Reviews - Tastes of Ottawa

Japan Food Series: FamilyMart Convenience Store Finds in Sapporo

Japan Food Series: FamilyMart Convenience Store Finds in Sapporo

FamilyMart is one of the most iconic convenience store chains in Japan, alongside Lawson and 7-Eleven. These stores, often called konbini, are everywhere—you’ll find them on busy city corners, tucked away near train stations, and even in quiet neighbourhoods. What makes them special isn’t just the sheer variety of food and drink available, but also the quality. It’s remarkable to walk into what looks like a regular convenience store and come out with items that taste freshly prepared, unique, and worth remembering.

Bite and Bite Shanghai Fried Buns – Average EV Score: 6.5/10

Bite and Bite Shanghai Fried Buns – Average EV Score: 6.5/10

Located on Merivale Road, Bite and Bite Shanghai Fried Buns is a small, casual spot tucked inside a plaza, which means plenty of parking and easy access. The dining room is small, with only a handful of tables, making it more of a quick-stop eatery than a full sit-down experience.

The staff are friendly, and one of the highlights is the open window where you can watch the team making dumplings by hand. It adds a nice touch and gives you confidence in the freshness of the dishes.

The food overall is pretty decent, but nothing stood out enough to make me want to return. It’s good for a quick meal if you’re already in the area, but not necessarily a destination spot.

Baton Rouge Hunt Club Review – Great Fries but Disappointing Prime Rib – Average EV Score: 5/10

Baton Rouge Hunt Club Review – Great Fries but Disappointing Prime Rib – Average EV Score: 5/10

Baton Rouge is a well-known Canadian restaurant chain recognized for its steaks, ribs, and upscale casual dining atmosphere. We visited the Hunt Club location, which is situated in a plaza with plenty of free parking. We had been here a number of times, so we expected it to be pretty good again.

The interior has a dark, classy decor, giving it a slightly formal yet comfortable vibe. The staff were friendly and polite, and the food came out fairly quickly. However, the service at the end of the meal was slow, which left a negative impression.

Supply and Demand Ottawa Review – Fresh Pasta and Creative Dishes but Overpriced – Average EV Score: 5.9/10

Supply and Demand Ottawa Review – Fresh Pasta and Creative Dishes but Overpriced – Average EV Score: 5.9/10

Supply and Demand is a popular, upscale restaurant that’s been around for quite some time. They’re known for their housemade pasta, seafood dishes, and stylish interior, and it’s a place that tends to stay busy — for good reason.

Petinos Review – Generous Portions but Standard Brunch Fare – Average EV Score: 5.8/10

Petinos Review – Generous Portions but Standard Brunch Fare – Average EV Score: 5.8/10

Le Versant is one of Petinos’ classic breakfast combos, featuring two eggs any style, choice of crepes, pancakes or french toast (I chose french toast), choice of bacon, sausages, ham or bologna (I chose sausages), fresh fruit, home fries, baked beans, and toast.

Burger de Ville Montreal Review – Juicy Burgers, Massive Poutine, and Friendly Service – Average EV Score: 5.7/10

Burger de Ville Montreal Review – Juicy Burgers, Massive Poutine, and Friendly Service – Average EV Score: 5.7/10

Located in Montreal, Burger de Ville is a very casual burger joint known for its fresh beef patties and build-your-own burger experience. You order at the counter, choose your toppings, sides, and how you want your burger cooked, and then they bring the food to your table. It’s a simple, no-frills setup, but it works well for the type of food they serve.

Orange Julep Montreal Review – Classic Nostalgia with Great Orange Juice and a Tasty Smash Burger – Average EV Score: 6/10

Orange Julep Montreal Review – Classic Nostalgia with Great Orange Juice and a Tasty Smash Burger – Average EV Score: 6/10

Located in Montreal, Orange Julep is a city landmark and one of its most recognizable fast-food destinations. The massive orange-shaped building is hard to miss and has has been serving locals and tourists for decades and continues to be a popular hangout spot, especially during the summer months. The restaurant operates entirely with outdoor seating, which adds to its casual, roadside charm.

Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner Ottawa Review – Exceptional Brunch and Perfectly Cooked Eggs – Average EV Score: 7/10

Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner Ottawa Review – Exceptional Brunch and Perfectly Cooked Eggs – Average EV Score: 7/10

Located in Hintonburg, Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner has earned a strong reputation as one of Ottawa’s most popular brunch destinations — and after visiting, it’s easy to see why. The restaurant is known for its creative menu, friendly staff, and consistently high-quality dishes that show real care from the kitchen.

We visited on a weekday morning, and it wasn’t busy at all, which made for a relaxed experience. However, that’s a stark contrast to weekends, when there are usually long lines to get in. It’s important to note that they don’t take reservations, so if you plan to go on a weekend, arrive early or be prepared to wait.

Hintonburg Public House Review – Memorable Burger but Disappointing Fries – Average EV Score: 6.3/10

Hintonburg Public House Review – Memorable Burger but Disappointing Fries – Average EV Score: 6.3/10

Located in Hintonburg, the Hintonburg Public House is a neighbourhood spot that offers a casual atmostphere with a mix of pub staples and rotating specials. Like many restaurants in the area, there’s no dedicated parking, so you’ll need to find a street spot nearby. It’s expected for the neighbourhood, but something to plan for if you’re driving.

Sea King Seafood Restaurant Merivale Review – Authentic Push Cart Dim Sum Worth Trying – Average EV Score: 5.9/10

Sea King Seafood Restaurant Merivale Review – Authentic Push Cart Dim Sum Worth Trying – Average EV Score: 5.9/10

Located on Merivale Road, Sea King Seafood Restaurant is one of the few dim sum restaurants in the Ottawa area that still uses push carts. This makes for a nostalgic and efficient experience — as soon as you’re seated, food is already circulating around the room, so you don’t have to wait long before eating.