Rehearsal Dinner

I had my wedding here and it was incredible! The staff is so helpful on the day of, you feel like a guest at your own wedding! And i didnt even have a wedding planner!
The food was delicious and all my guests said so. Even with a mishap with communication with the DJ, the music was great and the night was unforgettable.
Ambroisie is so gorgeous, it really is a beautiful place for a wedding.
Thank you to Tony, Jaime, Alexandra, and all the wait staff for making my wedding incredible.

I just had my wedding at L’Espace Canal last weekend, and what an incredible experience! From planning the event with the venue coordinator, Alexa, to the flexibility with menu creation with chef Stuart, the communication and coordination was so professional and seamless. We also had an amazing day of experience because of Jaime, Tony, Jonathan, and Rohit. We are filled with gratitude that the whole team made our wedding so memorable and perfect!!!! We got so many compliments from our guests on the food, drinks, and service.

A beautiful place, with a cozy elegance. I had the pleasure of flowering a wedding here, bud vase centerpieces, and a wild-style bridal bouquet. To date one of my favourite locations to flower. I also returned on another occasion to dine with friends at the restaurant, I absolutely loved the french onion soup, and the steak frites was very good.

We recently had the pleasure of celebrating our wedding at L'Espace Canal, and we couldn't be happier with our experience. From the moment we started planning, our coordinator Dietrich took care of every detail with such professionalism and care.

The venue itself is stunning, with its charming ambiance and beautiful views of the canal providing the perfect backdrop for our special day. The staff was incredibly attentive, ensuring everything ran smoothly from start to finish, the food and service was exceptional.

Overall, L'Ambroisie et L'Espace Canal exceeded all our expectations, and we are so grateful to Dietrich and the entire team for making our wedding day so memorable. We highly recommend this venue to anyone looking for a perfect place to tie the knot.

Excellent food.
Good service
Friendly staffs
Nice terrace near Lachine canal - enjoy the promenade near water
Good price
Terrace allowed dog

The food was delicious and the atmosphere was warm and inviting, but what really made the experience unforgettable was Mateo’s service. He was attentive, kind, and made us feel truly welcomed. Mateo is the reason we’ll be back! Kudos to bartender Jamie and Manager He as well, you can tell they set a high bar for hospitality here.

The food was excellent, but unfortunately the service left a lot to be desired. With so many great restaurants to choose from, I wouldn’t recommend this one based on our experience. The hostess outside was lovely and welcoming, but things changed once we were brought inside. Although the restaurant was nearly empty and we had a reservation, we were initially seated at a small table in the center. When we politely asked to move, the second hostess looked visibly annoyed and said nothing as she relocated us.

Our server didn’t leave a great impression either. We asked to start with oysters and without a word he grabbed our menus and walked off. We weren’t even done yet! When we asked for them back, we were only handed one and were rushed. Throughout the meal, he was mostly absent—no drink refills, no check-ins, and when we tried to order more, it felt like we were bothering him.

One member of the support staff who did stop by was very kind, and honestly, if he had been our server, I imagine this would’ve been a very different review. For context, we ordered oysters, lobster, lobster pasta, desserts, and drinks—this wasn’t a light or inexpensive meal. When it came time to pay, the server simply dropped the bill on the table without a word and later did the same with the payment machine. The contrast between the food and the service was unfortunate. With so many amazing options in Montreal I wouldn’t waste my money here or recommend.

We had a fantastic meal and our waiter, Pascal, was amazing. We were looking for recommendations and he suggested oysters and the t-bone steak to share. We finished the meal with the cheese plate and it was perfect. Highly recommend!

My recent lunch at Maggie Oakes in Old Montreal, prompted by high ratings, unfortunately fell short of expectations, leaving my wife and I with a rather negative impression.

We opted for outdoor seating to enjoy the charming atmosphere, but our initial interaction with the waitress set an uncomfortable tone. She seemed a bit short and sharp. We considered leaving, but we were tired from walking and really wanted something to eat, so we chose to ignore the vibe we were getting and proceeded to order.

As we awaited our meals, several other diners came into the restaurant. My wife and I looked at each other and noted the difference in the approach and conversation of the waitress with these other diners. We listened as she explained the entire menu, without prompting, to at least two other groups. This explanation was necessary since the menu is broken into sections and has specific meals depending on the size of your group. This made it much easier for the other diners to choose their meals. They were also English-speaking visitors.

We were seated at a small table, understandable since space was limited. As the stereotypical "tourists," we left our hotel well-prepared, with water bottles to stay hydrated, hats to shield from the sun, and a camera in tow. The section wasn't very busy and had quite a few empty tables. There was no one sitting next to us, so we used a chair to place our bags and hats.

With zero explanation or conversation, our waitress came back to our table and grabbed our stuff from the chairs and began stuffing them into corners of the chairs we were sitting in. We were aghast. My hat was crushed, and she attempted to place my wife's bag on the back of the chair. However, the back is smooth and has no hook for the bag to latch onto securely. We knew this because we initially tried that before attempting to place it on the other chair.
She couldn't put the bag on the back of the chair so she placed it on the small, already crowded table.
At this point, we started to feel frustrated but decided not to let the interaction affect our mood since we wanted to continue exploring the surrounding area and maintain our high spirits.

