Reviews of The Rowan (Restaurant)

Vickie MacLean

You guys! The Crispy Oxtail Terrine with fried egg and chips is quite possibly the best combo of flavours I've ever had at brunch. Ever. The egg was creamy, the terrine was a taste sensation, the sautéed mushrooms were plump and juicy, and the chips were English-style chunks of crispy fluffy potato heaven. Go here. Now!

Scott

The food was as good as I'd hoped it would be, it was worth the wait but it's not easy to get in you have to plan ahead. Definitely worth revisiting.

Mathew Clancy

Amazing food. Amazing drinks. Amazing service. Simply put - you should go to this awesome spot.

Gabriel Tremblay

(Translated) Very nice discovery for me this restaurant. Everything was very good. (Original) Très belle découverte pour moi ce restaurant. Tout était très bon.

Daniel Al-Khafajy

Great food. Fried the Grilled Cauliflower, Pork Belly, and Steak. The doughnuts were also amazing!

Craig Taylor

We had an excellent meal. And an even better dessert. A very interesting menu. Lots of choices.

Pat Alb

Great service! Food compares to the best in Ottawa.

Kevin Evoy

I love food that elicits and emotion. This brunch made me very happy. One of the best brunches I've ever had!

Ray Otten

Great cocktails, excellent food and service. Will be back.

Janice Nicholson

One of the best brunches I have had. And really friendly, on point service.

Wendy Hough

My new favourite restaurant ... thanks Jeff!

Tom Moss

Great spot, excellent food.

Guy Trepanier

Oh. My. God.

Erick L

Great service, unique twists on delicious food

Charles Romero

(Translated) A very nice experience. Very impressed by the welcome and the service, our server made it a point of honor to speak to us in French. A varied brunch, everything we ate was delicious. Experience to repeat, with a few friends. (Original) Une très belle expérience. Très impressionné par l’accueil et le service, notre serveur se faisant un point d’honneur à nous parler en français. Un brunch varié, tout ce que nous avons mangé était succulent. Expérience à renouveler, avec quelques amis.

Anthony Watts

Great food, great service!

Ilker Taysi

Tasty Burger with zuccini

Jason Atterbury

Cool little eatery. Amazing baked cauliflower salad and my wife assures me that the pasta was equally good. Great lunch spot.

Erin Brown

Solid choice in the Glebe. Good variety of foods and drink choices. Everyone at our table enjoyed their selections.

Yohan M.

Amazing Brunch here. I had the eggs and mackerel and it was to die for. If you're visiting Ottawa you've gotta try this place out. The staff are friendly, helpful and very attentive !!

Lauren Berg

We went for brunch and the food was delicious, service was fast and friendly. Our server was very attentive in filling our water and making sure we were out in time for the afternoon game, in and out in 30 minutes.

Stewart Spiers

Great atmosphere here on Bank St. The place is well decorated and we'll lit. I heard good things about the food here but wasn't sure what to expect. Happily, I was very pleased with my meal and drinks. I had the pork which was perfectly seasoned and cooked as well as a Gerry Holliwell (spelling?) cocktail. Great for lovers of Moscow mules! Wait staff was great! We tried to cisit once when it was 40+ degrees and they had the large door open which made it unbearable so had to leave. I'd recommend they use the AC when it is that warm, especially with the kitchen being close to the dining area.

Doug Tanner

Went for lunch. Tasty food, with great presentation, server fresh and hot. Very knowledgeable about gluten. Great music selection!

Karen Stewart

Unbelievable food and amazing service. The pasta noodles were homemade and so delicious. I would definitely visit if you are in the area.

Carl Cencig

Overall I like the Rowan's service staff, which is always cheery, professional and upbeat. The food is hit or miss however. I was there recently and the person I was with order Tofu, and it basically came to the table like a steak.. Ever had a tofu steak? not very appealing in any way. The breakfast is usually decent as its hard to screw up a breaky. The music is usually pretty fun too, and the place sports a decent vibe.

Nazim Mufti

Awesome food. Awesome service. It's a bit pricey, but the food is delicious.

Ian k

Great meal!

Jay Klassen

Great Yorkshire pudding!

Karen white

Yummy meat, Josh the bestie

Brennan Fox

Outstanding drinks & service. Menu options are often unique & excellent. Great spot for a date where you can actually hear what the other person is saying; a rarity for the Lansdowne area. My favourtie things: killer gin & tonic, Bicycle Velocipede on tap ????

David Marcoux

Definitely my go to restaurant for an upscale dining experience. The food is always top notch and they have an amazing selection of wines to choose from. The staff are all so great and really friendly. Definitely recommend to anyone in the city!

Jordan Harding

Best brunch in Ottawa hands down. Dinner and cocktails are excellent too. Staff are wonderful. Say hi to Duncan!

