As a chef, I can honestly say I’ve tried many restaurants in Ottawa. We cooks tend to spend our days off searching for that “holy grail” spot—where great food and exceptional service come together. While the food is obviously important, most of us agree that outstanding service can elevate the entire experience beyond the plate.
At Rowan, both elements were perfectly aligned—and that’s a rare find in Ottawa. Amber, who works the bar like a true artist, greeted us with a warm smile, even though we arrived at the busiest time: a Saturday night, and without a reservation. She still managed to find us a great spot at the bar, where we enjoyed an incredible meal.
The food was seriously delicious—beautifully presented, generously portioned, and incredibly fresh. The menu isn’t extensive, but that’s a big plus in my book—it means they can maintain top-quality mise en place and keep everything vibrant and consistent. I highly recommend the pork belly and the pakoras.
It may not be in my top 10… because it’s easily in my top 5!
Olivia L.
I'll be honest, I thought this was going to be another overpriced hipster brunch spot - but WOW was I wrong! This brunch did not disappoint! The croque madame was HUGE and delicious! It was enough for two meals, the béchamel sauce was really good, and the little pickles and side salad with radish were perfect. Our server was very kind as well. Very nice that they kept refilling our coffees after we finished our cappucinos. Someone else at our table got the fried egg platter and it was equally huge. I recommend The Rowan!
Stella Chen
The chilaquiles with pork belly was probably the best dish out of our group.
Both of the steak and eggs at the table were slightly overcooked. The medium rare came out medium and the medium came out well done. The pakora was very lightly seasoned. Only a hint of curry flavour at the end. The fries and potatoes that came with the dishes were limp and sad.
Service was decent and the price is as expected for the Glebe.
R W
My wife and I spent the Easter holiday in Ottawa visiting family. Following a long drive and getting settled into our Airbnb, we went for a walk on Bank St. to find somewhere for dinner. Not familiar with the area or the local restaurants, we came across The Rowan. I have to admit that the name of the gastro pub was intriguing and we went inside to check it out. Well, I am glad we did, the vibe was infectious, our server/bartender ( I apologize, I do not recall her name) was awesome. She was very friendly and accommodated us with two seats at the bar as we were without a reservation. She asked if we would like to start off with drinks and as I was considering what to have, she suggested a specialty coffee knowing that I had just completed a long drive, perfect recommendation! For dinner, I ordered the bacon cheeseburger, fries with the spicy aioli and my wife ordered the spicy bucatini with shrimp. Our meals were simply delicious, the flavours were spot on and we thoroughly enjoyed every bite. If your travels take you to Ottawa and you are searching for an eatery outside of the mainstream, I highly recommend that you visit The Rowan, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy
Mike Garrison
This is one of my favorite's, always great dishes on the menu, great atmosphere, would highly recommend.
MT
Loved my experience here! I took a friend out for a relaxed birthday dinner and really enjoyed the food, vibe, and service.
The space is super cozy, and our server was super helpful and attentive yet let us take our time and enjoy.
The food was awesome, with the tomato salad being my favourite thing we tried.
Everything was great quality, and prices were reasonable.
Super excited to come back soon! :)
Natalie Belovic
Always delicious and great service! Loved being at the open window.
Jason Nugent
Food and service was top notch. The French toast platter was incredible. However with concrete floors and little fabric, the noise in the restaurant was quite high - particularly if the table beside/across from you shouts when they talk (not the restaurant’s fault, but using some sound deadening in spots may help with this).
Overall a 9/10!
Ari C
as always, spectacular. not once have i been here and not enjoyed what i ordered. even the dish you might be least intrigued by will be new, creative and delicious. will never get over this place.
Heather Robertson
In our top 3 favourite restaurants. Not only are all the dishes incredible, creative, and delicious, but the folks that work there have quite frankly the best customer service I've experienced in Ottawa. They are all so friendly and knowledgeable and you can really tell everyone is passionate about food and service. Make sure to reserve a table ahead of time, and please for the love of god, do yourself a favour and get the dessert menu!
We had the pakora app and rainbow trout / bucatini mains - it was all delicious!
Keenan Wellar
I like everything about it. Personally I love it for lunch. Skip breakfast and have the breakfast sandwich it's a huge meal.
Umaruu chu
The food was delicious, especially the salmon. The crispy skin paired perfectly with the tangy tomatoes, and the sauce was well-balanced and flavorful. Everything was great except for the fries, a bit too soggy and soft. Overall an enjoyable dinner.
Khushnaz K
Absolute gem of a gastropub on Bank street. We had brunch here and were really impressed with everything we tried. Small menu, but fantastic flavours with very friendly service and a laid-back vibe. Perfect for a cozy Sunday brunch. We tried the tomato tartine with pork belly, steak and eggs, fried egg platter and fries with spicy mayo, and every dish was perfectly executed and very satisfying. Great experience; we hope to visit again.
Kyra Pops
Our waitress Tori was phenomenal - we felt so well taken care of, but not smothered by any means. We wanted for nothing! Aside from her sparkling personality, she was incredibly kind and professional. We both got a starter and a main and agree that everything was fairly perfect. Y partner says that the Seared tuna should have had more garlic croutons. Lol! Atmosphere very good vibes - smaller space so it makes it a bit loud, but wasn’t unpleasant by any means.