I don't make this comment lightly, but I do feel my wife and I were treated differently after we saw the interactions with the other diners. Since there were other English-speaking diners, I can only assume the different treatment was based on something else.

We are left to ponder...
What was the reason for this difference in treatment and level of service?
Non resident of Montreal?
Skin tone?
Both?

Either way, we would not be dining there again.
This experience has also taught me a valuable lesson, no matter the stage of the process, if I don't feel comfortable or welcomed I will leave.

We had an amazing brunch experience at Maggie Oakes in Montreal! The service was top-notch—friendly, attentive, and welcoming. The Smoked Salmon Bagel, which was good. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

Wow! What a hidden GEM. Suzy our server was outstanding. 10/10 —-The food specials ie fig&prosciutto salad, beef tenderloin pasta etc - Amazing! Gorgeous PATIO 👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I recently hosted a business dinner at Modus for 8 of us and absolutely loved it! The ambience, the service (Alex was our waiter) and the food was excellent - perfection! Sam is a wonderful host which made the experience unforgettable. From the appetizer, to mains the food was meticulously prepared, fresh, flavourful and elegantly presented. I definitely recommend Modus for hosting events (they have private dining rooms which are beautiful) to a dinner out! Will DEFINITELY be back!

I've been to Modus numerous times for lunch/dinner and recently hosted a dinner for 10 in their private dining room. The food was exceptional. I had the grilled calamari, Atlantic salmon, and chocolate cake, and everything was delicious. Great service in a beautiful space. Highly recommend. Thanks Sam. Will be back!

This gorgeous restaurant is a must visit, if you haven’t already! We came in to celebrate and couldn’t be happier with the experience. Between delicious food, great atmosphere and attentive service, you won’t be disappointed. Thank you Modus team for making our night so special!

Google as well as Modus website advertises restaurant open until 10pm on Friday. Made a reservation on Open Table which was confirmed for 8:15pm. Arrived at 8:15pm and all the doors were locked and bartender let me know “kitchen was closed”. Advised her/bartender that I had a reservation and was told “sorry”. Recommend management revise advertised hours and/or their online booking system so that they are not accepting resos they are unwilling to honour.

Lovely Atmosphere & Great Food, with One Small Hiccup
Moxies in Ottawa has a beautiful vibe — the restaurant looks great inside and the patio outside is especially nice. The service overall was friendly and attentive. The food was delicious and full of flavor, even though the place was quite busy. The only downside was that one of our friends' orders was forgotten, and it took a long time to arrive — almost after everyone else had finished eating. Despite that, we still enjoyed the meal, and I would give it another try!

I had the pleasure of being served by Sujoy during my recent visit to Moxies Riverside, and I genuinely believe he is one of the best servers I’ve ever encountered.

From the moment we were seated, Sujoy’s professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail made the experience exceptional. He greeted us with a friendly smile, gave thoughtful recommendations from the menu, and ensured that every part of our meal went smoothly. What stood out most was how effortlessly he balanced friendliness with efficiency — checking in just enough without ever feeling intrusive.

Sujoy anticipated our needs before we even had to ask. Drinks were never empty, dishes came out timed perfectly, and he even remembered our preferences from a previous visit. His energy and passion for what he does truly elevate the entire dining experience.

If you’re visiting Moxies Riverside, ask for Sujoy — he’s a rare gem in hospitality, and he turns a great night out into an unforgettable one. Management is lucky to have him!

Moxies is a great restaurant for couples and meeting up with friends. The staff are well trained in customer service, the menu is exquisite, and the interior decor is upscale ... all creating an atmosphere of sophistication and some level of exclusivity.

Anything they label "blackened" is tasty and flavorsome ... and their ancient grains rice is fluffy and delicious; it goes perfectly well with chicken or salmon on top.

Went here for a birthday dinner for my father, his choice. I liked my fresh tasting bean tacos, my parents said they enjoyed their steak, tho my sister in law has to send her back to be cooked longer, hadn't been cooked to what she asked for. Had what I think is the most expensive starter on the menu whipped goat cheese and tomatoes (idk what it is called in the menu)this was a fabulous surprising appetizer, I totally recommend this! The chicken lettuce wraps were also fantastic and a hit all around, pot stickers were okay but nothing special- better can be found easily in Ottawa. Sticky toffee was okay but again you could have it from dessert first so it's about the same if you've tried that. I had a cappaciino after the meal and this I wouldn't order again, have tea or go for an alcoholic after dinner choices they were good but pricey. The place was NOT good for a group of 5! This ruined the experience for all of us. Music and all the talking it was impossible to have a conversation with all of us, I had trouble talking to my bad who was opposite the booth of me. This was an 80th birthday with family from overseas so be this really ruined the whole experience and I wish we had chosen delivery instead and had the great food at home.

This is my first time at the Hunt Club location, I've only ever went to the Kanata Moxie's. This restaurant was very similar, thankfully. I've always enjoyed eating at Moxie's. The food is always delicious!

I had the mushroom sirloin that was cooked to perfection. My husband had the chicken mushroom pasta that he raved about as well.

Our server was excellent as well as the rest of the staff, and the atmosphere of the restaurant was perfect for casual, fine dining.

For dessert I tried the dark chocolate no flour cake and it was so delicious!

