Ottawa Restaurant Reviews

42 York Street
Ottawa, ON
tel. (613) 562-7827

Reviewed by Victoria Garland and Alex Massaad

These people are in fact my neighbors, so I will have to hold my punches on this one. I’m not sure why I would ever order online with them ever again, I did once, and it took over two hours. When I called, they eventually told me that there was only one driver for 3 stores, and he was new today.

Great, thanks alot Quiznos, A little notice would be nice considering this was supposed to be my meal.

Never order Quiznos delivery!

50 Rideau Street, Suite #300, Ottawa ON K1N 9J7 (entrance at Rideau & Sussex)
Tel. 613.236.6565

The Exchange (homepage)

Reviewed by Victoria Garland and Alex Massaad

Deep Fried Pretzels. We all love pretzels when they’re salty, we love them even more when they’re deep fried and salty.

Victoria used to frequent this Pub back before the renovation (when it was called The Elephant and Castle) specifically for the bangers and mash along with these deep fried pretzels. We’re both pleased to see these items carried over to the menu after their recent re opening around March 2010.

If you’re downtown, or shopping at the Rideau Centre, this is a great place to stop off, enjoy a beer and grab some delicious appetizers!

92 Clarence Street
613-241-6835

Reviewed by Alex Massaad

This review might seem a little strange by the title so let me clarify. The service at Cornerstone is terrible and the ambiance is slightly worse. The place doesn’t look bad, or dirty or anything, it just lacks something. After a very brief wait at the bar (our bar drinks hadn’t even been made yet) we were seated at a table in the middle of a very noisy restaurant.

I’m not one to usually pick apart tiny details, but the tables here are horrible. This is the second time I’ve visited Cornerstone and this is the second time I’ve had to jam my feet under the table in order to sit comfortably. Did the owners not sit in these chairs before ordering them for the restaurant? Maybe they did and I’m just built differently than they are. I also became well acquainted with the furniture while our waitress took about 5 minutes too long to take our orders.

Noise aside. Tables aside. Slow servers aside. The food was pretty good. We started with the Thai Guacamole Dip which is “A fusion of Thai spices and guacamole served with lime salted corn tortilla chips.” A very good Guacamole but not quite enough. There were too many chips left at the end, which seemed a little disappointing. It definitely beats some of the other Guacamole’s in the market though. I would probably order it again if I were there for drinks.

For an entree I had the Roasted Chicken with Pear Chutney which is described in the menu as a “Roasted breast of chicken topped with a vanilla infused pear chutney. Served with seasonal vegetables and roasted potatoes.” This might be worth coming back for on a quiet night . . . if that ever happens at Cornerstone; most night’s its pretty full.

Vineyards Wine Bar and Bistro (visit their homepage)

54 York Street (In the Cellar)

Total Bill: $60.08

Reviewed by: Alex Massaad

Home of the “$12 French Fries (with a magnificent side order of sirloin steak and Caesar salad)” and a beer menu that requires a second visit just to get to the end of the list!

Situated on the same corner as two other restaurants, Vineyards has the feeling of being a bit hidden away in the city.

Victoria ordered a Hoegaarden beer along with the Cajun Creole Belgian Style Mussels which comes with their (amazing) french fries and mayonnaise.

I ordered a Stella Artois beer along with the Vineyards Belgian Style Mussels and we both got the deep fried Calamari with sour cream dill sauce.

One special note about this place is that you have to walk up to the bar to order your drink, water is also available there when your thirsty for a refill. This is due to the tremendous selection and expertise that the bar staff have regarding pairings and beer choices. A server came for our food orders.

In the evenings a Jazz band plays in the corner, its a very nice touch. I give this 4 out of 5 stars and would definitely go back as its close, central in the ByWard Market and relatively cheap.