Ottawa Food Reviews Focused on Taste and Value
Ottawa’s food scene continues to grow, with everything from casual takeout spots to higher-end dining and a wide range of international cuisine. Tastes of Ottawa is dedicated to reviewing restaurants across the city with a focus on what actually matters: the food itself.
Each review breaks down individual dishes based on flavour, execution, and whether the price feels justified. Instead of relying on vague star ratings, every dish is evaluated using the EV Score (Enjoyment-to-Value), giving a clearer and more consistent way to understand if something is truly worth ordering.
All reviews are based on firsthand visits. I personally visit each restaurant, pay for every meal, and take all photos myself. The goal is to provide honest, independent opinions with no outside influence.
Below, you’ll find my most recent reviews — a mix of new restaurant visits, popular spots, and dishes that stood out, for better or worse. Whether you’re deciding where to eat or just curious about what’s worth trying, these reviews are meant to give you a straightforward and reliable perspective.
What You’ll Find on Tastes of Ottawa
- Detailed dish-by-dish reviews focused on taste and value
- Honest opinions based on real visits
- Original photos taken at each restaurant
- A consistent rating system through the EV Score
Recent Reviews
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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 spot in Gatineau, popular among the local Peruvian community for offering authentic dishes that remind many of home. It’s regarded as one of the few reliable places in the area for Peruvian cuisine, and it has built up a strong reputation over the years.
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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 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.…
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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 that, on paper, looks like it could fill a unique niche in the Ottawa–Gatineau food scene. Unfortunately, my experience here left me with little desire to return.
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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.
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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 located in a plaza on Bank Street, and honestly, you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find great seafood in a spot like this. The plaza is filled with fairly ordinary businesses, and if you were just driving by, you probably wouldn’t peg it as home to one of Ottawa’s best-known seafood restaurants. That…
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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 Barrhaven Review – Hidden Gem or Overhyped? – Average EV Score: 6.3/10
Read more: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Barrhaven 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 one of Ottawa’s most recognizable breweries. It’s known first and foremost for its beers and its very large patio, which makes it a go-to spot in the summer. The patio is spacious, dotted with long communal tables and string lights, giving it a relaxed, social vibe. It’s the kind of place…
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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 has become one of Ottawa’s most beloved ice cream shops. It’s a very popular spot that’s well-known across the city, and for good reason. Their ice cream is consistently rich, creamy, and flavourful, with a texture that manages to be indulgent without ever feeling too heavy. Add in their crisp, house-made waffle…
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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 casual burger joint with a laid-back atmosphere. The space itself is unassuming, and unless you already know it’s there, you might not necessarily think to stop in. It’s the type of restaurant you go to when you’re already in the neighbourhood rather than somewhere you’d make a dedicated trip for.