Supply and Demand Ottawa Review – Fresh Pasta and Creative Dishes but Overpriced – Average EV Score: 5.9/10
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
Supply and Demand Restaurant Overview
1335 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B7
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.
The restaurant was packed during dinner time, and every table was taken, so it’s highly recommended to make reservations before visiting. Parking is street-only, which is typical for Hintonburg.
The staff were friendly and attentive, often stopping by to fill water, clear dishes, and check in. Service was polished but approachable, fitting for a restaurant of this calibre.
Inside, the ambiance is modern, warm, and lively, with just the right amount of background noise for a social dinner. That said, the prices are on the higher side. While the food is fresh and well-executed, some dishes don’t quite justify their cost, especially considering portion sizes.
Would return? Not likely.
Housemade Bread
Enjoyment: 8/10
Price Paid: $0
Benchmark Price: $0
EV Score: 8/10
Order Again? Yes.
The housemade bread is served complimentary to every table, and it’s genuinely very good. It arrived fresh from the oven, making the inside warm, fluffy, and soft. The exterior crust was tougher than ideal, so I found myself mostly enjoying the interior rather than the crust.
They served it with duck fat butter, which added a rich, savoury flavour that paired beautifully with the bread. A great start to the meal and easily one of the better complimentary breads I’ve had at any Ottawa restaurant.
Albacore Tuna Crudo
Enjoyment: 8/10
Price Paid: $25
Benchmark Price: $22
EV Score: 7/10
Order Again? No.
The tuna crudo was delicate and flavourful, featuring fresh slices of albacore tuna paired with lemon, truffle oil, puffed rice, and cilantro. The lemon and truffle oil combination worked nicely, balancing acidity and richness without overpowering the fish.
The tuna itself was fresh with a smooth texture, but the portion size — only six small pieces — felt disappointing given the high price. While it tasted great, it wasn’t enough to justify the cost, and I wouldn’t order it again for that reason alone.
Beef Tartare
Enjoyment: 7/10
Price Paid: $24
Benchmark Price: $22
EV Score: 6.4/10
Order Again? No.
The beef tartare was one of the better dishes of the evening. It was served with pommes gaufrettes (waffle chips), which were crispy and added a satisfying crunch. The beef portion was generous, and the texture was smooth and balanced.
The addition of Avonlea cheddar on top was a unique twist — something I don’t see often in tartare — and it worked surprisingly well, adding a subtle creaminess and savoury edge. The dish was well-executed overall, though still a touch overpriced for what it was.
Squid Ink Rigatoni
Enjoyment: 5/10
Price Paid: $30
Benchmark Price: $25
EV Score: 4.2/10
Order Again? No.
The squid ink rigatoni was my least favourite dish of the night. The pasta was cooked well and had a good al dente texture, but the flavour of the squid ink didn’t add much. I’ve tried squid ink pasta a few times now, and each time I come to the same conclusion — it’s more about appearance than flavour.
The dish also included tuna and prosciutto meatballs, chilies, mint, and breadcrumbs. The combination was interesting, and it worked okay, but the flavours didn’t stand out in a memorable way. For the price, I expected more depth and character from the dish.
Mafaldine with Mushrooms and Mascarpone
Enjoyment: 7.5/10
Price Paid: $32
Benchmark Price: $26
EV Score: 6.1/10
Order Again? Yes.
This was one of the highlights. The mafaldine pasta (ribbon-like with ruffled edges) was beautifully cooked and coated in a creamy mascarpone sauce infused with mushrooms. If you enjoy mushrooms, this dish is a must-order.
Every bite had that earthy, umami-rich flavour that mushrooms bring, and the sauce clung perfectly to the noodles. The balance between richness and flavour was excellent, making this one of the standout dishes of the meal.
Sweet Corn Agnolotti
Enjoyment: 7/10
Price Paid: $32
Benchmark Price: $26
EV Score: 5.7/10
Order Again? Maybe.
This dish was a pleasant surprise. The sweet corn filling inside the agnolotti was smooth, slightly sweet, and worked beautifully with the butter, pecorino, and jalapeño topping.
It’s not every day you find sweet corn inside pasta, but the concept worked — the sweetness from the corn paired with the saltiness of the cheese and the mild heat of the jalapeños. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente, and the sauce was rich but well-balanced.
It’s a dish that feels both unique and satisfying, showcasing the kitchen’s creativity
Final Thoughts
Supply and Demand offers a refined dining experience in Hintonburg, featuring fresh, housemade pasta and creative small plates. The service is attentive, the space is inviting, and the food quality is high across the board.
However, the pricing feels inflated, especially for smaller portions like the tuna crudo. While the beef tartare, sweet corn agnolotti, and mushroom mafaldine were excellent, dishes like the squid ink rigatoni didn’t justify the cost.
If you’re looking for a special-occasion meal or simply want to enjoy high-quality fresh pasta in a stylish setting, Supply and Demand is worth visiting. Just be prepared for the prices and portion sizes that come with it.