I make it to Ottawa a few times a year from the US. Erling's is my go-to restaurant every trip and what I consider to be the best restaurant in the city (and rivaling the best restaurant in any city I've traveled to). Liam and Che are always cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and I find watching them cook is almost as much of a treat as actually tasting the food. Each time I go, I tend to experience an entirely new menu, my wife and I tend to splurge and try one of everything (or one of most things). It's like having your own personal tasting menu and a fantastic culinary experience. (I'm a bit behind on my review as this is from a few months back, but I have a reservation coming up and wanted to share the excitement of my last few visits). Great restaurant, highest recommendation!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sierra S
Absolutely one of my favourite spots in Ottawa.
Great food, incredibly knowledgeable staff, and relaxed yet elevated atmosphere.
Another plus is you can almost always find street parking around, even on a weekend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Angelica Gavaris
Erling’s is an absolute hidden gem—easily one of my favorite spots in Ottawa. The menu is creative and always changing, with dishes that are unique, beautifully presented and always delicious. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the decor has such a cool, distinctive and cozy vibe that makes Erling’s such a standout place.
The guys at Erling’s really know what they’re doing and it shows in every detail—especially the food. I’ve never had a miss, each dish is super unique, tasty and creative. More people should know about this place, because they’re def missing out! ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Martin Pham Dinh
OMG. In just a few words: my first time, my new favorite restaurant in Ottawa...just go with 3-4 people and order the entire menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mcat B
I was looking forward to trying this place and I'm so disappointed. We were there on a Tuesday evening. Probably about 8-10 people inside (two tables full) but it sounded very loud so we decided to sit outside on the mini patio. The server/bartender came outside and took our orders: a cocktail, a beer, the falafel salad dish and the duck frites. The drinks arrived promptly, followed by the falafel salad (which was very tasty). Then we sat there, about one hour for the next dish and nothing. The kitchen is open style so we could see that they didn't seem too busy and a few plates went out (desserts for others) but we waited and waited. I finally caught the attention of the server who came out and apologized for the delay and went back inside. It took another 45 minutes after that for the second plate to come out. My partner joked whether they went out to the river to catch the duck? After 1 hrs 45 min, the duck frites arrived. It wasn't bad, it wasn't great, slightly overdone. By then it was so late, it had got dark outside and we were tired. What was supposed to be a nice evening was unfortunately ruined. I think they just forgot about us and our order. That's the only explanation I have. Very disappointing. We won't be back and won't be recommending to others.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Serban Teodorescu
Excellent food. Original flavors in a relax atmosphere
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Julie McA
Probably Ottawa’s best restaurant and still a hidden gem. Food is excellent and thoughtfully prepared - not fussy just perfect. Service is great and highly recommend sitting at the bar so you can see dishes being prepped and plan your meal. While this is dubbed as small plates, the portions are really good and 1.5 to 2 plates is filling. Recommend for anyone wanting to explore local, innovative cuisine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Liam O'Brien
A really fun spot that I must have passed by a million times without ever noticing. Some really tasty small plates, great wine options, and an overall very cozy and enjoyable atmosphere. It's a little pricey, but honestly not that crazy for how good it is.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Perry W
Erling's is an absolute gem. It's very clear, everytime I stop in here, that everyone who works at this restaurant takes great pride in what they do. The menu is updated frequently, always showcasing exciting seasonal offerings and fun new wine you can't get anywhere else. The attention to detail..whether it be the food, the service, or the decor, is unmatched. I have been to Erling's many times, and each time I leave impressed. Keep up the good work, Liam & co.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
B B
I really wanted to like Erling's Variety. The ambiance was lovely and the server was warm, which made for a promising start. Unfortunately, the food just didn’t deliver.
We began with the duck tartare, which felt overwhelmed by a mayonnaise taste—any subtlety in the duck was lost. The accompanying chips were crispy and well-seasoned, probably the highlight of the meal. The tofu dish that followed was unfortunately overcooked. Chicken wings were similarly underwhelming, missing the punch or seasoning you'd expect. The pickerel, which we were hoping would redeem the evening, was overdone and lacked taste.
Really too bad, as the setting and service had great potential. Sadly, the food didn’t match up.
Three stars, prices are way too high per plate. $175 for food and drinks for two, left hungry and sober. Try The Belmont or Bar Lupulus for the same money and quality except you’ll be satisfied.
Update in response to owner: 👍
S G*
Decent food, prep, and plating, however, VERY poor service. Server, who was rather disheveled looking, couldn't be bothered to acknowledge us, took way too long to come to the table once seated, didn't feel the need to bring menus, and was annoyed when we asked. On top of that, some of the dishes where pretty strange (flavor combinations), and all were too small (I know it's small plate, but come on). Not worth it, especially at those prices, IMHO.
Noelle
Love Erling's! Flavours are always amazing and the ambience is perfect. Small plates are still very generous - two to share with room for dessert was enough for me.
Bethany
We had an excellent time at Erlings last night. The food was creative and delicious, and the service was excellent. The ambiance is serene - light pine and candles and interesting items tastefully arranged. It felt more like a night out in Montreal. Highly recommended!
