Great menu and nice location. (Not easily seen from the main road so look for Foodland and it's just next door.) Wonderful service. An added bonus is the adjoining bar. read more

Went on Valentine's day. The service was sub par but it's a busy night so it was acceptable. I had the Firehouse 92 burger, apparently the firefighters didn't get there on time because it was incinerated. Why even have a sirloin burger if you're going to serve it black and grey. It was a Viking funeral for the cow more than a meal since I didn't even eat half of it. If it had been better I would have at least brought it back for the dog, I did not read more

Ceasar Sunday is the best! Good food. Good service. Located on the snowmobile trail. Great local spot to stop in for food and beverages any day. read more

Although my star rating hasn't changed, I thought it was important to note that although it's been two years since my last review here, it's still a phenomenal place. Not only is the service consistently above average, but the food is outstanding. I still can't believe this place is such a well kept secret outside the city. We brought my mama, Diane B here for Mother's Day this year, and I dealt with Sue, the manager, while making reservations. They normally don't take reservations for parties under eight, but since it was a special occasion she booked us in for a Mother's Day dinner at 7 p.m. Our service was exceptional from the hostess and server to speaking with Sue at the end of the evening. I started off with an amazing roasted red pepper, tomato and curry soup that was tangy, rich a positively bursting with flavour. My sister and Dad both ordered it and loved it as well. I split a plate of sweet potato fries with my sis, which were perfectly crispy and yum, and for my main I ordered my go-to - the taco salad which is so fresh and delicious I can't help but order it almost every time. The crowing glory at this place is always the dessert. They always have a few classics like their Sticky Toffee Cake, and Apple Crisp, but this time I opted for the Peanut Butter Pie - divine. I also sampled by sister's chocolate mousse cake and my dad's snickers pie. I think the snickers was definitely the best one, but they were also amazing - you can't go wrong here. They do have a few gluten-free dessert options as well, which is nice! It's well worth the trip outside the city to try this place. They have an outside seating area which is lovely during the summer. read more

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Oh my it's so hard to decide, especially when everything coming out of the kitchen looks delicious. I don't think you can go wrong with any choice. The desserts are all homemade!! Service is extraordinary--friendly, attentive and prompt. read more

Great service...great food...always!! Snowmobile parking and free Chili if you sled in on a Tuesday and buy a beverage! read more

Red Dot Cafe - Club on whole wheat with sweet potato fries...awesome! - Cafes Near Me - Ottawa, Ontario

Have been going to the Red Dot Cafe since they opened over 20 years ago but hadn't been in some time. Took the kids on Thursday night which is half price kids meal night. I ordered the roast beef dip and upgraded to sweet potato fries. The dipping sauce they serve with the sweet potatoes fries is so delicious. My son had the chicken tenders and fries off the main menu. My daughter ordered her usual penne pasta with Alfredo sauce off the kids menu which includes a drink and gummy worms for dessert. At the half price ($4) this is a great deal as she had enough leftovers for dinner the next day. Everything was delicious and hot. Atmosphere is welcoming. Didn't have room for any of their awesome desserts this visit. read more

Red Dot Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Ottawa, Ontario

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We have been eating at the Red Dot for more than 20 years, and the meal we ate today was a far cry from what we are used to with new owners having taken over. We arrived at dinner time on a Thursday night and were seated on the patio - from there, we waited 20 minutes for our server to take our drink order. Even though there were 4 kids (and 3 adults) in our party, no kid menus were provided. We gave our drink orders and asked for kid menus and finally received the menus (and drinks) 15 minutes later. Our server didn't know what the daily specials were and didn't have answers to basic questions about the menu (ie. what protein is used in the "Chef's Mixed Grill"). Our food took another 45-50 minutes to get to us. Although the menu has changed substantially, what I ordered remains in the menu and is my standard fav, but it costs more now and no longer includes a starter salad. When our food finally arrived it was totally under seasoned, the "Roasted potatoes" were obviously re-heated from another day, our fries were undercooked and some of them were still hard and the fish was incredibly greasy. To add insult to injury, even though the kids meals were to have drinks included, we were charged for all (more than $13 for 4 of them). When I complained, our server did apologize and told us that they were uncharacteristically busy (on a Thursday night??), but that is no excuse for the awful food and overcharged bill. Needless to say, this isn't the food or service we have become accustomed to at this small town staple; I sincerely hope the new owners sort out their issues. read more

Granted, the Red Dot Cafe is a bit out of the way for people in Ottawa, but if you ever pass by the rural location when driving to a hockey game or another event in the valley, you might want to give it a try. The Red Dot has two sides: the family restaurant side, and the bar side. The bar side is a good size and can fit close to 50 people comfortably. If you ever have to wait for a table, just go to the bar for a drink while you wait. They will even add the drinks to your table's bill to make life easier for you. As far as a bar goes, it has a nice clean atmosphere and a good selection of beers. The restaurant also has a clean and friendly atmosphere, and just like the bar, it is a good size. It's a busy place on weekends, so call ahead if you don't have time to wait. The food is good depending on what you order. The menu is a bit too big, so not everything can be the house specialty. Although it is a road house, i would stay away form the steaks, they are nothing special. The seafood tends to be great, along with the classics like club sandwiches. Next time you're off the beaten path and run into the Red Dot, give it a try. read more

I love the Red Dot. Great service and the food is even better! I always get the fried chicken sandwich, but I will have to try something else one day because everything looks amazing. read more

It's a cute place and a staple of the town around it, but it's nothing crazy. Wholesome food and pleasant staff.