David Pike

Great food and cocktails

Ann T

Location: In the Glebe. Street parking is available but may be difficult to find if an event is going on at the park. The place: Great little spot that isn't overly big but not too small, either. It's got a gastropub feel to it that is cozy and relaxed with no pretence whatsoever. Their front window (is massive) and opens up so that you can get that terrace vibe. The goods: I don't even know where to begin. For real, people! My friend and I ordered 5 dishes because The Rowan's concept is small dishes that area meant to be shared. We got the salad, arancini, cauliflower, pasta with zucchini and ricotta, and the smoked tofu. First off, their portions are very generous and could easily be had as mains (we appreciated that!). The salad was fresh and delicious with no wilted lettuce leaves in site, the arancini were so mouthwateringly good that the next time I go, I'm going to bring bread so that I can finish off the delicious sauce - these were absolutely on par with arancini that I've had in Italy. The cauliflower had a nice caramelized char to it, the pasta was fantastic and the tofu was great. We enjoyed every dish though would have probably ordered 3-4 vs. 5 if we had known these guys were so generous! For dessert, we had the chocolate pot de crème which I really enjoyed, though personally, I found the butterscotch a bit too sweet. Oh, and the cocktails were superb. I recommend the Ruby Collins. Service: Fantastic. Our hostess and waitress was delightfully friendly and always had a smile on. Our waitress was attentive and we didn't lack anything throughout our dinner. Price point: Personally, I think their prices are reasonable with dishes ranging between $14 and about $22 (not sure about dishes with meat, though). The price will obviously depend upon how many dishes you order. I highly recommend this place and plan to go back the next time I'm in Ottawa.

Saed Alavinia

As far as their Sunday Brunch is concerned, I absolutely loved it! Delicious creative plates in a cozy atmosphere! Unfortunately, a slow service (though I do understand they are busy on Sundays)!

Darren Sharp

Really enjoyed this spot. We went on a Sunday night and just had the sharing plates—though, for the record, the mains on the menu sounded really lovely. We were really impressed by the quality of the ingredients and the fresh, "farm-like" touches on each dish like pickled vegetables and chutneys. The fried shrimp with the shrimp salad was particularly wonderful. Service was friendly, as well. If you're in Lansdowne, do yourself a favour and spend your money here instead of the chain restaurants in the pavilion.

May-Jun McGrath

The rowen has good size portions, a tasty brunch. The potatoes are bery large cut and delicious, service was awesome. 5 brunch babes approved

Robert Parungao

The atmosphere here is fantastic, the food quality is top-notch and the service is friendly. My only reservation would be that the price-point for the food is a bit high, so take a look at the menu online first before deciding if you want to come here. If you do though, it is well worth you while.

Julian Ng

Came for brunch. This place has a very cozy and pleasant atmosphere. The server was great and made you feel welcomed. Food was very satisfying.

Jennifer Carter

Brunch was fabulous. Lovely service.

Jessica Oliver

Creative drinks, great dinner menu!

J.R. Philly

This place had a hemmingway kind of vibe. Good meal. Good cocktails. Very good service. Fine dining , be prepared to spend some money.

Samantha Leblanc

This has quickly become our favourite restaurant. The food is so good! My husband and I went this week because its so delicious and the staff are so friendly. Atmosphere is very cool and in a great location.

Andrew Stevens

Great food and presentation of the dishes. English pub classics with some nice twists in a fun atmosphere.

Larger Hats (Largerhats)

Great food, very delicious. Fresh tasting meals served well, good atmosphere.

Kala Gray

This place is so adorable and the food is so good! As a celiac I am always so limited but they had a good amount of options for me plus they had cute drinks as well! The bites aren’t overwhelmingly large which means you can get a few plates and share!! A definite must eat!

Caroline Hua

Absolutely delicious - thank you Tori for making the celebratory dinner for my fiance and our friend unforgettable! She brought out some sparking wine as well as desserts with a candle on it to top the night off. The table loved the surprise, we will definitely be back!

Xave Ruth

I've long been a fan of the Charles Mingus tune "Goodbye, Pork Pie Hat". While the pork pie was unfortunately not served in a hat, this was not enough of an infraction to reduce my rating from five stars.

Andrew Inniss

Great place

Jacinthe Goulet

Ok food, ok drinks. Hipster trendy overpriced. Good service.

AD Free

This popular eating spot is located at the lobby level of the Novotel Ottawa hotel. There are three distinct areas and four if you include the outdoor patio (obviously open as weather permits). The three dining areas progress in privacy and atmosphere. The area nearest the lobby, with soft chairs and low tables, is the most casual and well suited for meeting for drinks and small plates. There is also a five or six seats along the bar area. The more interior spaces are well suited to dining. The menu is the same for all areas. The food and menu, as described by so many publications and critics, deserves it's reputation as well considered, beautifully served and delicious. The cocktails are a match to the food. Simply incredible. There is an artistry in the preparation. Too bad pictures don't convey taste! I would suggest some of the cocktails can be thought of as appetizers! Definitely coming back next time I'm in Ottawa.

Jack Rice

Really great food, nice atmosphere, good service.

Mike Clark

Very pleasing atmosphere, terrific food, although for me personally, it wasn't enough food. The service was fantastic, the server was delightful and upbeat and made terrific recommendations. Would go back for sure.

Selena Lake

Steak was disappointing.

Eloïse Lafleche

(Translated) What a beautiful discovery, resto-sister Fraser Café. Delicious. (Original) Quelle belle découverte, resto-soeur du Fraser Café. Délicieux.

Leonard Surges

This was our second dinner at the Rowan, a casual British gastropub with a difference. I added snails prepared with ale to my striploin, for just $4. Service was friendly and unhurried. Meals were plated and presented beautifully. Wine list is interesting: none are available at LCBO.

Ron McKay

Super friendly!

Rob Eee

Excellent food quality food

Anton Vachaev

Came here for dinner, but ended up just having 2 appetizers because the mains menu didn't seem too appealing. The place is packed with tables so expect other people to be hand length away from you. The food was good, slightly on pricey side. The service was fine.

