Went to celebrate my birthday what a great choice. The service was excellent, The food was beautiful presented and the taste was amazing. Not our first visit and won't be our last.
Maximilian Hellwig
On an unusually warm November day in Ottawa, it was unfortunately quite freezing at Beckta. Alongside with very little leg space this was a bit of a negative experience. The service was attentive and friendly. Food-wise I have been very convinced. As Appetizers we shared tuna crudo, halloumni and prawns. All were excellent. My highlight was the duck, which was perfectly on-point with the exactly right amount of smoked flavour. My chouquette was very tasty as well.
Overall I will definitely return and hope to be seated in the other room next time.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Smoked Duck Breast
Kurt Refling
SUMMARY: My partner and I went for the plant-based tasting menu at Beckta. There were some strong offerings that came with weird caveats. We had a good night but are unlikely to return, since the experience didn't seem to match the price point.
I'll start with the positives.
GREAT SERVICE: We were well-tended. There were a rotating cast of staff members, but everyone was professional and present (without being overbearing), and our main server was very charming and pleasant.
DELICIOUS SMALL PLATES: The first three courses were tasty and inventive. I won't spoil it for anyone considering the plant based menu, but each dish felt well-considered and portioned.
Now caveats.
STEEP VALUE PROPOSITION: The plant-based tasting menu is the same price as the standard tasting menu, coming in at $135 per person before tax.
Right off the bat, it's a little high for what you're getting. Their standard cauliflower couscous is also the main course in the tasting menu, which also comes with three small plates, bread and a dessert course.
Let's be real here: cauliflower costs a heck of a lot less than steak. It feels a little opportunistic that the veggie offering is the same cost when the input ingredients are on a very different level. I recognize that you're paying for the service, venue, reputation and atmosphere, but it's hard to walk away from a $400 night out (after tax, tips and a couple drinks) and feel like it makes sense.
To be clear - we certainly didn't need more food! But that price tag needs something elevated to justify it, and it just wasn't there.
BOOKING CONFUSION: You have to schedule the plant based tasting menu 48 hours in advance (we communicated it twice) and it would have been reassuring to not be given the a la carte menu. The hostess seemed confused when we said we were doing the plant based tasting menu. It was awkward and not exactly reassuring.
ODD ATMOSPHERE: The heritage home architecture for Beckta is part of its charm, but between the murky green carpet and orange patterned curtains, the decor felt dated. The room layout also resulted in a little awkwardness - the enclosed space made it very easy to hear everyone else's conversations when the room was less full or a table had a boisterous guest.
I DIDN'T COME HERE FOR NUTRITION, BUT... : It's weird that there was no protein offering? Tofu, seitan, tempeh, beans - there's a lot of options there. The closest you'll get is a couple of mushrooms.
BAFFLING DESSERT: This is the big one. Dessert was a scoop of chocolate ice cream with a series of increasingly strange apple-based garnishes... and sprigs of dill to top if off. It was oddly sweet and... gloopy? Honestly, it's such a weird and unsuccessful dish that we walked away with raised eyebrows.
All in all, mixed experience. Nice to have a plant based option for fine dining, but we're not going to be recommending it.
Vegetarian options: There's a plant-based tasting menu that requires 48 hour notice. Some courses were great; others were unsuccessful.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mushroom Gyoza
Noah Aguilar (VLAD)
Sometimes I still get surprised by the places I visit and this place did exactly that. From having an extensive wine list with great Canadian wines to the food selection. My biggest decision was to pair a wine that was going to match every dish from beginning to end. Worth the experience and looking forward to my next visit. ?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bert Timbey
I've been to Beckta several times, and the flavor profiles seem to have really changed since last year. The food was a bit too rich this time, and very salty. Some details below:
Biscuits: good as usual.
Tuna crudo: great dish.
Halloumi: the accompaniment was very strong, totally overpowering the halloumi (which was very mild)
Salmon: there must have been a mistake with the preparation of the greens accompanying this dish, because I don't think any restaurant would intentionally serve something so salty. My partner and I both tried it, and left it on the plate.
Duck: it was good, but the dish was a little flat since there was no acidity to contrast the duck and the otherwise mild vegetables like the beet and radishes. The sauce might have wanted to serve that role, but it was very mild.
Cocktails were great.
I hope some changes are made to the menu, because I was disappointed with my meal, especially after mentioning to my guest the great meals I'd had here in the past.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
bob bb
Everything was beyond perfect. We got the tasting menu . Everything was spectacular. Especially the fish and the duck!!! The wine was incredible too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michel
Service pompeux, mets corrects sans plus, le tataki de thon était beaucoup trop épicé, la viande était bonne mais les pommes de terre grelots n'étaient pas assez cuites. Pas beaucoup d'imagination dans le menu. La salle est belle dans le style rococo. Bon choix de vins. Le rapport qualité-prix n'y est pas.
Fazal
Great experience from the reception of the professional young people at the reception to the wonderful wait staff. Menu was compact but plenty of variety and flavourful. Dietary restrictions were handled with ease and a smile. Will return for sure.
