A classy place with delicious food. All the menu items were tempting and intriguing. The drink menu is extensive and the service was impeccable. A splurge-worthy meal, but an occasional one at that. Favourite dishes were the broccoli and the carbonara
Updated from previous review on 2025-05-04
bohoazur
Great service, yummy comfort food, anyone can find something to love here.
Hannahelse
Incredible food, ambience, drinks, service. I had the grilled tofu, which was amazing with the pickled carrot and curry sauce. The broccoli was also a star. I had a non-alcoholic wine, and the mocktail menu looked awesome. The interior was beautiful and comfortable. Bathrooms selfie-worthy. Would be nice in the summer with the sunny front patio.
RedEft
We didn’t have reservations (just arrived in town for the weekend) but they gladly accommodated us. Great space. Good ambience. We shared an entree, Bourguignon, and 2 smaller plates of the beets and spinach dip. The entree was okay, the beets were very good, but neither of us really cared for the spinach dip (not enough spinach) though the grilled naan was very good.
Emma1201
My first time visiting St. Elsewhere and, if you don’t mind the pun, it wasn’t like anywhere else I’d been before. The ambience was exceptional and the food was spectacular. I will admit that I was unsure of ubon noodles in a carbonara but it exceeded my expectations. Staff were friendly and very welcoming. I would go back in a heartbeat.
Updated from previous review on 2025-01-30
RobAbb
They have an amazing menu. Varied and delicious. Very cool paintings on the wall as well. Best vegan food in Ottawa. Try the balls, They are the best on the menu!
MiniVoyager
Walking into St. Elsewhere felt like stepping into a small secret. A reservation is essential, even for solo diners. I was lucky to secure a bar seat by booking just hours in advance as I was not going to leave Ottawa without a visit.
While my photos don’t do the plating justice, the bar offers a private, intimate feel with dim lighting and a cozy atmosphere, while the dining tables bring livelier energy, brighter lighting, and a bustling crowd, creating two distinct moods to suit your preference.
The staff is beyond excellent. They know the menu inside and out, and offer spot-on recommendations. They make you feel welcome and well taken care of, which isn’t something you can fake.
There’s a playful surprise in the washrooms with bright colours, pop-art wallpaper, and pink accents that add a fun, quirky energy.
I enjoyed the Clove-R Me with JP (Niagara rum, amaretto, clover/anise syrup, lime, pineapple, ginger beer) it’s exceptional. Its pineapple aroma is tropical and inviting. The sweet flavour transitions to warm, spiced notes. It’s a drink meant for slow, thoughtful sipping. I’m not much of a drinker, so this cocktail was already pushing my limits—I didn’t even make it to the wine list.
For diner I had the recommended Carbonara—a unique twist with udon noodles, soy curls, shaved parmesan, parsley, and tarragon. The soy curls were perfectly textured, and the parmesan added a rich, savoury depth that balanced the soy curls. It was pure happiness. However, the dish felt heavy with the udon noodles, leaving little room for dessert. Still, nothing stopped me from enjoying dessert.
The dessert menu is not listed as it rotates. I went with the Sticky Toffee Pudding, what a highlight. A warm raisin sauce and coffee-flavoured cashew ice cream accompany this dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth pudding. While the coffee ice cream wasn’t my favourite (a personal stomach issue with heavy creams, even plant-based), it’s a bold addition coffee lovers will appreciate. The dessert is decadent and unforgettable.
At 5’1”, the bar stools weren’t ideal. There was no reachable footrest which left my legs numb after an hour. Adding a foot bar, or a few at different heights, and maybe a purse hooks would certainly enhance the bar’s comfort experience.
In conclusion, St. Elsewhere is more than a meal; it’s a complete experience. From the thoughtfully crafted cocktails to the inventive dishes and quirky washroom decor, every detail feels intentional and memorable.
melsminiadventures
Walking into St. Elsewhere felt like stepping into a small secret. A reservation is essential, even for solo diners. I was lucky to secure a bar seat by booking just hours in advance as I was not going to leave Ottawa without a visit.
While my photos don’t do the plating justice, the bar offers a private, intimate feel with dim lighting and a cozy atmosphere, while the dining tables bring livelier energy, brighter lighting, and a bustling crowd, creating two distinct moods to suit your preference.
The staff is beyond excellent. They know the menu inside and out, and offer spot-on recommendations. They make you feel welcome and well taken care of, which isn’t something you can fake.
There’s a playful surprise in the washrooms with bright colours, pop-art wallpaper, and pink accents that add a fun, quirky energy.
