Reviews of Massine's Your Independent Grocer (Fruit Store)

Jo Anderson

It's a nice store to buy groceries.

Jonathan

Excellent selection and good prices, considering its location. Food is generally fresh and the checkout lines move along at a good pace. Staff are usually polite. I always do my grocery shopping here. Accepts PC Optimum points.

Scott

The best downtown groceries, best to plan to go outside prime time to avoid any hassles with traffic. Makes sure you use your pcpoints, we save hundreds with those points.

Adam

They're currently doing an ok job with managing COVID-19, limiting the number of people inside at any given time, providing hand sanitizer, and with lots of directional signage. However, it's sometimes chaos...the customers' adherence to the directional signage is hit-or-miss. Having staff working the floor to remind people to follow directions would be a welcome addition.

Axoloodle

Really neatly organized and amazingly friendly staff as well as amazing prices 10/10 recommend

Steve S

This store is more of a convenience than anything. Produce is hit and miss and prices are always higher than anywhere else. Staff are getting a little better with the ownership change too.

Krista Walsh

Conveniently located in the heart of Bank St, Massine's has a great variety of produce and packaged food. Dave Massine is quick to respond to issues you raise.

Xavi Morales

There is a vast variety of items to choose from. Everything seemed cleans and the employees were super nice. I would definitely recommend this place for regular shopping comma it does come with its own price tag from what I can remember.

Jrod macolicious

Always clean house full grade stuff thanks for your service

Shaunese H

Much better store now that it has been renovated. I feel that the quality of fresh meats and produce has gone up. I will say that some of the aisles are narrow and I prefer to go during off-peak hours because of this.

Christopher Yordy

Good quality, but food cost a bit steep. Wish there was cheaper food somewhere in Centretown. Great staff!

Cindy MacBride

They always have great produce and tons of local products. Great neighbourhood grocery store!

Joka Shakur (TuMNepHaceS)

I've always shopped there. There's no better place closer.

Nathan Drescher

Love the layout and selection here. Decent prices and friendly cashiers, too!

Doug Bailey

I can usually find everything I need here. Pretty busy during 5ish on week nights due to everyone going after work and it being one of the only grocery stores in the area. There is free parking in an underground garage for a certain time limit but if you have a truck or a roof rack on your car you probably wont be able to fit in the garage and will have to find street parking. I have gone on off peak times and it is less busy and easier to move around the store.

andrew cecchetto

Has everything you need in a grocery store

Mary Huang

Decent grocery story and one of the better options downtown. Have some local products here in addition to the loblaw and PC ones.. Apparently they have a cooking school here too.

Brattonio

Surprisingly clean store given the street people that live/hang around here. Bigger on the inside than expected, which made for more selection. Decent amount of underground parking considering downtown location. Following sanitization guidelines.

Noah Gula

The smell at the meat department is terrible. It smells as though they allow old meat to sit there. The layout is terrible. The only really organized aisle is the organic aisle.

Kris Duhaime

A good place for groceries. There's a ton of selection. I have yet to come here and leave without what I was looking for. It can get a bit pricey.

Louise Gaudet

The staff is very friendly and helpful. The reason for the 3 stars is they always run out of selection and the prices are quite high in comparison to other grocers. You expect the shelves to be stocked if you are paying almost 30% more for your items.

Sonja Crosby

The classes are fun, informative and ????! The recipes are easy to prepare, the written directions are clear and the food is delicious. It’s also great that the chefs bring restaurant experience and helpful tips for home cooks.

Cody Procter

lots of discounts on products and fresh cut up fruits and veggies. Decent selection for health foods and products.

Aaron Peltier

Fresh always, great customer service from every department. Owner Dave is a great person, great owner brings great employees! Love shopping here!

Chris Reddie (The Loudest Geeks)

Often out of produce. Staff are also often rude it gets super busy. They keep getting rid of vegetarian versions of chicken fingers. At least they have a good deli. The staff that aren't bad though, are AMAZING they make the place bearable

Tobin Soucy

I can always find what I need here. The checkout is always quick and efficient. However, it's a bit more pricey than grocery stores outside of the city core.

Ellen Molloy

I'm just sick and tired of the terrible service here. I ordered 4 chicken tenders today, the young man at the hot deli counter tried to give me 12, when I said "No, I want four", he claimed I'd said 12, and then proceeded to complain about me to another customer in front of me. He then proceeded to only give me three small ones, and charged me for four. I've never recieved good or decent service at this location, and don't plan on returning any time soon.

Robert DesGroseilliers

Great store. Friendly staff

The Kim Valentine Story

This place feels depressing just walking into it. They charge more for things here than in other stores - despite being surrounded by low income neighbours. They could choose to make slightly less profit and be good neighbours - but they don't.

Shelley Freake

I've attended some classes used as fundraising events and they were great! The chefs are very informative and engaging. We had a lot of fun and laughs while enjoying some delicious dishes!

Kristen Stewart

We held our fundraiser with the Chefs at Massine's, and it was a great success. It was easy to plan and execute, not a whole lot to do on our part. The food was excellent and it was so much fun to learn how to make pasta and fillings. We will most definitely be back!

Khalid Gameil

The grocery had only gotten better over the years, has a wide selection of food and you can find some local food too like suzyQ and ArtIsIn

Emma Jackson

amazing place! everything you need for a low price!

Joseph Vianney Robillard (Vee)

The great grocery store in the heart of downtown Ottawa. The management/owner.... Dave Massine.... is very attentive to the needs of his customers. The store is generally very clean the produce section generally very well-stocked. I only have two very small complaints. 1 the meat department needs to pay more attention to the meet at displays and the quality of the cuts for sale. 2 the bakery doesn't have a great selection of baked goods. Loblaws tends to be a little better. But all in all the store is small which affords an attention to detail that wouldn't be possible in some of the bigger chain stores. It's still the place to shop for groceries of choice for me and my family.

Nicole Poirier

They offer some organic items, solid deli with baked goods, good seafood selection and much more

Sohrab Ebrahimi

I haven't visited this place since it was called Hartman's years ago and I was surprised by the prices and how busy was. I don't mean the bad busy where you are frustrated,it is more bustling then anything else great prices and I'm sure if you go out there non peak time you would have no issues with the lineup

Vincent Valentino

I have been shopping there every single day for 20 years. The cashiers are simply AMAZING! Not sure how they put up with stupid customers. Thing I really hate is that these idiot customers need to feel validation by ringing this stupid "customer appreciation" bell, and in turn have the cashiers stop what they're doing, applaud and say thank you, like salivating dogs. Its demoralizing and very annoying on the ears. Please stop, just stop!

Donald Keddy

Great store with a diverse selection. Especially considering its located in the core. Not always fully stocked but that may be due to it being a busy location.

Doris

The employees make this store worth every trip! I still miss the piano ... and can't seem to find the bell! Love this place!

Hugo Surridge

OK for dry stuff but super expensive for fruits and vegetables. They kill fish and animals, give them the less you can.

Diana Mendes

Typical downtown grocery. Doesn't have to be exceptional because of limited competition. Though it has gotten better with the arrival of Sobeys nearby. Options are usually good but spices are sometimes hard to find as is meat during peak time.

philippe roy

My go to....grocery store always cheap deals going on. Awsome customer service. Devoted to helping everyone to their needs. Always a go can do possitive attitudes.

Amanda Mooney

Really we just come here to grab a couple things last minute because it is in a convenient location. It's way overpriced and under stocked - would never do a big grocery trip here. Edit: 3 months later and there has been a huge improvement - way more stock! Excited to see when it's all finished :)

Lynn Winterboer

Here for a week for work, tired of eating out. Found this little gem of a natural food store that had nice options for everything on my shopping list! I'm set for the week with delicious, healthy food.

Carol Ann Humeny

My disappointment in this Independent Grocer location keeps growing and growing. I have been living in Centretown for almost 8 years now and I have always been a loyal shopper to this store, even when it was owned by Mr Hartmann. There were issues before he was bought out but ever since that occurred, the store has gotten worse. I dont know if it is because they are one of two grocery stores in Centretown but their prices have gone up considerably since the change in ownership, with less of a choice. A head of cauliflower a couple of weeks ago was $7.99!!!!! Not sure why it was so pricey when the Metro in the market was selling them for $3.99. They are taking advantage of the fact that their are in a prime location to raise the prices and people will still shop there. If they were smart and really wanted to compete with the new Sobeys that opened up, they would lower their prices and have their shelves stocked.

virlla devi soothar

Located on bank-street close to bus stop.(route 6 7 11)Thats manes it easier to get into the bus as soon as you leave the store. You dont have to walk alotwith so much grocery.

Kaladhar Battepati

The store is kept clean and I usually find everything that I need from this Independent Grocery location on Bank street. It’s in the middle of Centretown and I am in Walkable distance from my apartment. The staff are friendly and competent and the prices are decent!

Melanie Piché

I've been going to this particular location for a long time and I've never had a single problem! Produce is organized and fresh, and staff are always so helpful when I'm lost and looking for something new to try! The prices are quite forgivable for a location downtown I love massine's independent.

Noah Davidson

Who's idea was it to out a Starbucks in here? Weird. Anyway they have groceries.

