your plate high 😉 The food always looks amazing, it’s hard not to want it all. I have never had a bad meal here. Everything I have tried has always been absolutely delicious!! To give you an idea, the plates shown in this post were about $20 each. The staff is friendly. There are quite a few tables but it does get quite busy. Even so, we’ve never had to wait. They have takeout containers and also allow people to bring their own to fill. There is parking on the street or beside and behind the plaza.

Fresh, healthy, and full of flavour! Loved the variety of vegetarian options at Green Door. The moong bean salad was a standout — so delicious! Great spot for wholesome, feel-good food.

Green Door is always such a nice experience — from the delicious food to the inviting atmosphere, it’s always enjoyable. The food is presented buffet style with many options and for every dish, there is a list stating whether the dish is gluten free, vegan, organic and different nuts that may be used etc… It’s incredibly helpful if you have food allergies or intolerances. You really can’t go wrong with any of their dishes, they’re all delicious but I would highly recommend their seaweed and cucumber salad, their lasagna, and the tofu and veg. They also have many desserts to choose from!

A wonderful, buffet-style, vegetarian eatery where plates are charged by weight (except for dessert). The food is scrumptious and you dine comfortably in a bright and airy atmosphere. Highly recommend, but the tables fill up quickly!

The food is good… that can be said. Unfortunately not an actual buffet, it’s pay by weight and I do consider it a pretty expensive place, around $30 per plate on average and I’m usually left not fully satisfied and wanting a second. Would kill for them to offer an actual buffet, even if it was pricy. Please consider it, owners? Always the same or almost the same selection of food items every time, I wish they’d offer new and more interesting things rather than what they always have on rotation Plates and 2 person tables are simply too small, cutlery is weak too. Very crowded and cramped around the buffet especially. Just an annoyance every time

Self serve salad bar and hot items and they are a vegetarian restaurant. But I don’t think that’s what brings people in. It’s the snobby, pretentious atmosphere. $15.86 for a few small broccoli florets, 3 cubes of beets, 3 pieces of avocado and a spanakopita. Yes, I knew the price per kg, but seriously.

Drinks and food were tasty and perfectly served. The staff is very friendly and efficient. First time here, but will surely come back. We booked a table, but it was not crowded; I’d say you don’t need to book in advance

Love love this dining experience. Food is delicious. Cocktails were unique, very good. Service was excellent. We ordered a variety of appetizers which they kindly made a platter for us, making it easier to share. Highly recommend for an enjoyable evening out in Ottawa!!

I went here tonight for my birthday, and it was truly an amazing experience. Our server was incredibly knowledgeablesharing fun and interesting facts about every dish we ordered and they were genuinely kind and attentive the entire evening. The food was absolutely outstanding; every plate was full of flavor and beautifully presented. I couldn’t have asked for a better celebration. Highly recommend!

Everything from the table they gave me to the bill was excellent! Delicious vegan options. Was wholly impressed.

Exceptional restaurant with great service. The menu was excellent! The staff recommendations were fantastic! Have the root beer! You’ll fall in love!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We celebrated our daughter’s 20th birthday at Union Local 613, and she absolutely loved it and so did we! The atmosphere was warm and vibrant, and the food was delicious from appetizers to dessert. Our server, Jamil, truly made the evening special, friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable. He took the time to explain the menu, suggested fantastic drinks and the grits (which were amazing!), and made us feel genuinely welcome. It was a perfect evening all around, and we’ll definitely be back!

I had celebrated my birthday here with friends and the staff were so kind and accommodating. Everyone was just so warm and welcoming, as well as very knowledgeable about the food and drink menus. Both food and drinks were absolutely delicious. The entire experience here went above and beyond my expectations. I will definitely be coming back. Thank you for making this a great birthday night for my friends and I! 🫶🏽

We were lucky enough to grab a spot at this popular breakfast spot one busy morning, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The Eggs Benedict were cooked to perfection, rich, so so flavourful, and beautifully presented. Every element of our meal was incredible, from the quality of the ingredients to the attention to detail. Coffee was also awesome!!!! The staff were just as impressive as the food, super friendly, knowledgeable, and full of energy. Their upbeat and fun personalities truly added to the overall experience and made us feel right at home. We’ll definitely be back, and we highly recommend this gem to anyone looking for a top-tier breakfast experience! Thank you Wild & Adas ❤️

Went here for brunch with the family. Great atmosphere with friendly staff. We had the poutine, Eggs Benedict, burger and French Toast and Tostadas. Everything was delicious. It's a little on the pricier side, but we could tell the quality of the ingredients, so we thought the extra cost was well worth it. This restaurant was very busy when we went (afternoon) so we had to wait about 30 mins for a table. Unfortunately, they do not take reservations and they do not have their own parking lot so we had to find street parking. The food was so delicious and the staff were so friendly that we will definitely come again for another meal!

Tried Wilf and Ada’s on the recommendation of my brother who lives nearby and we wanted something within walking distance. It was quite busy already 11:00am on a Thursday but we still had a choice of seats. Went for a table along the back wall for a little more quiet. Staff was great and patient with someone like me who has eating challenges. I went for the avacado egg which was delicious as was the eggs Benedict my husband opted for. Staff was all fabulous. Meal was quick and tasty and delivered quickly. Brothers recommendation was bang on!

We managed to get a table here for 4 on a pretty busy Friday brunch time. It's a small place, with a very cozy neighborhood feel. We had today's special, which was a pastrami sandwich and an order of French toast. We wanted to share plates amongst ourselves and the staff went out of their way to portion the plates themselves for each of us! That's remarkable service - deserving of a tip. Will definitely consider revisiting in the future.

I was quite happy with or brunch at Wilf & Ada's. Service was attentive but I was surprised that the sugar was whisked off my table when it was. Do they not have enough sugar bowls?? The coffee was good and replenished when needed. We had to wait a bit as it is very popular. (30 minutes) My only issue was in going to the bathrooms there. The bathrooms are at the back and you had to get past the open kitchen. What surprised me was someone doing food prep in that aisle. Not only was I surprised that it was located next to the bathrooms but it was outside of the kitchen!! The floor was noticeably greasy and a little tricky to walk on. This issue should be addressed given the number of customers that this highly popular restaurant serves.

Delicious eggs benedicts and excellent service. The home fries were perfectly cooked and also delicious. Salad was fresh & tasty. We will go again for brunch the next time we visit Ottawa.

Brunched at Wild & Ada’s on a busy Sunday. The Blackstone Eggs Benny was mediocre, and the service was just okay. The restaurant was very crowded, which made the experience a little bit hectic.

I celebrated my birthday in July at Arlo, we had the Apartment reserved. I totally forgot to post my review before. It was AMAZING. The food was so delicious, the room was beautiful and the staff was so great. I can’t remember the name of our waitress but she was so nice, professional and good. We will be back soon for sure! Thanks again for the perfect experience.

We celebrated our elopement with an intimate private dinner at Arlo, and it couldn’t have been more perfect! From planning to the actual night, everything was handled with so much care and attention. The service was amazing, and the food was incredible, beautifully prepared and full of flavor. The team made us feel truly looked after, it’s a night we’ll always remember.

My brother treated me to my birthday dinner here a few weeks ago. The experience was excellent from the start that included a personalized menu ( the small things count for sure), our sever, she was excellent, she took great care of us. The food was good, I enjoyed the duck, my brother's schnitzel looked great. Amazing wine pairings, and we enjoyed the fact that it wasnt just run of the mill bottles, but thought out, curated selections for their restaurant. I dont particularly enjoy celebrating my birthday, never have, BUT, this experience made the night very enjoyable and I appreciate that, so thank you!

although there was a loud table beside us, Molly and Francois completely made the experience unbelievable. We had a private tour of their reception area, INSANE service by miss Molly, souvenirs, just the best time overall. If you’re celebrating, this is the place… Customized menus, personalized service. 10/10. Will be back. Thank you Molly and Francois for everything. Will never forget this night.

My wife and I were married in October and we had our wedding reception with our close friends and family in the 'Apartment' at Arlo. We were so pleased how the evening turned out. The bar and dinner service from Madison and Melissa was outstanding. Francois made sure that everything was to our liking before our guests arrived. To say that the food was delicious is an understatement. Our guests were so impressed with the quality of the food, and the quantity. The Apartment has a perfect vibe for a small wedding reception like ours. It's intimate and private and it was exactly what we were looking for in a wedding venue. It was a wonderful evening shared with family and friends. Thank you to Mark, Melissa, Madison, Francois and team Arlo for hosting us and making it such a memorable night. Well done, everyone. Lynn and Tim

Service was impeccable, even added the personal touch for our anniversary. The food was outstanding as was the drink service. Cannot wait for our next visit as it has been a while since I have enjoyed an evening out like this.

We had a fantastic meal here. This quaint and eclectic restaurant will not disappoint you, nor your taste buds. The beef tataki & eel is a great starter ! Next time I'll order my own and not share. The pickled shrimp were also nice, but in hind sight I'd probably just order a second tataki (it was that good). The in-house hot sauce is very nice and pairs with everything. We chose the ribeye to share as a main. Oh man, sooo good. The marrow / butter on the beef itself could be a dish on its own. Although I wish this sharable portion was a bit bigger, we had absolutely no complaints about the cook (of the beef), flavours, presentation. (Don't mind the half eaten tamatoe in the picture, our stomachs got the best of us) Very approachable, friendly, and knowledgable staff. There are plenty of options and pairings for wine. The in-house sommelier will help you decide what may be best to pair with a dish. We had a wonderful time and will gladly return. The cute menu print for our anniversary was also nice touch. Thanks for a wonderful experience. Cheers to the staff for a great night out.

Service and atmosphere were both excellent here. The food was good, but I found the flavours of every dish we ordered too overpowering with too many competing flavours. I didn’t know what I was supposed to be tasting. Even the sourdough bread was overly flavorful - it was buttered and salted, and then we were supposed to add the caramelized butter on top of that. Felt like every dish was over seasoned. We ordered 6 dishes total, and I would say the pickerel was the best one. Interesting concept, but I think I would have liked it better if each dish showcased one or two flavours instead of 3-4.

Play is definitely one of the best spots in town to eat out, a rare blend of culinary creativity and technical skill. The food was simply spectacular, every dish a masterpiece in both taste and presentation. Bold flavors, balanced compositions, and precise execution made it clear the kitchen runs on pure talent. We had the Fennel ash gnocchi and Pork belly each plate an example of high level technique and thoughtful ingredient pairing. Visually stunning, texturally perfect in every bite. The service matched the kitchen’s excellence. Staff were attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu and moved with calm precision. Their seamless coordination and genuine warmth elevated the experience. Play delivers a refined yet approachable dining experience that sets a benchmark in the local restaurant scene. Make sure you get a reservation, we were lucky enough to walk in and score a table without wait.

It had been far too long since my last visit to Play, and after dining there again last night, I honestly do not know why, it was great. We enjoyed a beautifully balanced three-course Sunday menu that was fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully presented. Every dish felt well-composed and satisfying, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience. • It was my first time dining on the main level rather than upstairs, and I loved the change of scenery. Our table was tucked behind a wall of empty wine bottles, which offered just the right amount of privacy and a nice reprieve from the bustle of the dining room. The lighting was warm, inviting and perfect for conversation and a relaxed evening with friends. • The service was outstanding, friendly, attentive, knowledgeable, and with just the right touch of humor. It really added to the experience and made the evening feel seamless from start to finish. • Overall, an excellent return to a restaurant that continues to deliver on food, service, and atmosphere. We will definitely be back and will not be waiting so long next time.

