I donât care about the view â I care about the food
Moo 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 sits in the heart of Hintonburg but doesnât live up to the standards of most pho spots in the city. Service was especially slowâour 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 didnât help the experience.
Amazonas 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 Peruâs Independence Day. The restaurant was fully booked, and the atmosphere felt festive and inviting â a strong sign of its popularity and community roots.
Dumpling 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 youâre in the area and craving a quick dumpling fix.
Djakarta 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 wasnât even present when we arrivedâit took about 10 minutes after placing our order before they came out to start cooking. We did order the ice fruit cocktail dessert (Es Buah), which was very refreshing on a hot summer day.
The Britannia Bakeshop is in a great spotâright off the bike path and just a short stroll from Britannia Park and Beach. Itâs 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 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 slowâespecially when it came to settling the bill, which took about 10 minutes after asking. Still, the casual and bustling atmosphere makes it a go-to for many in Ottawaâs south end.
Smash Daddy is a food truck gem in Bellâs Corners that consistently delivers high-quality smash burgers and fries. The setup is casual, but the food feels thoughtfully crafted. Whether youâre grabbing a quick lunch or looking for one of the better burger experiences in Ottawaâs west end, this place hits the mark.
Dickeyâs 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 seatânothing fancy, just straightforward BBQ.
Beyond the Pale is best known for its beers and big, open-air patio in City Centreâideal 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 donât usually come here for the food, but itâs available if youâre sticking around for a drink or two.