Eric Burant

The Rowan is a decent place to get a lunch. We found the service to be friendly and engaging, but the food was very slow in leaving the kitchen. The salad also came with barely any dressing on it, and we had to ask for more. I would recommend the raspberry lemonade spritz, it was perfectly balanced in its sweetness and crispness. The prices were good, and the place has a charming atmosphere with an open kitchen area.

Chan Nguyen

Delicious. Everything is. All of it. Delicious. And great service too!

Laura King

Easy to get a table Saturday morning, very accommodating of dietary needs, great staff! Food was tasty, setting was calm and cozy. Must get the scone!

Courtney CL

Tasty dishes and good cocktails. The prices were a bit steep for what you got, but everything was pretty delicious.

Vanlang Nguyen

The restaurant is classy. The service is excellent. The servers are attentive without being overbearing. Drinks are average. There did not seem to be anything special about them. The food on the other hand was superb. We had the shrimp appetizer and for mains we had a perfectly cooked steak and beautifully seared tuna. Definitely would go again!

Tracey Ware

Found this gem by chance and had an absolutely wonderful experience. Great food and drink (some of the very best I've experienced) lovely service and a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Will definitely be back.

Andrew Ford

Good service and atmosphere - small and cozy.

Ashley Zahara

This was my first visit to The Rowan. The restaurant is small but cozy. The staff are super friendly and make sure you and your party are well taken care of. The food was astounding. I tried the Beef Striploin which comes with potato chips (large cut fires), carrots and malt vinegar mayo. This was hands down one of the best steaks I've ever had. Although this dish didn't look like a lot, it was certainly filling! I would recommend trying this restaurant out. I definitely will be going back!

Catherine Lefrancois

This place is very nice, staff was friendly but I just feel like the menu for main dish had nothing special for the price... with this said I am rating this restaurant 4 stars because of the appetizers. I highly recommend the chicken croquettes, they were amazing!!

Jeff Lewis

F'ing awesome!

Marwan Dirani

Great food. Lovely atmosphere; not too noisy.

Olivia El

Despite Sunday brunch being such a busy time, we had a lovely time. The service was great and the food was a hit. I would definitely recommend this spot for brunch!

James Milks

Interesting fare. Friendly service. I had brunch - too many onions in the sausages!

Eric Paulin

Authentic English restaurant.. Pork pie, pork shank etc... Very good food and great service.. A tad pricey but high quality

Inessa Dygal

Fantastic food from appetizers to desserts! Outstanding customer service as well. This is a gem in the community :) I loved how all the flavours were mingling but not overpowering each other, the chef is a genius! I should have asked where they get their pickled zucchini, such a nice touch to the dish. The scallops were tender and moist, the duck was to die for, everything on the plates was absolutely in perfect harmony with the main attraction. We were so excited about the food, we didn't even take any pictures :)

David Palmer

I enjoyed dining at the Rowan, but I wouldn't say that my meal was overly memorable.

Maddy Rud

Great food and drinks

Michel Devost

Great service. Great food. Great atmosphere.

Brodie Taym

Had brunch here a couple times when I had guests visiting Ottawa. They always liked it and I thought it was pretty good. it is a bit of a fancy place but the premium price is still reasonable considering the quality of the food you get. Service was always prompt and friendly as well. the only catch is that they close in the afternoon . Would definitely recommend.

Tory Kenny

An interesting menu with lots of options. We had a few cocktails which were fun and well thought out. The chicken croquettes were delicious. I would recommend their less mainstream options - I had the Fried Quail and polenta with ragu. It was different than anything I have had before, flavours were complementary and was well worth it. My partner had the striploin and fries, the food was good but quite smaller than expected (he rated this a 3.5 but we disagree). We finished with the Eton Mess, which was a light and fruity finish. Our service was phenomenal and the atmosphere is quite nice. A great choice for nice meal.

Scott Perrie

Was pleasantly surprised with our meal, everything was really good - some nice vegetarian options and the foraged elements and pickles were fantastic. Great service as well. Atmosphere could be a bit too noisy for some people who want a more intimate date, but we enjoyed the convivial ambiance, it was bustling.

Christine Johnson Delaney

Good food and atmosphere!

Fouad S.

Great service, good food. Drinks a bit pricey. Worth a visit. The quail is amazing!

Kathryn Racine

Superb service. The food is always an adventure and the wine list contains many selections not found at the LCBO.

Carmen Baker

UK inspired food in a cool atmosphere

Vivian Burton

Phenomenal dinner from start to finish. Delicious and well-balanced cocktails, savoury and plentiful appetizers, perfect mains, and amazing desserts!

Meaghan-Leah Ferris

Terrific food and service.

Jessica Baile

Amazing food, lovely ambience, and friendly servers. Overall I was thrilled with our experience there!

Lynette Rivest-Boyd

Food was great, service was perfect and atmosphere was intimate. We got the pork belly to start, the fenugreek Dahl with fritters as a main, and the apple doughnuts for dessert. We ended up sharing everything as we had previous food adventures in the Glebe prior to our reservation. The portions were perfect, the food was interesting and filling. I will definitely be coming back here.

James Best

Spectacular food and service. An almost must visit while here in Ottawa.

Katrina Kassis

Food was decent but some inconsistencies with value for portion size. Service was relatively slow considering there were only 2 tables seated while we were there and the waitress seemed to never be around when we needed her. Note the restaurant was clean which I appreciated and the atmosphere is nice.

Chris Coveny

Good food, didnt really enjoy the decor or the service.