We ordered several dishes tonight and overall had a good experience. • Grilled sourdough – Excellent! The bread was warm and crusty, and the butter had a subtle coffee aroma and creamy texture — a lovely surprise. • Scallop ceviche – My favourite dish of the night! Refreshing, bright, and perfectly balanced — very appetizing and vibrant. • Squash soup & Seared Chinook salmon – Both had a curry masala-style flavor that wasn’t quite my preference; a bit too strong for my taste. • Grilled striploin – Nicely cooked, tender, and the sauce was a bit salty but very fresh-tasting overall. • Lemon cavatelli – Interesting and full of complex, layered flavors — rich yet balanced. • Concord grape ice cream – Disappointing. The nuts tasted old (not fresh), and the ice cream itself lacked freshness and flavor. The service was warm and attentive, and the dishes were beautifully plated. My favourites were definitely the scallops and the sourdough — both delicious and memorable. ⭐️ Overall: 7/10 — creative menu, great presentation, cozy atmosphere, though dessert could be improved.

Came for dinner by myself and everything was great. The food was paired perfectly with the wines. It looked great for sharing plates but there were several small enough for one person to try a few dishes. Desert is not to be missed, it was delicious. The service was attentive. The atmosphere was relaxed but beautiful

Wow! This chef can cook. My braised short rib was fantastic. Dessert will haunt me wanting more and wine was fabulous! This restaurant is a gem. It’s a must try when in Ottawa.

Wonderful restaurant at start of the Byward Market area. Two floors with, tables, bar and kitchen counter seating. An extensive wine list with plenty of foreign and local wines. Even an Australian wine 😁 The food is excellent, with pork belly and scallop ceviche being stand outs. The creme brulee was excellent and not to sweet. We sat at the kitchen counter and the Chefs gifted us a Strawberry Shortcake Cake dessert, which is hands down one of the best desserts I have eaten with Oolong Tea Ice cream and Lime Meringue it all just worked. Staff is friendly and service was excellent. We really enjoyed our visit.

I've only been to Riviera for drinks so far, but have never been disappointed with the options or the service. The curated cocktails are creative and delicious. The wine list is impressive. And if you're an amateur of gins like me, you'll have plenty to chose from. Cannot wait to try the food.

My husband and I went here for our anniversary dinner and we were blown away! Their negronis are to die for, we had the beef tartare and the scallops to start, and the rabbit ragu and sea bass as our mains. For desert the chocolate creme aux which we would recommend sharing. Everything was delicious. Our server Stephanie was the highlight of our evening, she was so kind and never made us feel rushed. Even though the photo booth wasn’t working that evening she made sure that we still got some photos. She was so lovely!

This is one of my favorite places in Ottawa hands down, service is always on point it seems and the food is consistently amazing. Even when I ordered take out during COVID. I can't say enough good things about Riviera and I hope to make it back soon. Also I should add that I really respect the fact that the bar staff put great efforts in the mocktails as they do their cocktails. My wife and I do not drink alcohol and we are always thrilled with everything. Highly recommend!

Such an incredible experience. The food was delicious and the staff was very attentive. If you have an opportunity to sit at the bar and watch the chefs cook I highly recommend it. It was like dinner and a show. These guys are a fine oiled machine.

Definitely one of my Favourite restaurants in the city. The food and atmosphere are incomparable i just love every culinary experience I’ve had here,so many great memories. Make sure you end the night in the photo booth i have my pictures on my mirror from my first date there with my wife and its an amazing thing to remember.

We had a wonderful dining experience at Riviera. The Grilled Sea Bass was a standout, tender, perfectly cooked, and subtly flavored to let the freshness of the fish shine. It was served with Provencal-style tomatoes and a medley of summer vegetables, lightly dressed to bring brightness and balance to the dish. The Late Summer Pea Anolini was another highlight, delicate pasta parcels filled with a sweet, earthy pea purée, finished with grated pecorino, lemon zest, and mint. The combination was refreshing, nuanced, and beautifully seasonal. The Mushrooms on Toast, served without the egg per request, featured a generous heap of sautéed wild mushrooms layered over thick, crusty bread, finished with aromatic shaved truffle. It was rich, umami-forward, and deeply satisfying, a dish that truly showcased the flavor of the mushrooms. Instead of bread, I was kindly offered a gluten-free option of their house-made chips, crisp, flavorful, and a thoughtful touch for those with dietary restrictions. Everyone at the table enjoyed their meals, and as we were celebrating a birthday, the staff surprised us with a delicate mint chocolate macaron with a candle to blow out , a lovely and personal gesture that added to the experience. The service was attentive, the music epic, (80s, yacht rock, 90s) and the atmosphere warm yet elevated. Riviera clearly takes pride in both its ingredients and presentation, making it a spot I’d gladly return to.

Went to Riviera Ottawa for dinner. The ambiance was very nice. Kind of like dark-ish, fancy speakeasy vibes (but not with the hush hush talking lol). We ordered: steak frites, medium rare — very tender and flavourful; scallop chowder — love this, great starter, scallop tasted so fresh and the ginger was a nice touch; burger — really good classic burger, double patty, very heavy and filling. Our server was also very polite (we forgot his name) and gave great suggestions. We would have gotten dessert, but we were stuffed after lol. Would definitely come back!

Amazing dining experience. It's a wow!Everything was great in this place; food, drinks, desserts, staff, view, atmosphere... I am looking forward to coming back in the summer, but book in advance to get a table. 🙂

I visited this restaurant with high expectations after hearing positive feedback from friends; however, the experience did not meet that standard. The portion sizes were notably small, and the dishes lacked depth of flavour to the point of feeling rather uninspired. Given this, the pricing felt disproportionate to both the quality and quantity provided. Additionally, our server’s demeanor was rather cold, which further detracted from the experience. I have never felt compelled to leave a restaurant review until now, but the service and overall value fell sufficiently short that it warranted comment. Based on this visit, I would not return, nor would I recommend it to friends.

Great service in a romantic atmosphere. This place was well worth the drive from Ottawa. Staff was warm and welcoming. Waters were filled often, and our server was always close to check up on our table. I noticed our cutlery and napkins were always clean because the staff replaced used cutlery when they walk by. Every dish was good to its last bite. The duck confit was full of great flavour and textures. Pizza was great to be shared. Desserts were smaller than expected, but they were nice and light.

From the moment we walked in, this restaurant delivered an exceptional experience. The ambiance was stunning—warm, inviting, and thoughtfully designed to make you feel both relaxed and impressed. Every detail, from the lighting to the music, created the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable meal. And the food? Absolutely delicious. Every dish we tried was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. You can tell the kitchen takes pride in their craft—fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and creative touches that made each bite memorable. What really elevated the entire experience was the staff. Dynamic, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable, they struck the perfect balance between professionalism and genuine hospitality. They made excellent recommendations, answered questions with ease, and made us feel like valued guests from start to finish. This place is a gem. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want an incredible night out, I can't recommend it enough. We'll definitely be coming back!

This is a very overdue review; However, my partner & I had the chance to dine with Les Fougères in early August. The meal started off great & we were served our starters & drinks shortly after we were seated. Unfortunately, our mains were quite delayed due to an event taking place at the restaurant that evening. Naturally, this upset us. However, the staff at the restaurant was nothing short of exceptional. They were extremely patient with us & were both professional & diligent, with regards to how they remediated the delay. We would love to dine with Les Fougères the next time we're in town. Thanks again for the incredible service!

Small seasonal menu where fresh ingredients are proudly showcased. The duck confit is always a winning choice but this time we opted for something different… • Love the twist on the rhubarb margarita cocktail, the pizzas were simple yet interesting and the dough was delicious. Beautiful ambiance, great artwork on the walls, delicious food and amazing service.

Fantastic meal yet again! This restaurant always exceeds my expectations. The duck confit and scarpinocc pasta are absolutely delicious! Highly recommend trying the charcuterie board as well. The garden in the back is beautiful and there's also a little shop attached to the side of the restaurant.

We went a few weeks ago prior to going to the museum. Absolutely brilliant spot. Food was incredible. I’m still thinking about that mushroom soup. Bread was so fresh. 10/10 highly encourage everyone to go! The only negative is the waitress was very slow. However, I wouldn’t deduct a star because I think she was the only one working.

We were 5 stopping in for a late lunch before going to the vineyard. They were very busy so service was a bit slow but we really all enjoyed our meals. Worth the waits. We all had their salads (house or garden) and they were unique and very tasty. Some of us had the flatbread and a couple the tuna melts. We will go back for sure.

Everything was delicious and cozy! The food was fresh, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. The service was kind and attentive — the staff made us feel very welcome. The atmosphere is warm and homey, a place you want to stay and relax. We’ll definitely be back again. Highly recommend!

Cute little spot in Carp. Buddy and I stopped for brunch. Alittle bit of a wait ( totally cool) but definitely was from a lack of front staff as there was seats avaliable the whole time we waited. Once seated, the waitress was friendly enough, nothing extra. The food and spicy Chai latte was good enough, I had the breakfast wrap which was pretty good. Prices were expected, not expensive but not cheap either. Would stop back in if ever in the area as their select weekday burger menu is intriguing.

Have only tried their coffee yet. Got good vibes from the cafe too. Will visit again for some food.

My husband and I visited Alice’s for the first time, and it will be our last. The service was mediocre, but what was worse was our drinks! My husband ordered a London fog that tasted like mostly hot water with a hint of tea, I ordered a Nutella hot chocolate which had no taste as well, especially not of Nutella.. and then to be charged almost $10 for the hot chocolate is ridiculous. Their whole drink menu is overly priced, and for it to not even taste good. Waste of hard earned money.

The owner of restaurant is terrible - my father and I came for a lovely lunch and unfortunately didn’t enjoy the soup and the sandwich was so poorly made ($20). We offer to pay half because we didn’t eat the soup or half the sandwich- when we explained that we didn’t enjoy this she didn’t care nor do she offer us anything in leu as a proper restaurant should!!! It was absolutely appalling how she handled the situation- I have never experienced something so terrible when it comes to owner responsibility. I will never return ever! Not worth effort or drive to carp - there are so many other lovely places to enjoy!

My wife and I came here for our anniversary dinner, and overall, it was a great experience. The food was very flavorful, and the presentation was excellent. The servers were friendly and knowledgeable. We were happy to see that the beef and chicken are halal, though it’s worth noting the duck isn’t. Parking near the restaurant was a bit of a hassle, but there are a few paid garages nearby if you don’t mind walking a bit. One standout dish for us was the knafeh—it was absolutely delicious and a perfect way to end the meal. The only downside was that the portions felt a bit small for the price, but the quality of the food made up for it. Overall a 4.5 experience

We waited about an hour and forty-five minutes without a reservation, which was reasonable considering the lack of one. However, I had heard positive things about the cafe and restaurant, so we waited until we were seated. The restaurant was lively, with tables close together, allowing us to watch other diners’ meals and conversations. The service was extremely slow, and it seemed like the staff consisted of just one person, whose name I can’t recall. Despite his best efforts, the overall experience was disappointing. The biggest issue was the pricing. The store bought canned hummus and grape leaves were ridiculously expensive. As a Middle Eastern person, I can confidently say that these items were probably canned and not freshly made. Considering that we paid a total of around $236 Canadian dollars without tipping, I found the quality of the food to be mediocre at best. The meat options were the meat kabab and the chicken sheesh. Both were edible, but the prices were way too high for the portion sizes. When I asked the waitresses about the menu, they confirmed that it was inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine, but it didn’t follow traditional authenticity. While I appreciated their honesty, the food didn’t meet my expectations. In comparison to other restaurants, the prices here were significantly higher. This made it hard to justify the quality of the food. Some dishes on the menu were confusing, like the fried halloumi served with dried oats on the side. It looked like cereal from a box.

Overall, the decor and ambience is really nice especially to enjoy with a group of friends but the food was only pretty good. The Muhammara was very underwhelming, the cashews just lack the flavour you’re looking for that walnuts usually give. And maybe some pomegranate syrup or molasses would just add that extra oomph The house-made pita though is FANTASTIC! They serve it in a warm clay bowl and covered in cloth to keep warm. Got extras of that to enjoy! The crusted lamb sirloin was good but not the best lamb, especially for the price. It didn’t come with much else except for the fried taro and a few vegetables so order more or save some of the pita. Summer truffle babaganoush - the eggplant was good but can really do without the truffles. The washrooms are kept clean, the men’s and women’s are on opposite sides of the restaurant. There is quite a big dining area and they also have a patio.

