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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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: 7.5/10
Read more: Pur and Simple Barrhaven – Great Brioche, But Not Worth the Wait – Average EV Score: 7.5/10Pur 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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Cafe Orient Review – Irresistible Hong Kong Comfort Food That Hits the Spot – Average EV Score: 7.3/10
Read more: Cafe Orient Review – Irresistible Hong Kong Comfort Food That Hits the Spot – Average EV Score: 7.3/10Cafe 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.