Very pleased with my overall dining experience!

We went to Norca for our Wedding Anniversary celebration while staying at Le Germain in Ottawa.

It was wonderful. Service was great and food was delectable. I took a few pictures but missed a few dishes because we were too excited to try them and forgot to take pictures.

We will be returning! We have had breakfast here twice as well and it has not disappointed.

The waiters to the sous chef have gone above and beyond to create a personal experience. Beyond that the food had been some of the best I’ve had. This is my third night ordering from Norca. Highly recommended.

First time at Norca, was always intrigued from the view from the street below.
Nathan was my bartender and he was fantastic!!! I had 2 cocktails, oysters and a glass of wine. The ambiance is so beautiful in Norca, next time i come back i will definitely order more off the menu.
There was a slight issue with my oysters but Nathan fixed it asap. Love it , highly recommended!!

Stepped in for some drinks and appetizers and was so pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere as well as the great service I received. Nathan, our bartender, was so attentive and made every cocktail to perfection. The cocktails here are imaginative and delectable. Without a doubt I’ll be back! So glad to have found a new date spot!

What a perfect date night! Thank you to the team for a delicious culinary experience. From the moment we walked in to the time we walked out. Everything was perfect: the food, the meeting with the chef, and the mood of the space. A perfect evening!

Very nice restaurant, also very expensive. Service was slow and we had to send the food back twice to warm it up.

Great food and ambiance. Really nice terrace also. The food is also priced right. They were out of Cornish hen for our paella, but they offered to replace it with scallops with no extra charge.

Chic restaurant but it was very quiet. There was no ambiance at all. I went on a Saturday night and we were the only people there.

The food was delicious. A bit pricy but everything i ordered was great and fresh!

I definitely suggest the octopus and the lamb chops!

The food is great and good service but really pricy for what you get. 48 for Lamb when you can that fire 22 in grocery it's kinda stolen. Their lemon pie was okay but not spectacular. The wine was great.

Beautiful restaurant very well prepared food !:).
Highly recommended :)

This spot was perfect for our dinner with a toddler in the mix. Appreciated that they had a kids menu, and the kid portion was actually quite large. The food in general was actually pretty tasty too - the veal parmesan was delicious and a good potion size, the egg yolk ravioli was incredible, the Caesar salad was very tasty (loved the massive croutons and the pork belly on it was very good). The atmosphere is kind of giving the needs to be refreshed feel but it's fine. Server was super lovely and friendly. Overall a great experience.

I went to Piano Piano with a group and we shared our dishes family style. The food overall was very good and price was reasonable. The pasta were cooked al dente and their famous Neapolitan style pizza did not disappoint. The dessert was also good but not outstanding is my opinion. Our server was very friendly and helpful. The noise in the restaurant was loud and seating was tight.

Great Italian (not American-Italian) place with a slightly upscale vibe. Simple foods that let the ingredients speak for themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed the espresso and amaro after my meal.

We went there for Saturday lunch. The lunch special was a great price. You can choose an appetizer, a main dish, and a dessert. We had a lunch special and one pizza. The food was good, the atmosphere was great, and the server was super awesome!
You don’t need to make a reservation for Saturday lunch. There were lots of empty tables during afternoon.

Such a beautiful spot—loved, loved the atmosphere!
Piano Piano is truly a vibe. The setting is warm, stylish, and perfect for a night out. While the pizza wasn’t the best I’ve ever had, the pasta, dessert, and everything else were absolutely perfect.

Huge thanks to Sarah for the amazing service—friendly, attentive, and made the experience even better.

I’ll definitely be coming back!

It was a nice experience, decent Portuguese food and nice atmosphere. It was busy that evening such that we had to ask for balsamic vinegar to be added to olive oil, and ask for sharing fork more than once. The Serrano ham with asparagus salade was amazing, tartar de filet mignon was very tasty but a bit on the salty side, however the blood sausage was hard to comment. Paella was great but a bit too much watery with the rice; sea-bream was nicely cooked and crisp for the skin. Dessert was super cute. The rotation is like an hour for one full 360.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I visited Portus 360 with my mother-in-law and my partner, and it was an unforgettable experience. We ordered a tasting-style plate (around $100 per person) that allowed us to try a bit of everything, and it was absolutely worth it.

I’m Mexican and from the Caribbean, and I can honestly say that tonight I had the best octopus of my life—perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Every dish was rich, fresh, and beautifully prepared. The flavors are easily five stars.

The service was equally impressive. We were so well taken care of, with attentive staff ensuring everything was perfect throughout the evening.

And then, of course, the views: the restaurant slowly rotates 360 degrees, giving you a full panoramic look at Montreal. It takes about two hours for one full rotation (we were there from 6:45 to 9:30 and barely made one loop), which makes it the perfect setting for a relaxed dinner. I highly recommend booking for sunset—the city looks stunning as the lights come on.

Prices are in line with the experience and quality. Overall, a fantastic combination of great food, amazing service, and beautiful views. Highly recommended!

