Grounded Kitchen and Bar – A Stylish Spot That Falls Short on Flavour – Average EV Score: 6.1/10
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
Grounded Kitchen and Bar Restaurant Overview
1545 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Z 8P9
Grounded Kitchen and Bar sits tucked away in a business complex, and at first glance feels like one of those underrated hidden gems. It’s easy to miss if you don’t already know where it is — the kind of restaurant you wouldn’t stumble upon just walking by. Once inside, the space feels well thought out. The interior is stylish, with a modern aesthetic and clean lines that make it a nice fit for brunch, lunch, or even a casual dinner.
One of the first things that stands out is the artwork on the walls. It gives the dining area a bit of personality, keeping the atmosphere from feeling too sterile. There’s also a patio for outdoor seating, which is always a plus in the warmer months. Combined with the indoor tables, there’s a decent amount of space, and the restaurant can get quite busy during peak hours. It’s definitely a place where you’ll want to plan ahead if you’re going at typical brunch times, because lineups are common.
Parking is validated, which is convenient given the location, but it still feels like the restaurant sits in an odd spot for a trendy eatery. It’s surrounded by offices and businesses, which makes it seem like an unexpected find. That kind of contrast works in its favour, though — it adds to the impression that Grounded Kitchen is a hidden, stylish spot tucked away from the main restaurant strips of the city.
Ordering is done through a QR code linked to an app. It’s convenient and efficient, though it does remove some of the personal interaction you might expect when dining out. Thankfully, the staff make up for that with their friendly attitude. Service is warm and approachable, and the food tends to come out quickly despite the crowd.
On paper, the combination of location, style, and service sets the stage for something memorable. Unfortunately, when it comes to the food, Grounded Kitchen didn’t quite live up to expectations.
Would return?: No.
Eggs in Purgatory
😋 Enjoyment: 7/10
💰 Price Paid: $14
🎯 Benchmark Price: $14
📊 EV Score: 7/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
This was the standout dish of the meal. Eggs in Purgatory is a fairly simple plate, but Grounded Kitchen executed it well. The tomato-based sauce had bold, balanced seasoning, with just the right amount of heat to make it interesting without overpowering the other elements. The eggs were nicely cooked, and when mixed with the sauce, everything came together in a comforting way. It didn’t try to reinvent the dish, but sometimes simple and well-made is the best approach.
Brisket Burnt Ends and Eggs
😋 Enjoyment: 5.5/10
💰 Price Paid: $26
🎯 Benchmark Price: $18
📊 EV Score: 3.8/10
🔁 Order Again?: No.
This was the biggest disappointment. The brisket is supposed to be the star of the dish, but it came out dry and stringy, which overshadowed everything else on the plate. Even though the bread on the side was decent, it couldn’t save the overall experience. When the main protein misses the mark, there’s not much you can do to recover. For the price, I expected something more substantial, especially since brisket should be rich, tender, and full of flavour. Unfortunately, this one fell flat from the first bite.
Tater Tots
😋 Enjoyment: 8.5/10
💰 Price Paid: $8
🎯 Benchmark Price: $7
📊 EV Score: 7.4/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
The tater tots were amazing. I’m biased because I love my fried potatoes. Perfectly crisp on the outside with soft, fluffy potato inside, and seasoned just right. They’re the kind of snack you can’t stop picking at. That said, the portion was small for the price, making them feel a bit like a guilty splurge rather than a good-value side.
Final Thoughts
Grounded Kitchen and Bar has a lot going for it on the surface. The stylish interior, nice artwork, patio seating, and friendly staff all contribute to a positive first impression. The location makes it feel like an off-the-beaten-path find, and the atmosphere is buzzing with energy when it’s busy. It’s the kind of restaurant that seems like it should be a local favourite.
Unfortunately, the food just doesn’t quite match the setting. While the Eggs in Purgatory was a solid dish and the tater tots were fantastic, the Brisket Burnt Ends and Eggs was a clear miss, and overall the menu felt inconsistent for the price. At the end of the day, Grounded Kitchen is more about the vibe than the flavour.
If you’re looking for a stylish spot to grab brunch or drinks with friends, you may enjoy the setting and energy here. But if food quality is your top priority, there are better options in Ottawa that deliver both style and substance.