Opening 2018! [Events]
2018 Jan 19
Roost and Grill on Bank south of Hopewell (Old Ottawa South) is open.
And making pizza.
Yeah, I totally didn't get that from the name either.
...so go figure... it's good za. Solid crust, a bit of char, tasted just made, ingrediaents were all fresh and high quality. They offer the usual toppings options but also a few Indian inspired pizza. Tried the butter chicken and veg (something?... it had a creamed spinach base that totally worked...) and both were really enjoyable.
They seem to be going for a fusion approach with underlying Indian food theme. Menu has grilled chicken and other stuff I will probably try on the strength of the pizza.
And making pizza.
Yeah, I totally didn't get that from the name either.
...so go figure... it's good za. Solid crust, a bit of char, tasted just made, ingrediaents were all fresh and high quality. They offer the usual toppings options but also a few Indian inspired pizza. Tried the butter chicken and veg (something?... it had a creamed spinach base that totally worked...) and both were really enjoyable.
They seem to be going for a fusion approach with underlying Indian food theme. Menu has grilled chicken and other stuff I will probably try on the strength of the pizza.
2018 Jan 25
That's in my hood bonnste. I would have seen it eventually, but thanks for the heads-up.
2018 Jan 26
marc | kitchen is going in on Adeline St where the Rex used to be
Lunch only to start.
www.marckitchen.ca/
Lunch only to start.
www.marckitchen.ca/
2018 Jan 26
Maybe It's because Table 85 is in an office building and invisible from the street? Plus, Bronson doesn't exactly get a lot of foot traffic. I can understand their hours, but I sure am glad they are opening a second, above ground location. I'd guess the hours will be different at tgeir second place. Yummy food.
2018 Feb 9
A new location of Lorenzo's Pizza is opening on Richmond where "Orek's Souvlaki" and the short lived "2 Brothers" restaurants failed. Sign is up but not sure when it is opening. Lots of activity there the last couple of weeks.
MHK Sushi looks very close to re-opening as well on 283 Richmond in Westboro. I checked their facebook page and they were saying they were going to re-open in august so I imagine things have been quite delayed.
MHK Sushi looks very close to re-opening as well on 283 Richmond in Westboro. I checked their facebook page and they were saying they were going to re-open in august so I imagine things have been quite delayed.
2018 Feb 20
Gongfu Bao the restaurant has a sample menu on their brand spankin' new website: www.gongfu.ca/. The wait is killing me....
2018 Feb 20
felinefan, I don't know anything but I'm definitely interested..
Not an opening, but a re-branding -- the Ginza on Somerset is now called Ichiko. From their twitter: "Ginza Ramen II on Somerset is now Ichiko Ramen! We will be closed starting tomorrow, February12, 2018, for a few days to bring you the best dining experience possible! "We are the same great people, serving the same great tasting ramen, with our same great service!""
..so seems like nothing has changed?
Not an opening, but a re-branding -- the Ginza on Somerset is now called Ichiko. From their twitter: "Ginza Ramen II on Somerset is now Ichiko Ramen! We will be closed starting tomorrow, February12, 2018, for a few days to bring you the best dining experience possible! "We are the same great people, serving the same great tasting ramen, with our same great service!""
..so seems like nothing has changed?
2018 Feb 20
butwhoami, thanks for letting me know about the name change! It makes sense to differentiate it from the first Ginza on Elgin as it's my understanding that the ownership isn't entirely the same between the two restaurants and that Ginza II was partly owned by the Japan-trained chef from Ginza on Elgin. The Elgin one has a more diverse menu (including sushi), whereas the Somerset one focuses on ramen and appetizers, more like Sansotei Ramen.
For ref:
Ginza - Ramen Sushi Sake Bar
Koichi Ramen
For ref:
Ginza - Ramen Sushi Sake Bar
Koichi Ramen
2018 Feb 28
The Third (kitchissippi.com), where Blackpepper was. Across the street is a new bakery place, a chain from Quebec, called Les Moulins La Fayette (lesmoulinslafayette.com), not yet open when I went by last week.
