Good was good but the service was possibly the worst I've ever experienced. The waitress was rude and tried to rush us through our meal. The entrees came out less than 5 minutes after we ordered. The window was brought out about 5-10 minutes later. She continually tried to hurry us up to get us out of the table we were occupying. It's almost like she wanted us to chug our expensive bottle of wine. After I signed the bill we still had about 1/3 of the bottle left and she rudely grabbed the check off the table. I left a note on the bill about being very disappointed and the manager came out to chat with us as we were leaving the restaurant. Had he not come out I would have probably rated this as a “1”. Very disappointing experience - I've gotten better service out Outback. I hope she was training - coached or removed.
Kimberly Washington
This was my first time visiting Canoe, very familiar with their sister facilities like Ray's on the River. Chase was our wait server and he was phenomenal. Very knowledgeable about the food, drinks, etc. His personality was contagious, joyful and welcoming. The bread, pasta ,tacos, soup and sandwiches were all fantastic. Desserts were Rich...Raw oysters were Amazing. Drinks were delicious from wine, martini, and signature drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell Cucumber Champagne Mignonette
Alicia
The evening was very loud to the point we could not hear each other talk. I had allergies and usually, Canoe is able to accommodate easily. However, there was nothing offered except what was on the menu. It was so busy that the service was slow even though our server was lovely. I have dined at Canoe many times, and the food is always delicious. However, this time it was just okay. I was disappointed food and loud atmosphere.
Joshua
I've been here a few times and it's always fantastic. This time it still delivered. The best part was Betsy. Over the top service. The food could have been horrible and she would made it taste better. Thank you for the service (and the food was awesome). My wife and I will be back for sure.
Keith
My meal was delicious. However, My friend's steak was cold on his first bite. I have not experienced in a restaurant of this caliber a microwave being used to reheat the food. My expectations were he would have received a new steak on a new plate. Nope! We were not in the mood to cause a scene and we loved our server Karen! So he choked it down.. we left a generous tip and we departed a bit disappointed! Do Better Canoe!
Tom
Canoe is celebrating 30 years but seems longer to me having been a frequent customer in the early years. The riverfront location is always welcoming even during the summer heat. The staff tries hard to excel at customer service and personal attention. However, the black uniforms and inexperienced wait staff is evident. For a restaurant of 3 decades it should have seasoned staff. The food remains inventive and fun, however, it fails to exceed one's expectations. The Fig salad special was different and not quite right. The corn and coconut soup was luke warm and very thin. The Duroc pork chop was bland and overcooked. Yet going to Canoe evokes a time in ATL when dining out was special. Remember the 1992 Caymus....a 100 point with dinner. That said the team needs to refine the menu and experience so this tradition does not die.
Robin
Experience and service great! Ordered a cheeseburger and ZERO Flavor. They didn't even salt the burger. Never before have I had to take salt from the table to salt a burger! So bland and flavorless I had two bites and was done. Ranch dressing was disappointing too. They added too much dill and tainted more like a dill sauce than a ranch dressing. How does one screw up a burger? Simple to make and quite terrible ! Had I not been with clients for Lunch- I would have returned it.
Curtis Traveling
Canoe by the river is beautiful and peaceful with an incredible brunch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Richie Schwab
The view and rock shrimp salad at lunch is phenomenal
I recently took my wife to Canoe to celebrate her birthday, as part of our annual tradition of experiencing a new fine dining restaurant—particularly one known for its steak offerings. Unfortunately, our experience did not meet expectations.
The steak, a centerpiece of the meal, was heavily overpowered by the taste of cloves, which masked the natural flavor of the meat and threw off the balance of the dish. Additionally, the rabbit entrée was notably dry—difficult to eat and lacking in moisture or depth. Overall, the food lacked the seasoning and refinement typically expected from a restaurant in this category; the flavors were surprisingly bland and uninspired.
While the atmosphere and service were commendable, the culinary execution left much to be desired. In comparison, establishments like Little Ally’s, Capital Grille, and Polaris continue to set the standard for both flavor and quality in our experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
DBoonful
Great experience... the food is average but the experience is great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Mari Garcia
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Unforgettable Dining Experience!
Canoe is hands-down one of the best restaurants in Atlanta and not just for the food (which is exceptional), but for the entire experience. From the moment we arrived, the riverside setting felt like a hidden oasis, with lush greenery and a serene atmosphere that made dinner feel like an escape from the city.
The menu is creative yet rooted in Southern-inspired flavors. We started with the kangaroo and salmon canoes as appetizers (a must-try!) and the duck for main course bursting with freshness and balance.. And save room for dessert was heavenly!
What truly sets Canoe apart is the impeccable service. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and made fantastic recommendations without being intrusive. The pacing of the meal was just right, allowing us to savor each course.
Whether it’s a special occasion or a romantic date night, Canoe delivers on every level. The combination of stellar food, ambiance, and hospitality makes it worth every penny. Can’t wait to return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dennis Saxon
Great service. Nice place for a special occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amelia Swensen
I always love eating here!! The location is phenomenal and so is the food. Such a creative interesting menu and I love how it’s different every time I come back. We’ve been coming for our anniversary for a few years now and they do a nice job of celebrating us! Honorable mention to the smoked salmon appetizer which we must get everytime!