I enjoyed the Clove-R Me with JP (Niagara rum, amaretto, clover/anise syrup, lime, pineapple, ginger beer) it’s exceptional. Its pineapple aroma is tropical and inviting. The sweet flavour transitions to warm, spiced notes. It’s a drink meant for slow, thoughtful sipping. I’m not much of a drinker, so this cocktail was already pushing my limits—I didn’t even make it to the wine list.
For diner I had the recommended Carbonara—a unique twist with udon noodles, soy curls, shaved parmesan, parsley, and tarragon. The soy curls were perfectly textured, and the parmesan added a rich, savoury depth that balanced the soy curls. It was pure happiness. However, the dish felt heavy with the udon noodles, leaving little room for dessert. Still, nothing stopped me from enjoying dessert.
The dessert menu is not listed as it rotates. I went with the Sticky Toffee Pudding, what a highlight. A warm raisin sauce and coffee-flavoured cashew ice cream accompany this dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth pudding. While the coffee ice cream wasn’t my favourite (a personal stomach issue with heavy creams, even plant-based), it’s a bold addition coffee lovers will appreciate. The dessert is decadent and unforgettable.
At 5’1”, the bar stools weren’t ideal. There was no reachable footrest which left my legs numb after an hour. Adding a foot bar, or a few at different heights, and maybe a purse hooks would certainly enhance the bar’s comfort experience.
In conclusion, St. Elsewhere is more than a meal; it’s a complete experience. From the thoughtfully crafted cocktails to the inventive dishes and quirky washroom decor, every detail feels intentional and memorable.
PauleewogMillar
Amazing little spot. Service was top notch, food was incredible and the wine list was full but not too extensive. Small, modern, crisp decor with original artworks well displayed. We went on a recommendation and I can clearly see why. I will be returning at some point to explore more of the menu. Oh reservations are recommended. We (2 of us) were lucky to get a table, the whole place was almost booked out before we arrived.
Cindy
The food was delicious , well presented , flavourful and served hot. All 4 of us loved our food and agreed worth returning . The carbonara was a hit , “ things on toast “ soo tasty and unique ingredients . A birthday lunch that was excellent . 2 vegans and 2 not vegans and we all agreed we would return.
Parking: It was a busy Sunday afternoon and free street parking spots were throughout the neighbourhood within a short walking distance .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bloomin’ Onion, Gnocchi and Carbonara Pasta, Jackfruit Pulled Pork, Jerk Jackfruit Tostada, Things on Toast
Took a friend of mine there for a birthday dinner. The food was exquisite - very heavy on different types of fungi, which I appreciate. Everything was very well seasoned. Some of the dishes I wanted (dessert), they ran out of but they were able to make me similar option. Staff was lovely. Highly recommended.
Kiara
Love the plant-based options - all unique enough to make them feel special, yet familiar enough to feel like comfort food. The Blooming Onion was delicious, fries nicely spiced, risotto had a nice flavour profile, only the jackfruit was a little disappointing. Service was great, lots of parking on the street, prices were reasonable.
Stopped here for a drink before heading somewhere else for dinner and wish that we had stayed! I completely forgot that my food allergies were saved on my reservation profile-- they had a complete list of safe dishes for me. So impressed with the service and really appreciate the extra effort. Wine and cocktails were excellent and we will definitely stop in again for a meal!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Rachelle Thibodeau
What a find! We had smoked tofu with babaganoush, seitan sausage with potato salad, and Brussels sprouts with sriracha and Mexican street corn crema. Everything was delicious, the service was friendly and efficient, and the decor is a crisply creative blend of modern and traditional. And all for the same price as other, very average, places with the same old dishes. Definitely our new go-to in Chinatown.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jordan Smith
It was a super cute place that looked tiny from the outside but went way back. They have about 5 or 6 booths and one big half booth for larger parties (seats 6 comfortably but could squeeze 8 and maybe 10 with extra chairs on the end). Along with the booths they had maybe 8 other tables as well. My boyfriend and I are not vegan or dairy/gluten free or anything like that but some of our family is so we thought we would try. We were super impressed with it and it was pretty delicious.
We had been interested in dessert and would have ordered another round of drinks and probably 3 desserts but after our server came by and cleared the table and told us about the desserts we never saw them again. We waited for them to come back and after about 30 mins they did and we decided we were done.
Normally I don’t mind sitting and waiting as I am in the industry, however, there were only three tables (including ours) and even the server dealing with the one table of 6 behind us didn’t come by and check as we just sat there waiting. We couldn’t even flag our server down as we never saw them after they mentioned dessert and the other server never even gave us the time of day. I will also note that it was only 5:45/6pm and not busy so the lack of concern is kind of upsetting.
Our guest truly enjoyed themselves so we would go back if she were in town and I will 100% recommend to people!
