Let’s get one thing straight: a little pretension never hurt anyone. In fact, at Vain in Versailles, it’s practically an appetizer. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill French bistro — it’s a stage where food, wine, and wit collide, and you, my dear, are part of the show.
The Mushroom & Maple Crêpe? Earthy mushrooms tucked inside a paper-thin blanket, drizzled with Canada’s proudest export. Sweet meets savoury in a slow dance that makes you rethink every boring brunch crêpe you’ve ever had. It’s elegance wrapped in comfort food, and it knows it.
Now, the Savoury Chicken Belgian Waffles are a flex in themselves. Golden, crispy edges giving way to pillowy insides, crowned with juicy chicken that’s seasoned just enough to remind you life is worth living — especially if it comes with a side of syrup. It’s indulgence with a wink.
But food is just half the act. At VIV, they believe in celebrating Tuesdays like they’re Fridays, pairing bad jokes with exceptional wine, and committing the ultimate sin — bread and butter at 10pm. It’s a place that welcomes everyone: the King Nerds, the hearts of glass, the sugar-loving mères and pères. Come flush with cash, come as a daydreamer, come because you want to laugh at yourself while sipping a bespoke cocktail.
Vain in Versailles is cheeky, it’s chic, and it’s unapologetically French with a Canadian wink. Step inside, and suddenly you’re not just in Ottawa — you’re in on the joke.
To hear more about this review, follow us @eatinontario on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, & Facebook. ✨🤩🙏
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Clayton
We went to this restaurant because of Gluten free options, it’s a gem in the ruff, we loved it. 😊❤️
Acorn Wellington, a small taste of AWESOME 👌🏻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Glenn Johnson
service is excellent.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
The Dolce Vita Edit
Absolutely loved our experience at Viv Bistro on Preston! This charming French bistro offers a completely gluten-free menu without sacrificing any of the rich, bold flavors you'd expect from elevated French cuisine. Every dish was thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented. While some might mention the portion sizes, it’s important to remember this is refined French dining, not your typical oversized American meal. The ambiance is dainty and elegant, making it perfect for a romantic evening or a special night out. The service was impeccable attentive, warm, and knowledgeable. A true gem in Ottawa. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Allison McC
Amazing food (gluten-free basque cake, unbelievably good), wonderful service. Fun cocktails (one comes in a bathtub with a little rubber ducky!)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kyle Crego
My sister brought me here for a bday dinner. The food was great, the waitress was awesome, and I will absolutely be coming back. So many delicious Gluten free foods.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wally Salem
It's wonderful that Ottawa has a restaurant that caters to celiac/gluten-free diets run by people who really get it. They may not have the biggest selection on the menu but neither do many of the finest restaurants but their food is prepared with love and attention to dietary concerns. My wife and I have enjoyed a very nice meal a short while back and today we bought some bread and a bunch of very tasty treats from their take out selection.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A Heximer
Service was excellent, atmosphere is lovely, cocktails delicious (need to go back to sample them all!), my main was delicious and beautifully plated, the desserts (I had one and sampled two others in my group) were very good but not amazing, but then I’m not celiac so I may have noticed differences in taste and texture compared to gluten-containing equivalents. Overall, I would definitely go back for drinks, apps and dinner, but I might pass on dessert or go down the street for a gelato to spread the local business support around. VIV is a great option for anyone who can’t have gluten but also a delicious and fun option for anyone who likes a nice cocktail and delicious, thoughtfully prepared food. Nice wine list too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Laurel Johnson
I don’t understand why the ratings for this place aren’t 4.9. It is fantastic. The ambiance is absolutely gorgeous, the service is excellent, the cocktails are excellent and to have a restaurant where every single thing that you could order is gluten-free, what a delight. I have coeliac disease, so it is a fantastic experience to have a full gluten-free restaurant. But not only that, it is really groovy and would be a stand out place, even if it wasn’t specifically catering to gluten-free. And, you don’t need to be gluten-free to enjoy this food, it is so good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
R Batsch
I wanted to like this place and attended with a large group. I knew that VIV is gluten free so my expectations were high for things like their Brioche bread but it was as dry and tasteless as any rice floured bread I’ve ever had. Most of the food was bland and some dishes like the bean Cassoulet could have been out of a can. Most enjoyed the beet salad and the flavour of the Crozets was interesting but the pasta was over cooked. Sadly most of us were enticed by the wood fired tandoori oven from the restaurant next door that made us want to switch restaurants! Perhaps not a good combo for non vegetarian/GF foodies to be smelling tandoori chicken and naan? The servers were extremely friendly and the great company still made the experience fun. However, we all left hungry and unfortunately the restaurant next door was closed! Sorry VIV…despite your motto, ‘….enjoy every bite or tell us kindly if not’, that’s the best I can do! With a bill approaching $300 for 2 (admittedly that included a bottle of their cheapest wine at $60, and a couple of cocktails) this was not a cheap outing and considering how many amazing restaurants there are in Ottawa, we won’t be back.