We were very excited to try this restaurant as the menu looks amazing. We had the dip trio, the fried cauliflower, and the Acorn Creek stuffed squash. Wow...the Baba Ghanoush was far too lemony and completely overpowered the eggplant…the color was very light and you’d never know it was made with eggplants. Unfortunately, the fried cauliflowers had a burnt taste...as the sunflower seeds and cauliflower florets were over toasted/cooked. The sauce was nice despite being too lemony. The squash dish was good and the pita freshly baked (but each piece was small). So you end up having to ask for extra pita (1$ each), that can take a bit of time to have as they are made to order. Service was friendly. In my opinion, overpriced for the quantity and taste/consistency.

Great atmosphere but average food. We did go with the sofra menu rather than a la carte menu. The sofra menu had good amount of dishes and well plated but to be honest was expecting more. Overall a good experience but will not go there again for just food but just the experience. We did also order the truffle fries and they were great.

Great food! We ordered the meat platter for the family and it was just the right amount. Lamb, beef, chicken and tons of spreads, salads, and side dishes. 9/10 on the flavour side and genuinely lovely staff.

Had dinner here recently with a friend who is a huge foodie, we were both generally impressed with the quality of the food and the ambiance but menu lacked options. Starters were a little under whelming, Main and dessert were the two best parts. See photos for more details, overall I would return here mostly because the service was excellent and the ambiance was awesome

Tried this ramen spot recently and really enjoyed it! The broth was rich and flavorful, and the noodles had a great texture. The ambience is warm and inviting—perfect for a cozy meal. Service was friendly and attentive. My only gripe is that they only offer pork options—NO chicken or seafood, which limits choices for those with dietary preferences. Still, if you're a pork ramen fan, it's definitely worth a visit!

We’ve been coming to Sansotei Ramen for a long time and it never disappoints. My favourite is the Spicy Tantan, broth is rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with spice. The Miso Black is another great option, with a deep savory broth, garlic oil, and tender chashu that just melts in your mouth. Both bowls are consistently excellent, with noodles and eggs done just right. The sides are also worth ordering. The gyoza dumplings are solid, but the deep-fried chicken wings were amazing, crispy outside, juicy inside and packed with flavor. Overall, it’s a very small, cozy spot, which adds to the atmosphere and has become one of our go-to ramen spots.

I decided to give this place a try after seeing its 4.7-star rating on Google Maps. Today was my first visit — and unfortunately, it will also be my last. I ordered the Tonkotsu Black Ramen and the Tomato Ramen. The noodles lacked the texture I expected, and the portion size was quite small for the price. The tonkotsu broth was completely overpowered by garlic, which made it hard to enjoy. What surprised me even more was the cleanliness — the booth seating along the wall was noticeably dirty. I didn’t expect this level of hygiene from a Japanese restaurant. Overall, it was a disappointing experience.

Absolutely amazing! If there’s one place in the city I can recommend it’s definitely here! Everything is absolutely to die for. The service was actually really quick I’ve heard it can be a long wait and it gets busy but I think we waited only like 15 or so minutes as a walk in. Service was really nice and friendly and once the food and drinks started coming out it was very very quick for that as well. I can’t wait to come back! Thank you so much.

I was in Ottawa for 2 hours. I needed lunch before heaving back to the airport. Ramen is always a great idea. Sanaotei was excellent. I had the Black Tonkotsu Ramen. Thin noodles. The noodles were 10/10 with a great chew factor while the broth was rich and delicious.

I’ve been coming to Sansotei Ramen for quite some time, and it never disappoints. My personal favourite is the Spicy Tantan — the broth is rich, full of flavor, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat. It’s comforting yet exciting with every bite. Another standout is the Miso Black, which has a deep, savory broth accented by fragrant garlic oil and topped with chashu pork so tender it melts in your mouth. Both bowls are consistently well-executed, with noodles cooked to perfection and eggs that hit that golden, creamy sweet spot. The sides are definitely worth exploring as well. The gyoza dumplings are solid and satisfying, but the deep-fried chicken wings steal the show — crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor.

My favourite ramen spot in Ottawa! definitely give it a try. Proportions and the service is great. taste is immaculate. You usually have to wait outside for dinner, as the restaurant is small and crowded. The wait is always worth it though!

Located on the Western side of the heart of Ottawa, the restaurant offers a seasonal menu to renew its offerings and a rich choice of drink. I had the duck breast and the iconic butterfinger. A bit pricey, however the food was excellent.

Amazing branch place in the heart of Westboro! The service was outstanding, the the food was excellent and the ambiance was just exactly what you would want in a restaurant. I really appreciate the concept that we can try two different things from the menu. Definitely one of the places I would recommend to anyone!

Excellent restaurant! High quality food with very good quality ingredients. Special dishes and great service, filling your glasses, not intruding to ask if everything is fine because they know it’s good. It’s very gezellig! 😍

Ash (amazing person) was our server but we were waited on by at least 4 people. Great food and service. Went for my daughter's birthday lunch.

We came here to celebrate our anniversary, and overall had a lovely evening. The staff was warm and attentive, and the restaurant itself was clean and welcoming. We started with the ciabatta bread, which came with a note that part of the proceeds go to the Ottawa Network for Education—such a thoughtful initiative! It would be even better if they shared how much is donated per order to give guests a clearer sense of the impact. For appetizers, we had the mussels and fries. The mussels were perfectly cooked and flavorful, and the fries were crispy and well-seasoned. For our mains, we tried the duck breast and the grilled striploin. The duck breast was incredible—the portion size was just right, and the combination of tender duck, orange marmalade, and white bean purée was a standout. Every bite was delicious. The striploin was good and well-cooked, but didn’t quite leave a lasting impression. To finish, we shared the lemon cream brûlée with a coffee. It was unique and refreshing—a perfect way to end the meal. We also had two non-alcoholic drinks, which were well-crafted and really enjoyable. The atmosphere was calm, but maybe a little too quiet—some background music at a higher volume could really enhance the vibe. Since it was our anniversary and my partner mentioned it in the reservation, we did appreciate the candle and the “happy anniversary” greeting, but a small on-the-house gesture (like a dessert or drink) would’ve made it feel more special and memorable. All in all, a great dinner with a few small areas that could make the experience feel even more elevated. Would recommend!

Good ambiance and decent food. Perfect location for a date night or special occasion. The service was really friendly and the food was delicious. Reservations are highly recommended.

We recently dined here for New Year's, and overall, it was a mixed experience. The mushroom soup was a highlight — rich, creamy, and full of flavor. However, the beef for the main course was a bit dry, which was disappointing. On the other hand, my wife ordered the halibut, and it was fantastic — perfectly cooked and flavorful. The service was decent.. but I had made reservations well in advance for New Year's, but even though we arrived early, we were seated at the far end of the upstairs area, right next to the washrooms. Oddly, there were several vacant seats closer to the main dining area that we could have been moved to, but we weren’t offered that option. Despite the small setbacks, we still had a good time, and the food quality overall made up for some of the service and seating issues. Would recommend, but with a bit of caution on seating preferences

Brendan our server was amazing! He gave great recommendations for dishes and accommodated us to sit outside. He gave recommendations for the rest of our night and had a super welcoming and upbeat attitude. Highly recommend the zucchini cakes and the falafel.

It has been a long time since I've been to a restaurant where I have enjoyed absolutely everything about it. I stayed at the Alt, the locations was a perfect little walk (about 7mins). Side mention - neighborhood felt safe to walk at night. As for the resturantl itself; everything from the service to the food quality, the way it was presented, and the beautiful flavors was a 10! The total experience was amazing. A special mention to the servers you were both fantastic. Highly recommend going here we will definitely be back on our next visit to Ottawa.

I had plans to grab dinner here before even getting to Ottawa as their Octopadaki caught my attention. I absolutely love trying octopus dishes as not everyone gets it cooked just right. So we got Smoked Salmon Crisps, Octopadaki, and Shakshuka. They were quite busy as it was dinner rush but I didn't mind the wait. I already knew that they were a Tapas place so I anticipated just getting one each or a small serving of the order which is perfect especially if I am looking just to taste something I haven't had before. Just want to say that this place got the flavors perfect for me, definitely recommend the dishes that I got especially to those who loves the same flavors that I do. The shakshuka was pretty liquidy but the flavor was so on point that I didn't really mind it. Definitely a place to go back to!

The experience here was worth it. We ordered so many items we had left overs to bring home! Aranchini 5-stars KOLOKITHOKEFTHEDE 5-stars Fish tacos 3-stars Open face chicken 5-stars Greek poutin 5-stars Moshari ginger 10-stars!!! Also had the regular pita and most of our meal was made gluten free and it was freaking delicious. The lime raspberry cheesecake was good too!!

One word, perfect in all aspects of our dining experience. We celebrated our 1st year anniversary here and had a wonderful experience including enjoying the food and excellent service from our server. We would highly recommend trying different tapas and will definitely return. Special thanks to our server and staff that made our evening very memorable.

Just amazing. Food is awesome. Server was great. Owner is passionate! Nothing bad to say, minus small bathroom haha girls need more space. But, it is 5 star for sure. Been there 3 times.

Excellent service, perfectly balanced flavors, great atmosphere and well priced for what you get. The good thing is that most meats are halal which is a plus. Highly recommended especially the risotto and Greek lamb poutine.

This place is known for its French dishes, but we stopped by just to grab a quick burger this time. That said, I definitely want to come back and try more of the menu. It’s an older spot with a ton of character, feels almost like a little museum. The building shows its age in a good way, and the walls are covered with art. Each piece has a note about the artist, and you can even buy them, which is a nice touch. The vibe is great. I really enjoy places like this that have some history and their own personality. The food was also solid. The burger was simple but really tasty, and it came nicely plated with a bunch of fresh veggies on the side. The fries were cooked perfectly and had good flavor. The only downside was the washrooms, they weren’t very clean. But overall, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the whole experience was a good one. I’ll definitely be back.

One of the best restaurants in Ottawa. The french dishes are so good. The bread and sauce are tasty. Burgers are fine. The pork chop is surprisingly juicy. Most importantly, the prices are reasonable and I think everyone visiting Ottawa must give them a try. Some say that the service is not good and needs to wait for a long time for the food, but when we visit, the food comes fast and servers are nice people. No need to wait if reservation is made.

We came in as a group of 7, the place was pretty busy. We were seated quickly but you can tell that its packed and busy as there were some tables that haven't been cleared yet. Our server was very nice and attentive, she deserves credit as she did her best with a smile despite being the only one serving our area. We had a brunch menu, pretty sure their menu changes depending on what time you would be dining. Ordered Spicy Beef Nachos and Frida & Diego Burger - their fries was perfect cooked and seasoned, the burger also great, you get a really thick somewhat juicy beef patty and the flavors just work really well. The nachos was just okay for us. Overall, its a mixed review. Thinking we should try their dinner service next time.

This was an amazing place for a burger, wonderful and truly delicious. Served with mayo and ketchup for dipping delicious yummy French fries, so good!!! Recommend this to any tourist to go and visit!! Wish I could have stayed in Ottawa longer to keep on enjoying this very yummy food. Beer was cold and satisfying!! Amazing spot have to recommend you check it out!! Space can be limited so he there early on busy times.

We ate the escargots with cheese, beef liver, and seafood pasta and the food was great! The lady tried her best to serve us. However, it was a busy night, people kept coming in and the AC didn't work. Luckily the lady opened the front door to introduce the fresh air and breeze to cool down people inside.

We came here in June as a family when we were visiting Ottawa. Food was great and fairly priced. The mussels were fresh and delicious! Service was good. We went around 6pm and it was busy and quite loud. Great location, would come again!!