A classy place with delicious food. All the menu items were tempting and intriguing. The drink menu is extensive and the service was impeccable. A splurge-worthy meal, but an occasional one at that. Favourite dishes were the broccoli and the carbonara Updated from previous review on 2025-05-04
Great service, yummy comfort food, anyone can find something to love here.
Incredible food, ambience, drinks, service. I had the grilled tofu, which was amazing with the pickled carrot and curry sauce. The broccoli was also a star. I had a non-alcoholic wine, and the mocktail menu looked awesome. The interior was beautiful and comfortable. Bathrooms selfie-worthy. Would be nice in the summer with the sunny front patio.
We didn’t have reservations (just arrived in town for the weekend) but they gladly accommodated us. Great space. Good ambience. We shared an entree, Bourguignon, and 2 smaller plates of the beets and spinach dip. The entree was okay, the beets were very good, but neither of us really cared for the spinach dip (not enough spinach) though the grilled naan was very good.
My first time visiting St. Elsewhere and, if you don’t mind the pun, it wasn’t like anywhere else I’d been before. The ambience was exceptional and the food was spectacular. I will admit that I was unsure of ubon noodles in a carbonara but it exceeded my expectations. Staff were friendly and very welcoming. I would go back in a heartbeat. Updated from previous review on 2025-01-30
They have an amazing menu. Varied and delicious. Very cool paintings on the wall as well. Best vegan food in Ottawa. Try the balls, They are the best on the menu!
Walking into St. Elsewhere felt like stepping into a small secret. A reservation is essential, even for solo diners. I was lucky to secure a bar seat by booking just hours in advance as I was not going to leave Ottawa without a visit. While my photos don’t do the plating justice, the bar offers a private, intimate feel with dim lighting and a cozy atmosphere, while the dining tables bring livelier energy, brighter lighting, and a bustling crowd, creating two distinct moods to suit your preference. The staff is beyond excellent. They know the menu inside and out, and offer spot-on recommendations. They make you feel welcome and well taken care of, which isn’t something you can fake. There’s a playful surprise in the washrooms with bright colours, pop-art wallpaper, and pink accents that add a fun, quirky energy. I enjoyed the Clove-R Me with JP (Niagara rum, amaretto, clover/anise syrup, lime, pineapple, ginger beer) it’s exceptional. Its pineapple aroma is tropical and inviting. The sweet flavour transitions to warm, spiced notes. It’s a drink meant for slow, thoughtful sipping. I’m not much of a drinker, so this cocktail was already pushing my limits—I didn’t even make it to the wine list. For diner I had the recommended Carbonara—a unique twist with udon noodles, soy curls, shaved parmesan, parsley, and tarragon. The soy curls were perfectly textured, and the parmesan added a rich, savoury depth that balanced the soy curls. It was pure happiness. However, the dish felt heavy with the udon noodles, leaving little room for dessert. Still, nothing stopped me from enjoying dessert. The dessert menu is not listed as it rotates. I went with the Sticky Toffee Pudding, what a highlight. A warm raisin sauce and coffee-flavoured cashew ice cream accompany this dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth pudding. While the coffee ice cream wasn’t my favourite (a personal stomach issue with heavy creams, even plant-based), it’s a bold addition coffee lovers will appreciate. The dessert is decadent and unforgettable. At 5’1”, the bar stools weren’t ideal. There was no reachable footrest which left my legs numb after an hour. Adding a foot bar, or a few at different heights, and maybe a purse hooks would certainly enhance the bar’s comfort experience. In conclusion, St. Elsewhere is more than a meal; it’s a complete experience. From the thoughtfully crafted cocktails to the inventive dishes and quirky washroom decor, every detail feels intentional and memorable.
