If you’re new here: welcome! Tastes of Ottawa is a dish-focused review site where I rate every bite using the EV Score—Enjoyment-to-Value. I focus on how good the food actually tastes, and whether it’s worth your money.
Recent Reviews
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Smash Daddy Ottawa Review – Incredible Smash Burgers and Perfectly Crispy Fries in Bell’s Corners – Average EV Score: 8.5/10
Read more: Smash Daddy Ottawa Review – Incredible Smash Burgers and Perfectly Crispy Fries in Bell’s Corners – Average EV Score: 8.5/10Smash Daddy is a food truck gem in Bell’s Corners that consistently delivers high-quality smash burgers and fries. The setup is casual, but the food feels thoughtfully crafted. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or looking for one of the better burger experiences in Ottawa’s west end, this place hits the mark.
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Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Review – Hidden Gem or Overhyped? – Average EV Score: 6.3/10
Read more: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Review – Hidden Gem or Overhyped? – Average EV Score: 6.3/10Dickey’s Barbecue Pit offers a very casual, cafeteria-style dining experience in Barrhaven, with a menu focused on classic American BBQ meats and sides. You order at the counter, grab a tray, and take a seat—nothing fancy, just straightforward BBQ.
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Beyond the Pale Ottawa Review – Surprisingly Good Ribs in a Great Patio Setting – Average EV Score: 8/10
Read more: Beyond the Pale Ottawa Review – Surprisingly Good Ribs in a Great Patio Setting – Average EV Score: 8/10Beyond the Pale is best known for its beers and big, open-air patio in City Centre—ideal for casual hangs, especially in the warmer months. The atmosphere is laid-back, with long tables, string lights, and a consistent crowd that gives it good energy. I don’t usually come here for the food, but it’s available if you’re…
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The Merry Dairy Ottawa Review: Best Ice Cream in Ottawa? – Average EV Score: 8.3/10
Read more: The Merry Dairy Ottawa Review: Best Ice Cream in Ottawa? – Average EV Score: 8.3/10The Merry Dairy consistently draws a crowd, and for good reason. The ice cream is rich, flavourful, and perfectly textured—creamy without being overly heavy. The homemade waffle cone adds a warm, crisp contrast that complements the cold treat beautifully. Located in a charming corner of Hintonburg, it’s an ideal stop on a warm day. Even…
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Le Foubrac – Good Burgers, Relaxed Patio Vibe – Average EV Score: 6.8/10
Read more: Le Foubrac – Good Burgers, Relaxed Patio Vibe – Average EV Score: 6.8/10Le Foubrac is a solid burger spot with a casual, welcoming atmosphere. The patio was a great place to enjoy our meal—not too busy when we went, with friendly service and a reasonable wait time for food. The menu is burger-focused with a few sides and twists that add personality without overcomplicating things.
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Margarita’s Latin Fusion Review – A Charming Atmosphere Let Down by Underwhelming Food – Average EV Score: 6.1/10
Read more: Margarita’s Latin Fusion Review – A Charming Atmosphere Let Down by Underwhelming Food – Average EV Score: 6.1/10Margarita’s Latin Fusion offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with genuinely friendly service. A nice touch is the complimentary chips and salsa to start—both were quite good, especially the chips which had a satisfying crisp. I also ordered a Margarita Fresca, which was refreshing, though nothing particularly memorable. While the service and setting were pleasant, the…
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Pur and Simple Barrhaven – Great Brioche, But Not Worth the Wait – Average EV Score: 8/10
Read more: Pur and Simple Barrhaven – Great Brioche, But Not Worth the Wait – Average EV Score: 8/10Pur and Simple in Barrhaven was packed on our visit—1 hour wait, and nearly 2 hours total for the full experience. They don’t take reservations on busy days, which meant a long wait even just to be seated. The space itself is clean and modern, with a big brunch menu and upbeat service, but the…
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Grounded Kitchen and Bar – A Stylish Spot That Falls Short on Flavour – Average EV Score: 6.1/10
Read more: Grounded Kitchen and Bar – A Stylish Spot That Falls Short on Flavour – Average EV Score: 6.1/10Grounded Kitchen and Bar sits tucked away in a business complex, and at first glance feels like one of those underrated hidden gems. The interior is stylish, with a modern aesthetic that suits a casual brunch or lunch meetup. Parking is validated, which is a nice touch, and ordering is done through a QR code…
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Why Shinka Sushi Bar’s Omakase Fell Flat Despite Incredible Ingredients – Overall EV Score: 7/10
Read more: Why Shinka Sushi Bar’s Omakase Fell Flat Despite Incredible Ingredients – Overall EV Score: 7/10Shinka Sushi Bar is known for its high-quality fish and beautifully presented dishes — and that much definitely held true. I visited for their omakase experience, which offers a multi-course, chef-curated tasting menu at a fixed price. The ingredients were premium, the flavours were solid, and the presentation was consistently elegant. Unfortunately, the experience as…
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Best Ottawa Restaurants by Cuisine – My Personal Favourites
Read more: Best Ottawa Restaurants by Cuisine – My Personal FavouritesThis is a living list of the Best Ottawa Restaurants (my absolute favourite restaurants)— organized by cuisine (may include other categories). I only include a restaurant here if it’s my clear top pick for that category, and I update the list whenever a new favourite takes the top spot or a new cuisine gets added.…