Absolute gem in Ottawa. This is the best value French food I have had. The atmosphere is more casual and cozy, but that does not take away from the quality of the food. Usually when I get escargot it comes with just 6 snails still in shells, but this one they are already deshelled and overflowing. The duck confit was also perfectly cooked with large portions. Wonderful service as well.

The sliced bison was delicious. The sage pasta was good but could have used a protein option. The maple pound cake was a good mix of maple and foie gras and ice cream. The Sage Daiquiri and Botanicals in Spring were amazing. Excellent service from our waitress. Efficient, friendly, and attentive. Cab+cab by the glass worked well too.

Went here for a friend’s birthday dinner and had a great time! The Fauna Burger and Iberian Pork were both super tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The service was pleasant overall, and while we didn’t see our server too often, everything we needed was taken care of. We also brought in a cake for the occasion, and just a quick heads-up for anyone planning the same, there’s a $5 per person fee for outside cakes. All in all, a really nice spot for a special night out!

I went to fauna twice during a weeklong trip to Ottawa from Maine. I went to the restaurant in November 2019 and really enjoyed it and needed to go back. I absolutely loved it and tried various dishes. The staff were incredible—they were very relatable, friendly and easy to talk to. You could tell they really enjoyed working there and I’ll definitely go back again! Felix worked on the second night I was there and his customer service was impeccable just as the other team members were the week before. If you have the time, go to this restaurant—it won’t disappoint.

I wanted to share my wonderful experience with Fauna. I work in the restaurant industry, and I'm able to recognize how hard an establishment works to make the guest experience absolutely perfect. Fauna fell no short of that. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by the what I can assume to be a manager, he was smiley and sat me immediately after confirming my reservation. I was then greeted by the talented and welcoming Sydney. From then on, she expertly guided me through the various and impressive wine selections. It was my birthday dinner and they brought over several tasters until I found the perfect glass of white wine. After looking over their seasonal and rotating menu, I decided on their: soft shell crab dish, fish cakes, and their truffle cacio e Pepe. Sydney got that in for me right away and in no time I was brought the first dish. Their soft shell crab was crunchy, crispy and flavourful. It had a crunchy and fresh daikon slaw. It was paired with a fish egg mayo that had such a lovely texture with the soft shell crab. The plate was practically clean. Brought out next was Thai fish cakes. The curried lobster bisque was so spicy but in such a thoughtful way. It wasn't offensive but paired nicely with the texture of the fish cakes and the subtlety of the creme fraiche. I was starting to get full after two "appetizer" plates but I couldn't say no to their cassarecce pasta. It came out and looked like it came out of a Michelin star restaurant. They did not skimp on the black truffle. You could tell the pasta was fresh. The heaviness of the Louis d'or was honestly so satisfying. I would come back just for this pasta alone. It was fulfilling and delicious. At this point I couldn't bear to think of dessert, though I really wanted to. Which means I'll have to come back for a second visit. The chefs and creative team in the kitchen know exactly what they are doing. I have heard from MANY people in the restaurant industry that Fauna is by far the best restaurant in Ottawa, for Canadian and fine dining cuisine. I was not disappointed and am proud to say I wholeheartedly agree. They were utilizing local and seasonal ingredients throughout the meal. Not only was the food fantastic but the entire ambiance of the restaurant speaks for why Fauna deserves #1. The male bartender (didn't grab his name) and Sydney made me constantly feel special and like a welcome guest in the restaurant, even on a slower Sunday evening. The personalized attention in my conversations with them both were top notch. I cannot speak enough about how truly amazing this meal was. For a first time diner, but a forever fan now, Fauna you deserve accolades beyond belief. Thank you, for the best meal, in the city that fun forgot (but it wasn't forgotten at Fauna). I spent roughly $110+ on the whole check but I would highly suggest coming with another person as I was indulgent, the two first plates could easily be shareables.

The best steak I've ever had. I know it comes with a high price tag but what else can you expect? I don't know where they got it from or how they cooked it. All I know is I want it again. The tuna was good but I did much prefer the crab cake. The atmosphere and ambiance is spot-on and the staff were very friendly. If you have any Amex benefits, this is the place to spend them.

One of the best restaurants in the city of Ottawa. Mike took such good care of us! The staff are all attentive and truly care about the experience each customer has. Forgot to take pics of everything but you must try the caviar (with duck egg and crème fraiche) and the dry aged ribeye. Oh and the pasta is unreal! If you enjoy wine, they will make you love it even more!! A must do in Ottawa.

Fantastic food but absolutely horrible service - took 30 min to just get drinks. The waiter seemed confused when we asked to order appetizers and said we could only order everything together and disappeared for another 1/2 hour. The acoustics (brick walls) means you’re literally shouting to hear people at the same table and I left with a headache. Ultimately needs a lot of work to make this an enjoyable experience which is a shame because the food is very good.

A cute and cozy spot with a nice selection of French-inspired dishes with lovely presentation. Good list of mimosa. On Saturday they don’t serve lunch menu at 12:30, so we proceed with the brunch menu which was good for adults but limited for kids. The food is good overall, though not quite amazing. The croque madame had quality ham, though the cheese and sauce could have used more flavor. The avocado toast was fresh and tasty, and the French fries were excellent. The kids’ French toast had good flavor but was a little soggy. In general, it’s a charming place near Parliament Hill, worth a visit for the atmosphere, but the food still has room for improvement.

Came here for brunch a couple weekends ago with a friend. We had a reservation so we were seated right away upon arrival. I ordered the truffle omelette with a side of bacon while my friend ordered the eggs benedict. My meal was absolutely delicious! The omelette had a generous amount of truffle, the potatoes were wonderfully seasoned, the bacon was crispy, the toast was warm, and the salad greens were nice and fresh. The portions were also fair for the price and I was stuffed at the end. The atmosphere is also super warm, cozy, and inviting, which is expected given that this bistro is located in a hotel. The layout, fixtures, and decorations were beautiful and makes it feel like a luxurious experience. Would highly recommend it for brunch, and I can’t wait to try their dinner!

My wife and I enjoyed a fantastic stay at the Metcalf Hotel in downtown Ottawa, and our dinner and breakfast at Coco Bistro were highlights of our trip. For dinner at 7 PM, we started with a glass of Martini and shared the Tomato Marinated Artichoke Hearts salad, which was delicious—rated 4.8/5. We paired it with a Bottle of Vina Bujanda, 2018 Trempanillo from Rioja, Spain. I had the Cassoulet de Toulouse, and Sharon enjoyed the Gnocchi au Boursin; both dishes received a 4/5 rating. For dessert, we shared the Crème Brûlée, which was excellent—rated 4.8/5. The next morning, I had the Eggs Benedict, and Sharon tried the Eggy Bun—both were delicious, rated 4.5/5. The coffee was a bit weak for our taste, but overall, our experience was wonderful. Highly recommended!

The food was incredible, fresh, delicious, and well worth the price. The salmon was sublime, and topped off with a divine crème brûlée, my expérience here vastly exceeded my expectations. On top of that, the presentation was top notch and worth the trip in on itself. My girlfriend had the mussels and she said they were excellent, fresh, and when coupled with the sauce, truly a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend this restaurant to my friends, and will be coming back to sample some of the other delicious items on the menu. There were so many options to choose from!

Cocotte Bistro is an enjoyable restaurant for classic French dishes. I had French onion soup -a classic of the 80’s era that seems be rejuvenated, apearing on may menus these days. It was delicious with loads of ementhal and gruyere cheese, a hearty baguette, and tasty sauce. I followed this with another classic - coquilles St. Jacques. The scallops were cooked to perfection. Other items ordered included Moulles et frites, and salmon. The wine recommendation, a Gruner Veltliner paired very well with the meal. Our waitress was lovely - a young lady, originally from Greece, who added to the European ambiance.

Cocotte Bistro has redefined French cuisine for Ottawa. Every dish is elevated, the atmosphere and decor is unparalleled and the service is impeccable. We had the best date night at Cocotte and we found the best French dish in the city: Cassoulet de Toulouse!! It is the ultimate meat extravaganza, with the most tender duck, flavorful packed ham, bacon and Toulouse sausage, and then all that flavor is soaked up by the white beans. Now my wife will tell you the white beans were the highlight of our experience, you've never tasted creamier more flavor packed beans like this. My wife literally had bean envy, she couldn't stop gushing over the beans and wished she had picked my dish! (Of course I shared many of them with her). Her dish was no slouch either though with the Gnocchi au Boursin. Also packed with flavor and an incredible assortment of veggies to soak it up. Of note was our appetizer the salmon tar tar which was elevated with LAVENDER cured Salmon! So light, refreshing and full of floral flavor. Our server Vitor was excellent and prompt throughout, as was our hostess. We couldn't have been happier with Cocotte Bistro! There's a lot of French restaurants in Ottawa but Cocotte stands well above the rest!

The cuisine was a triumph of refinement, a demonstration of elegance where every dish was intensely and perfectly flavored. Our evening was elevated to something truly memorable thanks to Raie, whose expertise was immediately apparent—especially her fastidious knowledge of food allergies, which instilled complete confidence. The tranquil and inviting atmosphere provided the perfect hushed backdrop for a calm, special occasion.

Feast + Revel offers a fantastic dining experience with delicious food and a great atmosphere. The steak was cooked to perfection—tender, flavorful, and simply outstanding. Their drink selection is impressive, with something to complement every dish. The only downside, like many downtown spots, is the limited parking, which can be a bit of a hassle. Despite that, it’s well worth a visit for the exceptional food and service!

Went twice here for breakfast - as part of breakfast included stay at Andaz. Service was very good: friendly staff - checked-in with us frequently and offered friendly service both times we were there. Food was decent. The plating was very good. Quality was pretty good - no issues. But I found the prices to be on the higher end compared to other breakfast restaurants for the meals we ordered. Also felt like, the portion size a bit smaller compared to other breakfast restaurants. What I didn't like though is that they didn't tell us the bill already includes a service fee - I almost tipped the server before my partner told me the gratuity was already included in the bill. Thought it was a bit sneaky. But I suppose it is our (customers) responsibility to check the bill thoroughly. Overall, our experience was decent.

Sunrise omelette (with Kale, feta, tomato and onions) is the best breakfast! Great service and good food, with crispy potatoes. Only feedback is to use real avocados instead of the guac paste -you can taste the difference.

A hotel restaurant with some good atmosphere, great service, but an average experience with food that looks amazing but the taste didn't live up to the looks. I had the pumpkin soup to start and I love the way it was presented and that I had to pour the soup over the sour cream and bacon. Unfortunately it was under seasoned and I had to add a lot of pepper and salt. Main was the lamb, which again was presented beautifully. The lamb was cooked just right and was perfectly tender, but it was also under seasoned. The supporting vegetables were under seasoned and undercooked, especially the potatos. Its a real shame because the food looks incredible. I probably wouldn't have gone to so much detail if this was a cheap meal, but it was quite pricey to be having issues with under seasoning and undercooking. Overall I had a good experience.

This little main floor coffee bar and restaurant is adorable, modern and pleasant! Great staff! Our Barista suggested a butterscotch liquor with our Oat Latte.. which was amazing.. nice spot to people watch! They have all milk alternatives ..the hotel lobby is comfy and modern.. keeps up with the Hyatt Brand✅Pleasantly surprised! Our breakfast was amazing ! Fresh and fast ! We had amazing server who has recently relocated from Ukraine .. fast and efficient and very friendly . She had some great suggestions from the menu! So nice to have a great restaurant downstairs from our room.

I had my birthday dinner here, and let me start off by saying overall it was an amazing night. The management team, was one of the nicest teams I’ve met. Especially the supervisor Val, she did so many little last minute arrangement for me right on the spot and made sure I had no extra charges on anything for my needs. The menu is a huge variety of dinner items, it’s not exclusive to one cuisine. My friends got pizza and it was actually huge for an individual portion. It tasted even better than it looked! The prices and portion are WAYYY BETTER compared to other restaurants serving the same food. The food wait time was a little long, but we were able to see the chefs working hard in the kitchen since we can see them cooking while seated. Overall I do recommend if you want fine dining for good pricing!