Good was good but the service was possibly the worst I've ever experienced. The waitress was rude and tried to rush us through our meal. The entrees came out less than 5 minutes after we ordered. The window was brought out about 5-10 minutes later. She continually tried to hurry us up to get us out of the table we were occupying. It's almost like she wanted us to chug our expensive bottle of wine. After I signed the bill we still had about 1/3 of the bottle left and she rudely grabbed the check off the table. I left a note on the bill about being very disappointed and the manager came out to chat with us as we were leaving the restaurant. Had he not come out I would have probably rated this as a “1”. Very disappointing experience - I've gotten better service out Outback. I hope she was training - coached or removed.
This was my first time visiting Canoe, very familiar with their sister facilities like Ray's on the River. Chase was our wait server and he was phenomenal. Very knowledgeable about the food, drinks, etc. His personality was contagious, joyful and welcoming. The bread, pasta ,tacos, soup and sandwiches were all fantastic. Desserts were Rich...Raw oysters were Amazing. Drinks were delicious from wine, martini, and signature drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell Cucumber Champagne Mignonette
The evening was very loud to the point we could not hear each other talk. I had allergies and usually, Canoe is able to accommodate easily. However, there was nothing offered except what was on the menu. It was so busy that the service was slow even though our server was lovely. I have dined at Canoe many times, and the food is always delicious. However, this time it was just okay. I was disappointed food and loud atmosphere.
I've been here a few times and it's always fantastic. This time it still delivered. The best part was Betsy. Over the top service. The food could have been horrible and she would made it taste better. Thank you for the service (and the food was awesome). My wife and I will be back for sure.
My meal was delicious. However, My friend's steak was cold on his first bite. I have not experienced in a restaurant of this caliber a microwave being used to reheat the food. My expectations were he would have received a new steak on a new plate. Nope! We were not in the mood to cause a scene and we loved our server Karen! So he choked it down.. we left a generous tip and we departed a bit disappointed! Do Better Canoe!
Canoe is celebrating 30 years but seems longer to me having been a frequent customer in the early years. The riverfront location is always welcoming even during the summer heat. The staff tries hard to excel at customer service and personal attention. However, the black uniforms and inexperienced wait staff is evident. For a restaurant of 3 decades it should have seasoned staff. The food remains inventive and fun, however, it fails to exceed one's expectations. The Fig salad special was different and not quite right. The corn and coconut soup was luke warm and very thin. The Duroc pork chop was bland and overcooked. Yet going to Canoe evokes a time in ATL when dining out was special. Remember the 1992 Caymus....a 100 point with dinner. That said the team needs to refine the menu and experience so this tradition does not die.
Experience and service great! Ordered a cheeseburger and ZERO Flavor. They didn't even salt the burger. Never before have I had to take salt from the table to salt a burger! So bland and flavorless I had two bites and was done. Ranch dressing was disappointing too. They added too much dill and tainted more like a dill sauce than a ranch dressing. How does one screw up a burger? Simple to make and quite terrible ! Had I not been with clients for Lunch- I would have returned it.
Canoe by the river is beautiful and peaceful with an incredible brunch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The view and rock shrimp salad at lunch is phenomenal
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fabulous food , weightstaff
Restaurantji Recommends
I recently took my wife to Canoe to celebrate her birthday, as part of our annual tradition of experiencing a new fine dining restaurant—particularly one known for its steak offerings. Unfortunately, our experience did not meet expectations.
The steak, a centerpiece of the meal, was heavily overpowered by the taste of cloves, which masked the natural flavor of the meat and threw off the balance of the dish. Additionally, the rabbit entrée was notably dry—difficult to eat and lacking in moisture or depth. Overall, the food lacked the seasoning and refinement typically expected from a restaurant in this category; the flavors were surprisingly bland and uninspired.
While the atmosphere and service were commendable, the culinary execution left much to be desired. In comparison, establishments like Little Ally’s, Capital Grille, and Polaris continue to set the standard for both flavor and quality in our experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Great experience... the food is average but the experience is great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Unforgettable Dining Experience!
Canoe is hands-down one of the best restaurants in Atlanta and not just for the food (which is exceptional), but for the entire experience. From the moment we arrived, the riverside setting felt like a hidden oasis, with lush greenery and a serene atmosphere that made dinner feel like an escape from the city.
The menu is creative yet rooted in Southern-inspired flavors. We started with the kangaroo and salmon canoes as appetizers (a must-try!) and the duck for main course bursting with freshness and balance.. And save room for dessert was heavenly!
What truly sets Canoe apart is the impeccable service. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and made fantastic recommendations without being intrusive. The pacing of the meal was just right, allowing us to savor each course.
Whether it’s a special occasion or a romantic date night, Canoe delivers on every level. The combination of stellar food, ambiance, and hospitality makes it worth every penny. Can’t wait to return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great service. Nice place for a special occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I always love eating here!! The location is phenomenal and so is the food. Such a creative interesting menu and I love how it’s different every time I come back. We’ve been coming for our anniversary for a few years now and they do a nice job of celebrating us! Honorable mention to the smoked salmon appetizer which we must get everytime!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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