Kim Barry

Absolutely delicious. Four of us, each something different and all very good. Excellent service.

D Day

Every time I come here, the staff is always to the top friendly and happy to serve their guest. I'm writing this review because it's very uncommon to find a restaurant that sees customer service as a high priority. But also they make you feel very welcomed!

Fergus Maclaren

Very good gastropub food and selection of beers.

Michael D

Nice brunch and creative choices beyond eggs.

Ali Monadi

Pretty cool place. Service was great as well. I got the stake but I wasn't a fan of the sauce that was served with the steak. It was too sweet and I didn't think it complemented the flavours of the dish very well.

Matteo Golin

AMAZING FOOD!

Brian H

The staff are so knowledgeable and considerate here. The food is great and there's a real communal vibe. Great place to meet friends for a drink or have dinner with a loved one.

B. M. A.

I've been going there since they opened. While it was always a good meal, I find they are particularly on point these days. I highly recommend any of their seafood options and the steak is always great.

Simon St

Staff, food, and atmosphere were all top notch.

Brady Fullerton

This place has incredible food and drinks. Prices are fairly high but the service is fantastic. The atmosphere is very comfortable but still classy. There are several vegan and vegetarian options as well. You won't regret visiting.

Saikiran Singh

Great drinks! Awesome abiance.

Sophia

Loved the relaxed vibe and the eclectic design. I had a nice dinner experience. Most dishes were really good, a couple fell flat and their clafoutis is a must try! I'm curious about their unique brunch menu and will be back to try it.

Matthyw Thomas

I've had mixed experiences with the Rowan. The service is usually good, and they've handled groups well too. The food is usually great, but the last couple of visits there were some disappointing dishes. One was way too salty, one was mushy and cold. I hope they just had an off night. It's a relatively expensive place for a gastro pub, so I expect everything to be spot on at those prices. (It is good value when things go as planned)

Bart Trojanowski

Great place for foodies.

Grace Hutchinson

Great place. Warm friendly atmosphere. Always a lot of people there.

Nathan Dubord

Food was great, but I have to admit, I prefer Fraser cafe a lot more.

Evelyn Horsky

Lovely dinner!

Jesse S

Have only been here for brunch but it was totally delicious. Eggs Bennie with pork belly cooked properly. Often I find places overcook pork belly but this one was really nice. Not dry at all and with a good amount of awesome fat that melted in your mouth) !!!! Yummm! Nice, friendly service as well.

Jenneh Monkeh

Fantastic chickpea and quinoa fritters. The kale strawberry salad with the farro risotto is exceptional. The mint chocolate pudding also well done, not too sweet. The apple fritters however were ruined by being coated in sugar and sickly sweet. It was also cold inside the restaurant, I kept my jacket on the whole time.

Gilbert Russell

We ordered their take out chicken dinner and it was amazing! The whole chicken was tender, the vegetables were tasty and the portions were really generous. We can’t wait to order it again. Highly recommended!

Moe Adham

Awesome place for dinner and drinks.

Alain Sigouin

Good food. A bit on the expensive side.

Alex B

Super nice neighborhood restaurant.

Cheryle Hanna

Good food and service.

Homer

Great food as always, really fantastic service, and the atmosphere is always really fun.

Andrew Boyle

Delicious food. Great service! Very impressed!

Kate O'Connor

Had our work Christmas lunch here today and it was amazing! They were able to accommodate both vegan and gluten-free and offer great options for everyone. Very filling and reasonably priced.

David Nikkel

We really enjoyed our dinner at The Rowan. Very good service l and excellent food.

Ottawa Senators Fan

We had dinner at "The Rowan" on Saturday March 31st. Duncan was our waiter and he was truely 5 stars excellent. This was reflected in his knowledge of the menu, his clients and even the scotch list ;-) My rating is 5 stars for the food and service. There were three of us in our party, one of which has celiac disease, no Gluten At All. We mentioned this and Duncan in the nicest way pointed out that 6 out of the 8 Mains were completely Gluten free. He went even as far to ensure that no bread was offered to the affected person. Small things but really excellent. My wife had the Trout Filet, my daughter the Chicken Breast and I went for two starters, the Roasted Cauliflower Salad and the Beet and Quinoa Fritters. All the dishes came very well presented and hot. My wife raved about the Trout even though she hates brussel sprouts (funn). My daughters chicken was sampled by all three since it looked so good. A little prelude to my dishes. I am a meat eater but ordered two veg dishes, I was worried about being satisfied. I should have not worried. The Roasted Cauliflower was superb, the yogurt, humas and cauliflower combination was terrific. The best was the Beet and Quinoa Fritters. A real signature dish it was truely delicious and extremely filling. I think Duncan knew this when I ordered. My history is I have done many cruises, travelled in European countries and I am telling you that the food here is very good. We will be coming back.

Brent Snider

Awesome brunch spot in the Glebe!

Nicholas Bremner

The food is really good but not great. There is some creativity to many of the dishes but execution fell a bit short (at least in our experience). For example, I had the beef and added the snails in ail and while they were tasty, the flavours didn't really suit the main plate they were intended to come along with. Service was wonderful though and I would still go back.

Michael Hooper

Constantly evolving menu with fresh local ingredients... Duncan is the best!!!

Kate O'Hara

Gourmet, Limited Dinner Menu

Victor Lukyniuk

Pretty good. I liked this restaurant. I was sad to see Zazaza go. Good drinks, I loved the Beef croquettes.

