Dumpling Bliss Ottawa Review – Decent Dumplings and a Surprisingly Great Dessert – Average EV Score: 6.8/10
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
Dumpling Bliss Restaurant Overview
111 Cooper St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2E3
Dumpling Bliss is located in Centretown, but the restaurant is a little hidden away. It’s not in a main area where you’d naturally expect to find a restaurant, so it almost feels like a spot you’d only know about if someone told you. That said, once you do find it, the space is quite nice. The interior is clean, modern, and comfortable, with a good number of tables that can accommodate both smaller and slightly larger groups.
There is a parking lot out front, but you do need to pay for parking. Personally, I’d suggest finding a street spot nearby instead, since it’s often easier and free. The location itself may not be as convenient as other restaurants in more prominent neighbourhoods, but the tucked-away vibe gives it a bit of a hidden-gem feeling.
When we went, the restaurant was fairly busy, with a steady number of patrons throughout the evening. It wasn’t packed to the brim, but it was clearly popular enough to show that it has its regular following.
Ordering is handled through a QR code system at the table, where you browse the menu digitally and then confirm your choices. After eating, you go up to the front to pay. The system works smoothly, though I sometimes prefer traditional menus for browsing more comfortably. Still, it helps keep things efficient and cuts down on waiting for staff.
Speaking of staff, they were friendly and approachable. While the ordering process doesn’t involve a lot of direct interaction, the servers checked in when needed and kept things running smoothly.
Dumpling Bliss, as the name suggests, specializes in dumplings — pan-fried, boiled, and steamed. The menu focuses heavily on dumplings, with a few sides and desserts. This focus works in its favour, as it’s clear they’re trying to refine a core offering rather than stretching into too many different types of food.
Would return?: Not worth a return visit.
Pork & Three Delicacies Dumplings (Pan-Fried)
😋 Enjoyment: 6.5/10
💰 Price Paid: $15
🎯 Benchmark Price: $15
📊 EV Score: 6.5/10
🔁 Order Again?: No.
These dumplings looked promising when they arrived. The bottoms were a nice golden brown, crisped well from the pan-frying, while the tops remained soft and chewy. The filling, which included pork, shrimp, chives, and wood ear mushrooms, offered a good texture with some variety in each bite.
Unfortunately, the flavour was just okay. While nothing about the dumplings was outright bad, they also weren’t particularly memorable. The seasoning felt muted, and compared to dumplings I’ve had at other Ottawa restaurants, these fell short of standing out. They worked fine as a light snack, but they didn’t leave me craving more.
Sweet Pum Bean
😋 Enjoyment: 7/10
💰 Price Paid: $8
🎯 Benchmark Price: $8
📊 EV Score: 7/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
This dessert was the biggest surprise of the meal. The Sweet Pum Bean came as pumpkin cakes that were crisp on the outside yet soft and fluffy inside. The filling of sweet red bean paste was smooth and slightly earthy, balancing the sweetness nicely without feeling too heavy.
What made this dish stand out was the contrast in textures. The crunch of the pumpkin coating paired with the creaminess of the red bean filling made for a satisfying bite. While I wouldn’t normally expect to rave about dessert at a dumpling-focused restaurant, this one was memorable and worth ordering again.
Final Thoughts
Dumpling Bliss has the potential to be a go-to dumpling spot in Ottawa, but based on my visit, it fell short of expectations. The location, while a bit tucked away and hidden, adds some charm once you find it. Parking is easy enough if you opt for street parking, and the interior space is pleasant with enough tables to handle a steady flow of customers. The QR code ordering system works efficiently, and the staff are friendly enough to make the experience comfortable.
The food, however, was mixed. The pork & three delicacies dumplings were fine but not flavourful enough to justify a repeat order. On the other hand, the Sweet Pum Bean dessert was excellent and easily the most enjoyable part of the meal. It’s ironic that the restaurant’s specialty — dumplings — ended up being overshadowed by dessert.
While Dumpling Bliss offers a nice space and a concept I can appreciate, the overall experience wasn’t strong enough for me to want to return. Ottawa has plenty of dumpling options, and in a competitive category, the food here didn’t stand out.