Adriana Cristescu

There is no other food store around and it is hard to shop here if you have no car, or is no one to give you a lift. Because of this problem, it becomes expencive if you use uber or other taxi, and if you come here by bus you can only buy a few groceries and nothing frozen, which is cheaper; also not too much can goods either because they are havy even if you use a cart. Poor locals, where else to go get food?!

Bassam Khouri

I primarily used the parking garage. It's the best bang for the buck. You get an underground parking in downtown Ottawa and get to keep your keys. Not to mention for a price that's less expensive than other parking lots (where you park outside and have to give your keys to the attendant).

Payton Surette

Things are slightly pricey but typical of downtown. Store layout is OK. Quality Ive gotten from here has been pretty good. The self checkouts are a nightmare.

Marcy Chabot

im not impressed. some of the guys who work there are very nice and helpful, others not so much. ive had a couple of experiences that were less than wonderful. today, i was at the deli counter looking for chicken for a salad. they had a few choices on sale for 1.99 per 100 g. i ask for 300 g and was given a package marked 12 dollars. i pointed out that 3 x 2 is 6, so 12 dollars couldnt be right. he says thats more than 300 g. well i asked for 300 grams. i had it back to him. he gives me an irritated look and does it again. he asks me is 292 g is ok. thats fine. he hands me a package of sandwich meat marked 8.52. something still isnt right. but after the irritated look he gave me, I walked away. i found another employer and asked for a manager. the acting manager comes over and suggests we go back to the meat counter. the staff there tell the manager that they know the price is wrong. so, either they were talking about me, or they knew damned well they put the wrong price on it. at this point i dont want the sandwich meat. i was told that they would re-do it for me but i declined. i was told that had i paid for it, gone through the cash and then went to customer service, the meat would have been free, even though i already had to run around the store. then when i get to the cash, the cashier is rushing me. the cashier on the next cash over, decides to leave his cash and pushed my shopping cart into my hip. no excuse me, no sorry, no nothing. when he returned to his cash, he hit my leg again. with their inflated prices, I can definitely shop elsewhere.

Irene Christoforou-Jack

Always friendly great prices open early (7am) close late (11pm). Lots of clearance items good layout.

Özgür Ulutaş

mostly people who is working there are nice and polite, but even the pandemic it is little bit crowded.

Sabrina L.

Prices are on the higher end but quality is good. For the raw packaged meats, they offer both small and large amounts on a tray to fit your individual needs. Store is clean and well maintained.

George Ralph

I found shopping items, I needed quick and easy. Also PC optimum points gr8 too.

Aileen Evans

Very clean well laid out store I just moved in the neighborhood and this will be the grocery store will be shopping at. The staff very helpful and courteous but this ringing the bell if you like the service after going through the cash is juvenile and annoying

Elyse Leveille

Really loved grabbing lunch from the kitchen until I was served moldy bread this week. The bread was clearly moldy and anyone paying even the slightest bit of attention to what they were doing would have noticed. Not appetizing whatsoever to say the least.

Vincent Chevalier

Busy downtown grocer. Good vegetables and fruit. Nice meat section. Limited kombucha selection. Decent prices (good if you have a PC Optimum card).

Praveen H

It was very big and had all the necessary supplies.

Bryce Dymond

Really small space for as large and populated as Centretown is. Centretown should have another grocery story near Bronson and Laurier. That said Massine's does a great job of providing many international foods, sauces and flavours, has a decent size pharmacy, natural section and a well stocked and well represented local section. This grocery store definitely punches above its weight.

Jaime Lea Hazel

I like this particular grocery store because it's around the corner from where I live but I do find it kind of expensive and wish it was a Walmart instead ????‍♀️

Drew MacDonald

Decent selection of items across the board with fairly decent prices considering it's a downtown grocery store. Lots of name brands as well as no names of the same types of products. The staff is very friendly and willing to help.

Brad Pullan

Close your eyes... are they closed? Okay well you can choose to keep them opened or closed, but I must write what my conscience demands. The grocery store formerly known as Hartmans, contains a wide range of products, both high and low quality. And isn’t that the story of our lives? For example, their two entrances offer a dual strategic opportunity to circumnavigate the streets of Centretown with purpose and quibble-free joy. Isn’t life not so much about the high or low quality of choices we make, but the nutrients cultivated? You can open your eyes now.

Stacy DuBois

The location is alright and the selection is good. Sometimes the quality of the produce isn't the greatest. I love the layout of the store ever since the owner changed. Their credit card salespeople are really pushy and aggressive though, I really don't like being bothered by them constantly while I'm trying to get my errands done.

Jade Lee

It is very uncomfortable to be helped by a senior shop assistant, Laura. She looks at people in very suspicious eyes. She felt good after she made a customer felt not good. I really wish the shop could continue without her. She did not smile at all but she smiled right after she made the customer uncomfortable.

Aaron Lauzon

Great grocery store, prices can be better on most items but the free parking in this area really makes going here worth the convenience of coming here instead of venturing to east or west end grocery stores n use more gas n time when you just want to get your groceries done n stay in the downtown area if you live here. This is the only larger grocery store in this area so it's vital this local stays open or having the risk of becoming a food desert.

Hue Guess

Meat is only on sale when it's going bad. Even then it's sale price were the regular price before loblaws took it over. I could go on about the loblaws take over price hikes... but what's the point. Thanks for the content threat of food poisoning for the sake of profit margins.

J G

Honestly, if there were any other grocery store with a 10 minute walk or less, I would shop there. I have had several conversations with neighbours who plainly say that this store's prices are outright extortionist. Also, don't go on Tuesday's because they crank the prices ie. withdraw the discounts on anything so your 10% student discount is worthless and also they are mostly out of stock of most things. Sometimes I can afford basic necessities at this location on Monday's if I get there early. Finally, would it kill the cashiers to give me PC cloth-bag points immediately following me declining to purchase bags? Of course it would, because who cares about customer retention when you're the only game in town.

Tori Billing

Polite staff. Timely service. Great location

Xyklorix

They have THE BEST chicken! Also the staff are super helpful, there's a wine store inside and underground parking ????

Bernie Carroll

I have been a customer for more than twenty five years and that includes a owner ship change. Clean, well stocked and friendly staff.

Jeh Mrch

Carefull , check the exp date before buying. I got an expired Coconut water with exp date Jan 29 2016 and it was August 7 yesterday when I bought it. I tryed to drink it but It tasted rotten so I checked the exp date and realized.

Josh Eckert

I have had so many issues with other customers in this particular grocery store. The store never does anything about the anti-maskers or to refuse entry to the crazy drug addicts that make the location feel unsafe.

Veronique S

I'm surprised that people complain about a store that does what they can with the limited space they have available. It's downtown people! Of course its expensive! Can you imagine how much the rent is?Have any of you shopped in the Glebe? I'm thankful to have a grocery store available to me to pick up some essentials during my lunch hour. And they often have very good sales, so keep an eye on the flyers and buy things when they're on sale. Don't complain about boxes in the the aisles when the employees are just doing their job stocking the shelves for goodness sakes. You'd complain if there was nothing on the shelves too! To give the store bad reviews because of this is petty and ridiculous. I find the staff extremely friendly, always helpful and have not had a worst experience here than at any other store. Go ahead and complain, just don't shop there in you're not happy! Geez.

Diana Helferty

Gregory is amazing! If you shop here, stand in his line! His smile is infectious and cares about his customers. Exceptional customer service every time! Thank you for all that you do Gregory.

Kurtis Lanovaz

The staff are usually very helpful and they do have a decent selection of products at various price ranges.

S Shepherd

Messines Independent is so awesome! Since Dave Massine bought the store from the Hartman's the changes have been amazing! Dave has given a massive face-lift to the stores inside!

Rabin Ramah

Great choices when it comes to fruit and vegetables. Layout confusing. Fridge items are deep into the Store. Drawback: Not for the low income earner. Must be in the higher tax bracket. Plus side: on two major bus route. Side walk could use some TLC.

Coco Deraps

We like our local independent, but sometimes is quite expensive for meats. Has great value for breads, cheese, eggs, etc.

Anita Belhumeur

This place has been around a while. Very accommodating. But skip Tuesdays unless you're a student..or you could be there a while.

Savannah Greene

Regularly shop here. The staff is really friendly and they have a good amount of vegan options. Only complaint is on multiple occasions I realized that the sale did not apply on the item and I ended up paying full price.

Marc

Over priced if you want to save money this is not the place on most items. Good deals some times .smart to check out meat goes on sale alot.if that's what ya like.staff are friendly and helpful ????

Edward Stavin

Surprisingly good. Wonderful assortment of fresh fruit. I really like the cherries in winter. Gets me thinking of the heat of late summer while it is still an ice cube here outside during January.

Marie D

They don't check their expiration dates on items... I called and notified the manager three months ago that their AquaPanna water that they had on sale had expired five months prior to and he said to bring it back for a refund and that he would take it off the shelves. When I went into the store to return the water a week later, I noticed all of the water was still on the shelves for consumers to purchase. When I spoke to someone about it they said they had no idea and that they would take it off! That is NOT right! Shame on you for not following through on what you had said you would do!

Matthew Hutchinson

Convenient location for sure! Prices are good for being located in the city. Staff also very helpful, no worries when shopping here.