Angie Nellis

Came here for dinner for a little bit of a work celebration. Staff was great and the food was awesome. Very well priced for the quality. Will totally come back for brunch sometime. :)

Elisa Kazan

We had a really nice dinner here. The staff was super friendly and the atmosphere was nice and chill. There were a couple vegetarian options and we ended up getting the tofu and the fritters. I’m not a huge lentil fan so the tofu was my fave. We also got the chocolate dessert which was really nice!

Cedric Larigaldie

(Translated) Great welcome in French and very good suggestions! In short, a place to remember! (Original) Superbe accueil en Francais et tres bonnes suggestions! Bref une place a retenir!

Patrick Dean

Got takeout from there which was pretty good. Price, once you add in tax and obligatory tip is very high though, which is a shame. I think that the one big thing that would help in this pandemic is for takeout to be taxed like food at 0% and for service charge to be included, no hidden fees.

D D

Limited beer selection for gastro pub

Steven Pollock

Excellent food, and wonderful service. Nice atmosphere. Not cheap, but good value.

Shane Faith

Had one of the best meals I've had in Ottawa! The chicken ballontine was amazing, everything made from scratch, and I can't wait to come back. Phenomenal experience

Werner Colangelo

Yummy food and the staff were very accommodating

Alexander Riccio

Great experience with our waiter taking care of us with lots of energy. The food is delicious with gourmet takes on classic breakfast.

Hassib Reda

This place is deservedly a 2/5 by every measurement. I think the manager is a great guy and we had a great chat last time I stepped in there, but as a place to enjoy good food (as you’d expect from the reviews here), it’s bottom tier. Where do I begin: right from the moment you receive the starter bread you realize that If they can’t serve a decent bread, you’re not in for anything special. The soup was not much a soup as the amount of vegetables in there negated any texturing of a traditional soup. Picture butter chicken curry. Then our meals came out. We ordered the chicken and the tuna. The chicken was quite dry, profoundly flavourless, with non complimentary sides. Both the chicken and tuna didn’t taste fresh and the tuna wasn’t flaky on the outside as you’d expect. Also the tuna was overly salty and the lemon and (mustard?) sauce just took over the flavoring of every item on that dish. My conclusion is that the cooking staff there don’t know what they’re doing. There’s no technique or skill in what they’re playing. It’s basically pretend fancy food. Also it can get quite loud in there so it’s not the most relaxing place to eat. I gave it a 2/5 because at least it was edible.

Kevin King

I love the artistic - open to interpretation feel of the restaurant. Service exceptional. Enjoyed the steak and eggs brunch very much. Only area for improvement is (for my tastes) a more marbeled, less lean steak would have added 2 extra points.

Karen Manning

Will be back.

Mike Laprade

I have been to The Rowan for both brunch and dinner and both were fantastic. The staff are nice, the atmosphere is great and the food is delicious. It is a popular spot, so a reservation is a good idea.

Tan

Great small joint. Pricey but the food is great.

Elke Cunningham

Delicious salads and attentive service.

Guy H-B

Delicious food, accommodating staff.

Alex Lungu

The concept and serving is excellent. Food and drinks are just ok. Meal preparation was very slow - 30 minutes for brunch.

Matt Larose (Axematty)

Was just lovely, this steak and frites with snails and ale was really something else.

Sarah Lengacher

Brunch babes 5/5

Shanon Summers

This place is absolutely incredible. Anyone will have a great time here. So much fun!

Glen Chapman

The food, the service, the experience were all superb!

Taylor Bennett

We held an intimate work event there - we had a wine tasting with food pairings. The im-house sommelier did a great job informing us about the wines & food, but also didn't try to steal the show and let us socialize. Lovely decor, great tasting food, & an overall fun night.

Phillip Whelan

Excellent food, good beer, good service.

Paul Stevenson

We visited The Rowan last night for my fiancee's bday and it was exceptional! Drinks were on point, food not only looked incredible but was delicious and most importantly the staff was on top of things the whole night without coming off as pushy or overbearing. Very impressed with all of the meals and the overall experience. Will 100% be back again! Thanks Darrell for your great service and hospitality. Paul Stevenson

Zarin A

The service was great but did not find the food to be that spectacular. We expected better from a restaurant rated this highly. We ordered Trofie pasta from the dinner menu and while the presentation was good, the ingredients fresh, the flavour just wasn't fully satisfying. It was a warm comfort dish however. The shrimp cocktail was a build-your-own lettuce wrap with a few pieces of shrimp that was too tart with the sauces provided. The dessert of lemon shortcake was two dry pieces of cake with whipped cream in between and overpriced for what it was.

Dawn Schmidt

Delicious chicken sandwich and the latte & shortbread dessert combination was delicious.

Jeff Moat

Fantastic brunch.

Ghislain Racine

Excellent food, drinks and service. The menu is seasonal so coming back at different times of the year means discovering new dishes. One of my favorite restaurants, nothing on the menu has ever disappointed me after I tried it. Signature drink menu is mostly based around gin, so gin lovers can rejoice. *I'm not a gin lover but all drinks were still fantastic in all my visits.

Berrin Sun

One of the best restaurants in Ottawa. The food here has always been immaculate every single time we visit. The restaurant itself is very small though, so I recommend getting a reservation.

MyLinh Nguyen

A staple in the neighbourhood and definitely missed during COVID when in-house dining was not available. Delicious as always!

Ahmad Kabbara

It's a nice place with very nice food

Vanessa Herman

Great food and service. Consistently a pleasant experience at the Rowan. I highly recommend. Edit - 9 months later, still amazing.