Joshua
Took my fiance out for her birthday dinner, we loved it. Everything was fantastic right from the treats to the desert. Only complaint is they ran out of those savoury biscuits before I could order a second serving
Sean
Beckta didn't quite live up to expectations. The service missed a detail, forgetting the biscuit plates, and while the food was good, it wasn't particularly memorable. The highlight was definitely the cocktail, and the birthday drink was a nice gesture, but overall, I left wanting a bit more from the experience.
My partner and I had the blind plant-based tasting menu with wine pairing. The food was creative and flavorful, exquisitely presented. For example: "anchovies" made with eggplant, beet carpaccio. Each dish was a culinary adventure. The service was also impeccable. Beckta's team-based approach was smooth, friendly and efficient. The wines the team selected truly enhanced each dish. Great to see they feature Canadian wines - fantastic pairings. Overall, a very nice way to spend an evening.
Fred
We very much enjoyed the meal, starting with octopus and pan seared halloumi, followed by roasted Cornish hen and seared duck magnet. All the dishes were delicious with balanced flavours that played well on the palate. We ended with Hazelnut chocolate and matcha lime cake - not too sweet. Server was attentive while being absent - good combination.
Rosemary
Dinner at this restaurant was beyond any expectation we could have had. An anniversary celebration with our wedding party was well worth the wait, and the road trip to attend. The staff were excellent and helpful. We will return. Thank you for a job well done.
Kiran
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Beckta with my date, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The meal began with their plant-based dumpling appetizer, which was nothing short of perfection. Each bite was flavorful and delicate, with a perfect balance of savory filling and a soft, yet crispy. It set a fantastic tone for the rest of the evening. For the main course, I was equally impressed. The presentation was beautiful, and the flavors were incredibly well-executed but I felt the portion was a little too big for my liking. Every element of the dish was fresh and perfectly seasoned, showcasing the chef's skill and attention to detail. The wine selection complemented the meal beautifully. The staff provided excellent recommendations, and the pairing with the dishes elevated the entire dining experience. It was clear that they take their wine seriously here, and it made a big difference. The ambiance of the restaurant was warm, elegant, and inviting, perfect for a special evening, relaxed dinner. The service was impeccable, with attentive and friendly staff who were knowledgeable and passionate about what they were serving. Overall, I cannot recommend Beckta enough. From the outstanding food to the wonderful atmosphere and excellent service, it was a memorable dining experience. I'll definitely be returning!
Caroline
We were a group of 5 to celebrate 2 birthdays and we were given the Juliette room on the second floor. It was beautiful and intimate and a great time for a group our size. We felt treated with a very special touch. The food and wine were great and made for a great celebration.
Went to celebrate my birthday what a great choice. The service was excellent, The food was beautiful presented and the taste was amazing. Not our first visit and won't be our last.
On an unusually warm November day in Ottawa, it was unfortunately quite freezing at Beckta. Alongside with very little leg space this was a bit of a negative experience.
The service was attentive and friendly.
Food-wise I have been very convinced. As Appetizers we shared tuna crudo, halloumni and prawns. All were excellent. My highlight was the duck, which was perfectly on-point with the exactly right amount of smoked flavour.
My chouquette was very tasty as well.
Overall I will definitely return and hope to be seated in the other room next time.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Smoked Duck Breast
SUMMARY: My partner and I went for the plant-based tasting menu at Beckta. There were some strong offerings that came with weird caveats. We had a good night but are unlikely to return, since the experience didn't seem to match the price point.
I'll start with the positives.
GREAT SERVICE: We were well-tended. There were a rotating cast of staff members, but everyone was professional and present (without being overbearing), and our main server was very charming and pleasant.
DELICIOUS SMALL PLATES: The first three courses were tasty and inventive. I won't spoil it for anyone considering the plant based menu, but each dish felt well-considered and portioned.
Now caveats.
STEEP VALUE PROPOSITION: The plant-based tasting menu is the same price as the standard tasting menu, coming in at $135 per person before tax.
Right off the bat, it's a little high for what you're getting. Their standard cauliflower couscous is also the main course in the tasting menu, which also comes with three small plates, bread and a dessert course.
Let's be real here: cauliflower costs a heck of a lot less than steak. It feels a little opportunistic that the veggie offering is the same cost when the input ingredients are on a very different level. I recognize that you're paying for the service, venue, reputation and atmosphere, but it's hard to walk away from a $400 night out (after tax, tips and a couple drinks) and feel like it makes sense.
To be clear - we certainly didn't need more food! But that price tag needs something elevated to justify it, and it just wasn't there.
BOOKING CONFUSION: You have to schedule the plant based tasting menu 48 hours in advance (we communicated it twice) and it would have been reassuring to not be given the a la carte menu. The hostess seemed confused when we said we were doing the plant based tasting menu. It was awkward and not exactly reassuring.
ODD ATMOSPHERE: The heritage home architecture for Beckta is part of its charm, but between the murky green carpet and orange patterned curtains, the decor felt dated. The room layout also resulted in a little awkwardness - the enclosed space made it very easy to hear everyone else's conversations when the room was less full or a table had a boisterous guest.