Portus 360 is a fantastic fine dining restaurant with breathtaking views, excellent food, and outstanding service. The portions tend to be on the smaller side but are flavorful, with a wide selection of seafood. The waitstaff was attentive, courteous, and proactive, ensuring a great experience.
The restaurant welcomes a diverse crowd, including groups of young friends, couples, families, and birthday celebrations. There is no formal dress code, making it a relaxed yet elegant destination. Parking in the underground lot costs between $10 and $19, depending on some rather unclear rules.
Even if you visit just for dessert and drinks, it's worth the trip. Guests are free to explore the restaurant to take in the stunning panoramic views.
On the downside, there is no kids' menu, and the dishes can be a bit heavy for those mindful of their calorie intake.
I highly recommend Portus 360 - just be sure to make a reservation, as it’s always busy!

Perfect restaurant for a novelty experience but unfortunately when we attended the restaurant moved in gentle but uncomfortable jolt, noticeable enough to make the dinner uncomfortable. The food was good, great entrée, well presented and daring but not amazing. That might be our fault, we didn't adventure onto their fish and seafood, which seeing the other photos and reviewers, look quite delicious. Slightly too heavy handed on the truffle oil for our inexperienced pallets and the mustard and cheese sauce was intense. Very strong flavor competition and that might be great if you're looking for that.

The view alone makes it all great regardless, this place throws you back in time and remind you of when Montreal was more modest.

My filet mignon was a bit over cooked but everything else was great. The view is spectacular, and this turning restaurant gives you a 360 degree view of Montreal!

I really enjoyed dining here for brunch. I would recommend the shakshouka which is served with fresh bread and perfectly seasoned crisp fries. We got a reservation on a Saturday. We had a big roomy booth for six people. We were seated about 15 minutes before the kitchen closed but the service was accommodating. We were allowed to continue dining and ordering drinks until they had to close for an event. I would like to come here again for the Sunday jazz brunch.

Beautiful place, very sweet staff. The portions are good & the prices too ! I liked that I wasn’t overwhelmed by the menu which I really liked!
I just didn’t like the aragula salad with my Ricarda’s Paris but that is just because of my preference.
Overall will recommend ( + I saw it was stroller friendly)

We came here on a Saturday brunch for celebrating with our friends. The restaurant is beautifully designed and is great for couples or gatherings.

They have different specials for each day and Saturdays are “Saturday in Paris” and you can add variety of crêpe to your order.

We ordered “Beef Short Rib Hash”, “Duck Breakfast Sandwich”, “Ricarda’s Paris”, “Nordique Crêpe” and “Croissant Croque Madam”. We also ordered Prosecco and juice for make your own mimosas.

The food was fresh, but I expected it to be more flavourful. I also expected more variety of pastries (from the Google photos I had seen).

The staff are friendly and the service was rather fast.

The ambience and food is always good, the short rib hash was very tender and tasty, the shakshouka was very flavourful and the chocolate croissant was freshly done! Also the sour dough bread yum! Definitely one of my favourite place in town for brunch!

Went for the Champagne Brunch 90s Party buffet. Food selection was not big, so I expected food to be good. Beautiful display of food, but unfortunately the taste of food was subpar.
All the food at the grill were overcooked because they were all precooked and reheated on the grill. To be honest, it already looked overcooked even before reheating. Lobster had rubber texture, short ribs had jerky texture (although flavors were good), chicken satay flavor had nothing to do with chicken satay.

The pastry station looked appetizing but they were a bit dry, like day old pastry. Desserts were pretty average tasting. Crêpes were ok for a buffet, if I got that from a regular menu I'd be pretty disappointed. The smoothie bowls were weird tasting, also very watery.

The $75pp price does not include basic coffee or juice of any sort despite it being brunch; you only get water. All drinks are separate cost. And no, this Champagne Brunch does not include champagne.

They also advertised this brunch with live DJ, but there were none that I could see. Music blasting way too loud over speakers, we could not have a conversation. I could barely hear the servers.

Upside, the servers were friendly and restaurant interior is beautiful. I would not recommend the brunch buffet to anyone, it was quite disappointing at that price point. Tax and tip included we paid just over $100pp. I feel ripped off being served below averge food.

My husband and I got married at River Cafe this June. We had the absolute best experience and so did our guests. If anyone is considering getting married here - do it!

Kerry was really wonderful to work with as the event coordinator. She was very timely with her emails and made time for us to meet in person multiple times. She made the process fun and I felt extremely confident in her ability to make the day run smoothly (which it did! Even with a bit of rain).

The bar staff was able to recreate a cocktail from last years menu to be served on our day that we loved.

You can tell that weddings are not a new thing here. The staff has clearly worked many. They were efficient and did a fantastic job as a team. We had 90 people at our wedding and so many people commented about how short the wait for the bar was - everything was done very efficiently.

We had so many comments from guests about how much they loved the venue. The food was so good (make sure one of you gets the Arctic Char because it was delicious!).

We can’t wait to spend our future anniversaries at River Cafe. :)

We had an incredible lunch here. Sat outside on a gorgeous afternoon. We were seated promptly and order was taken quickly. Drinks were delicious. The restaurant filled up quickly, and the wait for food was a bit long, but it was worth it. Every bite was great. Standouts include the lamb sirloin flatbread and the beef tartare. Service was very friendly and accommodating with a booster seat available for a child.

Their weekend brunch was great! The Benedict biscuit tasted like it was made in the morning (and it was amazing by the way). Never had an eggs Benedict with arctic char but would definitely get again. We love the Canadian flavours and it really shows in the cooking :))

Beautiful location inside a park in Calgary, not too far from the Chinatown area.

