I checked the websites and reviews of many restaurants in Ottawa to find an interesting place for…read moredinner my first night here. Apothecary Lounge seemed to have many things I knew I'd enjoy, such as the menu items and the atmosphere. It surpassed expectations. Upon entry, going down the stairs, I noticed an enjoyable aroma, but it took me a minute to realize what it was - cocktail smoke from the wood chips used to smoke many cocktails. That eventually included my first drink, the Mortician. Later in the evening, I took advantage of the Dealer's Choice menu option, to have the bartenders craft a drink to my whim. I requested a variation on an Old Fashioned using Canadian Rye and something other than simple syrup as the sweetener. My drink was interesting and complex, including Amaro Nonino (a favorite of mine) and yellow chartreuse. Well done! We ordered both small plates and entrees while there. Everything came out really quickly, everything was fresh and full of flavor. Of everything I ordered, my favorite was the Bang Bang Shrimp. Unfortunately, the wonderful lounge mood-lighting made it difficult for me to take good photos using my older phone. But the highlight of the evening was the service. We could tell we were going to be in for an enjoyable time the minute he greeted us, wearing a tiara, and joking about how he got it and why he wore it. He was friendly and chatty, while being very knowledgeable about the menu, and attentive, checking on us every few minutes with more banter. he had an infectious laugh that he brought to every table, and it was clear he was enjoying what he was doing. I've had probably thousands of meals out over the years, and most service blends together. This waiter, this service, will be memorable, which helped make the entire experience memorable.

We arrived in Ottawa late last night was was ready to grab small bites and a cocktail…read more Unfortunately, the kitchen closed a few minutes before we arrive but we stayed for the drinks and I'm happy we did. They have a late jappy hour special from Sunday-Thursday which included 1/2 price martinis and other drinks. We had espresso martinis which were amazing!

Great food, abysmal service, which was too bad. This was…read moreanother stop for dinner on my birthday trip. I was really looking forward to this one. We have six houserabbits, so the bunny decor was a touch I loved. The hostesses outside were very nice and professional. There is an outdoor seating area with super nice furniture that looks very comfy. I was a little early for my 5 o'clock reservation, but they let me come in and sit down about 10 minutes early. I want to make it clear that I did not expect service until opening. I had a tall table at the bar. The decor is a combination of woodsy and steampunk. Metal on the walls and a chandelier that looks like a log with branches. Two rabbit portraits just inside and tiny lights that look like fireflies covering the ceiling. The table was beautiful with a really nice little light that flickered like a candle. I don't know my server's name, it is not on the bill, and if I were him, I would be embarrassed to have it on there. Male with close cut silver hair and I believe a moustache...he wasn't around enough for me to notice much. The bartender did speak to me when i was navigating that stool. My server asked if I wanted to start with anything. I ordered a drink and he ran away. He was always in a hurry to get away. No small talk, no attempt to get to know his customer. As someone who worked as a waitress in my youth and all through college, his lack of attention was a bit stunning. When he brought my drink back, the Flower Child, which was incredible--looked and tasted like rainbow sherbet, took me back to my childhood and is now in my top three cocktails ever, he tried to run away immediately. I caught him by asking if the Wagyu burger could be made with a gluten-free bun. He said no but they could do a lettuce wrap. I told him that would be perfect and was surprised he didn't ask me how I wanted it cooked or check with me on anything else, didn't tell me what it came with. I wasn't sure he even took my order for a few minutes. The burger came out soon though to my relief. He set it down and ran away, I mean *POOF* gone. I wanted another drink. Now, I was annoyed. The restaurant was not busy. Luckily, there was a server, dark hair who was watching and she stepped toward me and let me order another drink. Original server dropped it off without speaking a word to me. Didn't ask how anything was...nothing. I wondered if this was yet another case of solo diner syndrome. You know that saying you can tell who someone is by how they treat service persons, well, you can tell a LOT about a restaurant by how they treat their solo diners. Luckily, there was nothing amiss with the meal. Wonderful salad with cute little half moon cut veggies. Fries and the dip they came with were phenomenal. Burger was tender and delicious. Guy never showed up, but I could hear him talking to the bartender behind me nearly the entire meal. Felt like I'd stepped into an episode of Vanderpump Rules. I had to get the other brunette server to get him to bring my bill. He had stopped to pick up my plate and then asked how everything was. I told him, "Finished." Then, I waited while he milled about with no bill forthcoming for a good while before I asked the other server. The lowest tip percentage was 18%. I did that but regret it and wish so much I'd hit custom and given him $5. The bill for only me was right at $100, which I never mind paying if the food and service are good... and my server was so amazing the night before, I tipped her 30%. He didn't deserve what he got. I found the other server and pulled out $10 for her help. She was so sweet and asked me if I wanted her to give that to my server. I said firmly, "No, that is for YOU." The food here is awesome and the atmosphere very cool, but the service was so bad that it wouldn't be worth it. Too bad.