Nate Hardman

Local grocery store that offers a good number of zero waste options. Go here and Herb and Spice and you have a pretty solid low waste grocery trip

Adam Lecuyer

Great renovations. Much better than Hartman's. Produce seems to be of much higher quality. They do need to stock more of some items (fresh herbs especially) as they are usually out of popular items like basil.

Chris Mike

The place is really good. a large space. They have a good selection of products. All are well organised. The staff is very helpful & gentle. Good place to shop from.

Dolceyul

An expensive grocery except when they have deals. They have prepared food that you can take to go if youre looking for a snack. poor variety of products

الشيخ عيضة بن طناف المنهالي

Occasionally purchase items from here. I live very close by. Prices are alright and the staff is fairly well mannered. Big assortment and variety of products from deli, bakery, take out, frozen items, fresh produce, fish, meats and many other things. Store hours are good, and the place is well maintained. Underground parking is available also. An interesting aspect of the store is the bell at end of the cashiers. Feel free to ring it and the employees clap when you do. I don’t recall other grocery places having such a thing, I think it’s creative. One con though, not to be rude or demeaning, but there are usually disadvantaged people hanging around the store, sometimes sleeping on the floor and others asking for cash etc. They generally leave you alone though. But overall a good place. ????????????????????????????????????????????

Sumaira Islam

This is the closest grocery store to me (still a 25 min walk) but it’s the one I go to the most! I had the best cashier the other day, Roger (older gentleman) is by far the most friendliest and caring staff I’ve ever met at Independent. Someone needs to give him a promotion. Otherwise, they have a nice selection of local goods like hot sauces, mix sauces, etc. not to mention student discount on Tuesdays. Overall, good for groceries.

Cynthia Page

Prices have soared since new management and the renovations, selection is limited at times, and the self checkout does not accept cash anymore, nor is the debit machine located on the self checkout machines in a great spot for someone with limited mobility.

Pradyumna Gujjar

Gold standard of grocery stores. They have fresh veggies and fruits all day and have a good variety of condiments. If you haven’t already, do take their PC optimum membership. They have good deals every week! The store here has 90mins I’d free underground parking for its members. All in all, one of my go to Grocery stores in downtown!

B I-B

Great store, ample selection, wonderful service.The only con is not wearing masks at the delikatessen counter

Timothy Mott

Poor produce, generally low quality food, and It's impossible to think straight in there when there's a robot voice yelling "THANK YOU FOR USING SELF-SERVE CHECKOUT" every five seconds.

Andrew Stuart

I'm a little confused by the people suggesting that this store has great selection. If you're looking for 72 varieties of chips, then sure. They've got incredible selection. But if you want the essentials from a grocery store, don't waste your time. I don't need my mushrooms pre-sliced, and I can't seem to find a good variety of vegetables. Even seasonal vegetables can be difficult to find, which boggles the mind. Year-round, apples occupy 1/4 of the floorspace dedicated to fresh produce. What about rhubarb? Chili peppers? Fennel? This store manages to stock 9 different kinds of Helluva chip dip, but if you want simple sour cream, then you're out of luck. They really need to refocus their priorities on actual grocery items. If it weren't for the fact that this is one of the only stores in Centretown to actually sell food, I would never go back. Even their meat department is disappointing. I tried asking for ham hocks, and the employees shrugged their shoulders. They only seem to stock overpriced chicken breast, ground beef, and various cuts of pre-marinated steaks. Just awful.

Jeanne B. d'Arc

Customer service is excellent. The grab n go menu is awesome, the is something for everyone. Vegan; Vegetarian or Carnivorous menus. 4/5because some of their products are stupidly expensive.

Hussain

The chain has good product selection and good prices. Friendly staff. They have great services and their PC Plus program is awesome. Far better than Air Miles which is nothing short of a scam in my opinion.

Charnelle Belliveau

I find the staff here lovely and the prices very fair. Plus I love those PC points!

Cindy Ameg

I love this grocery store but I’m always always standing at the bakery counter for 10 minutes at a time with all the workers there talking until they decide to notice me. It’s frustrating they should have all the items available for guests to grab since they literally ignore people that want to order things from behind the glass.

Brodie Taym

this is been my main go to grocery store in the past couple of years now that their prices are in line with other loblaws stores (prices used to be ridiculous ). The best thing I like is their customer service. Staff are always polite and very helpful and the selection of products is good even though they do sell out of certain things for long stretches of periods at a time.

Jillian White

Great selection, good produce and a the meat choices are better than most other grocery stores downtown while still being well-priced.

Carlasver

The only real problem with hartmans, apart from the fact that it's slightly pricy (and apart from actual discount grocers, isn't even close to the only one) is that it's the ONLY grocery shop in this area, and I am really not kidding about that. WE NEED ANOTHER STORE. It's constantly crowded because of this and makes for a hassling shopping experience.

ElmoDFZ

It's the only place I can buy squeezy squash so that's why I go there. Good selection of groceries and prices aren't too bad.

Jman Richards

Not from this city but the layout is well organized and parking is free for 90 minutes It was a pleasure when i was here Staff was helpful and helped me get what i wanted????????????????????????????

Michael Rathwell

Good prices. Flyer specials are always unbeatable...i once saw an old lady return tomatoes because they were too ripe and they accepted the return! Wow! Phenomenal customer services and prices.

Aliyah

Good selection of food but you can't bring the carts outside which makes carrying groceries much more difficult

Michael Jones

The cashier overcharged me by $13 and they refused to reimburse me. This, along with a few other dirty tricks I've experience in this store, leads me to believe that this company is purposely stealing from its customers. My experience: after I wasn't given the student discount, the cashier took a good long stare at the bottom of the receipt and then put it in the bag anyways. When I got home and went back only 15 min later, they told me to go home and pack up all of my groceries and bring them all back into the store to process individually in order to give me my $13. Another thing to point out: Take a good look at whats on sale in the flyer because those are the things you wont be able to buy in the store. They are consistently out of absolutely everything that is on sale.

Nettie Barber

10\10 recommend this store based on my recent experience here.

Ibrahima Diouf

Good store with lots of fresh articles

Jane Houweling

Fresh produce, quick service, clean environment. Everything I love to see in a grocery store!

Liam

I think their prices are slightly higher due to their central location, but otherwise very clean store and huge selection.

Antonio J

Didn't have stock of deals on the front page of the flyer. Wilted lettuce. Hard avocados. Maybe because it was a Sunday but I was optimistic once this store changed hands...not much has changed but a new layout and some new fridges/shelves.

John Newcombe

This is a great local grocery store - stocks products from Loblaws plus a good section of local sourced items. For a Centretown location it is huge. Highly recommend it

Michael Slavitch

Free indoor parking. Very large and wide selection of produce. PC Express pickup is a gamechanger. Good, helpful staff.

Mazikeen K

Anti maskers are completely welcome here. Store doesn't care at all. Use extreme caution when shopping here especially if you have a compromised immune system.

Chris Nicholas

Free parking in an area otherwise nearly impossible to get a spot in, let alone not also have to pay a fortune for it. Deducted a star because the layout and product availability appear to be marketed more towards an upper class shopper who tends not to be concerned with price, they will just buy what they feel because they can afford it, conversely, there are still MANY residents in the area who could use a better selection of normal, everyday, good value foods which are healthy but don't cost a small fortune. I could be completely wrong about this as time passes however...

Kerri-Ann Koosees

I enjoy the sales they do on basic groceries, including odds and ends. I'm here a few times a week. Bus stops are conveniently close by. Staff is usually friendly.

Lydia Kokline

Clean, big and very busy. Everything is very expensive, overpriced. No good deals or bargains. I guess being right downtown nothing is cheap. Is accessible for wheelchairs.

Katherine Wong

It's hard to find a staff member to assist you, and you'll probably have to resort to finding an inventory/stock employee. I walked up and down the aisles looking for a specific item for 30 minutes before I spotted an employee. After approaching him he has condescendingly asked if I had checked specific aisles (even after I told him I went up and down all of them). I had to encourage him to walk to the certain aisles he recommended for him to even believe me... After walking around for 8 minutes together, he found the empty spot where they would have been stocked. He told me that he would order a case and that it would be in next week. I appreciate that he would ensure the product would be stocked, although it was rough to get mediocre service in the beginning.

Bodach Cernn

This rating is for a targeted raid on the tower of 50% off that stands in the heart of the baked goods realm. The steppes that day were rich and bountiful in sheer variety. A gala highrise ball. The sweet goodness included a new glazed chocolate cake donut that was better than disco, like even better than Donna Summers extended mix disco. Though, at the risk of spoiling the moment, I admit, I may have inched just a millimetre closer to diabetes' cavernous maw with my chocolate iced debauch. But jubilation won out the day even as my neurons all lit up like old school Christmas lights in their sassy fat, coloured bulbs proudly providing a true evidentiary demonstration that there under my skull, the lighting too was better than disco.

Ali Monadi

This is one of two major grocery stores in centertown. The place has been renovated and fairly well structured. While the food at independent is generally more expensive than other locations it is cheaper than Sobeys. I also prefer the layout compared to Sobeys that seems like Ikea in that you have a path to go through and seems quite inefficient to me.

Karl Patton

The store is so much nicer since the recent renovations. I find it to be clean, bright and well organized. It's right in the downtown core and so it's true that the selection can be more limited than the other bigger super stores, but that's a fair sacrifice for the convenience. After reading some of the other reviews, I am of the opinion that people are simply too spoiled and fussy about things like perfect shiny produce, and having to wait in line for 5 minutes.

