Set in a grand, historic building in the heart of downtown Ottawa, this restaurant welcomes visitors into its warm interior for a refined, chic dining experience. The decor is reminiscent of a former time mixed with touches of modern elegance. Guests are invited to enjoy the à la carte menu or five-course tasting menu with optional wine pairing for dinner. There’s also a wine bar, where guests looking for a more casual yet still refined experience are welcomed.
Owner Stephen Beckta is possibly Ottawa’s most well known restaurateur, with two sister restaurants (Play Food & Wine, and Gezellig). However, this is his flagship and one can understand this very quickly after an experience here. Focused on fresh and local ingredients, loaded with interesting flavours, creative plating and, of course, expert wine pairing recommendations. The extensive wine list is managed by their in-house sommelier and all wines are properly stored and catalogued in their large cellar. A healthy selection of Ontario wine complements a vast international selection.
Stephen Beckta
Worthy of note: Beckta pivoted his business early on during Covid when restaurants were closed, and started offering the in-home dining experience, aptly branded ‘Curated by Beckta’. Each week, new menu options are made available, and one can order a three-course meal (or an upgraded “big night in” three course meal) with optional wine pairings (usually a red and a white). All paired wines are well priced and well matched to the food. The food basically comes prepared except for the hot components which requires some finishing. The restaurant provides full instructions and Steven even records a youtube video each week for in-home diners to watch and learn from. This business offering continues despite the reopening of the restaurant to full capacity and regular business hours.
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