Caroline
Great food sharing experience in a high energy room with open kitchen concept. The food had very nice flavours and all shared plates worked well together. We all left impressed with our new find. Definitely recommend.
I make it to Ottawa a few times a year from the US. Erling's is my go-to restaurant every trip and what I consider to be the best restaurant in the city (and rivaling the best restaurant in any city I've traveled to). Liam and Che are always cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and I find watching them cook is almost as much of a treat as actually tasting the food. Each time I go, I tend to experience an entirely new menu, my wife and I tend to splurge and try one of everything (or one of most things). It's like having your own personal tasting menu and a fantastic culinary experience. (I'm a bit behind on my review as this is from a few months back, but I have a reservation coming up and wanted to share the excitement of my last few visits). Great restaurant, highest recommendation!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely one of my favourite spots in Ottawa.
Great food, incredibly knowledgeable staff, and relaxed yet elevated atmosphere.
Another plus is you can almost always find street parking around, even on a weekend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erling’s is an absolute hidden gem—easily one of my favorite spots in Ottawa. The menu is creative and always changing, with dishes that are unique, beautifully presented and always delicious. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the decor has such a cool, distinctive and cozy vibe that makes Erling’s such a standout place.
The guys at Erling’s really know what they’re doing and it shows in every detail—especially the food. I’ve never had a miss, each dish is super unique, tasty and creative. More people should know about this place, because they’re def missing out! ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
OMG. In just a few words: my first time, my new favorite restaurant in Ottawa...just go with 3-4 people and order the entire menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was looking forward to trying this place and I'm so disappointed. We were there on a Tuesday evening. Probably about 8-10 people inside (two tables full) but it sounded very loud so we decided to sit outside on the mini patio. The server/bartender came outside and took our orders: a cocktail, a beer, the falafel salad dish and the duck frites. The drinks arrived promptly, followed by the falafel salad (which was very tasty). Then we sat there, about one hour for the next dish and nothing. The kitchen is open style so we could see that they didn't seem too busy and a few plates went out (desserts for others) but we waited and waited. I finally caught the attention of the server who came out and apologized for the delay and went back inside. It took another 45 minutes after that for the second plate to come out. My partner joked whether they went out to the river to catch the duck? After 1 hrs 45 min, the duck frites arrived. It wasn't bad, it wasn't great, slightly overdone. By then it was so late, it had got dark outside and we were tired. What was supposed to be a nice evening was unfortunately ruined. I think they just forgot about us and our order. That's the only explanation I have. Very disappointing. We won't be back and won't be recommending to others.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Excellent food. Original flavors in a relax atmosphere
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Probably Ottawa’s best restaurant and still a hidden gem. Food is excellent and thoughtfully prepared - not fussy just perfect. Service is great and highly recommend sitting at the bar so you can see dishes being prepped and plan your meal. While this is dubbed as small plates, the portions are really good and 1.5 to 2 plates is filling. Recommend for anyone wanting to explore local, innovative cuisine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A really fun spot that I must have passed by a million times without ever noticing. Some really tasty small plates, great wine options, and an overall very cozy and enjoyable atmosphere. It's a little pricey, but honestly not that crazy for how good it is.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erling's is an absolute gem. It's very clear, everytime I stop in here, that everyone who works at this restaurant takes great pride in what they do. The menu is updated frequently, always showcasing exciting seasonal offerings and fun new wine you can't get anywhere else. The attention to detail..whether it be the food, the service, or the decor, is unmatched. I have been to Erling's many times, and each time I leave impressed. Keep up the good work, Liam & co.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I really wanted to like Erling's Variety. The ambiance was lovely and the server was warm, which made for a promising start. Unfortunately, the food just didn’t deliver.
We began with the duck tartare, which felt overwhelmed by a mayonnaise taste—any subtlety in the duck was lost. The accompanying chips were crispy and well-seasoned, probably the highlight of the meal. The tofu dish that followed was unfortunately overcooked. Chicken wings were similarly underwhelming, missing the punch or seasoning you'd expect. The pickerel, which we were hoping would redeem the evening, was overdone and lacked taste.
Really too bad, as the setting and service had great potential. Sadly, the food didn’t match up.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
Three stars, prices are way too high per plate. $175 for food and drinks for two, left hungry and sober. Try The Belmont or Bar Lupulus for the same money and quality except you’ll be satisfied.
Update in response to owner: 👍
Decent food, prep, and plating, however, VERY poor service. Server, who was rather disheveled looking, couldn't be bothered to acknowledge us, took way too long to come to the table once seated, didn't feel the need to bring menus, and was annoyed when we asked. On top of that, some of the dishes where pretty strange (flavor combinations), and all were too small (I know it's small plate, but come on). Not worth it, especially at those prices, IMHO.
Love Erling's! Flavours are always amazing and the ambience is perfect. Small plates are still very generous - two to share with room for dessert was enough for me.
We had an excellent time at Erlings last night. The food was creative and delicious, and the service was excellent. The ambiance is serene - light pine and candles and interesting items tastefully arranged. It felt more like a night out in Montreal. Highly recommended!
Great food sharing experience in a high energy room with open kitchen concept. The food had very nice flavours and all shared plates worked well together. We all left impressed with our new find. Definitely recommend.
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