2018 Mar 4
There's a new Lebanese pie place with no obvious sign where Booster Juice used to be at Bank and Fifth beside the construction hole. MHK Sushi has reopened in Westboro in that strip of stores which has been renovating forever (283 Richmond, I think where the Yogurty's was), and a few doors down from it a Dunn's is going in.
2018 Mar 13
The Momo Spot is having another pop up restaurant at Good Eats on March 24th. For those of us that missed the last one more information is here: www.facebook.com
2018 Mar 22
Oat Couture - maybe April 3 (www.instagram.com).
There is a Greek specialty food store going in where the camera store was for years at Bank and Gilmour (www.greekfoodpluscanada.com).
There is a Greek specialty food store going in where the camera store was for years at Bank and Gilmour (www.greekfoodpluscanada.com).
2018 Mar 24
Oat Couture is now open- looked super busy this morning.
Almost got food there, but then really wanted the kids breakfast at life of pie...
Nice that Life of Pie let me get the kids breakfast-as for me today I could hardly finish that and was not up to trying new food today.
Shawarma House in now called SHAWARMA HOME- at least the Walkley one is.
Apparently they changed ownership I was told.
Menu is still the same
Almost got food there, but then really wanted the kids breakfast at life of pie...
Nice that Life of Pie let me get the kids breakfast-as for me today I could hardly finish that and was not up to trying new food today.
Shawarma House in now called SHAWARMA HOME- at least the Walkley one is.
Apparently they changed ownership I was told.
Menu is still the same
2018 Mar 29
Lexington Smokehouse & Bar will soon be opening in the old Corner Bar & Grill in Westboro.
www.instagram.com
www.instagram.com
2018 Apr 3

Oat Couture on Bank st is supposed to be open.
Was in there Saturday around 2:30pm and they had a sign on the sidewalk saying they had samples, but when I did got in was told they had no food for sale, as it was a "soft open'' and they were closing at 3 that day.
.....So ended up getting food at Life of Pie, as they always have soup and other tasty food there.
Oat Couture looks to have an interesting menu!
2018 Apr 3
I went into Oat Couture on Good Friday in the morning, it was standing room only. They sold coffee and tea and were passing out samples, most sample trays did not get far before being emptied.
I was a regular at the Streat Truck and when I went to the back to say hello to Ben (former Streat proprietor) he was kind enough to grab three different samples for me to try.
I had a Pumpkin Puree, caramel, Shortbread oatmeal, a lemon curd, blueberry, almond oatmeal and one savory oatmeal, the Kyoto which is sticky beef brisket, pickled ginger, pineapple and hoisin sauce.
I was really impressed with all three but the savory oatmeal was a nice surprise, very tasty and it all worked really well together.
I was a regular at the Streat Truck and when I went to the back to say hello to Ben (former Streat proprietor) he was kind enough to grab three different samples for me to try.
I had a Pumpkin Puree, caramel, Shortbread oatmeal, a lemon curd, blueberry, almond oatmeal and one savory oatmeal, the Kyoto which is sticky beef brisket, pickled ginger, pineapple and hoisin sauce.
I was really impressed with all three but the savory oatmeal was a nice surprise, very tasty and it all worked really well together.
2018 Apr 5
Re: Little Macs
They have a few sample pics/menu/review and info up on Google business Listing now....
bit.ly/2EmHA4R
They have a few sample pics/menu/review and info up on Google business Listing now....
bit.ly/2EmHA4R
2018 Apr 5

Went to Oat Couture earlier today.
Had the small $7 oatmeal bowl- the Bubba has shrimp,avocado,some kinda sauce, asked for no green onion.
The shrimp are on the smaller side.
I'd say the small bowl is around 1 cup of oatmeal and I had about 1/4 of a avocado or 3 smallish slices.
The small bowl is not that big, but good if you want to try more than one bowl. I was still hungry after the small bowl.
Also bought a energy ball, oat ball for $1 those are golf ball sized and have peanuts and dried fruit and not too sure what else. They had no specific info about the oat balls and what was in it and was not told when I bought it, but then I did not ask.
So, if you want to know what is in it you need to ask.
