Ottawa Restaurant Reviews

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.

The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro (visit their homepage)

580 Bank Street
Ottawa, ON
613.235.0406

1 order Belgian Frites as appetizer
1 Greek Goddess Burger
1 Avril’s Avocado Avalanche
2 medium Milkshakes

Total Bill for two people dining: $48.36

Reviewed by: Alex Massaad

Victoria and I arrived a little after 3pm, right after I finished a mid-day magic show for my other job as a magician in Ottawa. The first thing I can advise is BE PREPARED TO WAIT.

This place is packed. Which for me was a good thing since it’s always a good indication of a delicious menu. We waited about 35 minutes in total, more than enough time to read their extensive menu and get your tummy grumbling. They took our drink orders about half way through our wait, which was a clever way to keep us in the restaurant rather than head elsewhere.

When we finally sat and ordered we were greeted with our milkshakes, mine was a strawberry banana and Victoria opted for wheat grass juice (!!!). Adding to the “flair” of The Works is their measuring cup delivery of all non-alcoholic drinks (you can still get pint glasses if you’re drinking beer though, I’m tempted to see if this is the one place on earth that might serve a pitcher with a straw . . .)

Their Belgian Frites, according to their menu are “a trio platter of fresh-cut Factory Fries, crispy breaded Onion Rings & our amazing Sweet Potato Strings & 3 cool Dipsticks for dipping.” They were more than enough for both of us and by the time our burgers arrived, with their own sides, we were almost completely stuffed.

The burgers were fantastic and made for excellent leftovers the next day. We only managed to eat half of the burger. I give this a rating of 4 out of 5, which is a lot since I generally rate highly on the experience. While I’m not running out the door to go back, I definitely will, when I’m prepared for the wait though! Also since I was driving I could not have any beer, I think this would also improve the entire dining experience.

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.