The dinner was a feast for the senses. Each of the seven courses was defined by aesthetics, complex flavours and visual delight. The server, Tree, and sommelier, Devon, made us feel very comfortable and despite the formality of the meal, kept the mood light. The decor of the dining room was minimalist, allowing for the beauty of each course to shine. Particularly memorable were: Bread and Butterflies, with butters presented as particular species of butterfly, the Forest Whisper with deer tartare, and the Black Wreath of nori arching over the succulent duck breast. A special and memorable event!
Sam Samson
Great fine dining experience Creative artsy presentations Friendly, professional staff
On a personal note I much preferred the previous format (40 course tasting menu) over the 7 course that is currently being served.
I also believe it to be a better overall experience for the price and probability of liking/not liking what is served.
Either way Both experiences were great! I do hope that the 40 course tasting menu makes a return!!
Thank you to the Atelier team!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
William
Atelier is an experience. And one worth having. The dinner was clearly well thought out, creative, and excellently executed. Visually stunning and a delight on the palate. Worthy of discussion. The service is attentive and informative, without being overbearing and stuffy, very relaxed and friendly. The ambience is a more modern decor, dark colours, but with sufficient lighting. Seating is comfortable, and not crowded, but close enough to overhear neighbours, which is a plus or minus depending on if you like chatting with strangers, and the temptation to talk about the dishes is strong! The staff graciously accommodated allergies and showed an endearing interest in our enjoyment of the evening. Definitely a place to visit!
Yi
The dishes were beautiful, almost too beautiful compared to their taste. Some of the creative combinations felt visually impressive but lacked a real flavor connection. For the price level, the environment was surprisingly underwhelming—its overly “modern contemporary” style made it a bit less comfortable or respectful to diners, perhaps intentionally to keep focus on the food. The lighting also wasn't friendly for photos of neither people or dishes. It was raining, so I didn't drink and can't comment on the wine pairing. Service was very good, calm and attentive at just the right level.
Dan
We recently returned to Atelier for our third visit, and once again, the chef delivered an unforgettable evening. Having previously indulged in their legendary 40-course tasting menu, we were curious to see how the new seven-course format would compare. Spoiler: it was spectacular. The evening began with a whimsical and imaginative presentation of rolls and butter—each butter shaped like delicate butterflies and infused with creative flavors that set the tone for the artistry to come. From there, the meal unfolded like a story, each course a surprise and a delight. While I won't reveal all the details (some magic is best experienced firsthand), I can confidently say that Atelier continues to push the boundaries of culinary creativity. If you're someone who appreciates food as an art form, this is a must-visit destination. Highly recommended.
Riona Farrell
Such a great experience, I still think about it months later.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ludovic Seidita
I rarely eat this well and that’s saying something coming from a loyal Nobu client. From start to finish, L’Atelier in Ottawa was a complete surprise. We had no idea what we were going to eat before arriving and each of the seven courses was an explosion of flavor, creativity and balance. Every plate was a visual masterpiece and a culinary journey on its own. From the delicate crab topped with caviar to the vibrant vegetable garden suspended in glass, the presentation was simply breathtaking. The tartare was perfectly seasoned and layered with textures that played beautifully together, while the dessert was a stunning combination of color, freshness and precision. The service was as refined as the dishes, our waitress knew every detail of each creation and guided us with genuine passion. This restaurant deserves to be discovered and celebrated. It’s now without hesitation in my top five dining experiences worldwide.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
megzi87
The service was impeccable, with each dish presented very creatively and played in an appealing manner. Overall the food was good, though I did find the balance to be off on some of the courses - I found them to be overly sweet and missing acid, heat, and that umami element. Still a great experience though and I am glad I went!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Jeffrey
The best way to describe the evening was that we had a "beautiful" dinner & an exceptional dining experience. The care, detail & execution of each course was outstanding. I highly recommend Atelier.
Jodee
You must go here!! The experience is extraordinary and the food is outstanding! the presentation is very very unique and impressive!!
The service was great, most of the presentations were good but the food was just not up to par. It left much to be desired. The amuse gueule was banal (bread with 4 different types of butter), the second dish was literally a smoke mirror. More show than anything. Two mediocre oysters that lacked flavor. That being said, the scallops were good. Too much focus on the presentation rather than the dish. The garden dish was well presented, good vegetables but difficult to enjoy to it's full potential with chop sticks through a glass bowl. The main dish, again, was well presented but the two dishes were average. The mushroom tartelette was tasteful but lacked complicity. Then came the tar tar. This was well down and flavourful. The best dish of the night. The fish dish was good but the cod lacked taste. The last meat dish, the duck, was presented very well. Unfortunately, it was a bit rubbery and the fat was not all render to its maximum, leaving you disappointed. The first desert completely missed the mark in terms of its objective. The last desert was good but didn't deliver on capturing all of the senses. Overall, the food was ok but nothing that makes you want to comeback for more. Goid but no wow. They missed a good opportunity to take their food to the next level and dare to make a good dish, a very good one. They get my vote for presentation and service but unfortunately the food was not at the same level. Mostly average, hood at times but never wow! Lastly, I am more demanding and I am expecting more than most, so don't let my opinion change yours or stop you from spending the night with your love one there.