Kyle Dunnett

Usually well kept and easy to find what you're looking for. Produce is always really fresh. The bakery section seems a bit skimpy at times though

Jacob Belair

They had roasted chicken indomi!!!

Samuel Rizzotto

If you had wonderful service at this location like I did, they have a Huge Bell For Customers To Ring to Acknowledge They're Efforts!! Please Please Ring The Bell Adjacent to The ATM machine if your customer service experience was excellent!

Shelly H

It is a dirty looking store. Very overpriced :( Lineups were ridiculous and then a cash opened and the people behind me and dozens others were served first. Cash shld still be allowed in self checkouts..why ruin something that was working? The bell is annoying to everyone i have tt since the reno. I hoped instead of a facelift??? Youd improve selection and service. Will be telling people to go to superstore in Hintonburg -cleaner, faster and cheaper. I am sure no one will read this but when asked i had to be honest.

M Jolly

Life saver and money saver for this location. Pharmacy at this location. Free underground parking. Can't go wrong with store.

Draco Sliwaski

Picked up some cupcakes tonight. Was craving chocolate. They were so good. Tasty. And the staff was friendly nice to chat with :)

Tim Boehm

Store is fine (not sure why so many negative reviews); I stop in after work a few days a week. They occasionally run out of sale items, but it's in stock the next time I swing by. Milk is outrageously expensive (get it at the drug store) but prices for other things, especially when on sale, aren't bad. Line are sometimes long, depends on time of day (right after work being the worst). 6 self-serve checkouts go quickly.

Richard Rehder

Nice store, they have upgraded alot since ownership change. Great staff decent selection of products for a smaller store downtown. A bit pricey but that's what you pay for convenience.

Arno Ryser

Good selection of most foods. From cheap to expensive. Big brands to local brands.

Jay Wright

It's A very busy place usually have a fully stocked store most part great service. Homeless people out front of store are sometimes pushy or yelling.

Nj Diaz

Some things are a dollar more than other loblaws stores. But it's a nice grocery store

Gunnar Östberg

Good large quality grocery store. Good selection of all kinds of food, other stuff, and chemicals (including drugs/medicine).

Tom

The people here are fantastic. Friendly and helpful. Smaller store but packed with a great selection of healthy green foods. The produce section is impressive in terms of how fresh everything is. Very busy place and for good reason.

Ivan Corea Gonzalez

We can get fresh Venable, good beef, and drinks...

Yakup M

Well stocked, good prices, great grocery store for downtown Ottawa.

Giles Holland

The most frustrating grocery store I've ever had to rely on. They love to stock 50 of something almost nobody wants (vanilla yogurt) next to 5 of something everybody wants (blueberry yogurt), with the result that something important is always out of stock every time you go, no exceptions. They never notice or update their quantities. The bread baked in store is sawdust; the good bread brought in from out of store is either half frozen or stale. The meat situation is no better--their sausages are a good way to kill yourself slowly, while sausages from out of store are stocked in quantities of 2 or 3 and never there. The bell is the most annoying thing in Ottawa.

David Marshall

I have missed this grocery store. Since moving away from the vicinity I rarely get to the dt core. But was there Monday and never fails,still one of the best meat selections with best prices in the dt/byward market area.

Nikolaus Maack

My regular grocery store. One of the few options for those of us who live downtown. There was a bit of slippage when ownership changed, but things have since gotten back on track. Competent enough. Writing a review of the place feels a little like writing a review for a bodily function. This grocery store works, it gives me food. The end.

Prateek Arora

Its a nice store and has all necessary stuff. I prefer buying fruits from here as they are more fresh and taste better as compared to fruits bought from W**mart, which I find tasteless or sometimes not good. I also like that they have Lamb in their meat section, which I don't get in other stores... The bakery is nice for fresh cookies, cakes, muffins and breads. Overall, I go there atleast 2 times a week. Its nice with friendly staff.

Chris S.

Selection is decent, organic sections taking over the store as they have a higher markup. Prices overall are pretty steep. Lines can get fairly long during peak hours. But those working there are helpful, and friendly.

Jaimie Ford

Been coming here for years. Great staff, helpful. The vegetables are pretty fresh for the most part. I like the local selection they have. Prices aren't bad compared to some of the other grocery stores downtown.

KrIsHnA G

Fresh groceries all the time. I like the backer section.

Micah Rakoff Bellman

This store is alright in a pinch but it's expensive, poorly laid out, and often crowded. It's not my favourite grocery store, but the staff are friendly and helpful, even if they don't always carry what I'm looking for.

Malcolm Andrews

Great neighborhood grocer. Big enough to carry a wide selection. Small enough to feel homey and friendly.

B L

Good prices and sales usually when I go. Like the addition of self check out as I am usually there to get a quick lunch :)

Braeson Holland

Had multiple issues with freshness of vegetables, mushrooms, potatoes, and other products. Wouldn't trust anything, check it twice. Only shop here because it's the most accessible to my apartment. If I had a choice I'd go elsewhere.

Eric K

Parking is good, nice assortment, prices are high, you pay for convenience. I only buy flyer deals and dairy, otherwise go to real canadian superstore, which belongs to the same group, same products, but 10-40% cheaper.

Jodi-Ann Ouellette

Better layout, after the reno, lots of organic and health food products, relatively easy to find stuff, helpful staff, but sometimes there aren't many staff on the floor

Rose R.

Even though I'm not a huge Independent/Loblaws fan, they have decent prices on lots of non-food items/overly processed foods, like Coke & Pop Tarts... I do like this specific store. The staff at this store make me shop here more often, they're typically quick, friendly and pleasant and they'll have more tills opened during busy times. More often than not, I also get an awesome cashier who not only packs my bags well, (cans on bottom, bread on top) but is super nice about double bagging.. the last girl was even sweet enough to ask if I was walking before balancing them better-- it made walking home with groceries way easier.

Rami F.F

I have been shopping here for more than 6 years now almost everyday and I love the cleanless of the place, variety and the comvenience.

Aly Bee

Since changing over from Hartmans to Massine's, the store and staff have gotten much more professional and helpful.

Kelsi Mann

Staff is always very kind. Usually pretty well stocked except for sale items. Better variety than most downtown grocery stores.

Owen Clayton

Really improved in recent years. Produce has gotten better, and it has a more modern, streamlined look as opposed to the 90s stripmall aesthetic it had prior. Staff are very helpful and friendly.

Zoe Stevens

I go here because it's the only real grocery store in Centretown. The selection is great. Prices are high, and the aisles are always packed and crowded, but you get used to it.

Brittany Moorcroft

I never post reviews. After witnessing this gross act for the second time today I have to post this. I go to Massine's because it is 5 minutes from my place. It's convenient for me and fine for groceries. That's why I'm giving Massine's 2 stars. But the act I have now seen two times is something I want people to know. SO READ THIS IF YOU BUY COLD CUTS. A couple of months back I passed the deli counter and saw the employee behind the glass with plastic gloves on, eating the meat. My jaw dropped and our eyes met and her jaw dropped too. I rounded the corner, debating what to do, and ran into another employee. I said to him "are you a manager?" and he said "No." I gave him my quick story and he said "oh ya, that would be the deli manager hahahaha". And he walked away. Great. Today at Massine's I saw another woman eating cold cuts at the counter, gloves on. She saw me see her and she turned away quickly. That makes me think they shouldn't be doing this. Maybe this is common at deli counters and I'm naive. Maybe there is a reason they are helping themselves to samples, to test the meat? Personally, I think it's gross and it takes me down a rabbit hole of other gross things they are doing when they think no one is watching.

Mimi W

I come here all the time for groceries, and they often have great weekly sales - make sure to go early or late to avoid lines, as it can get packed.

Olu Ademeso

Felt delighted when I sighted the store as it made me shop for grocery close to my office and don't have to stop on my way home. I think some of the cashiers can do with some courteous service too. Great prices on some of the products.

Chantal Beauregard

The hours are great. I shop there regularly. The products can be a hit or miss at times. One minute they have a great product on the shelf the next you can't find it for weeks. I personally think they carry too many No Name brand products though.

Jt Burke

I went in for bagels but ended up with two arms full of other groceries when I accidentally dropped a jar of mayo on the ground. I was embarrassed but the staff cleaned it up right away, told me not to worry about it and offered to fetch me a cart. The parking is great the store was clean and there were lots of deals. 10\10 recommend this store based on my recent experience here.

RaeRae MacKay

Good selection, very nice staff, my one critique is some of the items in the gluten free section are wheat based so not gluten free. Luckily I always check ingredients but would like to see more of an effort of having gluten free separated from gluten and wheat based products. Other then that I love the store

Joseph McChefry

Good selection but the cashiers are as slow as frozen molasses. Self-checkouts are the way to go. The $5 chicken meal comes with some sauce for dippin' - don't let the slow cashiers charge you for it.

Brad Renaud

Very nice staff. Good selection of sales and discounts. The encouragement hell has to go. It's ridiculously childish and forces staff to cheer like it or not.

Red Velvet1920

It's a great spot for shopping downtown. I almost always find what I need there. It can be hard to find help here as it is pretty busy but still a great place to shop!