Vinh Le

The night I went was not particularly busy but the service was top notch and the food was A-mazing. Can't rave enough about the service. Very cozy place and enjoyed our evening very much. Will be back soon. Thanks!

Thomas Boucher

Wonderful experience. The atmosphere of the restaurant is cozy and welcoming, with nice dim lighting and an open kitchen concept. Upon calling for a last minute reservation, the staff were more than happy to move some things around to accommodate us. When we arrived, we were seated right away and taken care of immediately. Our servers name was Jeff, and he was top notch. It was honestly some of the best service we'd had in years. Great recommendations on food choices, and he was not overbearing or inattentive. The food itself was fantastic; we shared the Beer battered Shrimp, and quinoa and beet fritters to start. Great balance of flavours in both dishes, and the presentation was akin to french fine dining restaurants. For our mains, we had the Trout Filet, as well as the Bangers and yorkshire pudding. Great portions, fresh ingredients, made in house. We had a wonderful experience, and we will definitely be returning to try out some of the other menu options. A+

Deanna Apap

The duck was one of the best dinners I've ever had in my life.

travelingbard

It may be a bit claustrophobic, but the food and service more than make up for it. It was incredibly busy during my meal, yet the staff kept everything immaculate and made me feel like the only guest there. There is no egg benny or breakfast sandwich in Ottawa that can top what these folks make. Phenomenal job by everyone.

Jonathan Jones

Good menu. Food was delicious and well presented. Service friendly and attentive without being overbearing.

John Witherspoon

Great service and food was delicious. Lots of beer and wine options and the vegetarian options were equally attractive.

Michael Henschel

Great food and impressive cocktails; always a vegan choice available

Renee LeBlanc

Went to The Rowan for the very first time this weekend for brunch. Wow! The food was great. The service was beyond my expectations. The atmosphere was on point. Thank you for the great experience; I plan on returning in the future.

Mon DP

Cocktails were delicious! We each ordered a small plate (seared albacore tuna & also seared scallops)--- avsolabsol delicious! Looking forward to our next visit!

Meghan Carew

Great food, excellent service. Cocktail list left much to be desired.

zoubibulle

Delicious fresh food, loved the Jacobson's cheese board, the Atlantic salmon and the chocolate tart! We will come back for sure ???? the service was great and I love the restaurant's decoration!

Omar El Gamal

Delicious food that's reasonably priced

roberto Mendoza

Delicious duck confit and braised meatballs in a very friendly environment

Tricia Charles

We enjoyed tasty cocktails, and the beer battered shrimp appetizer, but the roast chicken for two was the star of the show. Beautifully presented and delicious! Colourful and gorgeous fresh veggies, tender stuffed chicken and melt in your mouth Yorkshire pudding, two sauces and salad AND dessert! Great value for a wonderful experience. Thank you!

Marc Dsh

Very pleasant service. The food was excellent.

Lorne Oickle

Great breakfast as usual. I had the strawberry crepes with Nutella and it was awesome.

Geoff Miller

The Rowan has an awesome takeout menu during this COVID era. The burger is one of the best in town. Takeout has been hot, ready on time, and delicious every single time we've ordered. It's our new Saturday night ritual. These folks are very deserving of your business.

Frank MacDonald

Always a great meal!

Daniel Black

Delicious!

C-P C

Great food and drinks. Very good service.

Michael Jenkin

(Translated) Gastro pub do (Original) Gastro pub fare

Axel Guillemeau

Stopped for brunch, will come back for dinner

mike gore

Food was excellent, service great. Lovely atmosphere.

K I

Wonderful spot for date night. Excellent service and the food... Delish!! Well done.

Robert Walsh

Delicious!

BM

Absolutely amazing food & service!! I had the scallop main dish and it was outstanding!!! Wow! Followed by the chocolate meringue for dessert which was also fantastic! Service and atmosphere was fabulous! Lovely little restaurant in Ottawa, we will be back.

A J

Very average, still a pleasant dinner not the food but because of the person I was with and the ambiance

Ross Davison

A magnificent gastro pub from the inspiration of the Frasier Brothers. Beautiful decor, lovely food, fantastic drinks, and friendly service make this place stand out. Menu is absolutely delightful. A touch meat heavy but there are great appetizers to mix and match for vegetarian friends. This is the perfect spot for a snappy night out.

Paul Jenkins

Good food, good service

Ritchie Gunn

Food is always a 12/ 10. Tonight was no different - best burger in Ottawa by far!!!

Meghan Penner

What a lovely meal we had here! I had never been before but the whole family absolutely loved it. Great selection of vegetarian options for my mom and sister and amazing meat options for the carnivores. Fabulous service and exceptional food at a great price. Can't wait to go back

Fiona Clarke

Food & service was excellent!

Jamie Davidson

Excellent food, great service.

David Vine

Good food and good service, a fine selection of beers and tasty non alcoholic drinks.

Anna V.

We had a Xmas dinner here. The atmosphere was pretty good, not too loud. Food was delicious. Service was pretty good as well. I would go back for more to! We had a brunch as well on Father's day. Their brunch portions will make you happy. The food was good!

Peter Sherlock

Food and service was good, but the noise level so high we had to yell at each other to talk. Not a great dining experience. Yet busy so other guests clearly don't care!?