Feast and Revel was amazing. The staff was super attentive, got some of the best I've ever had and the place was super clean. The executive chef came out to great us and suggested dishes to go with the bottle of Pinot Noir we ordered and it was just perfect. Will definitely go back. The prices were way lower than my expectations too. Stayed over at the Andaz Hotel and went back for breakfast and lunch.

Service was top-notch here! Me and my partner were in a rush to catch a train and our server was super accommodating by bringing our food in less than 5 minutes, and he was super friendly and nice. Food at chesterfield’s also amazing! The bird nest was so yummy, and the iced coffee with maple syrup was a hit. The 2 egg breakfast was good, not really special. The pancakes were to die for with crispy edges and a fluffy inside. Definitely one of the best brunches in the city, highly recommend!

It’s a fairly small restaurant and so we waited for about 1 hour to get a table. The customer service was nice and polite. The waitress was very attentive. It took about 20 minutes to get our food and it was good. The portions are a little bit smaller than most restaurants, but has a unique menu. The taste isn’t anything spectacular, and to be honest, I had to use a lot of condiments for some flavour.

Hubby and I decided to head to Chesterfield's Gastro Diner for a breakfast date on this specially warm fall day. The meal was well worth the half hour drive. By pure luck were seated within 5 minutes of arrival. Although the place was very busy, service was consistently excellent. The waitress suggested the Bird's Nest and the Jerk Benny which we enjoyed until the last bite. The eggs were perfectly poached and what can I say about the potatoes... They were perfect. This was a great experience and I encourage breakfast lovers to visit Chesterfield's.

Tried a new restaurant today after it came highly recommended—and I’m so glad I did. We were celebrating a special family get-together, and the meal did not disappoint. Everyone ordered something different, and each dish was both unique and delicious. I went with a side of Brussels sprouts, and honestly… they were next-level good We also opted for a shared appetizer of plantain with mango salsa… and cappuccinos all around.

Lovely little breakfast spot ! Good food good service. They have a nice little waiting room too which is appreciated over just stuffing tables and bodies in and overwhelming the kitchen. Smart use of the space.

Such a great place to meet friends for breakfast or lunch. The menu will definitely have something you’ve been craving for, and love. The food is delicious, plentiful, served hot, and visually appealing. The service is excellent! The staff return often taking care of all your needs with a smile even when the room is packed with patrons and others are waiting. The only thing I’d say is a bit annoying is the acoustics. It is difficult to hear others, maybe because of the tall ceilings echoing the chatter of a full house!

Super happy we were able to try this out. They’re always super busy. Got the blueberry pancakes with a side of fruit. tasted just like my mum used to make them. Squish got the Foghorn Benny. Chicken was very juicy Liz was our super sweet waitress :) wish her all the best

We were so excited to find Thali on google and were happy when we saw it had amazing ambience. We ordered veg, chicken and fish thalis seeing the board “meals ready” in malayalam since we are from Kerala. However we were very disappointed to find the thali was nothing close to being a Kerala thali. I understand it was not listed as one but the combination of rajma lentil in a tomato bases sauce, cauliflower in a tomato based Chinese style gravy and avial with just potato and carrot lacked any authenticity for a thali. The paneer curry was okay. The potato and cilantro cutlet was tasty. The salmon curry lacked flavour. Overall does not do justice to the price and ambience.

We stumbled upon this restaurant by chance when parking outside (we were originally heading somewhere else) and noticed it was packed with people, which is always a good sign! Only one table was free, so we decided to give it a try, and we’re so glad we did. It was our first time trying thali, and we really enjoyed the variety of flavours. Every dish was delicious, service was excellent, food was served quickly, and the ambience was warm and comfortable. Considering how busy it was, I had expected the food to take a lot longer, but it didn’t! Overall, a great experience. Would definitely recommend & we’ll be back again!

Had the wonderful experience of visiting Thali on a Friday evening. Everything in the Thali (non-veg) was absolutely delicious! It's a great introduction to authentic Indian cuisine - more specifically from Kerala. It's always a good sign when you can smell the food from a few steps outside! The interior is modern and immaculate. I noticed that the food is served in copper thalis - perhaps for Ayurvedic reasons. I appreciate that the owner thought beyond food and even in a modern city, tradition is kept and followed. Strongly recommend!

This is overall my favourite Indian restaurant in the city. I probably come here every month and a half. The flavours in thali never disappoint and both the vegetarian and the non-vegetarian options are always so delicious and filling. I even picked up their cookbook. Their mango lassi is also top-tier. I’ve tried their mango cocktails, and they were great as well. Always so good highly recommend.

90% of the food was fantastic and very flavourful. There were a few sour notes however. The crab cakes, while made with real crab, had a couple small shells in them, and the texture was not unlike cat food. Nice sauce with them, but for $17 and two crab cakes they’re not worth it. I would recommend the chicken and lamb thali. Both were fantastic. The flavours were strong and varied and all worked well together. I don’t think the fried chickpea thing was good at all, and the spinach grain salad was just okay, but everything else was a delight.

It was our first time at Thali, we ordered crabcakes for the appetizer and for the main meal we chose the namesake dish, traditional thali with protein options. The feast we received was everything we could ask for and more! I ordered my thali with the salmon option and without dairy, and they accommodated my request without issue. If your date has dietary restrictions, this spot is a sure bet for alternative choices without compromising on flavour and variety.

Was very dissapointed as this place looks so nice based on first impressions. The food was seriously lacking in flavour. I actually had to ask for salt and even that didn’t help. The biryani was one of the worst I have ever had it did not taste authentic at all. The service was also horrendous. It was almost like they were ignoring us on purpose. I would not come back. For the price it is really not worth it. We got the maha thali , butter chicken and chicken biryani. The chai and mango lassi was also very flat. I just felt everything was so below mid, no taste and very flat. No depth no flavour.

We have attended the "Tapas" night, the "Paella" Night and now the "all you can eat Peruvian" night. Food is excellent. Many Cocktails available, wine list is good and prices fair. Decor is new modern, and hip.

If you are craving Latin or Spanish food here in the Ottawa area, this is the place to go! We had the Paella & it was amazing. Our server was great & personable. Great Atomsphere and feel throughout the restaurant. We also had the beet root salad and although a little pricey for an app it was delicious.

We had some great food at this location! The staff is cordial and friendly and drinks come so quickly!

If you’re craving Latin or Spanish cuisine in Ottawa, this is the place to go! We had the paella, and it was absolutely amazing. Our server was personable and attentive, making the experience even better. The atmosphere throughout the restaurant is warm and inviting. We also tried the beetroot salad—while a bit pricey for an appetizer, it was delicious. Meal type: Lunch/Dinner (depending on what you had)

I can’t stop coming back. The food at soca kitchen is some of the best in this city. Their care for ingredients and ability to just make a dish with such amazing flavours and textures always makes visiting soca such a special experience. Additionally the kindness of the owners and their customer service is unmatched. Highly recommend this restaurant — it’s always money well spent.

We had an amazing brunch! Price point was perfect! I had the shrimp bagel with coleslaw and it was delicious!

Overall , overpriced basic food served with cold bread. Expensive cocktail with bad expired ingredients. Paella is really small basic size for 2 people. $62/ plate. Overly salted. Bread, basic. COLD!! Talked to the waiter. Waste of time.

Near perfect hipster brunch. The Belmont gives vibes of an old time bar with modern vibe. The decor is great, the atmosphere is jovial, and the servers are really nice. We had the poached eggs and Turkish eggs!!! Yum!! The servers gave us a side of the house made habanero sauce, which honestly was the best I have had in years. The bread was also made daily in house. What a great meal!!

Had a lovely bunch with a group of 6. Atmosphere was great for our group conversation. Service was impeccable and foot was absolutely delicious 😋 High quality, moderate portions and size. Very happy with the experience. Thank you The Belmont! Like this review if helpful 🙏

Food is good, cocktails are well made, and there is a great vibe to the place. It's a bit pricey for the quantity of food your getting but the food is worth the experience. You will want 3 or 4 dishes for two people. I will say that the cocktails and drinks is what you are coming here for and the great atmosphere.

Had a great experience here! The service was super friendly, our server gave us great suggestions for shareable plates. The chicken was hands down the best dish of the night, absolutely delicious! I’m already thinking about coming back for that. The beef tartare was also really well prepared and full of flavor. We started with the Classic Belmont and it was a perfect choice, really tasty. Great vibe, great food, and great service. Definitely recommend and will be back!

Had a delightful meal here on a busy Sunday. Turkish eggs were excellent(with a side of home fries and the IPA was nice. It was very busy, but we were able to get a seat. Service as a result could have been a little more fulsome, but understanding that it was a full restaurant and they were kind enough to seat us without a reservation.

The Belmont is a cute and cozy little gem of a place in Old Ottawa South. It's small, so make a reservation. We wanted to try a selection of dishes so we ordered the "family style" which is a five-course table d'hôtes menu. The thought and effort that goes into creating the dishes shows! Service was laid back but attentive. Adrian, the owner, was there and he took the time to chat with us. We'll definitely be back and look forward to trying his new restaurant, Ruby, when it opens in Clarendon Court in the Byward Market.

I don’t come here often but when I do I always enjoy it. The food is great, staff are friendly and I like the cozy environment. I had the French toast and devoured every bite. The kitchen was running a bit behind and they were so apologetic and offered us a discount on our bill - but to be honest my friends and I were enjoying catching up so much that we barely noticed. The frequent coffee and water refills helped and the fact that we never had to ask was also appreciated. I hope to come back soon.

I recently had the pleasure of dining solo at Gitanes in Ottawa, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable meals I’ve had in a long time. I grabbed a seat at the bar, where the service was warm, attentive, and never overbearing—exactly what you want when dining alone. Let’s talk about the food. I ordered the burger, and I don’t say this lightly: it immediately shot to the top of my list. Perfectly cooked, richly layered, and incredibly satisfying—it’s the kind of burger you find yourself thinking about days later. I also had the crab claws served with butter and cocktail sauce—simple, fresh, and executed beautifully. To round things out, I enjoyed a thoughtful progression of drinks: a well-poured bourbon, a sharp and balanced Paper Plane, a lovely glass of Bordeaux, and a smooth digestive to finish. Each was well chosen and well made, complementing the meal without ever overshadowing it. Gitanes delivers the kind of experience you hope for in a modern French bistro—refined without being stuffy, intimate without being quiet, and consistently elevated without trying too hard. I’ll absolutely be back.

Gitane was a fantastic experience! The food was perfectly executed and absolutely delicious, even with a small and simple menu. The service was warm, friendly, and fun, which made the night even better. Big shout out to the team!

Excellent food and service. Our waiter was very knowledge about the menu, and very proud of every dish. He took great care of us. The vibes are beautiful and intimate. I am pregnant and really appreciate seeing an alcohol free cocktail list. The faux negroni was excellent. We ordered the crab spaghetti, beef tartare, Gitanes burger and duck and everything was delicious. Thanks so much Gitanes, we will be back !

Upscale French restaurant on Elgin Street in downtown Ottawa. We were a party of 4 on a Friday night. Restaurant was fully booked, but it did not feel like it since there was plenty of space between the tables. Our table was by the windows under a beautiful skylight. Our server was Jessica, who was a professional with support from others on the team. Never did we have to ask for our water to be refilled, napkins folded when we left our seat. Table cleaned between courses. Exceptional service. The food was delicious. See photos. The best was actually the dessert the sundae ... made with a very interesting ingredient. Go try for yourself.

Every dish we had was unique and very flavourful. Started with the beef tartare. Tender tasy beef on a crunchy piece of toast. The zucchini blossoms were fried to perfection and went very well with the dip. The clams with kumquat kosho were fantastic bites. Cod, clam main dish had an amazing broth. Will definitely be back for more!