Ryan McGarry

Largest grocery store in the core of the city. Has a fairly wide selection, but shelves are not always well stocked. Items on sale are regularly not on the shelves. Produce is expensive and often of a mediocre quality.

Daniel Lee

A bit overpriced like geez 17$ for a broom they get for 2$ from China. Staff is super friendly most of the time, they have a section for health food like chocolate, protein bars/powders and lots of vitamins. I love their food 50% when the date comes close they still taste good, thats better then throwing them away like some.... They have a wine rack inside and a small depaneur thats very handy. Dont know why my gf dind't get hired there she lives just upstairs

Mihajlo Kos

This place has gone downhill in the last few months. An outside company now leases the parking lot, so there is no customer parking. People are now parking in the driving lanes. They didn't have any broccoli last week.. this week, no rice noodles. The last three times i've got apples, they were brown on the inside. Try to avoid this place at all costs.

Jules Allen

How do you rate a grocery store? It has all the stuff. Thanks. The cashiers are very nice. Everyone seems pretty happy there. Oh please stop raising the price of Nongshim noodles, back when it was .99 was awesome deals.

Krissy C

I feel like it's gotten a bit better since changing hands, but the hot food prices have gone up and you still can't find what you're looking for occasionally.

Jessica Hoflick

Amongst the chain grocery stores in the city, this one has the largest alternative foods, organic foods and eco cleaning products of the city. Their prices are reasonable, but sometimes higher than they should be.

Mel Parenteau

Conveniently placed but people that are local/frequent shoppers seems to forget about personal space... Don't go there if you are worried to be pushed around a little but the staff was awesome.

Gnomze

For a downtown grocery store this is one of the most convenient to go to. It has free underground parking lot that not everybody knows about but it’s accessible through the Somerset Street entrance. The grocery store holds most usual products from the your independent line.

Bodine Waterfire

The only reason I shop there is convenience.I will look for sale items if not I will take the bus to the westboro superstore because the prices are much lower for the same items. It is worth the trip to save 30-50 %! Also watch the expiry dates on perishable items.I have seen milk and cream in the organic section past due, as well as cheese. Watch out for moldy cheese and stale crackers too.Always check dates on anything you purchase form this store.Check your receipts too, Deli meat I have returened due to it smelling foul.Organic produce on it's last legs.Staff? well do not ask for help. ... the cashiers seem to make a lot of mistakes....

Recky Abadla

It has a very good selection of products and commodities. The staff are very helpful and nice. Store prices aren’t that expensive, they’re decent for a downtown supermarket.

Drew Heath

Love the free underground parking, the selection of produce and meat, and everything else me and my house needs!

GinaRose Cristello

We love Massine's. Everything you need, all the tills are always open and there is always parking! Friendly staff who are always willing to help!

Adrian Hack

It's expensive but has a lot of verity

Helene M

Good grocerie store, they also sell a bunch of items like make-up, hydrayant cream, dog and cat food and toys, flowers, some medecine. Employees are always nice. Well located. There is a Starbucks inside.

Rachel Collishaw

Great grocery store. Love the underground free parking and the great selection of local products. Good pharmacy and all around service.

Christopher Dieni

A lot of people on here are complaining, but I'm not sure why. Yes, groceries are expensive; groceries are becoming more and more expensive everywhere. Watch the news. Truthfully, during the warmer months I go to the farmers' market in the Byward Market anyway, because I find better prices for my fresh produce there. If you want to find the lowest prices, shop around; there's rarely such a thing nowadays as a one-stop shop. If you want to go to a single location then be prepared to pay varying prices for different items. If you want to ensure that departments are closing down "early" (i.e. 15 minutes before the store closes down) then do your grocery shopping in the morning (e.g. on the weekend). If you want low prices, then join the PC Plus points program and pay attention to your offers. I've never had any issues with any of the staff members here, and have typically found them to be helpful.

Matt

This grocery store was recently renovated and looks great! The staff is always pleasant and I enjoy getting my groceries from here.

Gabriel Solomon

Nice little superstore downtown. They have an excellent selection of chips. Organic section chips are sometimes on sale. There are Kettle brand chips here, and Miss Vicky also. They're often on sale. They stock Los Cantores brand chips (new to me), which are quite good. Locally made salsa is available near these chips, opposite the meat section. They have veggie chips and popcorn as well here. In the actual chip isle the PC brand chips (nacho) are pretty good as well, and usually on sale. They are similar to Miss Vicky's brand. My only complaint is there are no Covered Bridge brand chips here (from New Brunswick). Guacamole is often available up front near the cash, but it sells fast.

Kelly Boville

Best place to do groceries. Staff are friendly and helpful, store is clean and organized and first thing in the morning you can get some great deals

Chris Ladouceur

Great selection and nicely laid out store. Good selection of Gluten Free items as well. Parking garage nearby as well as parking on the street. Great produce and healthy choices. Smaller meat department.

Yui Park

They sell ground beef in a shape of a 'ball', trying to wrap around and covering up old browning meat within with fresher (or colored?) meat. Unethical behavior.

B Smith

I live next door to the store and go there almost everyday. All the people that I know seem to have the same opinion. Unless you are shopping for the "specials", the store is expensive. They do offer some good specials every week, depends on what you want.

Rup

I like the store, it's super clean always and they have a great selection of items but its a bit expensive store. My experience with customer service was always amazing.

icedemmaricano

Independent is quite expensive, especially for produce. However their self checkout line runs quite quickly so it's a good place to pick up a few things during the week.

Mukith Kalam

I've been going to this place for just over a year ago and love it. The staff are all very helpful and friendly, and they are very understanding. The place is open reasonably late and the produce is always fresh. The pre cooked food isn't always the best, but they're a grocery store, not a restaurant.

Zach Ersman

They have a convenient location but these guys must think their milk is blessed by Jesus Christ himself. It's $7! SEVEN DOLLARS! I have never seen milk this expensive EVER! The variety store, repeat, VARIETY STORE, a block away sells milk $2 less. In the end, I go here for veggies and meat, but nothing else because Shoppers Drug Mart sells boxed goods and dairy so much cheaper ($3.99 to 4.19 for milk at shoppers). Yeah you guys need to change your milk prices STAT, even when I worked at a Loblaw in London Ontario the prices for milk weren't anywhere near that. So guys tell me the truth, is your milk really blessed by Jesus???

SAP Consulting

Full service grocery store, busier than most. Expect long queues at checkout. Free parking appreciated.

Jess Mace

This used to be my main grocery spot! Always had what I was looking for, good selection and great location. I used to go look for their discount flowers too, which I always enjoyed.

Erin Albright

Great store. Amazing staff. Dave, the owner, has a great community first kind of forward thinking that our downtown core needed to revitalize the neighborhood grocer.

evelyn marin

I usually do my groceries here when I don't have the time to go to Walmart. I like the variety of products they offer, the customer service is excellent. I would go more often the prices were lower.

rakshit mitra

Nice selection of items available

Ashley Szola-Parent

after 2 years of service training my dog there since he was 8 weeks old, I was notified I can no longer bring him in. He is a 4 pound, little chihuahua. I have been working closely with my Dr to make sure he passes his emotional support animal testing as well as service testing. so following commands and cues. He is welcome in EVERY SINGLE SHOP along bank st from wellington to 4th ave church in the glebe. Every store manager was asked when I started this if I could use the store and my shopping experience as training for him. 2 years later this little dog will walk off leash, 99% perfect recall and command rate, and will do LESS damage then 100% of your patrons. I get they need a vest, he does not fit into any of the vest ESACanada has sent for him. He only needs a little more training and i would be comfortable paying the fees for his test and to get the card for him. I will continue to bring him into the store and continue t talk with my lawyer and local news outlets about this. just because my disability isnt viable does not mean its not there. I have autisim and severe social anxiety and that little dog is what stops me from breaking down, and being a bad citizen to society, MY world thanks him for saving me. He makes me able to shop and get out otherwise I would starve and not care. I seriously think the NEW manager and I need to sit down and talk about my dog and his ability to make my life liveable, and an apology issued for setting me back levels in my treatment of dealing with social anxiety. I havent eaten since last time i was in that grocery store. I cant shop or go out in public now. fear of being rejected in every establishment i NEED to be in (grocerys and pharmacy) then how do i live my life not looking people in the eye or using my voice (the autism makes this impossible). Lou, my dog, makes this possible for me. There is a reason why they are called emotional support animals. Be thankful I havent brought my REGISTERED hairless rat, yes RAT, in yet, and she is already registered with the card.

Wandering Wookie

Awesome service. I don’t even live downtown and this was the cleanest grocery store I’ve been in, in a long time. Wonderful! I will be back! Great selection, check it out!

Kezia Banton

Not the worst but not the beat, the kill department smells like rotten milk most of the time and the meat section sometimes smells like hot raw meat but when they have sales they usually have quantity and decent pricing (for downtown) the fact they have a live musician in on the weekends is super cute and staff (especially the cash) is super friendly and helpful.

Tali Thompson

Nice little grocery store with lovely employees. Came in a few times to get essentials and they always had good Stock and the place is very organized and clean.

Chris Ryan

For downtown the prices are great. 4 plump chicken beasts for 10 bucks days before expiration? That's incredible! Veggies are always fresh and last.