Sandy Cooper

The Rowan is an excellent yet cozy venue that features an ever-changing menu based on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. If you're availing yourself of the nearby Landsdowne entertainment district, this is absolutely the place to be if you want to avoid a chain restaurant. Reservations are strongly recommended, it's always pretty full during peak hours. In addition, brunch is served until 2PM on weekends, and their Ceasars are phenomenal!

Sara B

I went for brunch here with my sister. The food was absolutely amazing. The choices are different, and some routine brunch dishes with a delicious twist. Even better, the service was absolutely phenomenal-friendly, and quick. Already setting a date to go back.

James Dolan

The first time i went to Rowan was much better than the second. I found my meal to be good but under-whelming. It is a nice restaurant but the menu was basically some form of chicken/duck and a pork pie. More variety is needed in the menu and seasoning.....more seasoning. I will be back but hope that the menu changes.

Pauline Hopkinson

They were very accommodating as I have lots of food allergies.The place is small and very noisy.Not a lot of choices for me but for others it would be different..We had the roast chicken meal for two and it was very good and enough for three but it was only lukewarm.Our appetizer was roasted carrots on a bed of curried lentils and it was amazing.Woukd definitely give it a good rating.

Ted Gzebb

Service was great, food was ok... Eggs Benedict with a smoked fish... Interesting but would not prefer again... A little pricey for brunch

Shoba S

Good cocktails and great options for dinner. Small cozy place so set your rez !

Rob Zurawski

Fantastic place to experience creativity and art in food. There is a passion in the menu and service. Our meals came quickly and it was exactly what we needed for date night. The Truit meal was popular. Keep up the good work.

Lauren Reade

I think the Rowan had a great start but may have slipped a little bit. Had a couple meals here that were good, but not great. The service, however, is excellent.

Erica Gordon-Kolosky

Enjoyed a wonderful lunch at this cozy spot. I had the ham and swiss sandwich with a fresh salad and sweet potato fries. Perfect portion size and very good service. I thought about it for the rest of the afternoon!

Matt Garrow

Lovely room. Friendly service. Tasty burger. Fries were enormous, incredibly hot to taste and mushy on the inside. Key detail on my order was ignored.

Sarina P

This was my first time here, what a cozy spot with great food & service. I had the vegetarian lentil dish and it was amazing. Thanks to the staff for a great experience.

Scott McAnsh

One of the best restaurants in Ottawa!

Kyle Mueller

Went here on a Tuesday night after discovering that Fraser Cafe was full. Service was uneven (e.g., empty water glasses) and the food was below what we were expecting, especially given the price point. Had the braised pork shank which was unpleasantly dry, the steak, and the shared chicken platter. Nothing was notable.

Jeremy Kingston

Great food, drinks and atmosphere

Steve, Julie, Alyssa, Zach Robertson

We’ve always been a fan of The Rowan and Fraser Cafe. The Rowan takeout menu, although short, is amazing. The burger is one of the best in the city and the Korean Fried Chicken was incredible. #supportlocal

Claude-Eric Lafrance

Very nice spot , service was great ... 4 1/2 stars ;)

Robert Reid

Still comfortable, with good if not great food and great service. The kitchen needs to be sharper to get to four stars, however. The vegan salad lacked a coherence of flavours and the pork pie suffered from a forcemeat that really did not integrate with the pastry (one cut resulted in a big blob of gelatinous meat and a completely separate pile of crust; not the right effect). The duck confit was great however and the beet fritter very nice.

Chelsea N

Great food! Great service! The drinks are really, really tiny for the price they charge.

Mandy Renfrew

Great service, great food!

M Tgn

Amazing service, they really go the extra mile to help you. Limited food choice but the quality of the service more than compensate. I highly recommand for casual / relaxed hangouts.

Sean Malcolmson

Cozy ambiance. The steak and fries were really good (though I like it a bit more charred)

Todd Stakenvicius

Food was ok, drinks were alittle o the sweet side for my liking

Eric Patenaude

Service was fantastic and the the food is creative and tasty. Will be back for sure.

RJ Walsh

We had an amazing dinner last night!!! The quality of the food was 5⭐️ and was matched equally with exceptional service. A small hiccup with our reservation so we ended up eating at the bar which worked out great as the recommendations from staff were appreciated and followed. They also more than made up for the reservation hiccup which was unnecessary but appreciated. The drinks are built with love and care from top shelf liquors and house made mixes. We will be back and I think we will do the Chicken Dinner for two again.

Shelly R.

Beautiful fresh food served with attentive service. The trout was sublime. Who could ask for more?

Miranda Heredia

The atmosphere is cozy and modern at the Rowan. What a comfortable place to grab a delicious cocktail and the staff is so nice! Not to mention the attention to detail on the food, really nice experience

Kristin Horton

The Rowan restaurant provides fabulous service and amazing food to it's customers. The atmosphere is welcoming and comfortable. They provide donations to all of the charities that I volunteer for throughout the city. I would recommend The Rowan to anyone who is looking for a place to eat on date night or for people who are looking to book a party. The service was amazing.

Joel Cright

Amazing food at a great price. Everything I've had on the menu has been delicious, and the staff is always able to help me decide an order. Just make sure to check the hours, I've shown up when they were closed because I didn't.

cathcartsquare

Great food, good service and a comfortable ambiance ... What else can I possibly want?

Tam Huynh

Good service. Often packed.

Mel Fio

Waitress was warm and helpful. Food was delicious and plated well. Great selection of beers and wine. We had the Buffalo cauliflower wings, fried chicken and porc ribs. Loved the homemade pickles!

myles craig

Served us over cooked meat bartender refused to serve us drinks because she's not a shot bar.