This spot has beautiful views and an amazing serene feel to it as you approach it after a walk around the park.

The food here is decent - came here for brunch and they featured many of the brunch classics with lots of locally sourced meats and vegetables. The portion sizes were decent as well, so you won’t leave hungry.

Overall - it’s a good spot in Calgary to check out for brunch and a stroll in the park.

Beautiful location, great decor and ambiance.
We went for brunch. First time there. Food and drinks were delicious except for the fish cake! We had a scone, monogram coffee, cider, bacon, eggs with hash, lamb sausage and toast which were all tasty. Only thing I didn’t love was the fish cake. It tasted too fishy. I had halibut a few times before and it never tasted so fishy. I did live on the west coast in Vancouver by the ocean so maybe I should not compare fish in Alberta to fish I had while living near the ocean. That’s my honest opinion and experience. I would maybe try the restaurant one more time for dinner, and see how it is, although we will likely not get the fish again. Server was nice overall. I did mention the fishy taste of fish cakes and asked if that’s normal, he said it’s supposed to taste fishy so I said ok. I usually don’t mention things to restaurants but was curious if it’s supposed to taste the way it tasted. I did mention all the foods we did like as well.

We had the most wonderful experience hosting our wedding at the River Lounge this past July. We had about 65 people, including children. The venue is intimate and breathtaking, with a stunning patio close to the water that set a perfect, natural backdrop. We needed minimal décor, as the space’s beauty truly speaks for itself, especially with the twinkle lights and overhead chandeliers that gave the space a really warm feeling!

The food was exceptional—from the delicious hors d’oeuvres to the beautifully presented dinner. The service was impeccable, with the wait staff, bartenders, and setup team all delivering top-notch professionalism and care. Everything flowed seamlessly, with perfect timing throughout the event.

Our coordinator, Clem, was an absolute gem. She was organized, attentive, and flexible, meeting with us multiple times before the wedding to ensure every detail was perfect. She handled our questions, last-minute changes, and venue visits with ease and worked well with our other vendors. The whole evening ran like clockwork.

The value for the cost was great and we also used the venue’s recommended florist, who is related to the owners, and they exceeded our expectations. The table arrangements and bouquets were gorgeous, perfectly complementing the space.
We couldn’t have asked for a better venue or team to make our day so special. Highly recommend the River Lounge for any event you have in mind!

Wow! Where to begin! We had our engagement here last weekend and it was the best decision we ever made. The whole planning process was so seamless, we were always heard and met with patience and understanding. These events can always be stressful but Clem and her team made sure we were very well taken care of. The space was amazing with the brick stone walls, and the food…. was DELICIOUS! Literally all our guests came up to us wanting to take some home! If you are still debating on whether or not to book the river lounge for your next event i’d say stop thinking and go for it. You won’t regret it.

Thank you so much to the entire river lounge team to making our night a dream come true.

Our experience with One Plate formerly River Lounge is always of culinary perfection and generosity. Great food, great presentation and great service!

I recently attended the Free Thursday Nights event and found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The atmosphere was conducive to mingling and engaging in social interactions. One plate, the bar caterer, and their bartender Emilio, deserve special mention for their expertly crafted and diverse selection of both fruity mocktails and cocktails. The bar was well-stocked with a variety of wines and spirits, and I particularly enjoyed my Gin and Tonic. I highly recommend attending this event if you're seeking a fun and engaging evening.

The River Lounge is a hidden gem of Ottawa on the Rideau River. The fireplace and stone arches were the perfect romantic and timeless backdrop we were seeking for our New Year's Eve wedding.

In our meetings, the owner, Marlon, would make us feel at home and go to great lengths to understand our vision and needs. We were never pressured to spend more than we intended. In fact, Marlon took our budget so seriously, whenever we considered something above our budget he would use his creativity to make things work for us. Marlon understands the importance of every detail and adjusted his seasonal decor to accommodate our wedding theme.

Marlon himself is very particular about food and wine. We have to say his chef created a phenomenal dining experience, complete with wine pairing for each course, that impressed all of our guests. The staff at the River Lounge were incredibly friendly and accommodating with our guests and made sure our special day went off without a hitch. They even put together an elaborate brunch for the day after our wedding!

Our family and friends said that our wedding was truly magical and enchanting. We recommend the River Lounge to anyone who wants their wedding or special event to be a truly memorable experience!

We went to this place with my friends for lunch, and it was such a great experience. The atmosphere was really pleasant and welcoming, perfect for a casual celebration.

I especially loved the taste of the lamb — it was flavorful and cooked perfectly. There was also a starter that had a cucumber-like taste, which was very unique and refreshing. I highly recommend trying it!

Overall, it’s a charming spot with a nice vibe and delicious food. Definitely worth visiting.

Absolutely PHENOMENAL experience! Our server, Derek, was an absolute delight and set the tone for our entire brunch experience. His joy & personality was the perfect touch to our meal. The food (taste, quality & portion size) was stellar, and everything else was just the cherry on top. The special treats for our celebration were very appreciated too! 5 Stars across the board!