Special night out with my sis. Enjoyed dinner in Chinatown…read moreand came here for a nightcap. Amazing! No wait. I'd been wanting to come here for awhile. Slinked down the steps to a dark, moody speakeasy type place. Seated in a nice booth. Service was great. Attentive...friendly. Loved the lamps overhead. The bar was very cool. Very much a date spot. Can't comment on the food but the drinks are well crafted and interesting. I would recommend and would come back here in a second. I wish parking was more available but hey.. it's downtown. Parking is expensive and so were those drinks but very worth it! Music was great too. Loud and got louder as the night progressed... but this place calls for it.

Grow theirs own cocktails herb and flowers…read more The patio is charming and so is the interior. The staff is very knowledgeable it's very pleasant to know more about the dishes.

Really cute and cozy. Very good cocktails Staff is very nice and attentive. Space is clean and…read moreconvenient right off Preston street. Easy to find.

Met some local friends at Stolen Goods and wow!…read more I loved every bit of this experience from the super creative drinks to the super cute raccoon theme found throughout! We sat up on the bar so we got a front row seat to all the magic. I was super impressed when the bartenders told us they kind of shoot from the hip for all their drinks in that they don't test it prior! They'll make small adjustments usually for acidity or sweetness but otherwise, you're basically experimenting alongside with them if it's on a recent menu change! My favorite drink of the night was the drink inspired by green curry. First and foremost, I was so confused when it came out clear! But when you took a sniff, you get the fresh scent of basil with some kaffir lime. On first taste, you also pick up some creaminess with the herbaceous notes which really makes it reminiscent of green curry - but it wasn't?! It was confusing, in a good way. My second favorite (of three) was the fruit loops infused drink. It paid homage to childhood Saturday mornings perfectly with the fruit loops whipped topping and the fruity cocktail underneath. It was a fun and lighthearted drink! My third was a drink featuring honeydew. It's such an underrated flavor because it's so hard to find a GOOD honeydew. In similar fashion, this drink also fell a bit short in the floral, sweet honeydew flavor and the cucumber flavor overpowered the drink. Having said that, the cucumber was really refreshing on such a humid day! All in all, loved the concept, loved the experimenting, and really enjoyed the vibes!

The bar is quite intimate with just 20 seats and lit up by the impressive wall of spirits. The…read morecocktails are unique, thoughtfully created with a complex mix of interesting ingredients that had us wondering what every drink would taste like. We got the King's ransom, Them's the breaks and Petty Theft. King's ransom came in an adorable pig shaped glass and had a fruity yet very smokey flavour. Them's the breaks was also lovely with some familiar fruity strawberry sweetness and a very interesting Merlot pink salt. Last but not least, Petty Theft was our favourite of the night with familiar SE Asian flavours and the nitrogen meringue experience which you pop in your mouth before sipping the drink. This one was $24 since it's a cocktail with a 72 hour process. This is a great spot if you love trying new drinks. The service is friendly, the music is on point and the overall ambience is perfect for a night out. They also take reservations - I recommend the bar seat.

Vintage. Grandma's house. Cutest place! Friendly staff, warm…read more& welcoming. Comfy & cozy. I ordered pierogies Very good, a little crisp to pierogies, bacon jam perfectly made and a nice creamy sauce and the bleu nuit cocktail.

Excellent service. Comfy and luxurious place with a view…read more Bar Menu is concise and targeted.

