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
-
Moo Shu Ice Cream Ottawa Review – Incredible Waffle Cone but Disappointing Black Sesame Flavour – Average EV Score: 5.6/10
Read more: Moo Shu Ice Cream Ottawa Review – Incredible Waffle Cone but Disappointing Black Sesame Flavour – Average EV Score: 5.6/10Moo Shu is known for its creative Asian-inspired ice cream flavours and small-batch production. The shop is stylish and popular with locals, especially in summer months. While the waffle cone was a highlight, the flavour of the ice cream missed the mark this time.
-
Pho Viet Noodle Ottawa Review – Truth About Slow Service and Dry Beef in Hintonburg – Average EV Score: 5.8/10
Read more: Pho Viet Noodle Ottawa Review – Truth About Slow Service and Dry Beef in Hintonburg – Average EV Score: 5.8/10Pho Viet Noodle sits in the heart of Hintonburg but doesn’t live up to the standards of most pho spots in the city. Service was especially slow—our food took 15 minutes to arrive, despite only four tables being occupied. A group that arrived 10 minutes after us received their food first, which didn’t help the…
-
Amazonas Peruvian Restaurant Review – Vibrant Celebration of Peruvian Cuisine in Gatineau – Overall EV Score: 6/10
Read more: Amazonas Peruvian Restaurant Review – Vibrant Celebration of Peruvian Cuisine in Gatineau – Overall EV Score: 6/10Amazonas Peruvian Restaurant is a well-known Peruvian restaurant in Gatineau with a strong reputation among the local Peruvian community for offering authentic and flavourful cuisine. I visited during their buffet event celebrating Peru’s Independence Day. The restaurant was fully booked, and the atmosphere felt festive and inviting — a strong sign of its popularity and…
-
Dumpling Bliss Ottawa Review – Decent Dumplings and a Surprisingly Great Dessert – Average EV Score: 6.8/10
Read more: Dumpling Bliss Ottawa Review – Decent Dumplings and a Surprisingly Great Dessert – Average EV Score: 6.8/10Dumpling Bliss is a small, casual spot in Centretown focused on pan-fried, boiled, and steamed dumplings. While the savoury dumplings were solid but not standout, the dessert unexpectedly stole the show. A convenient spot if you’re in the area and craving a quick dumpling fix.
-
Djakarta Taste Gatineau Review – Truth About an Unreliable and Underwhelming Restaurant – Average EV Score: 3.8/10
Read more: Djakarta Taste Gatineau Review – Truth About an Unreliable and Underwhelming Restaurant – Average EV Score: 3.8/10Djakarta Taste is an Indonesian restaurant located in Gatineau, but unfortunately, the experience left much to be desired. Despite being the only ones in the dining room, service was very slow. The cook wasn’t even present when we arrived—it took about 10 minutes after placing our order before they came out to start cooking. We…
-
The Britannia Bakeshop Ottawa Review – Honest Take on an Overpriced Pastry – Average EV Score: 5.3/10
Read more: The Britannia Bakeshop Ottawa Review – Honest Take on an Overpriced Pastry – Average EV Score: 5.3/10The Britannia Bakeshop is in a great spot—right off the bike path and just a short stroll from Britannia Park and Beach. It’s a convenient stop if you’re out for a ride or walk in the area, with a small but cozy interior and a few outdoor seats.
-
Pelican Grill Ottawa Review – Mixed Seafood Experience with Great Calamari and Disappointing Crab Cakes – Average EV Score: 6.7/10
Read more: Pelican Grill Ottawa Review – Mixed Seafood Experience with Great Calamari and Disappointing Crab Cakes – Average EV Score: 6.7/10Pelican Grill is both a seafood restaurant and a fresh seafood market, popular enough that nearly every table was full during our visit. The ingredients were clearly fresh, and the menu is seafood-focused with classic East Coast influences. Service was friendly but slow—especially when it came to settling the bill, which took about 10 minutes…
-
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.
-
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.
-
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…