Gorgeous venue. Light, airy and very comfortable with a stylish modern vibe. Quiet dining room for conversation. Great people-watching from the bar or patio.
The food is excellent across the board, with delicious twists on old cocktail favourites and an extensive wine list with something for everyone.
Check out whatever is new on the menu, as the chefs are always getting creative with local seasonal foods, and the results are fabulous. The pea salad with jicama is a master class in fresh, light and inventive. Perfect for summer.
Servers are attentive, knowledgeable, and personable.
Gluten free and vegetarian friendly!

Arugula salad, Mediterranean pizza and Char were all mouth watering! We had no reservation but were seated in few minutes in the lovely patio. The crowd is very pleasant and cute atmosphere! Highly recommended 🫡

We recently dined at Sassafraz on Cumberland St. to celebrate my wife's birthday. The atmosphere was bright, packed, and welcoming, though admittedly a bit noisy due to the lively crowd.

We had a little celebration beforehand and came in ready to enjoy a full meal—and Sassafraz didn’t disappoint in that regard. We ordered appetizers, mains, and desserts, and everything was palatable and delicious. The waiter was caring and devoted, though we could feel a slight sense of rush, probably due to how busy the place was.

One small letdown: I had called ahead and mentioned it was my wife’s birthday, and they had promised to bring a macaron with a candle—unfortunately, that was overlooked.

Overall, I really liked the food and the vibrant ambiance. The only drawback was the missed birthday gesture, which would’ve made the experience even more memorable.

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 wasn’t sure what to expect but I had seen many great reviews and I wanted to try it out myself and I must say I wasn’t disappointed. The ambience is great—for date nights, lunches/dinner with friends and everything in between. My fave items were the tacos and bao buns. The popcorn Thai chicken wasn’t my favourite but not bad. Don’t think I’d try it again though. The donuts were also really good and soft.

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

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!!

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

The best Italian food. I tried Caesar salad and bolognese -everything is taste amazing. Fresh pasta and you can tell about dressing, which made in the house. Will definitely come back again.

Easily the worst Carbonara I’ve ever had.
The pasta was short, limp, and overcooked… closer to instant noodles than anything Italian. I’ve seen guanciale cut in cubes, strips, or slices, but never shredded like pulled pork. The sauce? Traditionally made with Pecorino and raw egg yolk emulsified into a creamy texture, yet I was served a sunny side up egg sitting on top. This wasn’t a creative twist. It was just wrong. Absolutely disappointing.

We went on a Sunday to enjoy lunchtime. It was a pleasant experience. The service is very good and the food is delicious. We loved the Valentine's decoration. ❤️

Everything I ate tonight was excellent! The pasta, the house wine, the tiramisu were all on point. Will definitely be going there again. The service was excellent too. 10/10

Update: I did go back. Still excellent. No tiramisu though : (. I miss their tiramisu.

My husband and I had a great time on the patio! I had the Pollo Limone which was fantastic and just the right amount of food. The atmosphere was lovely, I really liked the flower wall for taking pictures to mark a special occasion. All around great time here.
Having said that, it's pretty pricey so it's good for a nice treat every once in a while!

A great place to come with friends or solo.
The staff are amazing. The food superb. Great indoors. Fantastic green house style all season patio. Summertime the 17th avenue extension

It’s become a regular place for me for years. But I particularly enjoy happy hour.

The wines are a lovely selection. I enjoy the rosè

Today I had the summer salad. Honestly one of the nicest salads I’ve had. Layered with Avocado. Strawberries cucumber and butterleaf lettuce.

The mussels are nicely done. Just the right amount of flavour in the broth. The pastas are always very tasty and done to perfection.

Once you have been once or twice. You will be remembered and you will remember

Food was amazing. Spectacular. Beyond that, our server Bill (William) was probably the best ever… even chased us down when my daughter forgot her favourite sweater behind. What a great spot.

One server can make or break your experience and a server broke this for me and my friend (was was very very dismissive and borderline rude- was not cool atal). The chef was amazing and came to explain the menu, the food was (look at the star rating) …………………….. Great location in the heart of 17th avenue…..

First time at this restaurant, and sat at the patio tables which was great. Tried the cheese fondue and beef tartare, which I’d say it was not too bad but not amazing. Service was also slow and took forever to get our wine. Our server was very apologetic so it seemed like it was out of his control. Overall, it was not bad!

Really loved the food - the fondue is always a standout here honestly. I think the risotto could be cooked a tad bit better ? Nothing that wrong with it but definitely a different taste and vibe from other risottos from restaurants of similar calibre (maybe it’s cause there were no mussels tonight due to shipment holiday delays). We also came on a VERY slow night so it was very quiet, which made the ambience so much better. I would definitely come again (hopefully when they have mussels for the risotto).

Went with a friend for drinks and a bite before Bluesfest and sat outside on the upper deck. Alex was our server, perfectly attentive and friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. We had the Nigroni and Apreol Spritz which were tasty and refreshing. To eat, we both got Cesar salads and shared the bruschetta and fried zucchini. We were also served complimentary fresh baked bread with butter. All the dishes were excellent, and I am looking forward to returning soon.

Service was excellent. I asked for tomato sauce instead of cream sauce which was not a problem, however, the sauce tasted like it came from a jar.