I made a reservation at this restaurant a month ago for Mother’s Day brunch for seven people to celebrate my mother in her late seventies. I couldn’t believe they didn’t have a table for us when we showed up for our reservation today. I received the reminder emails and texts. I even agreed to give them my VISA number to reserve the table and was told that I would have to pay if someone in our group didn’t show up. I’m so disappointed they didn’t show the same care on their side for keeping our booking. Finding another restaurant in little Italy on tulip festival weekend, with a mobility reduced mother and my kids in tow, was not what I had in mind. I’m absolutely shocked at the lack of respect. Very poor!
Greg Hills
The food here is fantastic. Everything is gluten free and delicious. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
B B
While the service was commendable—our server was attentive and courteous—the dining experience unfortunately did not meet expectations. The ambiance was pleasant and inviting, setting a promising tone for the evening. However, the food fell short. The soup, overwhelmed by an excessive amount of cinnamon, was difficult to enjoy, and the risotto had a texture reminiscent of canned soup, making it an unpleasant choice. The chicken lacked moisture and was noticeably dry, while the gnocchi, unfortunately, tasted more like tater tots than the delicate Italian dish one might expect. To round out the experience, the wine list was underwhelming, offering only two by-the-glass options, neither of which were particularly memorable. All in all, while the service and setting held potential, the meal left much to be desired.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Jules
The restaurant is super cute and well decorated. The server was kind and welcoming. We were there as one of two tables in the entire place. Considering this fact, The service was extremely slow. We were there for brunch and sat for at least 30 min before asking if we could please order coffees. Coffees that came out slowly without cream/milk and half were lukewarm. Tiny tea cups of coffee for $3.25. The bread was really tasty but I was shocked to see they charged $17 for what almost mirrored a soft Melba toast with butter.
Brunch, most ordered the chicken and waffles. Covered in a honey mustard type drizzle and a handful of kale. No syrup offered which is customary for this dish. The popcorn chicken was good though! The French toast was a special of the day. One smallish slice of bread. Although very flavourful; overpriced at $27! One kids meal was totally forgotten and still charged on bill.
No one left full and all paid +$45 min per person.
The server did not mention the gratuity already added to our bills which resulted in a few tipping twice.
Although the ambiance was nice, the food was not worth the higher price points for what was served.
Let’s get one thing straight: a little pretension never hurt anyone. In fact, at Vain in Versailles, it’s practically an appetizer. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill French bistro — it’s a stage where food, wine, and wit collide, and you, my dear, are part of the show.
The Mushroom & Maple Crêpe? Earthy mushrooms tucked inside a paper-thin blanket, drizzled with Canada’s proudest export. Sweet meets savoury in a slow dance that makes you rethink every boring brunch crêpe you’ve ever had. It’s elegance wrapped in comfort food, and it knows it.
Now, the Savoury Chicken Belgian Waffles are a flex in themselves. Golden, crispy edges giving way to pillowy insides, crowned with juicy chicken that’s seasoned just enough to remind you life is worth living — especially if it comes with a side of syrup. It’s indulgence with a wink.
But food is just half the act. At VIV, they believe in celebrating Tuesdays like they’re Fridays, pairing bad jokes with exceptional wine, and committing the ultimate sin — bread and butter at 10pm. It’s a place that welcomes everyone: the King Nerds, the hearts of glass, the sugar-loving mères and pères. Come flush with cash, come as a daydreamer, come because you want to laugh at yourself while sipping a bespoke cocktail.
Vain in Versailles is cheeky, it’s chic, and it’s unapologetically French with a Canadian wink. Step inside, and suddenly you’re not just in Ottawa — you’re in on the joke.
