Pelican Grill Ottawa Review – Mixed Seafood Experience with Great Calamari and Disappointing Crab Cakes – Average EV Score: 6.7/10
Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa
Each dish is rated using our EV Score (Enjoyment-to-Value Score), based on enjoyment, price paid, and benchmark pricing.
Table of Contents
Pelican Grill Restaurant Overview
1500 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1H 7Z2
Pelican 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 hidden-gem quality makes it even more enjoyable once you step inside.
There’s plenty of parking available in the plaza, which is a huge plus. Unlike downtown restaurants where you need to circle the block or pay for street parking, here you can almost always find a spot right out front.
Inside, the restaurant has a casual, family-style vibe. It’s comfortable, approachable, and not overly fancy, which works well for a seafood place. The space is cozy without feeling cramped, and it makes for a great option whether you’re heading out with family, catching up with friends, or even just stopping in for a solo meal.
One of Pelican Grill’s unique features is that it doubles as both a seafood market and a restaurant. On one side, you can shop for fresh fish and seafood to cook at home, while on the other, you can sit down and enjoy a prepared meal. This dual setup reinforces the freshness of what they serve — you can literally see the quality of the seafood available for purchase, which adds confidence in what you’re about to eat.
The staff here are consistently friendly and knowledgeable, quick to make recommendations and happy to answer questions about both the menu and the market items. Service is casual but attentive, fitting the laid-back atmosphere of the restaurant.
Would return?: Yes, but only for a few select dishes.
Calamari
😋 Enjoyment: 8.5/10
💰 Price Paid: $24
🎯 Benchmark Price: $24
📊 EV Score: 8.5/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
The calamari was the highlight of the evening. Tender, lightly breaded, and seasoned well, it was exactly what I was hoping for. The batter added flavour without overpowering the seafood itself, which is a balance not every restaurant nails. The portion was fair for the price, and the overall execution was excellent. This is the dish I’d happily come back to Pelican Grill for.
Crab Cake
😋 Enjoyment: 6/10
💰 Price Paid: $13
🎯 Benchmark Price: $13
📊 EV Score: 6/10
🔁 Order Again?: No.
The crab cake looked promising but ended up being a disappointment. While it used real crab, the flavour just didn’t shine through. Instead, it felt flat and underwhelming. The texture was decent, with a nice crisp on the outside, but without more seasoning or richness, the overall bite didn’t stand out. At this price point, I expected something more memorable.
Ceviche
😋 Enjoyment: 7/10
💰 Price Paid: $14
🎯 Benchmark Price: $14
📊 EV Score: 7/10
🔁 Order Again?: No.
The ceviche was refreshing and light, hitting the right notes of citrus and spice without going overboard. The portion size was on the smaller side, though at $14 it felt fairly priced. It worked well as a starter or snack but wasn’t filling enough to stand alone. While I enjoyed it, it didn’t leave me craving it again.
Lobster Roll & Fries
😋 Enjoyment: 6/10
💰 Price Paid: $35
🎯 Benchmark Price: $30
📊 EV Score: 5.1/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
The lobster roll was one of the weaker dishes of the evening. The bun was too thick and didn’t balance well with the filling. A classic New England–style split-top roll would have worked better. The lobster itself wasn’t overly creamy, which I appreciated, but it didn’t pack much flavour either. For $35, it just didn’t feel worth it.
The fries that came with the lobster roll, however, were excellent. Crispy, golden, and seasoned well, they ended up being the saving grace of the plate. If anything, I’d order the fries on their own next time.
Final Thoughts
Pelican Grill is a bit of a paradox. On one hand, it’s located in a plaza where you’d never expect to find good seafood. On the other hand, once you’re inside, the casual, family-style vibe, friendly service, and clear focus on freshness make it clear why it’s popular. The addition of the seafood market next door reinforces the quality and makes the experience feel authentic.
The food itself was mixed. The calamari was excellent, the ceviche was enjoyable, and the crab cake and lobster roll left much to be desired. The fries, ironically, were some of the best parts of the meal. Prices were on the higher side for some items, and not everything lived up to its cost.
At the end of the day, Pelican Grill is worth a visit if you’re in Ottawa South and craving seafood, but I’d be selective with what I order. Stick to the calamari or fries, and you’ll likely leave happy.