As a chef, I can honestly say I’ve tried many restaurants in Ottawa. We cooks tend to spend our days off searching for that “holy grail” spot—where great food and exceptional service come together. While the food is obviously important, most of us agree that outstanding service can elevate the entire experience beyond the plate.
At Rowan, both elements were perfectly aligned—and that’s a rare find in Ottawa. Amber, who works the bar like a true artist, greeted us with a warm smile, even though we arrived at the busiest time: a Saturday night, and without a reservation. She still managed to find us a great spot at the bar, where we enjoyed an incredible meal.
The food was seriously delicious—beautifully presented, generously portioned, and incredibly fresh. The menu isn’t extensive, but that’s a big plus in my book—it means they can maintain top-quality mise en place and keep everything vibrant and consistent. I highly recommend the pork belly and the pakoras.
It may not be in my top 10… because it’s easily in my top 5!
I'll be honest, I thought this was going to be another overpriced hipster brunch spot - but WOW was I wrong! This brunch did not disappoint! The croque madame was HUGE and delicious! It was enough for two meals, the béchamel sauce was really good, and the little pickles and side salad with radish were perfect. Our server was very kind as well. Very nice that they kept refilling our coffees after we finished our cappucinos. Someone else at our table got the fried egg platter and it was equally huge. I recommend The Rowan!
The chilaquiles with pork belly was probably the best dish out of our group.
Both of the steak and eggs at the table were slightly overcooked. The medium rare came out medium and the medium came out well done. The pakora was very lightly seasoned. Only a hint of curry flavour at the end. The fries and potatoes that came with the dishes were limp and sad.
Service was decent and the price is as expected for the Glebe.
My wife and I spent the Easter holiday in Ottawa visiting family. Following a long drive and getting settled into our Airbnb, we went for a walk on Bank St. to find somewhere for dinner. Not familiar with the area or the local restaurants, we came across The Rowan. I have to admit that the name of the gastro pub was intriguing and we went inside to check it out. Well, I am glad we did, the vibe was infectious, our server/bartender ( I apologize, I do not recall her name) was awesome. She was very friendly and accommodated us with two seats at the bar as we were without a reservation. She asked if we would like to start off with drinks and as I was considering what to have, she suggested a specialty coffee knowing that I had just completed a long drive, perfect recommendation! For dinner, I ordered the bacon cheeseburger, fries with the spicy aioli and my wife ordered the spicy bucatini with shrimp. Our meals were simply delicious, the flavours were spot on and we thoroughly enjoyed every bite. If your travels take you to Ottawa and you are searching for an eatery outside of the mainstream, I highly recommend that you visit The Rowan, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy
This is one of my favorite's, always great dishes on the menu, great atmosphere, would highly recommend.
Loved my experience here! I took a friend out for a relaxed birthday dinner and really enjoyed the food, vibe, and service.
The space is super cozy, and our server was super helpful and attentive yet let us take our time and enjoy.
The food was awesome, with the tomato salad being my favourite thing we tried.
Everything was great quality, and prices were reasonable.
Super excited to come back soon! :)
Always delicious and great service! Loved being at the open window.
Food and service was top notch. The French toast platter was incredible. However with concrete floors and little fabric, the noise in the restaurant was quite high - particularly if the table beside/across from you shouts when they talk (not the restaurant’s fault, but using some sound deadening in spots may help with this).
Overall a 9/10!
as always, spectacular. not once have i been here and not enjoyed what i ordered. even the dish you might be least intrigued by will be new, creative and delicious. will never get over this place.
In our top 3 favourite restaurants. Not only are all the dishes incredible, creative, and delicious, but the folks that work there have quite frankly the best customer service I've experienced in Ottawa. They are all so friendly and knowledgeable and you can really tell everyone is passionate about food and service. Make sure to reserve a table ahead of time, and please for the love of god, do yourself a favour and get the dessert menu!
Restaurantji Recommends
We had the pakora app and rainbow trout / bucatini mains - it was all delicious!
I like everything about it. Personally I love it for lunch. Skip breakfast and have the breakfast sandwich it's a huge meal.
The food was delicious, especially the salmon. The crispy skin paired perfectly with the tangy tomatoes, and the sauce was well-balanced and flavorful. Everything was great except for the fries, a bit too soggy and soft. Overall an enjoyable dinner.
Absolute gem of a gastropub on Bank street. We had brunch here and were really impressed with everything we tried. Small menu, but fantastic flavours with very friendly service and a laid-back vibe. Perfect for a cozy Sunday brunch. We tried the tomato tartine with pork belly, steak and eggs, fried egg platter and fries with spicy mayo, and every dish was perfectly executed and very satisfying. Great experience; we hope to visit again.
Our waitress Tori was phenomenal - we felt so well taken care of, but not smothered by any means. We wanted for nothing!
Aside from her sparkling personality, she was incredibly kind and professional.
We both got a starter and a main and agree that everything was fairly perfect. Y partner says that the Seared tuna should have had more garlic croutons. Lol!
Atmosphere very good vibes - smaller space so it makes it a bit loud, but wasn’t unpleasant by any means.
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