Elmdale Oyster House & Tavern

My experience at Elmdale Oyster House & Tavern was disappointing, primarily due to poor service and inadequate seating. From the start, my two girlfriends and I felt ignored. After our initial greeting and placing an order, our original server was nowhere to be found. We had to flag down staff every time we needed something, whether it was water or ordering another menu item.

When it was time for the bill, the server (a taller man who was primarily tending the bar) failed to split shared items and placed everything on one check. We waited about 10 minutes for him to return, but he never did. I eventually went to the bar, where I found him taking a shot with another customer. When he finally brought the corrected bill, he didn’t acknowledge or apologize for the mistake.

Adding to the disappointment was our seating arrangement. We were placed at an undersized high-top table by the window, right next to the entrance. Every time the door opened, a rush of cold air came in, making it feel at least 10 degrees colder than the rest of the restaurant. A heater or better zoning of that space would have made a huge difference, or at the very least, the restaurant should discount this area given its significantly lower comfort level. In the winter, adequate heating near the entrance is essential if the space is being used for dining.

On a positive note, the food was good and met expectations based on online reviews. However, while the quality was solid, it wasn’t exceptional enough to make up for the poor service and uncomfortable environment. There are plenty of restaurants in Ottawa that offer a far better overall dining experience.

Overall, while the food was enjoyable, the lack of attentiveness and poor seating left a lot to be desired. There are much better places in Ottawa for a night out, ones that prioritize both service and comfort, which is especially important in the winter. At nearly $70 per person, Elmdale Oyster House & Tavern simply wasn’t worth it.

Kid-friendliness: Not an environment for children

Wheelchair accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Ked Oysters, Lobster Spaghetti

It’s quite a cold room. Slow service. The menu and food are good, but I was only informed that they were out of trout after I’d ordered it… which is frustrating especially in the context of aforementioned slow service. Then at the end of the evening, when all I wanted to do was get home and warm up, the trout was still on the bill! I love oysters and it’s a unique room with lots of character so I had wanted to love it. But in the end I was underwhelmed.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Ked Oysters

Honestly food is fabulous at first Serve pretty good. But the staff, the lovely gentleman and the nice blonde waitress were great but both had so much perfume and or cologne on It got hard to even taste the food over it. Please be kind and remember many customers are sensitive to scents and it destroys their experience. I’m now home with a blinding migraine which may last for days.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Beef Tartare

Simply the best! Honestly! Get the burger!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Burger

Oysters are delicious here, good service and good drinks!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best oysters in Ottawa.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It's alright!
Pricey but what isn't these days
I'd go back

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

Great oysters, food and drinks.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Rustic and relaxed tavern-style restaurant with a great selection of oysters. Fries were also perfectly crisp and soft on the inside. I’ll definitely be coming back :)

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best fresh oyster bar in town. Try the mussels in coconut lime broth- it is the best!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Love coming to the elmdale. Always great service and really good food+margs. Listening to John Carroll play on Mondays are the best ?✨

Wicked vibe and amazing staff!

Possibly the best oysters in town ;)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

One of the best laid back places in town. A classic and excellent place to grab oysters. They make a great dark and stormy! If you like locally sourced beers and food, they've got a great selection.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A surprise. Thought it would be a typical tavern but it was light and airy with great service and very tasty food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fish and Chips, Chowder

Jason gave us his full attention on a busy afternoon. Amazing service and very informative!! Very pleased with our meal and drinks at this fantastic spot!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5