🇫🇷 Absolutely brilliant date night steak frites. Beautifully balanced beef — tender yet tasty — bathed in bordelaise beside a bounty of boiled butter. Fabulous frites found fervent favour, their crushability complemented by an aromatic aïoli fearlessly fuelling flavour through to the final fry. 🧄 🍫 For dessert, we shared a decadent pot de crème, featuring creamy chocolate custard, a crown of crunchy caramelised hazelnuts, a salted vanilla cream quenelle, and a pair of pillowy madeleines. Highly recommended and perfectly portioned for sharing. 🍨 🍷 Service struck an ideal balance between informally friendly and professionally polite. ❤️

Went to Gitanes for my boyfriend’s birthday and it was amazing! We had a reservation and were seated right away. The atmosphere is super cozy and stylish. The service was honestly some of the best we’ve had. They kept our waters topped up, knew everything about the food and wine, and even folded my napkin when I went to the bathroom (such a nice touch!). We shared the beef tartare and crab spaghetti to start — both were delicious. For mains we had the steak frites, perfectly cooked and full of flavour. Dessert was next level — the pear cheesecake was so good, and the banana caramel sundae totally lived up to the hype. Everything about the night felt special — great food, amazing service, and just a really lovely vibe. Can’t wait to go back!

Stopped by The Starling for Sunday brunch. The atmosphere is trendy and inviting, but the experience was a bit uneven. I ordered the eggs Benedict, which was… fine. Nothing special—eggs were slightly overcooked, and the hollandaise lacked flavor. It wasn’t bad, just not memorable. On the upside, the latte was excellent—smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. Easily the highlight of the meal. Service was passable but forgettable. Our server seemed distracted and we waited a while for basic things like water and the bill. Overall, it wasn’t a disaster, but it didn’t wow me either. Might come back for coffee, but I’d think twice about brunch.

Want good food in a nice environment? Service was excellent. Food was delicious. Ambience was lovely. I left happy. Hubby had no complaints about spending his money! Give this restaurant a try. I came here for dinner while visiting our country capital and have zero regrets. I had the best onion soup ( cause it was what my soul desired) and it was the best I have had in forever! Kudos to the chef! How did he know I was such a cheese lover???!!! 😊 I really had no complaints and enjoyed taking our time to savour the food and eat well. Shout out to the servers who were courteous and acted like they love their jobs. You definitely earned the tip! Back to the food. Thanks for all who put the effort in getting such deliciousness to our table. Our tastebuds were delighted and could eat the same dish again ( if we didn’t have to pay twice 😂). The only complaints would be for more portion! But that may just be my greedy spirit talking. I was most impressed with my salmon fish dinner. Oh man it was so good 😊. I’m definitely coming back to eat at this spot. Well done you guys! Chefs kiss.

Went for birthday brunch on a Monday. Place was almost empty which is good for us. We got the prettiest cage table. The food was amazing and definitely got pretty good pictures. I ordered steak and frites. Happy with how the meat was cooked. Although I found peppercorn sauce to be a little charred making it bitter. Overall good food. My cousins ordered breakfast and burger. We also ordered french toast to share. They were all amazing. Server was very nice and good ambiance.

Kate and the team at Starling were incredible with preparing for, and executing our wedding. Their already beautifully decorated space was perfect for our 60ish person wedding. The food (which was most important to us) was a huge hit and got rave reviews. Everyone from the hostesses to the bar staff, servers, chefs and Kate herself were incredible. They accommodated dietary restrictions perfectly. Everything flowed so smoothly and provided a seamless experience for guests and ourselves. Everybody who came told us how perfect it all was! They also had some decor on hand for us to use (free of charge). Their venue fees and pricing are very reasonable in the Ottawa wedding market.

Went here to celebrate our Anniversary with my wife. Reserved a seat at the rooftop. Everything is great! Im expecting more for in terms of the food based on what I hear about this restaurant but there is always room for improvement. 9/10 will come back!

We had an amazing dinner at Starling Ottawa! The duck breast was cooked perfectly — so soft and delicious. The rib eye was very good as well (my husband said, “super!”). And the octopus… oh my god, so good — the perfect appetizer! Highly recommend this place.

I loved my experience here! The ambiance was great, and my friends and I were able to sit at a birdcage table which was very neat. Our food was very good; I had the burger and fries, and will say that it's by far one of the best burgers I've had in a long time. I had the brownie with marshmallow fluff and boozy cherries for dessert and it was also fabulous. Our server was friendly and helpful, and just the right amount of attentive. I came here to celebrate my birthday, and it was a truly lovely evening. Will be back!

The service at this restaurant was truly exceptional — warm, attentive, and incredibly professional from start to finish. The staff went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience, and that alone made the visit worthwhile. We ordered the seafood platters, which were decent but didn’t quite live up to the high price point. The presentation was nice, and the ingredients seemed fresh, but overall, the flavors were just okay. That said, the atmosphere was lovely, and the service really stood out. I might come back to try other dishes, but the hospitality is what would bring me back first. If you decide to try it, try also the barrel aged Manhattan for a drink!

This is a great spot with a really fun, busy atmosphere, and the location is fantastic. The food was good. The dry-aged burger and salmon had great flavor and were filling but I felt they were a bit pricey for what they were. The spicy grapefruit drink was a letdown, though. Overall, I had a really nice time.

Great restaurant with tremendous service, delicious food and the atmosphere of an old whaling boat. I loved it! All that was missing was some sea shanty music. Even for a person like myself that is not big on seafood there were still multiple options on the menu for me to eat. That said, the oysters were awesome! Multiple sauces given including a special element I won't spoil. Reservations are definitely needed in advance as it is a very popular place to go to.

Overall a nice experience during a first visit on a Sunday. We arrived at 4:15 for a bar seating reservation and were offered the patio. Bugs (bees, mostly) were present but manageable. Service is efficient and prompt. We liked their draught options, specifically Ernest cider and they have Guinness on tap! Sundays are $2 per shuck oysters. We ordered 2 dozen. For mains we enjoyed the whole fish Seabream and the pork belly. No room for dessert but we will be back!

A very good recommendation from my daughter. The menu is small but long enough for me. My wife has an onion and garlic intolerance and they did everything to satisfy her meal. At the end she had the best Ceasar salad ever.

Causal with elegance with the food and presentation. Some people were casually dressed and others there for dates and special occasions. My meal was perfect - octopus and chorizo. I would not call this a quiet conversation spot, kind of a cross between a bar atmosphere and funky dining.

Our group of 4 visited Whalesbone on Elgin for the first time this evening. Food: 10/10 Service: 10/10 Vibe/Ambiance: 10/10 We started with the freshly shucked oysters and the Fristo Misto. For our mains, we ordered the Fogo Island Cod, the Stone Crab Bucatini (two of us had this), the Octopus & Chorizo and truffle fries. All the food was incredible and perfectly prepared. We washed it all down with a bottle of delicious wine. To finish off our meals, we shared a couple of pieces of tres leches cake that was topped with fresh blueberries and toasted coconut. Our server, Jill, was amazing! She was attentive and was great at making the perfect recommendations.

Consistently delicious (Dine in). Note: when ordering a large pizza they allow you to mix / order half & half pizza topping options. Tried a variety of pizza options this time around. I found the ricotta pizza too spicy for my liking. Would order it again but ask them not to add spicy oil / peppers. Order the wings (a must)! The pineapple pizza was a big hit, as well as the sweetheart pizza (a go to option). The sausage option was mild in flavour.

Best pizza in Ottawa. Usually I get it delivered, but it is even better if you can find a seat to dine in. Have had all the pizzas. All amazing. Sausage and fennel, and Hawaiian are my favorites, but you can't go wrong. The salads they offer are good to balance things out. And the chicken wings should be a must order. Excellent natural wine selection. Good selection of craft beers. Super happy and fun staff. Nothing to complain about here.

One of my current favorite pizzas, it's really delicious. You must order the "sweetheart". It's the best pizza in Ottawa. You have to eat it on the spot. The crust is thin and the pizza is sweet and juicy. It's the first time I've had this kind of taste. I can't forget it after just one bite. I've been going there every week. The chili inside is very refreshing. The chef is really smart to come up with such a unique combination. The staff are all super friendly. There are always a lot of people every time I go. You can call in advance and pick it up when you arrive to eat it right away. It's so happy and satisfying.

Delicious Pizza & Great Vibes – Highly Recommend! 🍕❤️ I ordered takeout from Heartbreakers Pizza and absolutely loved it! I got the Sweetheart pizza with garlic sauce, and wow — it was so good! The crust was perfectly baked, the toppings were fresh and flavorful, and the garlic sauce added the perfect touch. You can tell they care about quality here. The vibe of the place is really charming too — it’s a cozy, stylish little spot with a patio and a wine shop inside. Although I picked up my order, I could definitely see myself coming back to dine in. It looks like a perfect spot for a relaxed hangout or casual date night. Parking tip: There’s no dedicated parking lot, but I was able to find free street parking nearby without much trouble. Just keep an eye out, especially during peak hours. The staff was friendly and my order was ready right on time. It’s clear why this place has such great reviews. If you’re in Ottawa and love good pizza, Heartbreakers is a must-try!

I've been wanting to try this place forever and I wasn't disappointed. We grabbed a large pizza, half sweetheart and half pepperoni with mushrooms added. Their in house garlic dipping sauce and hot honey were to die for. I will absolutely return. Just a heads up, ordering opens at 2:30 and we scheduled to pick up for 5:30. Call ahead.

The service and atmosphere are great, everyone there was hospitable and friendly to us. For what we ordered it was affordable and value felt like a pre-pandemic costing night out. Total was 137 with taxes and tips(20%) and we had four drinks. I like that you’re able to do half half flavour/style pizzas on their large size pizzas. Truth be told the pepperoni pizza was a little salty for me but I suppose that’s part of the territory for pizza, also I like preference for chew dough. Wings were ok, and the kale salad texture is standard I suppose but they did a good job with their flavours. The one thing that threw me off the most was their celebration cake. For me it was dense and dry. The sprinkles on top were a little cheesy/ordinary for a 13+ slice of cake. Reminded me of cupcakes sold by hostess 🤷‍♂️

There can only be one best pizza and in Ottawa it is Heartbreakers. Consistent, delicious and the best. Can stand right next to Joe's, John's, Scarrs of New York and North of Brooklyn and Badiali of Toronto.

We got the Beef Wellington 4 course meal for 2 people. I called a day in advance to request that our meal is made without prosciutto, which they kindly agreed to. The chef added scallops to our seafood platter to make up for the lack of prosciutto, which we greatly appreciated. The food was good overall; so was the wine recommendation by our server. They cooked everything to perfection. The atmosphere is very mature and moderately quiet even when busy. The restaurant itself could use a refresh to the paint and decor. It definitely needs a bathroom renovation. There was only a single bathroom for everyone and it was surprisingly bad for such an expensive restaurant. Will return to try the steak frites!

Love every dish! Especially the scallops appetizer and the steak frites for main course. The bread they serve you is also soo delicious. Best salad I’ve ever had too! Can’t wait to go again!

1st visit was great. Their salad, butternut soup and Steak and frites were amazing! 2nd visit was horrible. We ordered the beef welly course with additional scallops. Took 45 mins before they served their salty cheese fondue and scallops.Then another 30mins for the beef welly. The welly was disappointing. The pastry was burnt while the beef was so undercooked it may as well be alive. We didn’t want another 30mins wait for the dessert so we just got them to go. On both visits, i have the same opinion on their desserts. They only have 2 options that weren’t even amazing (creme brulee and chocolate mousse).

This was our 1st visit last night, with a group of 8. Nice spot, easy to find street parking. Lovely open space, with the bar to the back. Our table was too dark for our old eyes, but other than that, the atmosphere was stylish but welcoming. Our waiter was excellent, noticing most things and fixing things quickly. The bread with oil and vinegar had a tasty salty crust and soft melty centre. My wife had the trio with salmon and salad and I had the burger special. Her salad was fresh and flavourful with salt and parmesan. Her salmon was unfortunately overdone, but the accoutrements- peas,carrots and greens were delicious. The burger was ridiculously tall, making it impossible to accommodate in any human bite. Two patties, 3 buns and so much toppings it was a tasty, sloppy, soggy mess, accompanied by delicious crispy fries. The chocolate mousse for dessert was sweet and flavourful with too much whipped cream. tldr: nice space, good service, mostly good food.