First and probably last time at this place. The atmosphere was great food as well only thing it was kinda bland you would definitely expect more from an italien restaurant. The wine was great and had a big variety. Here is what we had: Gamberetti Cognac(excellent) Insalata alla Cesare (excellent) Vitello Piccata(chicken had a light taste everything else was plein) Vitello Parmigiana(not bad but could’ve had less sauce on the chicken as it made it a bit soggy). What we really dislike was the service! We had reservations got there was seated a first serve came she gave us the menu. Then another one came with water and said she would be back for our order. We waited 15-20min she kept avoiding us i went to see the manager and told him. He’s the one that took our order (entre and wine) then said he would get her she came back retook our order plus our main course. Got our entre maybe 15min after(which she mixed up) then she never came back had to flag her down to ask for our main course after waiting about 1hour. Really was the worst. We felt like she just didn’t want to serve us people who got there after us had already been served everything.

Can't believe it took so long for my first visit to Tratorria Caffè Italia, and I was not disappointed. Unpretentious and casual, our food was delicious and primo. Very impressive wine cellar catering to all wallets (lol). The owner is very nice and attentive, as were his staff. Can't wait to visit again.

Amazing selection on wines. Great atmosphere. Sorry guys the pizza was so bad. I would have done better with frozen.
Fried Squid was yummy.
Pasta was not authentic.
Sadly won’t be back except for drinks and snack.

This is a cozy little place to dine in, with a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes it a nice choice for a relaxed meal. The restaurant has two floors, which adds a bit of character, and with the patio now open, it’s a great spot to enjoy some fresh air when the weather is nice. Just a heads-up—the tables are quite close to each other, so it’s worth being mindful of your conversations and movement, especially during busy times.

The food menu is fairly limited, but the items offered are nicely prepared. Prices are reasonable, and the portion sizes are decent—just enough for one person to feel satisfied without being overly full. It’s a solid pick if you’re in the mood for something simple and comforting.

Our food did take a bit longer than expected to arrive, which was a slight downside, especially if you’re hungry or on a tighter schedule. That said, the overall experience was still pleasant.

A special shout-out to Shariar, who was kind enough to treat us to a complimentary tiramisu—what a lovely surprise! He’s a former colleague of mine, so it was really nice to reconnect and see a familiar face. That thoughtful gesture definitely added a personal touch to our visit.

All in all, it’s a good place to unwind over a meal, especially now that the patio is open. A few small adjustments could enhance the experience, but the cozy vibe and friendly gesture made the visit memorable.

Stayed in the Four Seasons right next to it. After trying several restaurants in the area, this was my favorite. Food and wine list is very good, prices are reasonable and the ambience is incredible. Will come back.

Met friends for dinner. Recommendations were made for food and was both appreciative and impressed. Every single dish equally as or more so delicious as the next. Atmosphere was electric with incredibly efficient and with the most friendly staff. Chef David Sibio has definitely elevated the food and dishes prepared, both visually pleasing with outstanding flavour. An absolute must and highly recommend.

Food was amazing, we’ve been wanting to try this place for a while now after seeing an online review and we were finally in the area. Server was lovely, everything was fast and delicious. We’re a younger group and they didn’t treat us differently which is nice in that area! Bonus that we ended up sitting next to Vince Vaughn which was crazy cool!

What a wonderful time, the menu is inviting, like you’re eating at your grandmas kitchen.
Each dish is beautifully done. Each time I dine here, I always enjoy my meals.
The sizes are perfect either to share or maybe 1-2 dishes for person
( I personally had app/main and dessert)
I was feeling adventurous/
Was also lucky to have the best seat of the house and also had Luca as my server and he was a delight!

Had a wonderful group event at Umbrella Bar! They were very accommodating of our large group of 13 and were able to serve us reasonably fast. Food was very tasty with super unique drink combos. The aesthetics of the indoor dining area was perfect for summer parties. Can’t beat the view of Dow’s Lake outside!

We made a reservation for opening at 11:30 AM just in case since it was a Sat but got there before opening so that we were first in line anyways. It was a perfect setting on the patio!

Sweet potato fries are some of the best we've ever had honestly - they were crisp but soft on the inside and just the right seasoning 🤤

The iced matcha with oat milk was less matcha-y than I prefer but that's just my own flavour preference. Went with friends and we loved our shrimp roll, fish tacos, fish and chips, and burger. 🍔

We came in on the outdoor wood steps but I believe there is an indoor elevator for those who need to use it as well. Bathroom is very clean and indoor seating is super cute as well!

One of the best burger spots in Ottawa! I keep coming back for their delicious burgers and sweet potato fries. Went during the Tulip Festival—busy with about a 1-hour wait, but totally worth it. The guava ginger mocktail was refreshing, and the patio views of the lake with kayaks and seagulls were beautiful. The atmosphere was perfect for a spring day. Great food, friendly service, and clean bathrooms. Highly recommend!

The burgers and pasta were really good. The atmosphere was relaxed, with a nice view.

I've passed in front of this building for years without stopping, but I'm definitely happy that I finally did. The margaritas were perfect. And the gigantic beef nachos plate was absolutely delicious. I would recommend sharing; otherwise, it seems like way too much for one. Great location with large terrace overlooking Dows Lake.