I will go back to try some of the other oatmeals and items.
You can design your own oat bowl with 3 add ins for $7, then $2 for an additional item.
But if you get the beef kind-they do not have beef and mushroom separate-the beef and mushroom is cooked together.
So you can not just add say some mushrooms to a savory bowl.
They also had some granola for sale that you can take home.
I just bought some granola at another store,so will get their granola later on. It just seems packaged to take home and not to eat there.
Had the small $7 oatmeal bowl- the Bubba has shrimp,avocado,some kinda sauce, asked for no green onion.
The shrimp are on the smaller side.
I'd say the small bowl is around 1 cup of oatmeal and I had about 1/4 of a avocado or 3 smallish slices.
The small bowl is not that big, but good if you want to try more than one bowl. I was still hungry after the small bowl.
Also bought a energy ball, oat ball for $1 those are golf ball sized and have peanuts and dried fruit and not too sure what else. They had no specific info about the oat balls and what was in it and was not told when I bought it, but then I did not ask.
So, if you want to know what is in it you need to ask.
I will go back to try some of the other oatmeals and items.
You can design your own oat bowl with 3 add ins for $7, then $2 for an additional item.
But if you get the beef kind-they do not have beef and mushroom separate-the beef and mushroom is cooked together.
So you can not just add say some mushrooms to a savory bowl.
They also had some granola for sale that you can take home.
I just bought some granola at another store,so will get their granola later on. It just seems packaged to take home and not to eat there.
2018 Apr 9
Something called MOE'S BBQ opened at 2446 Bank street, the strip mall at Bank and Hunt Club, across the street from Shawarma Palace, opposite the Wendys.
My first google gave me a curiously similar place in Albequerque, but i'm fairly sure that has nothing to do with this: moesbbq.ca/
Anyone been or know any details?
My first google gave me a curiously similar place in Albequerque, but i'm fairly sure that has nothing to do with this: moesbbq.ca/
Anyone been or know any details?
2018 Apr 10
ByWard Market Maverick's Donuts, from the photo, next to International Cheese (www.instagram.com).
2018 Apr 11
Meryenda Food Truck, tasty Filipino, at Prince of Wales and Meadowlands, in the parking lot of the oil change place, open today for the season! (www.instagram.com)
2018 Apr 13
OSoloMeal Agreed but I work in the neighbourhood (Sparks and Lyon to be precise) and you'd be surprised at how many people in the area won't walk that far for lunch. During the summer months I will often run over to Bap (Bank and Slater) or Angry Dragonz (Gloucester and Kent) and my colleagues will often say "Oh my you went that far for lunch?" Most of my coworkers seem to confine their dining options to a one block radius from our office building. Even Manhattans has two locations fairly close - one in Place de Ville and the other in the Minto building - fairly close to each other IMHO - but both locations are doing well.
2018 Apr 14
Table SODAM - New Korean resto opening on bank this April - thanks to table 85 on Bronson
m.facebook.com
m.facebook.com
2018 Apr 15
Meow! That's Hot (the finest hot sauce makers in the area) are opening a brick-and-mortar location in Centretown called Meow! That's Hot kitchen + bar. It is located on Bank near Arlington, across the parking lot from Talay Thai, 519 Bank St. Opening “sometime this week; by the weekend for sure.” Don’t know what they'll be serving, but I am reasonably sure there will be excellent hot sauce involved.
2018 Apr 17
Wow that is definitely exciting re: Meow that's Hot
I believe that chef Viau (who is at carbon) isn't working with the brand any more so wondering(assuming) if the other co-founder/recipe maker Larry Russell is the one opening up shop since he is still in Ottawa (and also I believe now to be making the sauce out of House of Targ)!
Either way, worth checking out.
I believe that chef Viau (who is at carbon) isn't working with the brand any more so wondering(assuming) if the other co-founder/recipe maker Larry Russell is the one opening up shop since he is still in Ottawa (and also I believe now to be making the sauce out of House of Targ)!
Either way, worth checking out.