Ralph J. Lapierre

Food was great. Service was a rather slow. I do not like when a server ignores one section because they look older and "less cool" than another.

Ian

Food was not very good.

Jean-Matthieu Blais

Great food, friendly staff. Reasonably priced ????

Anthony Garoufalis-Auger

While I haven't tried every restaurant in the neighborhood, this is so far the best restaurant I've tried in the Glebe and one of my favorites anywhere. The service staff is attentive and will explain the menu with a genuine sense of pride. The menu is tight and it seems great care is put into ensuring what you get is exceptionally well cooked. The cured duck breast I had was perfecty cooked and served with a delicious apple and pear puree. The collard greens that came with it were flavorful with just enough acidity added to contrast well with the sweetness of the puree. Added bonus: There is a small tv behind the bar that plays sports, and if you worry about that, don't, it is tucked to the side and barely noticeable to anyone else in the restaurant. Bottom line: This is a safe bet if you want a well cooked meal in Ottawa.

Mariah Fraser

I just had a wonderful experience at this establishment. Our waitress was knowledgeable on all aspects of the menu, food, wine, and pairings. Stellar service and the food was impeccable. Not to mention a very relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Highly recommended!

Valerie et Guillaume

Great beer great service. Food was good but not great.

Ruth McMahon

Loved today's brunch. Had the eggs bennie with smoked haddock. They smoke the fish on weekends only. Our server was super friendly & helpful. We'll be back!

Kevin Shk

Great food!

Talia Nehme

I ADORE The Rowan. The food is fresh (nothing is frozen) and delicious. This may be thanks to the limited menu options, which are all great. I will say the food for breakfast/brunch is much better than the lunch menu. The service, decor and atmosphere are all fantastic. They do close in the afternoon, like a European siesta, as they prepare for dinner, so be sure to show up with enough time to eat!

Yasmina Tirib

Awesome food!

Colin Corkum

Amazing staff and food. I think this is one of the top restaurants in the city.

Isaac Jensen-Large

Great cheese platter as appetizer. Staff is good. Chicken breast was ok.

Gerry Gowan

Excellent food and service. Dining area is small and can be noisy. Overall great experience

Vicki L

Best ! This is such a good place for comfort food. It’s a really really busy place as the food is so good. The service is beyond excellent. All their stuff including bread is made from scratch. Bread is amazing. Maple pork belly is a …

Fenny Rosita

Food was great. Service was amazing. Definitely will going back there.

Rockey L

Randomly found this place and is one of the best restaurants in town. Amazingly delicious dishes, very friendly staff and great atmosphere! Will definitely come back!

sarah may

Great restarant and great service! Kelvin was our waiter and he gave us recommendations as if he was ordering for his family- trying to balance the nutrition and the taste for our family of three to share. Honest and sincere, we immediately felt at home. Seared tuna was devine and the humberger- life changing! The pieces of bacon inside was the best bacon I had in my life! Best meal of our Ottawa getaway!!!

Jodi Kimm

Great food and service

Laurent Rieux

Great food and great wine. We really enjoyed the atmosphere. A little on the pricy side though

Hayley Fisher

Soooooo delisious!!

Emilia Łukaszewska

We tried their dinner menu, everything was absolutely delicious.

Patrick Kennedy

Great ambiance and a nice cozy location down on Bank Street - if you have been to the Fraser Cafe then you know what to expect when it comes to the food. Fresh ingredients in flavourful dishes, served with an eye to presentation - the wine list isn't exhaustive but you won't be left wanting for pairings with your dinner. Their scallops are fresh and juicy and the pork pie is rich and flavourful. Highly recommended - a great dinner out in Ottawa

Liam Tilbury

Very comfortable atmosphere. Open kitchen brings entertainment to the dining experience.

Ashley Beadow

Amazing dinner!! Great service! Great atmosphere!! We will be back!

S

Great food and service.

Herman Bueckert

Great food, small menu.

Aussie

Very nice restaurant. Service is very good and the servers are very friendly, and the food is very good. Drinks are also really good. Inside is very well decorated and clean. The menu has a good amount of options, though the dinner menu that doesn't change too much. Overall, I would highly recommend for anyone in the area.

evan Dudley

Went with friends on a Friday. Great atmosphere, great staff, great drinks, food was expensive but tasty with good presentation. However, I am in shock that they can charge 16$ for a small burger which comes with no sides.... extra 8$ for fries? after tax and tip your at over 30$ for a burger and fries, add a drink and 40$ for a meal. Goodluck!

Erin McEvoy

Delicious dessert!

Tom Brown

Been here a few times for brunch and highly recommend. Menu selections are abundant and everything is homemade. Relaxing environment. Great value for $. My favorite eggs Benny I've had in a while. Staff very friendly and show passion for what they are serving. Would recommend reservation for any group larger than 4. Obviously an offshoot of the Fraser café... Another awesome choice in Ottawa.

Ralitsa Velcheva

We had amazing dinner! Thank you for the amazing delicious food, pleasant atmosphere and professional knowledgeable service!

Stu Whiston

Exceptional brunch and very attentive service

Tracey Fowler

Great food, service and atmosphere!! Make a reso today!

Sandra Rodrigues

Excellent food.

Bruce Milner

More gastronomic and less of a pub. The food is very good, the decor is basic, the beer offerings are quite limited, though we enjoyed the amber ale. Good choice for a casual dinner.