Visited tonight with our corporate group of 20+, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the dinner! We landed at this spot for dinner because they were surprisingly one of few restaurants that would accept a reservation of 20+ people on a Wednesday night. The food was delicious, portions were good, drinks were made well, and service was prompt. (Only downfall is that they have limited vegetarian options) Their salmon entree is a MUST-TRY! Had we not come here for tonight’s dinner, we likely wouldn’t have tried found this place… but I’d definitely recommend it!

Excellent place, I’ve been here twice now and both times the food and service have been fantastic!

Dinner at Absinthe was delicious! We ordered the butternut squash soup, steak frites, salmon and crème brûlée for dessert. Everything was exquisite. The staff were very accommodating and provided excellent service.

Decided to treat ourselves to the happy hour oysters, which is between 2-5pm. We arrived at 3pm and were promptly seated. Service was friendly, food was so delicious, we had to have more! The creme brulee dessert was super tasty too. A great afternoon treat!

Had lunch with work colleagues. First time to this establishment and I was very delighted. Apparently it’s been a staple in Ottawa for many decades. The food was top tier! The mussels and sauce were delicious. You must try this! Loved the seafood paella. So much more to try on my next visit.

Seafood Restaurant in a strip mall? YES PLEASE! Great food (paella, crab pasta, fish and chips) and excellent team service. Sitting at the bar offered views of the kitchen and fish mongers in the retail store. Great concept with exceptional quality. 5+stars all around.

This place is amazing. The freshness and quality matches what I get when ordering seafood by the coasts on vacations. The clam/seafood chowder was comparable to the chowder Ive had in New England. The oysters were perfect. Fresh, not overly salty. Just perfect. The lobster roll did need a bit more seasoning but the lobster itself was so fresh. The server was alright. She did her table checks but wouldn't remove anything from out table. The table was very small for 2 and we had to offload all the dishes off our our table onto the dirty table extra to us in order for our actual plates to fit without knocking things on the floor. The market itself was pretty amazing. We got a ton of seafood for a tower for today. There were many options to choose from. I would ask for some more high end caviar but omg the food they provide is top quality.

What a nice place. Me, my wife and my son were visiting Ottawa and we discovered this place. The venue is beautiful; the staff is kind. The food: outstanding! The owner: truly what you expect from a person used to make your dinner special. We had a talk after finishing the delicious dishes and he gave my son a present. Moreover he introduced my family to follow Italians who are habitué of the restaurant. To be honest: this night was truly a highlight for us. We are enthusiast and we recommend everyone reading not to miss this special place and its fantastic people. Thank you very much. Jonathan, Giada & Jeremy.

Food is expensive and uninspired. It tries very hard look upscale and authentic but it's mostly just playing dress up. We got Tacos and paella, ate hot in the car and spent almost $60. Calamari was dry and rubbery. The paella was dripping with oil though the quality of the muscles were very good. Fish Tacos had small pieces of fish with very little topping for flavor.

The food was incredible! The oysters were decently priced which I love and their mignonette paired well with the oysters. However it was incredibly busy and the tables are very very close to each other, it felt like you were enjoying your meal with the table next to you. The server was also incredibly busy, and I felt terrible having to ask him over to refill our water since he was already running around so much. So dont forget to tip your waiters well!!!

Best Breakfast in Ottawa! We had breakfast at The Metropolitain in Ottawa, and it was absolutely amazing. Truly the best breakfast we've had! The food was not only delicious but also beautifully presented — every detail was perfect. The atmosphere felt elegant, and the service was excellent. A luxurious and memorable way to start the day. Highly recommend!

Excellent Lobster and shrimp rolls. Stopped in for lunch, their Aircon was wonderful as was the service and food. The kettle chips were huge and crunchy, I liked the picked green beans too. Espresso coffee was good and punchy. Would definitely recommend for a light lunch.

Went there for dinner for the first time last night and it did not disappoint. The energy from downtown on the warm summer day made it pleasant to sit on the patio in the late afternoon. Service was very good. Our waiter was very knowledgeable of the different dishes and made very good recommendations. We all enjoyed our meals. From steak sandwich (with au jus), to ravioli, drinks and dessert everything was delicious.

We had the pleasure of hosting our engagement dinner here, and everything was wonderful. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, and our guests couldn’t stop complimenting both the food and the service. The drinks were excellent too! We wouldn’t hesitate to host another celebration here again.

Great vibe, friendly attentive accommodating staff—and honest about what’s worth ordering (and what might not be to your tastes!) Can host large groups and receptions. Great location! and large outdoor patio. The croque monsieur was really good, but my friend had the mussels and I was jealous. Sweet potato fries were exceptional (and I try them everywhere).

We were hungry when explored downtown and decided to try this restaurant. Turned out very nice. We sat in patio, Good meals, decent size, good service. Coffee is good too. Just a minor inconvenient, the young server who served our meals didnt know our meals’ name and randomly put on our table. A lil bit confusion and mixed up but everything sorted out after we asked our real server. Definitely will come again next time.

The guy who appeared to be the manager seemed keen to make a point that we were unwelcome by dropping the empty plates with such a loud crash. My partner found it to be the rudest restaurant experience of her life. All else: Duck confit was okay. Ravioli d'homard was mostly bland. Waiters were okay. Food was overpriced for the quality. One of the employees couldn't point me to the toilet.

One of the best overall meals I have had in a long time. The fried eggplant starter was amazing. Perfect amount of breading and crisp with a fantastic sauce to compliment. The branzino was prepared very well. The artichokes and other veggies were cooked to perfection. Finally, the pumpkin donut trio was cooked to order and came out very warm. The drinks were tasty as well (grove hibiscus). Will definitely return when I’m back in the area. Service was top notch as well!

I have dined here twice so far and I just can't find the words to express how much I love eating here. The freshness and flavors of the food are amazing. The style of dining with smaller portioned shared plates made it possible to sample so many different flavors. Each plate arrives in courses so just as we finished one plate, another would arrive. The menu changes regularly so you get to experience something new almost every time. The food is prepared within your sight line which personally gives me the extra comfort of seeing the cleanliness of where my food is prepared. (I'm sure I've watched too many episodes of Kitchen Nightmares. Lol). It is wonderful to see the chefs work their magic. I highly recommend dining here.

We had Father’s Day meal here. It was my first time and I will definitely be back. By far the best meal I have had in Ottawa since we moved here 30 years ago. We ordered quite a bit off their menu and were not disappointed with any of our choices. Big stand out are the oysters and focaccia bread. Can’t wait to go back!

A gem that one should all come and dine at. If you love small plates, mouth watering dishes, knowledgeable pleasant staff, great ambience and intimate settings then you MUST come here. I came here with another friend and we loved the evening. There is nothing to say negative about this place. We were greeted as soon as we entered and attended to immediately. The food came out in stages that weren’t rushed so we got to enjoy each plate at our own time. Great food and great prices!

We had this restaurant on the list for years and tonight we finally enjoyed the sharing plates dinner menu. The foccacia and pomme aligot were to die for, both had elements of traditional and unique. Everything was extremely fresh. We felt like we ate quite a bit and didn't feel stuffed on the way out, excellent quality food for the price. Cardamom cake was light and full flavoured.

I’m a foodie. Been to many a good restaurant. This is one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to in my life. Delicious, beautiful, creative hand made food. Service is top notch. I felt we were family. Very cool space. Cocktails and wine! Do yourself a favour and take the drive to Kanata.

I took my mom here to celebrate her birthday last week and the staff were all so kind and welcoming. The food was also amazing. Thank you to the staff for a lovely experience!

We visited in February 2025, the restaurant was beautiful on the outside and on the inside. The food tasted incredible and the staff were friendly and professional. When my grandfather suffered a medical emergency, the staff handled the situation calmly, professionally and compassionately. Thank you to our server Kass for her outstanding service and friendliness! Will eat here again!

Great food and great service! We arrived around 6 on a Friday evening, and they seated us right away. The waiter was very knowledgeable and attentive. The fois grass and burrata were very tasty. The steak and the magret de canard were good, and the creme brulee was to die for.

Nice and warm staff, high-quality food, and good service. We tried their caviar service and paired it with their sparkling wines. Would recommend.

It was my friend’s birthday and I took her for dinner to e18hteen. The steak was so soft like butter melting and the overall experience was perfect!

The most amazing dinner I have ever had. The food is bursting with flavour and everything was excellent. I highly recommend the scallops for appetizer and the truffle mac and cheese, they were divine! The staff were very patient and gave great recommendations and the ambiance of the restaurant is beautiful! Will definitely be returning 😍🥰

The absolute best meal I have had in my life, and its not even close. After tonight I feel like good food can be measured on an exponential scale. This made the second best meal I've had in my life feel like it was leagues behind. Special thank you to Zach for the wonderful service and taking amazing care of us, as well to John Kim in the kitchen for an incredible culinary experience as well as taking the time to come out and explain the intracacies of each dish! A truely amazing experience that I will never forget!! 10/5

I went for my birthday dinner. Steak was so yummy. The halibut didn’t have much flavour though. I always wanted to go to whatever resturant was there for the last 20 years. Glad I went. Good place to have a romantic dinner. I will be coming back.

Came to Ottawa on a work trip and this was within walking distance to where I was and I was very impressed. The tacos were great. They were a bit busy so I felt like they took a bit longer to arrive but it was worth the wait. The drinks were also good but again it was busy so they did forget one of my drinks in the middle of my dinner. I believe my favourite one was the pig head taco. Amazing. If you see it on the menu - get it. Quite pleased overall with the restaurant as a first timer in the city and was worried that there wouldn’t be great spots but this is a good hidden gem.

Tacos were yummy, we each had 2 and felt it was filling enough along with chips and guac to start. 2 veggie taco options. Pretty pricey for what you get at ~$9/taco, also $16 for guac is very steep. Service was ok. We went on a Thursday night and it was pretty dark and loud.

Went to El Camino for dinner to celebrate my best friend's birthday, and honestly, it was a good vibe on a Tuesday. We kicked things off with chips and guac, then ordered crispy fish taco and cauliflower taco—both beautifully plated and tasted good. The virgin mojito was fresh and minty (perfect for the birthday girl), and my beer came with a salted rim (too much salt for my liking) and lime. We wrapped it all up with warm churros, coated in cinnamon sugar and served with caramel. Presentation was okay—everything is as expected. The ambiance? Cozy. I loved the carved wall art of horse warriors—so unique and totally photo-worthy. Prices are reasonable for downtown Ottawa: tacos are around $8.50–$9 each, churros at $9, and chips and guac at $16.25. A huge shoutout to our server, Alex—she was quick, attentive, and gave just the right amount of conversation without ever hovering. It wasn’t too loud, the lighting was moody but still okay for photos, and the place had a good energy. Just a heads-up: the chairs are tall, so if you're fun-sized like me, go for a booth.

I like the food here for the most part, I feel a bit bad posting this review. Basically the overall vibe from the staff isn’t good. One individual in particular who looks to be mid 20’s, overweight, wearing a hat that says forever .. I don’t think he could smile if his life depended on it. Terrible customer service -if I owned any type of establishment I would keep this guy as far away from paying customers as possible. My 2nd time here, Initially I was raving to my friends, now I’ll tell them to go to Hugo Taco down the street. People are the essence of your business. Not coming back. Picture of the guy attached

Another little hidden gem in the City. It had a fabulous reputation of being the best Tacos in the city. I was not disappointed. We had a mix of fish and chicken. The guacamole was fabulous and offset the green chili sauce. We didn't venture near the habanero sauce as the green packed a lovely punch. Averaging 9 bucks a Taco, it was a great experience. Servers were very welcoming and responsive. Highly recommended.