2018 Apr 22
Reddit has sadly (and predictably) dumped over the Morning Owl reformulation of Holland's (www.reddit.com), but notes that the sandwich chef, Holly Laham, is catering and plans to open a place called Holly's Hot Chicken (www.instagram.com) (www.cbc.ca). This sounds like it might fill the terrible, terrible void.
2018 Apr 27
Meow! That's Hot kitchen + bar is worth a visit.
Popped in for lunch and to restock my hot sauces, they've put together a great looking little spot and the menu was small but impressive. Four kinds of mussels, four sandwiches and a couple of mains, all with hot sauce pairing suggestions.
Had a Seed to Sausage Capicola sandwich and Orange and Fennel Salad, both were very good, I was in a rush but will be back to sample the mussels as well.
With Wilf and Ada's Flora Hall and now Meow, this little stretch of bank street is really improving.
Popped in for lunch and to restock my hot sauces, they've put together a great looking little spot and the menu was small but impressive. Four kinds of mussels, four sandwiches and a couple of mains, all with hot sauce pairing suggestions.
Had a Seed to Sausage Capicola sandwich and Orange and Fennel Salad, both were very good, I was in a rush but will be back to sample the mussels as well.
With Wilf and Ada's Flora Hall and now Meow, this little stretch of bank street is really improving.
2018 Apr 27
Extremely encouraging Instagram post on the sandwich developments at Morning Owl Parkdale. It is particularly nice to see such a hearty response to social media feedback. "Let me be extremely clear, the perfect sandwich is not f** gone." (www.instagram.com)
2018 May 1
Yet another chain from Quebec, Mamie Clafoutis (www.mamieclafoutis.com/), opening in Ottawa, this time in Westboro (www.instagram.com).
2018 May 3
The Pink place on Preston Wholesale Wayne posted is the 2nd Location of Dreamland Cafe according to their Instagram! www.instagram.com
2018 May 6
Rumor has it that another Happy Goat Coffee location is going to replace the ill fated Antipazzo (formerly Taylors) at Bank & Sunnyside.
Was kind of hoping would be another restaurant...
Was kind of hoping would be another restaurant...
2018 May 7
I might be jumping the gun on the "opening" part but when I went grocery shopping in Chinatown yesterday I noticed the "Zen Kitchen" sign had been taken down from the resto's former location and replaced with "Rangoon". There was also a sign in the window saying "Opening soon". I sure hope they are reopening. I never had a chance to try them out when they were located downtown but apparently the food was good but they were in a low traffic area. Hopefully things will work out for them on Somerset.
2018 May 9
Thyme and Again opened a 2nd location on Carling yesterday however their new location will be focusing mostly on catering: ottawacitizen.com
2018 May 10
The new Dreamland Cafe on Preston opens tomorrow! BTW their Mac and Cheez is very nice :)
www.instagram.com
www.instagram.com
2018 May 10
The Cameron opened this week (Sorry if this was already posted - I'm new!) www.cameronottawa.com/
www.instagram.com
www.instagram.com
2018 May 11
Just noticed that a new restaurant has opened in the place on Somerset replacing Spicy Legend (across street from koreana - downstairs from the famous owl of Minerva).
It's called Shan Yuan Hakka (or something very close to that) and it is All-you-can-eat. This should be interesting if this is really a Hakka restaurant because what I'm familiar with from Toronto is a tasty fusion of Chinese food with East Indian spices & flavours (Garam Masala Lovers dream!).
I'll eat it soon and find out for real.
It's called Shan Yuan Hakka (or something very close to that) and it is All-you-can-eat. This should be interesting if this is really a Hakka restaurant because what I'm familiar with from Toronto is a tasty fusion of Chinese food with East Indian spices & flavours (Garam Masala Lovers dream!).
I'll eat it soon and find out for real.
2018 May 12
I was at Thyme and again on Carling on Wednesday and they had a bunch of frozen food and shelf stable ones and a couple of ready to eat stuff including roasted vegetables, caulilower, noodle salad etc. Bought a smoked salmon tartar jar and some carrot soup and the smoked salmon tartare was excellent. Some limited small pastries and coffees too.
2018 May 13

Joe's Fish market and restaurant is open right beside Rideau Bakery on Bank st.