Brenden Jackson

I like it there cheapest packs of cigarettes in town plus they also have a bathroom we can all use

James D

The last two visits I've waited patiently at the sign that reads "please wait for an attendant to sanitize the checkout" while the attendant did nothing! Both times I've had to ask them to sanitize it. I've also emailed the store to make them aware, no response in over a week. I'm now assuming they just don't care about customer's safety as long as they can more them through quickly.

Kevin McPhillips

Three years ago I hated coming to the independent that used to be here. Now it’s where I do most of my shopping. It’s really a great place. The new owners did a bunch of renovations and updates. But also the staff cares and it’s clean and the quality is good. It’s so nice to have a large and grocery store in the neighbourhood.

Kris

Small store but it has free parking to do your groceries so that helps downtown.

Stanley Carter

They have greatly improved the layout of the store but their employes need to be properly trained as some sections are never or are rarely stocked they have also dropped a few of their meat alternatives which makes me want to shop elsewhere

Hemant Gham

Great location in the downtown on Bank St. Some of the elderly cashier were non-friendly. One of them displayed discrimination by not offering to greet or fill bag with my purchases but offered it willingly to the purchaser next in the line. The other cashier dumped items in the bag very unprofessionally. Don't understand why there is Customer satisfaction bell. For whom? The staff needs significant improvement in customer care, friendly services and training on stacking items with care.

Norman Quenneville

I always find the items that are required here but one issue that really disturbs me lately; is the new lighting system installed at the front of the house! They're blinding!

Kerry Rusk

Close and convenient to core of city without the crazy hussle and bussle of it. Love that they put on special sessions/events in their in-house kitchen. I also enjoy hearing the employee appreciation bell ring! The customers/employees clap and think it's great and feel everyone deserves to be appreciated when a job has been well done (this makes it fun and easy to help do so). Ring that bell!!!????

andino bartek

It's a standard grocery store. They have a wine department, pharmacy, and deli. They have a seafood department at the back and an organic / vegan section. They also have a kitchen appliances section which sells pots and pans, coffee makers and other things. It's usually extremely busy here, however there's always 4 or 5 cash registers open and the self checkout. It's open until 9 or 10pm which comes in handy.

Gursharan Banger

A nice place to shop on weekend..you can find a lot of meat marked down on Friday and Saturday...best time to shop for meat there is around closing time..they have good quality produce but a little bit overpriced

Ričards Pauls

Expensive, but not much of a choice if you're staying in the centre and want to buy some food to prepare later. Not too crowded, lots of choices.

M Pillai

The staff here is very helpful. The produce section was clean, fresh and fully stocked. The store is packed and can be a bit tricky to navigate during rush time. The prices are what you would expect for a store in a downtown location.

Robert MacGregor

Quite frankly one of the nicest grocery stores I have ever been in. The Owner clearly wants to make sure that 'Independent' isn't a misnomer, and to make that happen has the largest selection I have ever seen of local specialty and gourmet products. Happy Goat coffee, City Seltzer, Glengarry Maple Sugar, these are just A few of the over 200 local items available. Additionally, the store is kept very clean for an area where customers seem almost intent on making a mess at times, and the staff are very knowledgeable.

Francis Hodgson

Great vibe and customer service here. I used to live closer and go here all the time. Right in the middle of the village it has great people and great staff. Also a plus : it has a wine rack in the grocery store that has free samples available. Nothing like groceries and free wine tasting in the afternoon.

Victoria Occhipinti

Massine's is an Ottawa staple. It has great prices and a ton of selection but it's a pretty cheap store for Loblaws prices. They have great coupons at the front but obviously during COVID times you can't really stop and flip through them. It's a bit dark and dingy, certainly not a pleasant shopping experience but absolutely gets the job done every time. I've never not been able to find an item I was looking for. Staff are moderately helpful. Ultimately it's your classic downtown grocery store, and frankly we're lucky to have one so large in such a central location.

AY Royal07

Massine's staff are doing their best to keep everyone safe. I appreciate their efforts. If you're there and want to save money for work lunches buy the affordable samosa packs that come in 3 different styles. The yellow band potato and peas are the bomb.

K Thomas

Great location and one of the cheapest places to buy meat in downtown Ottawa. I'm not sure why there are so many complaint's here. It's a grocery store, it's really not that offensive!

Paul Dufour

Clean..friendly service...reasonable pricing.

Brynn

Update: The produce is horrid. It is often in the process of rotting on the shelf. The produce is typically bad, and it's not the cleanest location.

yiushin2

Super overpriced. I have never once been directed to the correct aisle, nobody knows the store, you just sort of have to guess your way around. Honestly just go to lob laws Isabella or the Jamaican Grocer on bank, waaaay better.

Thomas Krul

Although some sections have a funky smell, it's got the goods and is the only full -sized grocery store in the business section of downtown Ottawa. The free, underground parking is such a boon in winter that I sometimes take the car grocery shopping (I live close by) to melt the ice off. Employees are friendly and it's well -stocked.

Julita Morris

Way more promotions and quality products than Sobey's down the street. Tuesdays is student day, with valid student ID, students get 10% off. Clean and well stocked. I sometimes question the meat products - the chicken can be very bloody.

Heather Tompkins

My first cooking class at Chefs at Massine's was focused on brunch recipes and it was great! The chef prepared a number of dishes including oeuf “cocotte” bacon, potato waffles, a salad and profiteroles for dessert. Recipes were provided and extra tips on how to prepare were given. At the end of the 2 hour class we all received a generous and delicious portion to enjoy. Would definitely recommend checking out.

Rachel Cote

Beautiful store. Loved the variety of prepared foods. First time here but won't be my last. ????

Jeff Chard

Great store. Had lots I needed

david stockdale

Since Farm Boy has opened up they seem to have matched their prices thing is I know shop at Farm Boy quality much better

H M

There’s good in store sales here sometimes. Meat looks fresh. However, because it’s a downtown location it’s pretty small and weirdly organized.

Anna Filk

V pricey store. I like their European smoked sausage collection at the deli, yum! and only in moderation of course. Also their daikon/lobok is really fresh and decently priced. I like the "ring the bell if youre a satisfied customer" option. That's fun.

Robert Legere

Great location and variety. Lots of sales on meat and fish. Produce is well-priced, although their bell peppers seem more expensive than anywhere I've been?

Norman de Bellefeuille

Being the only big supermarket in downtown Ottawa (Sobeys excepted), their prices are higher because they know they're dealing with a captive clientele. Food prices in lower income neighborhoods are always higher.

silly sunshine

Their take away food is not that great. The first time I had chicken tenders and French fries. The fries were rock solid, probably sat their for an hour or longer. Inedible. The second time I asked for a chicken wrap and he gave me the spiciest (yes spicy) piece of chicken in my wrap and I'm intolerant to spicy food - and the box had maybe 10-15 wedges in there. The box was not full you could see the bottom. Super disappointing and I'd rather spend my money elsewhere to get a decent lunch. Appreciate your hard work, I just wouldn't recommend their lunch meals.

Maygan Wells

I live only 2 blocks from Hartman's, so I have been going here for years. Sure, the prices are sometimes higher than elsewhere, but when they have sales, the prices are reduced even lower than the competition (just in case, there's a dollar store right across the street that has a surprising amount of groceries at great prices too). There is always a wide variety of products, I think the staff is always helpful & friendly, and I haven't noticed more open boxes being unpacked to restock the shelves than at any other store. I also remember 10 years ago when Hartman's was only 1/3 of the size it is now with aisles so narrow there wasn't enough space for 2 shopping carts to pass each other side by side, so I can appreciate the recent renovations much more. Plus, I would rather pay a little extra to shop at a convenient and relatively safer location. than have to ride the unreliable OC transpo busses and risk getting shot or stabbed going to the grocery stores near King Edward and Rideau.

Georgia Mcay

I was searching for ground pork and had been told that there was none, this upset me because I really needed it for a special dinner. Thank god a worker named Marcanthony went well out of his way to personally make me ground pork and deliver it to me. This really compelled me to write this review, thank you Marcanthony and independent! Also, I love you kevin Silva <3 Maysam hurt my feelings once

Dally Alain

The nearest grocery store in downtown of Ottawa. Good to have it!

Steve Potter

Online shopping experience has improved greatly since inception, I have only been in person three times since the pandemic started over a year ago. Everyone who hasn't tried it frets about the quality of the produce they will receive....never been disappointed.

J. L.

This location has improved tremendously since switching to Massines but could use a larger variety of veg food options, like other Independent stores.

Randy V.

Good selection, awesome sales when they have them and convenient as it's close by me. Just not fond of the lack of shoplifting prevention other than the one security guard as I've caught a shoplifter myself every so often there.

J M

Great store with great selection and great prices. The new-ish owner has transformed the store from cramped, junk store to great shopping experience. Always new finds. BUT, what is up with the deli staff?? Always rude, ignorant and unfriendly - the only bad section of the entire store.

Michael Magwood

Good selection of products, and fresh produce. The butcher shop had a large variety of fresh meat that has a good expireation dates, except that one time we brought those

Scott Shorkey

Store is dirty and is always understaffed.. Never enough cashes open so lines are crazy long and the self checkouts are very buggy and a bunch are always out of order. If you live in the area go to Sobeys instead... A little pricier but much nicer and faster checkouts

arjay Nolasco

good place to shop.. well stocked, it also have friendly staff.