The name of restaurant is not quite easily visible (pic added here) Nice food and ambience however music was too loud to have a regular conversation and some tables are set too close to each other, if that matters to you. They do have indoor and outdoor seating. Vegetarian options available and a lot of tequila based cocktails. Chips and salsa tasted fresh and flavorful overall the food was good.

Came here as a recommendation for dinner on my first trip to Ottawa. We overall liked the restaurant, staff was friendly & the food was good. On a Sunday night, it was not super busy but there were enough people that it didn’t feel empty inside. A bit pricy but we also got drinks, and most trendy Mexican restaurants are like this these days. To start, I shared guac & chips - no complaints, we enjoyed and it was very fresh. The added tomatoes were nice. I ordered 3 tacos - the beef barbacoa was fine but the portion of dipping jus was tiny for 3 beef tacos. The best taco for me was the tuna tartare crispy taco. Loved the flavours and the fish was just delicious! My friends had the chicken tacos and said they were spicy but they liked them a lot. However, I did not enjoy the ox tongue taco and didn’t finish it. I ordered it because all the reviews about it were so positive, but I didn’t like how they just put two huge pieces of meat in a taco. It tasted very gamey and I didn’t like the spongy texture either. The piña colada cocktail was yummy - I could taste fresh pineapple and it was very creamy.

Too expensive. Food good but not great. No one checked on us. My drink didn't taste like cherry or vanilla. Was disappointed as it was recommended drink. Felt strange giving a tip when no one had even served us yet. Had to order and pay at counter. Coffee, soda, cookie, two breakfast sandwiches and one side for 74 dollars and we had to get our own water..not very impressed. Staff was nice though, just wish someone would have come by and asked how things were. Seems to be a popular place!

Show them this picture and order this(forgot the name of it) but it was the yummiest brunch i had in a while. They also have homemade tomato sauce that tastes nothing like i have ever tasted before very flavourful. The service is ok and atmosphere doesn’t have much to offer but the food was yummy.

Best breakfast, best pizza, best cronuts, best bread - especially Kevin's buttermilk. The ingredients are of high quality. Love the atmosphere. There's free parking if you scan the QR code when you first walk in.

Expensive but butter and chocolate croissants are really good. Nice and crispy outside and so flaky. So buttery inside. The crazy grain bread is really good! Yum! Outside seating is a parking lot that’s fenced in so not the greatest atmosphere. Inside is loud and has a disorganized feeling. I got stuff to takeaway instead of staying. No way am I paying the price they wanted for a breakfast lol. But glad I tried the pastry. 🥐

What a gem! This bakery-lunch spot nails it on every level , the vibe, the food, and the service. The space is stylish and modern with just the right touch of cozy charm. Perfect for a relaxed lunch or a casual meet-up.

We’ve always wanted to try Art-Is-In for breakfast because of all the great reviews, and we’ve visited twice before to try their pastries, which are absolutely amazing! You can tell they’re super professional when it comes to baked goods—this time, the hazelnut-chocolate-coffee pastry was fantastic. That said, our breakfast experience was a bit of a letdown. We ordered the Egg Benny and The Breakfast Plate, but both were just average and nothing special. The bun on the Benny was soaked in oil, which made it unpleasant. As for the coffee, it tasted burnt, and even when I asked for a replacement, it was burnt again. I also ordered an Americano but was served filter coffee instead. The mocha was decent, but at $8 for a medium size, it felt overpriced. On a positive note, the staff here are super nice and friendly, which made the experience more enjoyable despite the issues. We’ll definitely come back for the pastries—they’re worth it! We also noticed a lot of people ordering their pizza, and it looked amazing, so that’s on our list to try next time.

It was my first time trying Art is in bakery and I came specifically to try a cronut for the first time. It my have been an off day but the ones I purchased have a bitter/burnt taste. I thought the colour was due to it being chocolate but it wasn't. For the price of one of those these overcooked/ burnt ones should not have been sold. The atmosphere while waiting to purchase was great, everyone was really friendly but the end experience was negative.

Hunter’s Public House is one of my favourite spots in the city! I love that they take reservations, which makes planning a night out so easy. The patio is beautiful and such a great place to relax with friends. The service is consistently excellent—special shout out to Alexa, who went absolutely above and beyond for us. She was friendly, attentive, and made the evening feel extra special. The menu is impressively large, and while that usually makes me worry about quality, this place is the exception—everything I’ve tried has been delicious. I also really appreciate their wide selection of non-alcoholic beers, which is something you don’t see often. The restaurant itself is spotless, and the noise level is just right—energetic without being overwhelming. Overall, Hunter’s Public House is a gem, and I can’t wait to come back again and again!

I had the tacos, absolutely filled with meat, pulled pork was very flavourful, my favourite, next time I will try the fried fish, 2 tacos is plenty, topped with salsa (could have been fresher) many choices of sides to pick from, I chose tomato bisque, could have used a bit more seasoning but that is just my personal preference. Service was excellent, Ali is very attentive , a great server. Next time I go I will make sure to sit in his section.

Fabulous place. Great atmosphere. We arrived at lunch time. Super busy and noisy. By end of lunch, much quieter. Food selection was amazing and hard to decide. I would highly recommend this place!

I travel *a lot*, and subsequently eat out *a lot*. I have to say that the service I received from Alex was the absolute best I’ve ever experienced! He was beyond attentive, courteous, and offered just the right amount of humour. I didn’t once feel rushed, and he even took the time to make sure to properly split the plate I was sharing. As if that isn’t enough, the beef dip I had was next level! A well-sized portion packed with flavour that just melted in my mouth. The trivia cards on the table were also a great touch. Oh, and did I mention the epic Caesar flight they’re offering? Do it. Get yourself to Hunter’s Public House. You won’t be disappointed.

Really nice spot close to the airport in Ottawa. Beer was local and excellent, has an oatmeal stout and hazy IPA. Appetizers were good, chicken wings outstanding. Awesome service, very cool outdoor seating, recommended.

We don't get to Hunter's often (we don't live in that area of the city) but whenever we make the time to stop we are never disappointed. I've sat on their patio, I've sat inside, I've been there when they've had live music, and I've been there to watch a game - I have always enjoyed the experience. Last week we had Julie as our server, and to say she's exceptional is an understatement. When I couldn't find a suitable beer to have she asked me what sort of flavour I enjoy, and got me a sample to try - she excels at customer service and is an amazing ambassador for your restaurant. Keep up the good work. Oh, and could you open a location in Alta Vista please ?!

Service from our server was top-notch. Super nice and attentive. Live music in the evening. They also have heated patio seats.

Now this is a great establishment! The menu consists of mainly tapas which are meant to pair with certain wines and the server was very well versed on this. We had four different tapas and they were all exquisite. The Italian and Austrian wines we had were excellent. Though they do offer spirits as well the wines is what you come here for. All in all a fun and pleasant experience. 👍😎

As someone with multiple allergies, Soif Bar à vin was incredible! Not only did our server see my notes in our reservation for allergies but came back with the menu to let me know of the options I could choose from. Additionally they verified everything with the kitchen to make sure I was able to eat it. It is rare that I ever have options on a menu and was able to try multiple things for the first time in my life! The meals were delicious, easy small plates to share and have a bit of everything. I went in for a drink with friends, with little expectation on food and came out with a full belly, a wonderful evening and kind and gracious staff. Will absolutely be coming here more often!

Wonderful little place with a really great and quirky cork theme. I stopped by with two friends to celebrate my birthday. The wine flights were very nice and the charcuterie cheese board had some impressive offerings. Wine flights come in threes but you can’t mix and match). The service was prompt and the details offered about every wine was extensive. They know there stuff here for sure. They had a fair number of vegetarian options and all the staff were bilingual.

Fantastic overall. Service was first class, our server and his crew were very attentive. We basically had one of everything off the menu (everything is designed to be sharing plates). Charcuterie and cheese was great - a nice selection of cheese produced in Quebec and charcuterie that was a mix of in house and local. We aren't fussy about our wines - but the server gave us a good run down of what to expect with the various glasses we ordered. These were preceded by cocktails and mocktails, which were very well done. Food was mostly great (French onion soup - amazing, probably one of the best I've had ever; fries - shoe string style, my favorite; spaghetti alla chitarra - nice mix of flavours with lardons and mussels), some mid (bread - butter was a bit too salty and bread a bit on the chewy/dry side, but perhaps our opinions were biased as we had the most amazing sourdough earlier that day from a bakery; cauliflower/sunchoke - actually nice texture but we weren't a fan of the smokiness) and one a bit underwhelming (steak - wasn't warm when we were served and the kale imparted a bitterness that we weren't a fan of). Dessert was ++two thumbs up. Chocolate and caramel tartlet was greatly enjoyed! Atmosphere was great - only issue was the cork seats at the high-tops - ok for a short period, but by our second hour our table was taking walks to get off the seats for a few minutes! Will be returning - really enjoyed the overall experience.

What we loved about this place, besides the excellent wine and tasteful playlist, was the quality of the local ingredients. We had the cold cuts and cheese board, the bison tartare, and the cauliflower. It’s a sophisticated but not stuffy spot, perfect for a date night.

I found Soif while doing a search in Eater for restaurants in the area. We were looking for a place to have Valentines Day dinner while in Ottawa for two days. The review was amazing and our experience was even better. The staff was highly attentive and well-knowledgeable on the courses, ingredients, cooking style and wine. We had the prix fixe menu for the evening with premium wine pairings and I’m glad that we chose that. The seating and environment is intimate and I’d highly recommend it for a special occasion or anytime you’d like a great dining experience.

Exceptional experience, exceptional service, exceptional food and wine! The restaurant itself is cosy and comfortable and the staff are super attentive and friendly. The pairings were so good! Each sip was a surprise and the Quebec wines were our favourites. We very much enjoyed the chats with the staff about their choices for us. Very much recommended.

Very happy to find Signatures open again, on the terrace only for the summer but I see inside also very soon. Food was as amazing as I remember. Service was friendly and always some one around to make sure things went smoothly. Lovely to sit out on the terrace.

Amazing experience. Food was art! Chef is an absolute artist, menu changes every weel which is amazing. Everything was so delicious specially the dessert it was divine. Staff are so friendly and helpful. Even chef came and say hi and we had a nice chat. Overall so good

Love the concept - experienced French chef overseeing a staff of enthusiastic students. The food was excellent: appetizer platter was excellent; fish was wonderful; steak was not as good as hoped; desserts were delicious.

I planned a date night and it was lovely. We had a wide variety of dishes, we didn't feel rushed and we didn't leave hungry. I'm really glad we went and I'd go again!

We had the pleasure to celebrate and enjoy a wonderful meal at Signatures. Each dish was presented beautifully and had their own unique taste and wonderful textures. The chef and staff were all friendly and provided top notch service. Merci!

This is an incredibly desirable destination. I have visited Le Cordon Bleu during both lunch and dinner times before the pandemic, and currently, they provide a list of events during dining hours. The restaurant is conveniently located not far from downtown, with a beautiful park beside it and parking on the side that features multiple embassies. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the service is excellent. The place is consistently clean and classically beautiful. The quality of the cuisine is remarkable, offering food that is not only extremely good but also unique. The portion sizes and presentation are well thought out, initially appearing average or slightly smaller, but this is a clever strategy that enhances the overall dining experience, providing unforgettable and memorable tastes. While the lunch menu may seem somewhat limited at first glance, it is regularly updated, guaranteeing better quality. The prices are more than reasonable, offering a comfortable dining experience for a restaurant with 12 Michelin stars, shared among five chefs. I highly recommend visiting this place for an exclusive experience that will be hard to forget. Your personal experience will undoubtedly speak for itself.

SERVICE 5 AMBIANCE 5 FABLULOUS multi-course gourmet dinner!! Perfect pairing of the wines with each of the sumptuous courses. Understated elegance in the surroundings. Very professional and attentive staff. Unquestionably the best restaurant in Ottawa/Gatineau!!