Tavern on the Hill – Great Views, Forgettable Food – Average EV Score: 3.4/10
Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa
Each dish is rated using our EV Score (Enjoyment-to-Value Score), based on enjoyment, price paid, and benchmark pricing.
Table of Contents
Tavern on the Hill Restaurant Overview
1223 Alexandra Bridge, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4
Tavern on the Hill sits in one of the best locations in Ottawa, perched near Major’s Hill Park with a view that rivals most patios in the city. The restaurant is part of the Tavern Group, which operates several well-known spots around Ottawa, all of which seem to lean heavily on prime real estate and big patios as their main selling point.
This particular location is known for its very large patio. There’s a ton of seating, and it’s one of the few spots downtown where you can gather with a group of friends outdoors and still feel like there’s room to breathe. The atmosphere on the patio is a huge draw — it’s casual but lively, and when the weather is nice, the vibe is hard to beat. It’s also a great people-watching spot, with plenty of foot traffic in the park and the backdrop of Ottawa’s landmarks in view.
The vibes are what keep people coming back. Sometimes they even bring in DJs to play, which amplifies the energy and makes it feel like more of a social event than a typical restaurant outing. The flip side of that, though, is that the music is often so loud you’ll find yourself raising your voice just to chat with the person across the table. If you’re looking for a quiet night, this isn’t it.
Parking can be a challenge here. Being right downtown near Major’s Hill Park, there’s no dedicated lot for customers. You’ll have to find street parking, and depending on the time of day, that can be tough. If you’re heading there on a busy weekend, I’d recommend either going on foot if you’re close by, or planning for a bit of extra time to circle around looking for a spot.
In terms of food, Tavern on the Hill consistently leaves me underwhelmed. The dishes feel more like an afterthought compared to the drinks and the setting. Portions are small, prices are high, and nothing I’ve eaten here has stood out as memorable. This is the kind of place you come for the drinks, the patio, and the view — not the food. If you’re hungry, you’ll likely leave disappointed.
Would return?: No.
Protein Bowl with Braised Beef
😋 Enjoyment: 6/10
💰 Price Paid: $22 (includes $6 for the braised beef)
🎯 Benchmark Price: $15
📊 EV Score: 4.1/10
🔁 Order Again?: No.
This was a letdown at Tavern on the Hill. The bowl included a variety of ingredients — chickpea hummus, avocado, black beans, edamame, tomato, cucumber, arugula, cheddar cheese, and ginger vinaigrette — with braised beef added for an extra $6. While it looked promising on paper, the actual dish felt like it was going through the motions.
Flavours were bland and forgettable, and the small portion didn’t help. The braised beef was a tiny scoop that didn’t justify the extra cost, and the overall mix didn’t feel cohesive. It came across more like a fridge-cleanout bowl than something carefully crafted. For $22, I expected something more satisfying. Definitely not a dish I’d order again.
House-Made Salsa & Chips
😋 Enjoyment: 5/10
💰 Price Paid: $9
🎯 Benchmark Price: $5
📊 EV Score: 2.8/10
🔁 Order Again?: No.
Calling this “house-made” sets expectations that I felt the kitchen just didn’t meet. The chips seemed like straight-from-the-bag tortilla chips you’d find in any grocery store, and the salsa was thin, watery, and flat. No real flavour, no heat, and no reason to get this again. It’s the kind of dish you eat just because it’s there, not because you enjoy it.
Final Thoughts
Tavern on the Hill is one of those restaurants where the setting far outshines the food. The patio is undeniably one of the best in the city, with sprawling space, great energy, and views you won’t find anywhere else downtown. The vibes are lively, especially when they bring in DJs, and it can be a fun spot to grab drinks with friends.
But when it comes to food, it’s hard to recommend. Everything I’ve tried has felt overpriced and underwhelming, especially compared to what you’d expect for the location and cost. The menu feels like it plays second fiddle to the drinks and the social scene. If you’re looking for a night out with great drinks, good company, and one of Ottawa’s best patios, this place fits the bill. If your priority is food, there are far better options in the city.
For me, Tavern on the Hill is a “drinks and view” destination — not a dining one.