To hear more about this review, follow us @eatinontario on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, & Facebook. ✨🤩🙏
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went to this restaurant because of Gluten free options, it’s a gem in the ruff, we loved it. 😊❤️
Acorn Wellington, a small taste of AWESOME 👌🏻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
service is excellent.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Absolutely loved our experience at Viv Bistro on Preston! This charming French bistro offers a completely gluten-free menu without sacrificing any of the rich, bold flavors you'd expect from elevated French cuisine. Every dish was thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented. While some might mention the portion sizes, it’s important to remember this is refined French dining, not your typical oversized American meal. The ambiance is dainty and elegant, making it perfect for a romantic evening or a special night out. The service was impeccable attentive, warm, and knowledgeable. A true gem in Ottawa. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food (gluten-free basque cake, unbelievably good), wonderful service. Fun cocktails (one comes in a bathtub with a little rubber ducky!)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My sister brought me here for a bday dinner. The food was great, the waitress was awesome, and I will absolutely be coming back. So many delicious Gluten free foods.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It's wonderful that Ottawa has a restaurant that caters to celiac/gluten-free diets run by people who really get it. They may not have the biggest selection on the menu but neither do many of the finest restaurants but their food is prepared with love and attention to dietary concerns. My wife and I have enjoyed a very nice meal a short while back and today we bought some bread and a bunch of very tasty treats from their take out selection.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Service was excellent, atmosphere is lovely, cocktails delicious (need to go back to sample them all!), my main was delicious and beautifully plated, the desserts (I had one and sampled two others in my group) were very good but not amazing, but then I’m not celiac so I may have noticed differences in taste and texture compared to gluten-containing equivalents. Overall, I would definitely go back for drinks, apps and dinner, but I might pass on dessert or go down the street for a gelato to spread the local business support around. VIV is a great option for anyone who can’t have gluten but also a delicious and fun option for anyone who likes a nice cocktail and delicious, thoughtfully prepared food. Nice wine list too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
I don’t understand why the ratings for this place aren’t 4.9. It is fantastic. The ambiance is absolutely gorgeous, the service is excellent, the cocktails are excellent and to have a restaurant where every single thing that you could order is gluten-free, what a delight. I have coeliac disease, so it is a fantastic experience to have a full gluten-free restaurant. But not only that, it is really groovy and would be a stand out place, even if it wasn’t specifically catering to gluten-free. And, you don’t need to be gluten-free to enjoy this food, it is so good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I wanted to like this place and attended with a large group. I knew that VIV is gluten free so my expectations were high for things like their Brioche bread but it was as dry and tasteless as any rice floured bread I’ve ever had. Most of the food was bland and some dishes like the bean Cassoulet could have been out of a can. Most enjoyed the beet salad and the flavour of the Crozets was interesting but the pasta was over cooked. Sadly most of us were enticed by the wood fired tandoori oven from the restaurant next door that made us want to switch restaurants! Perhaps not a good combo for non vegetarian/GF foodies to be smelling tandoori chicken and naan? The servers were extremely friendly and the great company still made the experience fun. However, we all left hungry and unfortunately the restaurant next door was closed! Sorry VIV…despite your motto, ‘….enjoy every bite or tell us kindly if not’, that’s the best I can do! With a bill approaching $300 for 2 (admittedly that included a bottle of their cheapest wine at $60, and a couple of cocktails) this was not a cheap outing and considering how many amazing restaurants there are in Ottawa, we won’t be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Service was AMAZING... food excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I made a reservation at this restaurant a month ago for Mother’s Day brunch for seven people to celebrate my mother in her late seventies. I couldn’t believe they didn’t have a table for us when we showed up for our reservation today. I received the reminder emails and texts. I even agreed to give them my VISA number to reserve the table and was told that I would have to pay if someone in our group didn’t show up. I’m so disappointed they didn’t show the same care on their side for keeping our booking. Finding another restaurant in little Italy on tulip festival weekend, with a mobility reduced mother and my kids in tow, was not what I had in mind. I’m absolutely shocked at the lack of respect. Very poor!
The food here is fantastic. Everything is gluten free and delicious. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
While the service was commendable—our server was attentive and courteous—the dining experience unfortunately did not meet expectations. The ambiance was pleasant and inviting, setting a promising tone for the evening. However, the food fell short. The soup, overwhelmed by an excessive amount of cinnamon, was difficult to enjoy, and the risotto had a texture reminiscent of canned soup, making it an unpleasant choice. The chicken lacked moisture and was noticeably dry, while the gnocchi, unfortunately, tasted more like tater tots than the delicate Italian dish one might expect. To round out the experience, the wine list was underwhelming, offering only two by-the-glass options, neither of which were particularly memorable. All in all, while the service and setting held potential, the meal left much to be desired.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
The restaurant is super cute and well decorated. The server was kind and welcoming. We were there as one of two tables in the entire place. Considering this fact, The service was extremely slow. We were there for brunch and sat for at least 30 min before asking if we could please order coffees. Coffees that came out slowly without cream/milk and half were lukewarm. Tiny tea cups of coffee for $3.25.
The bread was really tasty but I was shocked to see they charged $17 for what almost mirrored a soft Melba toast with butter.
Brunch, most ordered the chicken and waffles. Covered in a honey mustard type drizzle and a handful of kale. No syrup offered which is customary for this dish. The popcorn chicken was good though!
The French toast was a special of the day. One smallish slice of bread. Although very flavourful; overpriced at $27!
One kids meal was totally forgotten and still charged on bill.
No one left full and all paid +$45 min per person.
The server did not mention the gratuity already added to our bills which resulted in a few tipping twice.
Although the ambiance was nice, the food was not worth the higher price points for what was served.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Loading...