We had dinner here on the patio. Its a beautiful spot with a view of the canal. I ordered the salmon dish and it was good. The sides were excellent, the fish itself could have used a little more flavour. I also tried my friend’s gnocchi and it was incredible.

A Truly Exquisite Dining Experience — From First Bite to Final Farewell

Dining at this high-end gem was an absolute delight from beginning to end. Every dish was executed with precision, creativity, and an elegance that made the entire evening feel like a special occasion.

We began with the scallop toast — a stunning appetizer that perfectly balanced delicate sweetness from the scallops with rich, buttery toast and a touch of citrus. It was refined, flavorful, and beautifully plated. The Parisian gnocchi followed and completely exceeded expectations. Light, pillowy, and bathed in a savory, luxurious sauce — it was comfort food elevated to fine dining status.

For the main course, the striploin was nothing short of perfection. Expertly cooked, well-seasoned, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, it was complemented by thoughtful sides and a sauce that brought everything together without overpowering the star of the plate.

The service was equally impressive. The staff were attentive, warm, and incredibly knowledgeable — offering pairing suggestions, checking in at just the right moments, and creating an atmosphere that was both polished and welcoming. It felt like they genuinely cared about our experience, and it made a big difference.

This restaurant delivers on every level: culinary artistry, ambiance, and exceptional service. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates top-tier dining and memorable hospitality.

One Elgin is a wonderful restaurant serving delicious food that I strongly recommend. My dining partners each ordered a different main course (The Halibut, Salmon Striploin, Schnitzel and Gnocchi). I thoroughly enjoyed my Halibut: it was flaky with a tasty picata sauce served with baked root vegetables on jasmine rice. My partners also enjoyed their meals, but felt that they could prepare them equally well. As I say, they love to cook and I love to eat which may explain the different reactions. Service was attentive and friendly. I had high expectations for One Elgin and they were met. Pro tip - if its raining hard and you`re on the patio, avoid sitting under a seam in the canopy as you may get dripped on.

A few weeks ago, I had come to Ottawa to celebrate my 30th birthday and had chosen 1 Elgin as the place to attend for dinner.

This being my first fine dining establishment, 1 Elgin has significantly raised the bar for all fine dining restaurants.

The food and wine were absolutely delicious. I had never tasted chicken that was as juicy and succulent as the one I had that night, and the flavors accompanied by the papaya, mango, peanuts, Thai basil and the tamarind vinaigrette were a unique combination that worked really well together. Being new to the wine scene, the glass of Jackson Triggs was lovely, and it has become an instant favorite!

All that being said, what I will forever remember and cherish the most is the hospitality that was provided. Whether it was the personal wishes, or the collective while the servers sang me happy birthday, or Justin providing complimentary dessert and engaging in a wonderful discussion about the importance of celebrating and loving oneself - everything about 1 Elgin contributed to making my day feel even more special and significant.

Thank you to everyone from the chefs to the servers as well as upper management for the type of service you provide. You should be extremely proud, and if given a chance, I would absolutely revisit again!

The service is a standout, with the staff being notably attentive and mindful of our schedule, which was perfect for catching a show at the NAC. While the setting and service were excellent, the food was a bit of a mixed bag. The dishes were decent, but they lacked the "wow" factor and a certain depth of flavor I was hoping for. It's a beautiful spot for a pre-theatre meal, and the views alone make it worth a visit. If you're looking for a nice view and good service before a show, 1 Elgin delivers, but don't expect a groundbreaking culinary experience.

I have to give five starts to the restaurant and its wonderful staff. They coped with a table of eight with ease. We had a lovely table where we could see into the kitchen (without the kitchen smells), had keen attention from our delightful server and our tired, yet enthusiastic group was offered everything we needed. Vegetarians and vegans were given options and the rest of us had plenty to choose from. The food was amazing, just what we needed. The atmosphere is very congenial to a lovely evening with good friends. Thank you.

Have the lasagna which was one of the most uninspired lasagnas I've ever had it was completely Bland we had to add a lot of salt and spices to try and get it some flavor. The best thing on the appetizer menu was the meatballs they were outstanding very tasty some of the best we've ever had. I would not recommend the beet salad they were not crunchy and they had very mild flavor there are much better beets to be found than this. The Bolognese pasta was pretty plain and lacking flavor. The restaurant was comfortable and it was a great place to have a conversation over lunch

Charming ambience and a lovely crowd of ladies enjoying lunch! The Italian cuisine here offers a good selection of dishes. I tried their Pasta Scarpetta, and it was al dente perfection - truly delicious! Service was reasonable, especially considering it was a busy weekday lunch. Overall, a great spot to grab a satisfying meal.

What an amazing spot! The homemade pizzas, pastas, and desserts are all made with so much care — everything tastes fresh and full of flavor. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the staff make you feel right at home. The wine list is incredible too, with something perfect to pair with every dish. Can’t wait to come back again!

Had an absolute blast at this place; the food was great, the music was upbeat, and the service was friendly.

The focaccia was fantastic, though very dry. The whipped ricotta did a good job of balancing the dryness and the honey was a great addition.

The campanelle was fantastic, super creamy and cooked al dente. Beet salad could do with a bit more, it was on the bland side; perhaps some tartness to bring out the muted flavours.

Overall, fantastic restaurant and great location - very central and a block away from the Jack Singer theatre. Will be back.