It is a fish store where you can buy fresh fish to use at home or they can cook your fish there in various ways.
They also have shrimp that you can get pan cooked w herbs or deep fried.
They did not have a full menu yet and did not have salads the day I was there.
There are wedge fries and french fries and babaghanouj (eggplant dip) available- as the owner is lebanese, so they will be having middle eastern salads soon.
I've had food there twice this week and will def go every week to pick up things.
This is great if you are unable to cook or are on bank st and want a quick meal.
The fish when cooked there is a extra $5 more than the fresh price.
I think 1lb salmon fillet was $8, plus $5 to have it cooked there.
Shrimp was also around $8, plus $5 extra to have it cooked.
I thought those prices seem quite decent.
-picture above is the cooked salmon and the wedge fries.
-wedge fries were very good and fresh. This was a small size...
It is a fish store where you can buy fresh fish to use at home or they can cook your fish there in various ways.
They also have shrimp that you can get pan cooked w herbs or deep fried.
They did not have a full menu yet and did not have salads the day I was there.
There are wedge fries and french fries and babaghanouj (eggplant dip) available- as the owner is lebanese, so they will be having middle eastern salads soon.
I've had food there twice this week and will def go every week to pick up things.
This is great if you are unable to cook or are on bank st and want a quick meal.
The fish when cooked there is a extra $5 more than the fresh price.
I think 1lb salmon fillet was $8, plus $5 to have it cooked there.
Shrimp was also around $8, plus $5 extra to have it cooked.
I thought those prices seem quite decent.
-picture above is the cooked salmon and the wedge fries.
-wedge fries were very good and fresh. This was a small size...
2018 Jun 3
Stubbe Chocolates are moving this fall to 1224 Wellington Street West (at Hinton). It's that little sideways mini-mall building next to Morris Home Hardware. You can go to the old store on Dalhousie June 19th to 23rd for 50% off old stock before they move. That's a hell of a deal.
Now that cococo is closing, there will still be a great chocolatier in the area.
Now that cococo is closing, there will still be a great chocolatier in the area.
2018 Jun 10
To update on pasta lover's post last month, it looks like Rangoon is indeed open in the old Zen Kitchen spot on Somerset. They've got a sidewalk sign advertising their food with a big 'now open' on it. I guess it's assumed that it's same ownership as the last version of Rangoon in Centretown?
Also, that spot was empty forever.. wonder what took so long for something new to happen there
Also, that spot was empty forever.. wonder what took so long for something new to happen there
2018 Jun 13
There is a new Mexican restaurant somewhere (two hashtags are MontrealRd and Beechwood) which has changed its name to Chilaquiles Mexican Cuisine, featuring the Mexican dish called chiliaquiles (nachos smothered in salsa) (en.wikipedia.org). You can get chiliaquiles in a box which I've had and is not bad at all (www.lasierra.com.mx). Menu (www.instagram.com). Pretty interior (www.instagram.com). There is more than one photo in each Instagram posting.
2018 Jun 13
That spot at Bank and Sunnyside is becoming a Happy Goat (www.reddit.com), about as good as you could expect for a coffee shop.
2018 Jun 13
Yakko Takko, from which I had an excellent burrito last summer, is back, but this time on the west side of Bank north of Holmwood (at Thornton). It was parked in the tiny yard in front of what is now a construction company, but was for years a muffler repair shop. I don't think it was open (but it was a lousy day).
2018 Jun 13
There is a new place under construction called Lexington Smokehouse & Bar (lexingtonottawa.com/), on the south side of Richmond west of Churchill, said to be opening Tuesday June 19th at 4pm (snapwidget.com). Menu (lexingtonottawa.com/food/) is American southern and promising. Instagram (www.instagram.com).
2018 Jun 14
Re Yakko Takko - great, now a whole different part of the neighbourhood can deal with that guy's rude, poorly-socialized, always un-leashed dogs. Watch where you step, he doesn't pick up after them either. Oh and he'll yell at you if you complain about his dogs harassing your dog / child / relative. Zero stars.
