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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Cafe Orient Review – Irresistible Hong Kong Comfort Food That Hits the Spot – Average EV Score: 7.9/10
Read more: Cafe Orient Review – Irresistible Hong Kong Comfort Food That Hits the Spot – Average EV Score: 7.9/10Cafe Orient is my favourite Chinese restaurant in Ottawa and the closest thing the city has to a true Hong Kong-style café. From HK milk tea to golden, buttery HK-style French toast, they hit the nostalgic notes just right. The menu is wide-ranging, with everything from casual comfort dishes to classic dim sum. Whether you’re…
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Heartbreakers Pizza – Sweet, Spicy, and Seriously Satisfying – Average EV Score: 8.5/10
Read more: Heartbreakers Pizza – Sweet, Spicy, and Seriously Satisfying – Average EV Score: 8.5/10Heartbreakers Pizza is easily one of my favourite pizza spots in Ottawa. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, it nails that cozy vibe. Their menu leans into bold flavours with quality ingredients, and the execution is consistently excellent. It’s the kind of place you keep going back to—not just for the food, but for…
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Sushi-ro – Cozy Vibes, Quality Rolls, and Clean Execution – Average EV Score: 8/10
Read more: Sushi-ro – Cozy Vibes, Quality Rolls, and Clean Execution – Average EV Score: 8/10Sushi-ro is a quiet and cozy spot with a warm, relaxed atmosphere—perfect for a low-key sushi night. The space is small but welcoming, with several tables and genuinely friendly staff. Service was casual but attentive, and the vibe made it easy to enjoy the food without any rush.
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Seafood Grill – Promising Flavours, But Missed Execution on Key Dishes – Average EV Score: 5.9/10
Read more: Seafood Grill – Promising Flavours, But Missed Execution on Key Dishes – Average EV Score: 5.9/10Seafood Grill on Merivale was quite busy when we visited, which is usually a good sign. The seafood overall seemed fresh, and the menu offered a decent range of options without feeling overwhelming. The setting is modern casual—nothing fancy, but clean and comfortable.
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Baja Burger Shack – Stunning Location, Underwhelming Burger, Good Fries – Average EV Score: 5.8/10
Read more: Baja Burger Shack – Stunning Location, Underwhelming Burger, Good Fries – Average EV Score: 5.8/10Baja Burger Shack at Britannia Beach is in a lively, beachside location that’s buzzing with volleyball games and summer energy. It’s casual, laid-back, and clearly popular for its setting. If you’re after a chill spot to grab a bite outdoors, this fits the bill. That said, the food itself didn’t quite match the vibe—at least…
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Tavern on the Hill – Great Views, Forgettable Food – Average EV Score: 3.4/10
Read more: Tavern on the Hill – Great Views, Forgettable Food – Average EV Score: 3.4/10Tavern 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 ambiance is casual and lively, especially on a Friday night. Expect big crowds, upbeat vibes, and unfortunately—music so loud you’ll need to raise your voice just…
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Torta Boyz Ottawa – Delicious Fries Worth the Trip – Average EV Score: 7.5/10
Read more: Torta Boyz Ottawa – Delicious Fries Worth the Trip – Average EV Score: 7.5/10Torta Boyz is a bit tucked away in a residential pocket, so you might miss it if you’re not paying attention. But once you find it, you’ll be glad you did. The vibe is laid-back, almost like you’re visiting a hidden gem your friend told you about. I’ve been here several times, and there’s one…
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Khao (Street Food Thailand and Bar) Ottawa Restaurant Review – Delicious Thai Street Food in Westboro – Average EV Score: 6.7/10
Read more: Khao (Street Food Thailand and Bar) Ottawa Restaurant Review – Delicious Thai Street Food in Westboro – Average EV Score: 6.7/10We visited Khao during their soft opening and the place was already buzzing. It was loud, busy, and full of energy, which was great to see. That said, the rush meant there was a bit of a wait for table service. Still, first impressions were strong enough that I’d return to see how they settle…
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Alirang Korean Restaurant Review – Consistently Delicious Korean Cuisine – Average EV Score: 7.6/10
Read more: Alirang Korean Restaurant Review – Consistently Delicious Korean Cuisine – Average EV Score: 7.6/10Alirang Korean Restaurant is one of my personal favourite Korean restaurants in Ottawa. The food has always been consistently flavourful and well-prepared, with textures that are reliably satisfying from visit to visit. Their menu covers a great variety of traditional dishes, but what sets them apart is the consistency—something that keeps me coming back.