Jodi Samis
I had such a great experience at Atelier in Ottawa. The entire meal felt like a creative art-meets-food journey—thoughtful, well-paced, and beautifully presented. Each course felt like a little surprise, both in how it looked and how it tasted. A true delight.
The staff were warm and welcoming, and I appreciated how they explained each dish without making it feel stuffy. The pacing of the meal was just right — enough time to enjoy and talk between courses, but it never dragged.
The space itself, while pretty minimal, helps keeps the focus on the food which is the absolute star.
It’s definitely a splurge and takes a few hours, but for a special night out or if you want something memorable, I’d absolutely recommend it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Guy Lagace
I had high expectations going into Atelier, especially with a price point of around $350 per person (after taxes and tip), but unfortunately the experience did not meet them. • Décor & Ambiance: The interior feels dated — worn carpet, booths showing age, and an exterior that doesn’t inspire confidence it’s even a restaurant. I understand some may see this as part of a “hidden gem” charm, but it didn’t work for me. The background music was stuck in 1990s dance tracks, which didn’t match the fine-dining experience I was expecting. • Food: The presentation was undeniably creative, but the flavors were lacking. Many dishes leaned heavily on raw ingredients, which might appeal to some, but left me disappointed. • Cleanliness: The biggest issue of the evening — a fly was constantly buzzing around, and a fruit fly was crawling in my raw deer dish. That’s unacceptable at any level of dining, let alone one at this price point.
Overall, while Atelier is known for its artistic approach to food, my experience fell short in too many areas. At this cost, I expected much better in terms of flavor, atmosphere, and cleanliness.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 3
Joanne
What an incredible experience. Don't be fooled by the facade. Food was delicious and presentation was more than we could have imagined. Bravo!!!!
Carm
Fabulous experience! Presentation was outstanding, and the food delicious. A novel concept that we look forward to trying again in the winter. A must visit restaurant when in Ottawa.
The dinner was a feast for the senses. Each of the seven courses was defined by aesthetics, complex flavours and visual delight. The server, Tree, and sommelier, Devon, made us feel very comfortable and despite the formality of the meal, kept the mood light. The decor of the dining room was minimalist, allowing for the beauty of each course to shine. Particularly memorable were: Bread and Butterflies, with butters presented as particular species of butterfly, the Forest Whisper with deer tartare, and the Black Wreath of nori arching over the succulent duck breast. A special and memorable event!
Great fine dining experience
Creative artsy presentations
Friendly, professional staff
On a personal note I much preferred the previous format (40 course tasting menu) over the 7 course that is currently being served.
I also believe it to be a better overall experience for the price and probability of liking/not liking what is served.
Either way
Both experiences were great! I do hope that the 40 course tasting menu makes a return!!
Thank you to the Atelier team!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atelier is an experience. And one worth having. The dinner was clearly well thought out, creative, and excellently executed. Visually stunning and a delight on the palate. Worthy of discussion. The service is attentive and informative, without being overbearing and stuffy, very relaxed and friendly. The ambience is a more modern decor, dark colours, but with sufficient lighting. Seating is comfortable, and not crowded, but close enough to overhear neighbours, which is a plus or minus depending on if you like chatting with strangers, and the temptation to talk about the dishes is strong! The staff graciously accommodated allergies and showed an endearing interest in our enjoyment of the evening. Definitely a place to visit!
The dishes were beautiful, almost too beautiful compared to their taste. Some of the creative combinations felt visually impressive but lacked a real flavor connection. For the price level, the environment was surprisingly underwhelming—its overly “modern contemporary” style made it a bit less comfortable or respectful to diners, perhaps intentionally to keep focus on the food. The lighting also wasn't friendly for photos of neither people or dishes. It was raining, so I didn't drink and can't comment on the wine pairing. Service was very good, calm and attentive at just the right level.
We recently returned to Atelier for our third visit, and once again, the chef delivered an unforgettable evening. Having previously indulged in their legendary 40-course tasting menu, we were curious to see how the new seven-course format would compare. Spoiler: it was spectacular. The evening began with a whimsical and imaginative presentation of rolls and butter—each butter shaped like delicate butterflies and infused with creative flavors that set the tone for the artistry to come. From there, the meal unfolded like a story, each course a surprise and a delight. While I won't reveal all the details (some magic is best experienced firsthand), I can confidently say that Atelier continues to push the boundaries of culinary creativity. If you're someone who appreciates food as an art form, this is a must-visit destination. Highly recommended.