Hari P

Very good place to shop. Convenient location

Meaghan Savoie

Pretty great selection in everything. The only reason why I didn't give five stars was because there are some things that I can only find at the Loblaws on Rideau. But definitely a good variety and the staff is extremely friendly, no matter what department they work in.

Richard White

From hamburger that goes bad in a day, to milk that is already bad when you get home, this store has gone downhill a lot in the last year. Add to that the fact that many items prices have increased by$2-$3 (20%-30%) and I'm definitely looking for a new grocery store.

Subhajit Chatterjee

It is really a big store. Lot of items are there with lot variations. Starting from Fish to meat, confectionery to poultry and dairy, everything has a huge collection. Even there are many Indian food items like rice, 'daal', pickles etc are there.

Sarah

This is my main grocery store that I’ve been going to for the past 6years. To be honest, it has been smelling like rotting milk for far to long now and I never enjoy going there anymore. It’s really gross. Gag worthy. This is why I’m giving one star. Will change my rating when this changes.

RL RL

Expensive for an Independent. Then again it is downtown. I used to see it in Toronto where areas of a higher density of economically disadvantaged tended to pay more. Limited options to go get groceries outside the core so they pay it.

Noella Markle

Has a lot of gluten-free foods

Len Bunce

Not the best, not the cheapest... but it's convenient. Great location, free underground parking. It's quick to shop in because it is small, except that the placements of groceries isn't like most stores. They recently expanded their health/vegetarian section, but it's mostly frozen foods.

Monick Grenier

Best grocery store ever! Not overpriced, discount items. Ring the bell on your way out to express your satisfaction.

Judith Crossan

I shop at Massine's always. I buy cat food To , diet drinks. There are more choices. Dave is hands on. All staff are kind and helpful.

A Currie

Pretty dirty place. Expired produce looking pretty wilted.The meat is overpriced and not very good quality. I recommend you just go to Farm boy a few blocks away on Metcalfe Street. A tad more pricey but great meat and produce quality.

Chris Tessier

It's improved alot after the remodel. Still not very big and often more expensive then grocery stores in the suburbs and the produce isn't as fresh I find but not a bad store.

K. Peterson

Somewhat expensive due to location, pretty large and good selection for a downtown grocery store. PC plus is fine except seems to be limited to specific food offers (rather than whole purchase)

B. Shes.

Worked at this location for ONE shift a little more than a decade ago, but I couldn't take the chaotic atmosphere (watch a trailer for Bum Fights on YouTube, that's what it was comparable to, hilariously). That being said, I've visited since then and it seems to have quieted down considerably. Surprisingly, they even sent me a $50 paycheck, or however much I earned in that one shift, in the mail a month after I quit.

Steve Mattiussi

Prices are bumped up a little too high (even with the understanding that operating a business downtown is expensive). In the long run it's cheaper to bus to the Loblaws in my old neighbourhood (Elmvale) and drag groceries home to centretown. That being said the convenience is great and they're always stocked.

Connor

Has a good decent selection of foods, 10% off for students on Tuesday. Gets pretty busy around 5pm during the week. Staff is friendly

Gisele La Roche

Average grocery store. It's OK, but the salad I bought gave me the runs all night. I won't be buying any salads there ever again.

Sebastien Glauser

The hours and location are good, very helpful staff and the deli has lots to choose from, they could have more self checkouts

Randy

Huge selection, not the cheapest but it's downtown so expected. Great grocery store

David Merino

Lots of gluten free, health foods, and all the President's Choice products. Seafood is decent. Busy and underground parking sucks if you have a large vehicle (but it's free).

Charlie Gervais

Nice clean store. Friendly Staff, good selection.

Patrick Lacasse

Good selection of local products on top of regular grocery. Great hours and very friendly staff.

Andrew Gazo

Quick cashier's. Clean store. And Starbucks coffee.

Chien Bui

They got amazing lunch specials! For five dollars you can pick a side and 5 wings, if you don't like wings they have other selection available or you can always get 16 wings for ten dollars. Indoor parking also available but not that big though.

Lisa Watson

In my experience their produce is always fresh and they do carry some products you don't see other places. Very clean store, friendly and helpful staff

Francois Malette

Usually get good service. Only issue is that when a flyer sale is posted, they never seem to have the items in stock. Posters are up, just not the items.

Jimbo Ford

Avoid at all COSTS!! This sauce is $2.88 at all other stores in the city. All other products are priced similarly.

TeeThreeVideos 8D

So i just bought about 40$ worth of grocries and 50%of that is going in the trash. My high-priced organic muslix has an expiration date of NOVEMBER 12TH 2021 i ate an entire bowl before i noticed. Now I'm going to be sick because of poor produce management. The avocado bag i got which contained 5 avocadoes which in the light 3 are molded through. I'm genuinely disgusted ive gone this entire godforsaken pandemic without getting sick but thanks to CEREAL THAT IS SEVEN MONTHS EXPIRED WHICH COST ME 6.00$ BECAUSE IT WAS IN THE ORGANIC & HEALTH FOOD SECTIONS. i would rather pay a taxi or an uber to go to ANY OTHER GROCERY STORE IN DOWNTOWN Ottawa because at least then i wouldn't get sick and waste HALF OF MY RECEIPT.

joe yahoo

I hate the bell...hate it and fear it...I have tinnitus, a loud ringing in my ears cased by sudden exposure to loud noise...many people, including seniors, have tinnitus...the bell is dangerous and unnecessary. further more you make your employees react like Chinese slaves to the sound of there bell...shameful.

Alex Mason

Decent little grocery store. Their selection of products is better than you might expect for a downtown grocery store. Only downside is the ton of homeless people harassing you on your way in and out of the store. There's rarely fewer than two, and some of them are pretty aggressive.

Christine P

I find this grocery store overly expensive for what it is. To get very basic items, it costs you at least double than a typical grocery store. The people are generally friendly but the prices are not worth it.

Anne Meredith

Horrible. I did a comparative shop with Superstore on Richmond. rd. The total at Hartman's was @ $50. Superstore was an unbelievable $ 25.!! I shared this with the manager at H. I told him that he abuses the very people who keep him in business. The elderly, students, disabled etc. He said I didn't have to shop there. You're right. I make a point of never buying anything there that's not on sale. If anything. It's so offensive.

Sandra

First time shopping here. The store was well laid out and the selection of products is way better than what I was use to in the burbs.

Bader Hajali

Nice clean and very well stocked grocery store. Their hot bar is very decent but their salads can use some help

Hockey Girl

Always a great selection here! The store is bright, clean, and well organized. I've never left without finding exactly what I was looking for. Produce is fresh and delicious. Staff are helpful and friendly. The fresh-made sandwiches are superb, especially the Thai Chili Chicken.

Ray Perrier

Store looks unassuming outside but once you get in the door, its huge. Great selection of goods from meats to produce to baked goods.... very clean and well laid out. Staff are super friendly and helpful. Awesome.

Brenda Wilson

I love shopping at Massine's, you go in for a couple of things and find so many things on sale! I walked there that day and holy moly it was a hard walk home ???? check out the meat section! There's ALWAYS something amazing going on there!

Ami-b Maunder

The pharmacy SUCKS recently. 1. Mistake gave me someone else's prescription so had to bring it back 2. Mistake miscounted my medication had to bring back to get it corrected 3. Stood at the cash waiting for my prescription for nearly an hour while the pharmacist was on the phone sorting out the vaccine and they couldn't do anything without him. 4. Called several time to have my prescription refilled kept getting disconnected As soon as I am better I'm taking my business else where

Esmee N.

Convenience and good quality stuff in downtown ottawa. Price is on par with other groceries. But customer service is the worst! No help and treats you like they own the place. Avoid the cashier named Sheldon.

jean col

Great if you enjoy the sight of a tank of lobsters slowly dying with their claws tied together (and prices above average)

Sarrie Corthney

Fav place. Recommended

Paul Piechota

This place has gone down the dumps since flipping from Hartman's (and that place wasn't good to begin with). Now I go once in a while to pick up just one item, thinking it's probably not in stock to begin with, why did I come here only to have your suspicions confirmed. It's like this place wants to go out of out of business as soon as possible.

Kayla Dutfield

Great store. Little pricey but great quality

Jason Sears

I'm still surprised that this place isn't 24 hours. The prices are okay and they have a lot of selection. They also offer free 90 minute parking if you buy anything inside their store.

Alex K

Average grocery store. Prices are rarely good, but if you live in the area the location is hard to beat. Milk (bag) just went up to $4.27.

Marg S

I had a wonderful experience learning how to make pasta from scratch. Chef Michael did a great job explaining all the steps, and the end result was delicious. I’ll definitely go back!

T Qusous

The store is good but I would have to say regarding their unethical ways they use to sell old meat. That’s the second time I noticed they cover up old brown grounded meat with fresh one to get rid of their old products. This time I cooked it thinking it’s not a big issue and I got food poisoning from it and spent 2 days in the bed. Never buying meat from this store

Donna Brice (Deesweptaway)

Good variety but overpriced due to not having much competition in the downtown area

David Beck-Mac Neil

For a downtown, relatively compact grocery store Massine's has an amazing selection and reasonable pricing. Perhaps due to space constraints they don't always have things in the most obvious places (tomato paste and puree is next to the pasta while whole and diced are with the canned veggies). That said, they're also doing a great job with safety, with regular cleaning of payment locations and all carts being sanitized. Their community support is also very good, monetarily and materially supporting food banks and meal programs. If your downtown, this is your grocery destination.