I had a hamburger and the patty was one of those processed ones with the funny shape made full of filler. Other people ordered stuff that looked better. I wold try it again and order something else. We were a large group so I don't think it's fair to comment on speed or food temperature. They would be doing themselves a big favour If they just made a fresh burger patty! Polite staff. read more

Okay, so this isn't 5-star by New York standards, but this is a wonderful family restaurant. It's not off the beaten track if you live in Osgoode or elsewhere in Ottawa South. I love the friendly warm atmosphere, the great staff and, of course, the food. In addition to normal restaurant items, you can choose from home made pies and even liver and onions. I don't know any other restaurant to serve that without the liver smell but with great taste. It's worth a visit especially the second weekend in July when the Medieval Festival takes place in the village. But really, it's good any time. read more

Carrots were raw. The veggies used to be interesting. Like squash zucchini etc. Now they cheap out with carrots. Must have been on sale. Service was great but the kitchen seems to be slipping lately. 2nd time here in couple weeks. Had the herb grilled chicken. Was greasy and veggies were under done then. read more

The Red Dot Cafe used to be a staple for our family but recently I found that the quality of the food has declined along with the service yet the price has increased. Folks save your money and that drive to the Black Dog. read more

The reason people take take the time ( for those who live far away aka down town Ottawa ) to drive a round trip of 80 kms, spend significant $ , is for great food and great service. If either of the two are missing, why bother? Food is good but we had a horrible service ( lost purse ) issue that made us decide to never come back after we had finished eating as we realized my GF left her purse ( with money, credit cards and important work I.D she needs for her job ) at our table when we got home ( 40 kms away ). She phoned TWICE and both time was told that "we are not going to bother ( looking for it ) the people at your table who are now eating there and we will call you IF we find it later"! Mf GF phoned a second time to hopefully get someone to look for it but they told he the same thing. Eventually, we drove back ( so , a total of 160 kms that night ) as we had to know or else start cancelling credit cards etc , and our 9 year son ran into the Red Dot ( even he was mad ) , passed the staff, and went to that table and politely asked the people eating at it could they please check for a purse and guess s what they found - her purse. To me, nothing annoys me more than YOU ,the loyal customer going out of YOUR way to bring your money ( we spend $175.00 for 5 people that night ...plus gas ) and business to them and they take you for granted and they feel your an annoyance for leaving your purse at one of their tables and feel its o.k to just tell you..."we will call you ( later ) if we find it but we are too busy right now". The end of a tradition for us. Now, the food is great, the service that night at the table was great ( never had that problem ) BUT the service should continue AFTER you pay your bill and it did not. You may never have a problem like we did but it makes you feel they only care about your money and a little bit phoney ( and used ...after leaving a $26.00 tip ). I think they take people for granted. Mark Kerr, Ottawa read more

We've been regulars at the Red Dot for the past 15 years and can say with confidence that you will enjoy your experience at "The Dot." Generous servings coupled with pleasant and knowledgeable wait staff will make you return again and again! read more

Fabulous!!! We celebrated my daughters 4th birthday party dinner at the Red Dot (her choice, as it's her favorite restaurant...they have gummy worms for the kids). We had 12 people including 3 small children. Our waitress was amazing with the kids and made the evening very enjoyable. The meals that we ordered ranged from the feta salad (that my sister-in-law raved about) to the daily specials, steak and prime rib dinners, all were extraordinary. The kids meals were absolutely great and include veggies for the kids to munch on. The owner of the restaurant is always coming by to make sure that you have everything you need and goes out of his way to make sure that everyone is pleased with their meals. The homemade desserts are to die for and they always have a huge selection to choose from . I would highly recommended this restaurant to anyone going out for a family dinner or a romantic dinner for two. The prices are great and the atmosphere is wonderful. read more

I had been a regular at the Red Dot for the past nine years and had even recommended it to friends and coworkers on many occasions but I won't be going back! Too expensive for the trouble! I have noted in the past year or so a decline in the quality of the food and a marked decrease in the portion sizes despite the increase in prices. Our visits had become less frequent as our pleasant eating experiences there started to diminish...it's just not as good as it used to be. The steaks and mussels used to be consistently excellent but not any more. I have had mediocre steaks the last three times I ordered it and the portion was reduced. I had horrible mussels the last time I was there. They were pungent and extremely salty. Usually I would delight in taking one of their fresh multigrain rolls and sopping up the garlicy white wine, tomato and shallot broth but this time the rolls weren't very fresh (maybe because it was a Sunday and they aren't open on Mondays) and the broth reduced to a thick inedible brine. Had I not been with special guests I would have sent them back. Most of the desserts are still good but the portion sizes have also been reduced. The apple crisp used to be "to die for", and was such a decadent treat. But the recipe seems to have changed and the portion size has been cut in half so I don't order it any more. If you never experienced the good old days when Scott first took over, you might still enjoy your meal depending on what you order. The fajitas were great the last time we had them, but I don't recommend the liver and onions if you like your meat rare/med-rare. The food is good but not great for the money, but families may still enjoy it, as it is definitely still kid friendly and probably one of the few high end restaurants where you don' t have to dress up to go there. read more