Walking into St. Elsewhere felt like stepping into a small secret. A reservation is essential, even for solo diners. I was lucky to secure a bar seat by booking just hours in advance as I was not going to leave Ottawa without a visit. While my photos don’t do the plating justice, the bar offers a private, intimate feel with dim lighting and a cozy atmosphere, while the dining tables bring livelier energy, brighter lighting, and a bustling crowd, creating two distinct moods to suit your preference. The staff is beyond excellent. They know the menu inside and out, and offer spot-on recommendations. They make you feel welcome and well taken care of, which isn’t something you can fake. There’s a playful surprise in the washrooms with bright colours, pop-art wallpaper, and pink accents that add a fun, quirky energy. I enjoyed the Clove-R Me with JP (Niagara rum, amaretto, clover/anise syrup, lime, pineapple, ginger beer) it’s exceptional. Its pineapple aroma is tropical and inviting. The sweet flavour transitions to warm, spiced notes. It’s a drink meant for slow, thoughtful sipping. I’m not much of a drinker, so this cocktail was already pushing my limits—I didn’t even make it to the wine list. For diner I had the recommended Carbonara—a unique twist with udon noodles, soy curls, shaved parmesan, parsley, and tarragon. The soy curls were perfectly textured, and the parmesan added a rich, savoury depth that balanced the soy curls. It was pure happiness. However, the dish felt heavy with the udon noodles, leaving little room for dessert. Still, nothing stopped me from enjoying dessert. The dessert menu is not listed as it rotates. I went with the Sticky Toffee Pudding, what a highlight. A warm raisin sauce and coffee-flavoured cashew ice cream accompany this dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth pudding. While the coffee ice cream wasn’t my favourite (a personal stomach issue with heavy creams, even plant-based), it’s a bold addition coffee lovers will appreciate. The dessert is decadent and unforgettable. At 5’1”, the bar stools weren’t ideal. There was no reachable footrest which left my legs numb after an hour. Adding a foot bar, or a few at different heights, and maybe a purse hooks would certainly enhance the bar’s comfort experience. In conclusion, St. Elsewhere is more than a meal; it’s a complete experience. From the thoughtfully crafted cocktails to the inventive dishes and quirky washroom decor, every detail feels intentional and memorable.
Amazing little spot. Service was top notch, food was incredible and the wine list was full but not too extensive. Small, modern, crisp decor with original artworks well displayed. We went on a recommendation and I can clearly see why. I will be returning at some point to explore more of the menu. Oh reservations are recommended. We (2 of us) were lucky to get a table, the whole place was almost booked out before we arrived.
The food was delicious , well presented , flavourful and served hot. All 4 of us loved our food and agreed worth returning . The carbonara was a hit , “ things on toast “ soo tasty and unique ingredients . A birthday lunch that was excellent . 2 vegans and 2 not vegans and we all agreed we would return.
Parking: It was a busy Sunday afternoon and free street parking spots were throughout the neighbourhood within a short walking distance .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bloomin’ Onion, Gnocchi and Carbonara Pasta, Jackfruit Pulled Pork, Jerk Jackfruit Tostada, Things on Toast
Restaurantji Recommends
Took a friend of mine there for a birthday dinner. The food was exquisite - very heavy on different types of fungi, which I appreciate. Everything was very well seasoned. Some of the dishes I wanted (dessert), they ran out of but they were able to make me similar option. Staff was lovely. Highly recommended.
Love the plant-based options - all unique enough to make them feel special, yet familiar enough to feel like comfort food. The Blooming Onion was delicious, fries nicely spiced, risotto had a nice flavour profile, only the jackfruit was a little disappointing. Service was great, lots of parking on the street, prices were reasonable.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Bloomin’ Onion, Vegan Mushroom Risotto, Jerk Jackfruit Tostada
Stopped here for a drink before heading somewhere else for dinner and wish that we had stayed! I completely forgot that my food allergies were saved on my reservation profile-- they had a complete list of safe dishes for me. So impressed with the service and really appreciate the extra effort. Wine and cocktails were excellent and we will definitely stop in again for a meal!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
What a find! We had smoked tofu with babaganoush, seitan sausage with potato salad, and Brussels sprouts with sriracha and Mexican street corn crema. Everything was delicious, the service was friendly and efficient, and the decor is a crisply creative blend of modern and traditional. And all for the same price as other, very average, places with the same old dishes. Definitely our new go-to in Chinatown.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It was a super cute place that looked tiny from the outside but went way back. They have about 5 or 6 booths and one big half booth for larger parties (seats 6 comfortably but could squeeze 8 and maybe 10 with extra chairs on the end). Along with the booths they had maybe 8 other tables as well. My boyfriend and I are not vegan or dairy/gluten free or anything like that but some of our family is so we thought we would try. We were super impressed with it and it was pretty delicious.
We had been interested in dessert and would have ordered another round of drinks and probably 3 desserts but after our server came by and cleared the table and told us about the desserts we never saw them again. We waited for them to come back and after about 30 mins they did and we decided we were done.
Normally I don’t mind sitting and waiting as I am in the industry, however, there were only three tables (including ours) and even the server dealing with the one table of 6 behind us didn’t come by and check as we just sat there waiting. We couldn’t even flag our server down as we never saw them after they mentioned dessert and the other server never even gave us the time of day. I will also note that it was only 5:45/6pm and not busy so the lack of concern is kind of upsetting.
Our guest truly enjoyed themselves so we would go back if she were in town and I will 100% recommend to people!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Sausage Gnocchi, Bloomin’ Onion
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