Such a great experience, I still think about it months later.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I rarely eat this well and that’s saying something coming from a loyal Nobu client. From start to finish, L’Atelier in Ottawa was a complete surprise. We had no idea what we were going to eat before arriving and each of the seven courses was an explosion of flavor, creativity and balance. Every plate was a visual masterpiece and a culinary journey on its own. From the delicate crab topped with caviar to the vibrant vegetable garden suspended in glass, the presentation was simply breathtaking. The tartare was perfectly seasoned and layered with textures that played beautifully together, while the dessert was a stunning combination of color, freshness and precision. The service was as refined as the dishes, our waitress knew every detail of each creation and guided us with genuine passion. This restaurant deserves to be discovered and celebrated. It’s now without hesitation in my top five dining experiences worldwide.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
The service was impeccable, with each dish presented very creatively and played in an appealing manner. Overall the food was good, though I did find the balance to be off on some of the courses - I found them to be overly sweet and missing acid, heat, and that umami element. Still a great experience though and I am glad I went!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
The best way to describe the evening was that we had a "beautiful" dinner & an exceptional dining experience. The care, detail & execution of each course was outstanding. I highly recommend Atelier.
You must go here!! The experience is extraordinary and the food is outstanding! the presentation is very very unique and impressive!!
Restaurantji Recommends
The service was great, most of the presentations were good but the food was just not up to par. It left much to be desired. The amuse gueule was banal (bread with 4 different types of butter), the second dish was literally a smoke mirror. More show than anything. Two mediocre oysters that lacked flavor. That being said, the scallops were good. Too much focus on the presentation rather than the dish. The garden dish was well presented, good vegetables but difficult to enjoy to it's full potential with chop sticks through a glass bowl. The main dish, again, was well presented but the two dishes were average. The mushroom tartelette was tasteful but lacked complicity. Then came the tar tar. This was well down and flavourful. The best dish of the night. The fish dish was good but the cod lacked taste. The last meat dish, the duck, was presented very well. Unfortunately, it was a bit rubbery and the fat was not all render to its maximum, leaving you disappointed. The first desert completely missed the mark in terms of its objective. The last desert was good but didn't deliver on capturing all of the senses. Overall, the food was ok but nothing that makes you want to comeback for more. Goid but no wow. They missed a good opportunity to take their food to the next level and dare to make a good dish, a very good one. They get my vote for presentation and service but unfortunately the food was not at the same level. Mostly average, hood at times but never wow! Lastly, I am more demanding and I am expecting more than most, so don't let my opinion change yours or stop you from spending the night with your love one there.
I had such a great experience at Atelier in Ottawa. The entire meal felt like a creative art-meets-food journey—thoughtful, well-paced, and beautifully presented. Each course felt like a little surprise, both in how it looked and how it tasted. A true delight.
The staff were warm and welcoming, and I appreciated how they explained each dish without making it feel stuffy. The pacing of the meal was just right — enough time to enjoy and talk between courses, but it never dragged.
The space itself, while pretty minimal, helps keeps the focus on the food which is the absolute star.
It’s definitely a splurge and takes a few hours, but for a special night out or if you want something memorable, I’d absolutely recommend it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had high expectations going into Atelier, especially with a price point of around $350 per person (after taxes and tip), but unfortunately the experience did not meet them.
• Décor & Ambiance: The interior feels dated — worn carpet, booths showing age, and an exterior that doesn’t inspire confidence it’s even a restaurant. I understand some may see this as part of a “hidden gem” charm, but it didn’t work for me. The background music was stuck in 1990s dance tracks, which didn’t match the fine-dining experience I was expecting.
• Food: The presentation was undeniably creative, but the flavors were lacking. Many dishes leaned heavily on raw ingredients, which might appeal to some, but left me disappointed.
• Cleanliness: The biggest issue of the evening — a fly was constantly buzzing around, and a fruit fly was crawling in my raw deer dish. That’s unacceptable at any level of dining, let alone one at this price point.
Overall, while Atelier is known for its artistic approach to food, my experience fell short in too many areas. At this cost, I expected much better in terms of flavor, atmosphere, and cleanliness.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 3
What an incredible experience. Don't be fooled by the facade. Food was delicious and presentation was more than we could have imagined. Bravo!!!!
Fabulous experience! Presentation was outstanding, and the food delicious. A novel concept that we look forward to trying again in the winter. A must visit restaurant when in Ottawa.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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