* Late review. I was here in the mid Nov…read more This place is for cocktail enthusiast. Food menu is limited, yet carefully put together with sophisticated/unique twists. Dark ambience. Dim light let me slowly acknowledge its minimal YET elegantly designed space. Shortly after seated, I was surprised by a complimentary palate cleanser that was served at the table, and this moment I felt that this place would offer me some unique experience! Each cocktail was seriously creative, a careful mix of intriguing flavours. I loved Tomato & Ponzu: I felt "dashi - Japanese soup base" which was impressive. Nice kick from Sapaq Quebranta Pisco. Horseradish and hint of lime completed the flavor. All the cocktails were so well balanced, unique and beautifully presented with deliberate choice of glassware. I enjoyed each sip hitting my taste palate. Eye opening experience guaranteed. Food was as impressive and meticulous as the cocktails. Wood smoked, marinated olives are perfect for all the cocktails. This is a must item to order. Another must have is Arancini. Sooooo delicate, elegantly presented. Crispy outside, creamy risotto with melt-y beef cheek meat inside. Prosciutto on top with abundant light, fluffy shredded hard cheese. Oh also, don't forget to order their chips. It is not just chips. The dipping sauce was addictive. Chips were fried just perfect. Simple and perfect thing for drink focused night. I loved its unconventional, uncompromising, precise and passionate approach to drinks and food, I truly enjoyed everything here. Bartenders are approachable, guiding us in our adventure. When we asked about food, chef came to the table to answer our questions. Service was polished yet friendly throughout. So glad to find another gem in Ottawa!!!

Recipes are out of this world…read more The staff is very knowledgeable and its a pleasure to talk about the cocktail and the business they run. Of course dim light for more privacy and velvet royal blue seats cough me right out There is a real stuffed peacock just, this place is epic.

We've always wanted to try a small plates/tapas place. My search brought me to The Belmont. The…read moremeal was without fault. The service was excellent. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed. Highly recommended. Mocktails to start, and then we indulged in the Family Style. I've captioned each dish.

Cute little spot I would recommend a reservation. This is my second time and once again I had not…read moremade reservations. (Expect 45-1h wait time.) not bad as there are a lot of cute shops around. Both me and my partner got the Belmont breakfast. Has a bit of everything ($23) I gave my partner the bread and got his salad. He said the bread was really good. I really enjoyed my salad nice and fresh not sure what kind of leaves was used. First time I see that shape. Back to salad it was light and a little bit sweet. Potatoes are the next best thing on my plate. I like them he spice that was used, I added a but more salt on mine. The breakfast sausage did not give me heartburn... not guaranteeing anything but worth mentioning. I believe they were lighter in oil simply. My partner always trades them for bacon. I only got a half sausage, he had the rest. The last thing I want to mention is less positive. I usally like breakfast beans. Got excited when I saw the black beans. However, really disappointed nothing more than warmed out black beans. Not what I would expect from breakfast beans. I expect a maple or sugar flavour. You can pay $5 to add to your breakfast... mine came with them but I would skip. Unless unflavoured black bean is your thing.

The Short Version: Delicious food in a hotel restaurant! Is…read moreit possible? Yes it is! Lol. The arepas were excellent! The Long Version: The Alembic Stillhouse is the restaurant/pub attached to the Cartier Suites Hotel. It has the usual pub fare like fish and chips, burgers, chicken fingers, etc. but it also has some Latin American dishes like arepas, tequenos, tostones and churros. My husband and I had dinner here and it was overall really good. I had the Arepa with Soup ($15) and added a second arepa for an additional $9. I got the Pabellon and Reina arepas. The soup of the day was tomato basil. My husband had the fish and chips ($18). I really enjoyed my arepas. The Pabellon was layered with shredded beef and feta cheese on top (the open end), and black beans and plantains on the bottom (the closed end). The Reina had the filling uniformly distributed - pieces of lean chicken breast mixed with avocado and cilantro crema. The corn meal arepa shell was crispy on the outside and held the fillings very well. I can't even decide which one I liked better because both were so good. I didn't like the tomato basil soup though. It had a cheesy note to it which I found off-putting. However, my husband loved it, so I gave it to him. My husband enjoyed his fish and chips. I had a bit of his fish and while it was crispy on the outside and moist and flaky on the inside, it had a strong fishy smell and taste that I didn't like. The fries were crispy and hot but were from frozen. Service was pleasant. The place has a pub feel. They have karaoke on Fridays starting at 8pm. We left before it started, lol. 5 stars for the arepas, 3 stars for the other food I tried, so 4 stars overall since service was good. I would get the arepas again. Street parking is the best bet (some streets have free parking and some streets have paid metered parking which is about $3 an hour). There's indoor hotel parking but it's a daily rate and over $20. Review #85 (2026)

It's a bit tucked away, but still central downtown. It's attached to a hotel near Elgin St. You'd…read morebe surprised to know that they sell Venezuelan food here. They have arepas! We went with the Alembic Poutine and the Pabellon, something we know and something different. It was all super tasty! The meats were the best part as well as that crispy plantain! And the black beans, wow! It's different than the usual black beans you would get. They've added some spices in there and other veg to really make it flavourful. A unique experience in Ottawa!