Sussex & Co. - A New Ottawa Gem Worth Every Bite and Sip
We had the pleasure of visiting Sussex & Co. last night to celebrate Mother's Day early with an evening date night -- and what an experience it was!
From the get-go, communication with the restaurant was seamless. I reached out via social media requesting a booth, and not only did they respond within minutes, but they followed up with a phone call confirming the reservation. That level of service before we even arrived set the tone for the night.
The anticipation was real -- their social media teasers had us excited -- and they delivered. The design of the space is simply stunning. Warm tones and classy touches give it a cozy yet elegant vibe. The main bar is a showstopper with its extensive liquor selection. I was on the hunt for a tequila I'd never tried, and the bartender delivered -- an excellent pick, delicious and reasonably priced.
Now for the food:
We started with oysters and the burrata. The oysters were fresh, flavourful, and the rosé vinaigrette was a standout touch. The burrata was rich and creamy, and we loved being able to choose the bread it came with -- a small detail that made a big difference.
For mains, my wife had the steak frites -- a surprise hit. Incredible flavour and an unbeatable price. I had the ribeye (medium rare) with dauphinoise potatoes, and let me say this: I've eaten at every top steakhouse in Ottawa, and this was hands-down the best steak in the city. Perfectly cooked, beautifully marbled, and seasoned like a dream. The potatoes? The bomb.
We kicked things off with a couple of cocktails -- an off-menu espresso martini and a whiskey-vermouth martini-style drink. Both on point. The wine list impressed us too. The GM personally offered pairing advice and introduced us to a bottle so good, we ordered a second.
Too full for dessert -- a rarity -- we ended our night in their hidden speakeasy. This space is jaw-dropping. Intimate, stylish, and full of charm. We capped the night with an expertly crafted old fashioned, the perfect end to a perfect evening.
Special shout-out to our server Brianna -- despite it being their second night open, she knew the menu inside and out and guided us like a seasoned pro.
Sussex & Co. is a must-visit. If you appreciate top-tier service, an incredible culinary experience, and a beautifully designed space, go now... and then go again. We're already planning our next visit. read more