Florence Hrehirchek

I want to say how impressed I am with Massine's food bank program this Christmas. They have premade brown paper bags with groceries inside sitting at the cashiers tills. You buy one for $5.00 & leave it in the box at front of store. Brilliant!!! Amazing store. Thank-you

Jj J

Egg salad sandwich is ok. Their sushi is way better than Sobeys close by. Generally overall good.

Cee gee

One stop shop. They offer fresh produce and international products. Great value too.

Alice

Competitive pricing with lots of options. They usually have the lowest prices compared to other downtown grocers. Fairly large organic section. Maybe not as good if you’re looking for specialty foods (international cuisine). Lines move pretty quick, especially the express checkout. I took a star off because I absolutely hate the self-checkout machines. Every time I tried to use them I always got any error and had to wait for an attendant. After 5-6 visits to them I finally gave up and just use the regular checkout.

Shane hogan

The employees don't follow the arrows on the floor its really rude and illegal

Stefan

People should see it for what it is - a convenience store and not a supermarket. Don't expect to make your weekly groceries for a family of four here. Carries most essential with occasional good deals.

Wayne Schwalm

Price not great if on a low budget

Megan W

Saturday night at the independent was a pleasant surprise. No lines and plenty of great discounts. Much better than my experience at busy rush-hour times.

Fernando Lima

Good grocery store! Parking could be a challenge.

Mike Auger

All the new renovations have really made a positive difference; Brighter, cleaner, and with a more standardized grocery store layout.

Ali Nouri

Good selection of stuff and staff are friendly. The parking in the basement is also very convenient.

David

Amazing selection of produce, and a pretty well stocked "shop local" section. Definitely my go to.

Jean-Pierre Marchand

Not the nicest people there in Town, that's why i don't go there often

Flynn Knowles-Barley

Some wait at peak times, but otherwise reasonable prices, fresh produce, and good range of products. Quality selection of ready to eat hot meals, and prepared fingerfood.

Phil

They increased the cost of many items recently, and they were already pricey. Bacon is now $7-8 when not on sale, that is crazy. Also they now have "sales" on items where thee individual items actually cost more than when they are not on sale.

Jodi Dooling

I really like this store. It is difficult to get big amounts of groceries when you are downtown as there is always a compromise i.e. no selection, increased costs of food and no parking or inconvenient parking so it is difficult to load your car. With Massine's you don't have to compromise on parking, quality, quantity or service. I was worried how it would be when it was taken over from the Hartman's but it has been even better. Thw underground parking is awesome and you can always find a spot. Keep up the good work.

Andrew

The store is great since it's been renovated however their vegetables and fruits are to be looked at a lot closer because you buy stuff at high prices and then you get garbage as a product at the end such as cucumbers English constantly fighting over that when there are sales they always run out we always have to get rain checks and it seems like they don't get enough stock or the stocks not kept up They have great staff now still need to make some changes with some staffing in the produce area people do not react when you say they're things that are not good or not worth selling they put them back on the Shelf why I don't know

Grace Velasquez

My favorite grocery store when I am in Ottawa because.of the underground parking. Perfect in winter. I get most things I want there too.

Belinda Warren

Neat and responsible staff, they are careful and there is lots of sanitizer and whatever is needed to stay safe. Prices are average for the area of town, and the layout is pretty nice. No idea about gluten free items here, but I am sure they have some kind of a section

Brittney Hayward

I took my very first cook class at Chefs at Massine's just a few months ago. It was a pasta making class that Chef Michael had instructed. It was a hands on class where you got to watch Chef Michael demonstrate how to make the pasta and then he let everyone in the class do it themselves. The pasta class that I attended we got to make two different types of pasta. We were shown how to make fettuccine and ravioli. Each pair got their own pasta makers and when it came to make the ravioli, you were allowed to make the ravioli the way you wanted to. I really enjoyed this class and learned a lot on how to make pasta. I also realized that it's very easy to do and Chef Michael showed me that. Everything was very delicious! I would reccomend taking any class at Chefs at Massine's to anyone wanting to learn different foods.

assam turkmany

Rude employees, I have been a customer for them for over than 5 years. I was happy with my experience by using the self-checkout. The day I decided to speak to a human being at the cash was a terrible decision. So, I was greeting the cashier with, hello! How are you doing? Normal questions. (She didn't respond) I said maybe, she is tired, she didn't hear me..etc. She picked up one of the expensive items but I got a deal on it, plus an extra dollar off. So, I mentioned that to her that you need to take an extra dollar off. she told me with pointing at the screen and said( do you understand what is on the screen, For a second I thought she is right I looked and I am positive she didn't take it off, so I picked up my stuff and show it to her that she needs to take that coupon and give me that discount. She did without saying sorry I didn't notice but nope. She needs to learn some manner how to talk to people.

Paul Mathieu

Decent grocery store for the area. Just keep your eye out for deals to stock up on, else know you could pay a premium where you may not want to. Suppose this is the economic game anywhere though.

Judy Macdonald

I seriously can't stand Hartman's for so many reasons, I would need an hour to tell you all. The constant boxes in the middle of the aisles, the fact that not one staff member will say excuse me when they cut you off every five minutes. The prices are craaaazy. But good news, everyone! There is a Sobeys being built on the ground floor of the Claridge Tribeca condo building on Metcalfe at Nepean. I emailed them today just to confirm that. Its pricey too, but competition is good, finally. Maybe give Hartman's a run for their money..or our money!

Robert Mills

Very clean and well stocked store. Staff pleasant a great place to shop

Irene Christoforou

Great grocery store employees are very kind and helpful. Great deals always on great items at 50%off especially in the bakery section right infront of the cake counter. Wide variety of items from food to cookware to seasonal items to cards and flowers. Has a pharmacy and separate store as you walk in the doors from the bank st entrance which sells cigarettes and lotto. Also has a wine rack inside at the end of the cashes. Prices are pretty fair with great sales weekly.

Enterprise 777

They always have a fresh assortment of tasty baked goods at the back of the store, but there are too many panhandlers and rift rafts at the bank st entrance which can be annoying.

Michael Robinson

This grocery store is stocked with a great selection of delicious food. There's a big garage with free parking for those shopping in the store. I wish the food was cheaper but understand why it can't be.

Cody C.

Pro: Very central grocery store, big selection, fairly fast checkout. Con: Bit of a no man's land in terms of staff, only one or two buses and there's always drama outside the main entrance.

Jon Last

I used to shop there many many years ago when I live downtown and it was a very different store then. It is much larger now and seems to have many more products and a much better Bakery Deli and fresh food section. It also has hot foods that it didn't have all those years ago. It is a nice clean and bright store but a little bit confusing in its layout because of some of the working parts of the store are in the middle so there are shelf areas to each side and it's sometimes a bit confusing which side I should be looking on for a product. But they do have a huge selection.

Amelia Z

Good location, reasonable price, some stuff are very nice. but there is one stuff always charge me extra bags without asking. I asked one bag, finally charged me two. Asked two bags, she double packaged and charged four. She is selling bags?

Robert W.

So much better than the previous proprietors. Even the crusty/rude staff from Hartman's who are still there seem to be in better moods. The store is clean and the food is fresh.

Leona Lacroix

While I agree with comments about sale items not being available, my biggest and constant complaint is the "express" check out. I live nearby and find myself at Hartmans at least four times a week. Most times are during rush hours,around lunchtime or between 4 and 7 pm. The misnamed 'express' check out has two cash registers. I have lived in this neighbourhood and have been shopping at Hartmans for over 12 years. I can honestly count on one hand when BOTH of the registers have been open. Mentioned that observation to one of the managers who replied "Oh, maybe someone called in sick" and "Maybe their shift hasn't started". Really?? Almost every single day during their busiest times?????? Very irritating.

Alejandro Valladares

Because the prices of many products are advertised at one price in the shelf the same product has different pricand at the cashier you get different price. That happened to me on Monday this week the sugar was advertised at $1.47 por bag in the shelf was at two bags of sugar por $4.00 but when I pay costs me $2.47 thats what happens at that store. And that is not the only store that do that there's meny stores are doing the seme be alert check prices where ever you shop

Alexander Aitken

You can smell the rot from the dairy department as soon as you enter the store. I'm okay paying more for my groceries but I expect a clean store. The store is dirty, cramped and expensive. Do yourself a favor and to to Walmart or food basics or something, it will be cleaner, cheaper and you won't have to hold your breath to stop yourself from gagging the whole time you are in the building.

Joanna Vincent (Senschick)

I have to say...there delivery person Jay...Is the best! It doesn't bother him that he has to walk up 5 flights of stairs to my place with water and kitty litter! He is always so polite and kind. I have figured out the days he works and I get my grocery's on those days. I look forward to seeing him cause he is just so sweet. one time I was sick and he put all my groceries away for me. Who does that?! I strongly suggest to go to this store.

Jesse B

My favourite grocery store! Friendly staff, good selection, might be a little pricey but it's right downtown and significantly cheaper than the Sobeys on Metcalfe.