I DIDN'T COME HERE FOR NUTRITION, BUT... : It's weird that there was no protein offering? Tofu, seitan, tempeh, beans - there's a lot of options there. The closest you'll get is a couple of mushrooms.
BAFFLING DESSERT: This is the big one. Dessert was a scoop of chocolate ice cream with a series of increasingly strange apple-based garnishes... and sprigs of dill to top if off. It was oddly sweet and... gloopy? Honestly, it's such a weird and unsuccessful dish that we walked away with raised eyebrows.
All in all, mixed experience. Nice to have a plant based option for fine dining, but we're not going to be recommending it.
Vegetarian options: There's a plant-based tasting menu that requires 48 hour notice. Some courses were great; others were unsuccessful.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mushroom Gyoza
Sometimes I still get surprised by the places I visit and this place did exactly that. From having an extensive wine list with great Canadian wines to the food selection. My biggest decision was to pair a wine that was going to match every dish from beginning to end. Worth the experience and looking forward to my next visit. ?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I've been to Beckta several times, and the flavor profiles seem to have really changed since last year. The food was a bit too rich this time, and very salty. Some details below:
Biscuits: good as usual.
Tuna crudo: great dish.
Halloumi: the accompaniment was very strong, totally overpowering the halloumi (which was very mild)
Salmon: there must have been a mistake with the preparation of the greens accompanying this dish, because I don't think any restaurant would intentionally serve something so salty. My partner and I both tried it, and left it on the plate.
Duck: it was good, but the dish was a little flat since there was no acidity to contrast the duck and the otherwise mild vegetables like the beet and radishes. The sauce might have wanted to serve that role, but it was very mild.
Cocktails were great.
I hope some changes are made to the menu, because I was disappointed with my meal, especially after mentioning to my guest the great meals I'd had here in the past.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Everything was beyond perfect. We got the tasting menu . Everything was spectacular. Especially the fish and the duck!!! The wine was incredible too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Service pompeux, mets corrects sans plus, le tataki de thon était beaucoup trop épicé, la viande était bonne mais les pommes de terre grelots n'étaient pas assez cuites. Pas beaucoup d'imagination dans le menu. La salle est belle dans le style rococo. Bon choix de vins. Le rapport qualité-prix n'y est pas.
Great experience from the reception of the professional young people at the reception to the wonderful wait staff. Menu was compact but plenty of variety and flavourful. Dietary restrictions were handled with ease and a smile. Will return for sure.
Took my fiance out for her birthday dinner, we loved it. Everything was fantastic right from the treats to the desert. Only complaint is they ran out of those savoury biscuits before I could order a second serving
Beckta didn't quite live up to expectations. The service missed a detail, forgetting the biscuit plates, and while the food was good, it wasn't particularly memorable. The highlight was definitely the cocktail, and the birthday drink was a nice gesture, but overall, I left wanting a bit more from the experience.
Restaurantji Recommends
My partner and I had the blind plant-based tasting menu with wine pairing. The food was creative and flavorful, exquisitely presented. For example: "anchovies" made with eggplant, beet carpaccio. Each dish was a culinary adventure. The service was also impeccable. Beckta's team-based approach was smooth, friendly and efficient. The wines the team selected truly enhanced each dish. Great to see they feature Canadian wines - fantastic pairings. Overall, a very nice way to spend an evening.
We very much enjoyed the meal, starting with octopus and pan seared halloumi, followed by roasted Cornish hen and seared duck magnet. All the dishes were delicious with balanced flavours that played well on the palate. We ended with Hazelnut chocolate and matcha lime cake - not too sweet. Server was attentive while being absent - good combination.
Dinner at this restaurant was beyond any expectation we could have had. An anniversary celebration with our wedding party was well worth the wait, and the road trip to attend. The staff were excellent and helpful. We will return. Thank you for a job well done.
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Beckta with my date, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The meal began with their plant-based dumpling appetizer, which was nothing short of perfection. Each bite was flavorful and delicate, with a perfect balance of savory filling and a soft, yet crispy. It set a fantastic tone for the rest of the evening. For the main course, I was equally impressed. The presentation was beautiful, and the flavors were incredibly well-executed but I felt the portion was a little too big for my liking. Every element of the dish was fresh and perfectly seasoned, showcasing the chef's skill and attention to detail. The wine selection complemented the meal beautifully. The staff provided excellent recommendations, and the pairing with the dishes elevated the entire dining experience. It was clear that they take their wine seriously here, and it made a big difference. The ambiance of the restaurant was warm, elegant, and inviting, perfect for a special evening, relaxed dinner. The service was impeccable, with attentive and friendly staff who were knowledgeable and passionate about what they were serving. Overall, I cannot recommend Beckta enough. From the outstanding food to the wonderful atmosphere and excellent service, it was a memorable dining experience. I'll definitely be returning!
We were a group of 5 to celebrate 2 birthdays and we were given the Juliette room on the second floor. It was beautiful and intimate and a great time for a group our size. We felt treated with a very special touch. The food and wine were great and made for a great celebration.
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