2018 Jun 16
Via David Reevely (twitter.com) and Reddit (www.reddit.com), Popeyes in the old Rogers building in the Glebe, which of course was once a KFC.
2018 Jun 20

There's a place on Bank, west side, just south of Heron, looks to be similar in concept to Rayan - you order raw fresh fish and they fry it for you at a price per pound - called Joe's Fish Market. I guess mostly for take out as they have most of the space to display fish and only a few tables. Not sure if it is open yet.
2018 Jul 1
General clean up - new hotel (Le Germain) at Daly and Nicholas (in the new art gallery building) with a restaurant called Norca (www.norcarestaurant.ca/menu/). I'd eat crispy offal bites.
New bar/restaurant where the Black Tomato was at George and Sussex (The Clarendon Tavern) (www.instagram.com).
Gongfu Bao is said to be opening very soon (www.instagram.com).
New bar/restaurant where the Black Tomato was at George and Sussex (The Clarendon Tavern) (www.instagram.com).
Gongfu Bao is said to be opening very soon (www.instagram.com).
2018 Jul 3
Ministry of Coffee on Elgin moved across the street (with comments saying a sandwich shop moved into old spot) (www.instagram.com).
2018 Jul 4
Lots of controversy around Yakko Takko today. His truck was towed. CTV is covering the story. www.facebook.com
2018 Jul 7
Mad Radish at Kent and Slater (twitter.com). I'd never dare set foot in one (leaving aside the food, I still boycott the no-cash thing), but peering through the windows they are all packed with rows of women eating $20 bowls of lettuce, so they must be making a fortune.
2018 Jul 9
"Yakko Takko appeared to be using the sidewalk as a waiting area for its clientele, which impeded foot traffic moving through the area."
Show me a food truck where this is NOT the case.
That said, he seemed to be breaking all of the rules and laws set out for him ... so, I'm siding with the city on this one.
People are fighting for him to stay because they like the food. I get that. However, this isn't really a valid legal argument and that's what everything boils down to in this city.
Show me a food truck where this is NOT the case.
That said, he seemed to be breaking all of the rules and laws set out for him ... so, I'm siding with the city on this one.
People are fighting for him to stay because they like the food. I get that. However, this isn't really a valid legal argument and that's what everything boils down to in this city.
2018 Jul 10
The people who have bought the Brooklyn Bridge might want to give Mr Yakko some advice on getting his rent money back from the guy who rented him city property.
Centrale Bergham is 'opening soon' on the west side of Dalhousie north of Rideau. Centrale Bergham seems to be expanding very quickly.
Centrale Bergham is 'opening soon' on the west side of Dalhousie north of Rideau. Centrale Bergham seems to be expanding very quickly.
2018 Jul 11
Looks like Pure Kitchen is opening a third location-- on Preston, in or immediately next to the space that was formerly Salt's (per reddit www.reddit.com)
And apparently this is older news, but they're also opening a location in Kanata .. late summer/early Fall 2018
And apparently this is older news, but they're also opening a location in Kanata .. late summer/early Fall 2018
2018 Jul 26
Too Beaucoup where Kaashi Food Centre was on Somerset (by, I think, the sommelier of Supply and Demand) (www.instagram.com).
2018 Jul 28
This trailer appeared where Yakko was last summer, and seems to have been getting ready for a while - Fifth Dimension Snack Bar (ottawacitizen.com).
2018 Jul 29
Café Delish opening up in the former space of Basmati (Somerset St West / Bank St). cafedelish.ca/
Not to be confused with Café Delice on Kent St.
Not to be confused with Café Delice on Kent St.
2018 Aug 8
How has no one mentioned Big Daddy’s yet?!?!? (Please ignore if it has been, I am just overly excited at the prospect!!!)
At Elgin/Cooper: www.bigdaddyselgin.com/welcome
At Elgin/Cooper: www.bigdaddyselgin.com/welcome
2018 Aug 16
Pudgyboys, where the good sandwich shop was, and most recently King's Pizza and Greek, at 311 Bank, opening in the fall (www.instagram.com).
AMR
www.gongfu.ca/
Congratulations chef Tarek Hassan. Very nice and to great success.