340 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0J9, Canada
Wow! The mistake mushroom made me say exactly that word. The scallop tartare🤤Cute ambiance and sweet chocolate tart for dessert. Custom menus for special occasions are too cute and makes it all about the details!
Arlo offers a truly elevated dining experience. The food is phenomenal, with flavors that excite the palate and impeccable presentation. The atmosphere is warm and sophisticated, making it perfect for any special occasion. Worth every penny!
We went to Arlo to celebrate our wedding anniversary and it was exceptional. The food was amazing, specially the chocolate tart was to die for! Service was impeccable as well, very attentive. Ambience was very lively, but a bit noisy. I can’t wait to comeback already, I highly recommend it.
This spot came highly recommended, and I have to say it was pretty good. The atmosphere and vibe were great and the staff were friendly and attentive. The drinks and food were good, though little in the way of vegetarian choices.
An absolutely amazing experience from beginning to end. My fiance and I hosted a family and friends dinner ahead of getting married, coordinated flawlessly by Emily from across the country (we live in BC). We had access to "The Apartment", the private room upstairs. The tables were set to perfection, inclusive of personalized printed menus. Our guests were welcomed with cocktails, and were all themselves also raving about the beautiful space. Victorian old school vibes for the decor was right up our alley. We loved the convenience of our own bar space, as well as the private bathrooms. The service was impeccable throughout the night. Our food was served timely and felt like an all you can eat buffet with how much food there was - enough to be packed up and take some home at the end! Everything was delicious and we were happy to eat it all over again the next day. For what seemed like a stressful event to plan, Arlo made it easy and we couldn't have asked for more. We would recommend this place to anyone and everyone. THANK YOU ARLO!
My second time coming and this time it was for my 21st wedding anniversary. I was warmly welcomed by the hostess and Alex and taken to the most romantic back patio. I love the attention to details. Fresh flowers, real candle and especially the personalized menu. Every morsel was delectable. The cocktails were the bomb and the service was attentive but not overbearing. 💯 my favourite restaurant in Ottawa.
Enjoyed a beautiful summer dinner with friends. We dined in the back garden, with sunlight filtering through the leaves and the scent of fresh herbs growing behind us. The wine selection is wonderful, and there are a number of fun cocktails and other beverages on offer. The service was attentive. I enjoyed a delicious summer salad with fresh greens, pistachios, stracciatella and fruits (raspberries, currants, etc), followed by baby eggplant stuffed with lobster - such a treat. Others have mentioned the menu is small, but I would say that while there are only 4 mains, one can craft a satisfying meal with selections from the variety of snacks and apps. You can also add a side of french fries (off menu) if that interests you. Overall, it was a wonderful evening and I will definitely return.
My husband and I had our legal wedding celebration in one of their private rooms, and it was absolutely perfect. Everything was great, and everyone enjoyed the food and service. The place has a really nice, modern but contemporary decor and ambiance, making it great for a special occasion or a nice dinner out. We recently returned, one year later to celebrate our first wedding anniversary, and once again, the food was delicious. There was a small mistake with our order, but they made up for it with complimentary drinks. The service and attention were excellent, even with that hiccup. It's a little on the expensive side, but it's definitely worth it. Highly recommended!
I got stomachache during the night after eating dinner!!
The food here was great. The appetizers started off good and food just got better by the time we got to the mains. I wasnt expecting much from the maitaki main but it was my favourite thing we tried.
Had a great meal. The OssoBucco and the Duck was amazing. The service was very friendly and also extremely knowledgeable about the food and wine menu. The vibe was warm and welcoming. Would definitely go back. Thanks for the great experience!
Went to celebrate Mom s birthday and was impressed. Excellent service and pairing of the food
Service was great, with a fantastic wine list. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Really enjoyed Fred & Erics Vermouth & Tonic. Food was just okay. Thought the appetizer (smashed yams) was pretty good but the main (ossobucco) was pretty underwhelming. Pricing is quite reasonable and makes it more likely for me to try again.
Very good food and good wine. Polite, discreet and professional service. Its nice!
Very good service, items were all available each time I arrived and staff are friendly
Great service and great wine offerings. Service was better the second time, food was better the first (fries were overcooked), but all around satisfying.
Food was delicious and service was great. The only negative note is that we were sitting at the back and it was way, way too loud! I don t know if it was because we were sitting in the corner and sound travelled in a weird way but I literally could not even hear myself talking so that was quite exhausting.
Amazing chill cozy atmosphere and amazing wine list. Servers were fantastic and so was the smashed yam!
Honestly the food is mid. The prices are way too high for the quality (which is fine, but it s not $30 apps and $45 mains level) The service was great. Hate the natural wine schtick. Natural wine is the Emperor s new clothes. Sorry it really does not belong on a list of the top 10 restaurants in Ottawa / top 100 in Canada.
We were two couples that came here for dinner. I had the fish (and loved it!!) and the others had the steak frites and they all really enjoyed their meals. Our waiter was fabulous and let us try a couple of wines before we made our decision, as we hadnt heard of any of these wines before. The atmosphere was nice (we were seated in the back) but it did tend to get a little noisy later in the evening. The bathrooms were particularly nice and clean. I should mention that there is a paid parking lot nearby.
Wonderful selection of food and atmosphere. Great staff. Highly recommended. The place to be. Cheers RICHARD
I have one word: insulting. Oh wait a minute. How about arrogant too? $300 for 2 people, including tip and one of their cheapest bottles of wine, one would expect pretty top of the line everything. Food is tasty but not worth a $40+ pork collar that looks like it belonged in a basket, and $22+ appetizers that were fine but nothing to rave about (beet salad and beef tataki). For that price I d expect sophisticated service, good presentation and atmosphere, not cutlery that looks like it has been through a war, paper napkins, and wait staff that would do better at the Keg.
This will probably sound like a paid review, but it has to be said... This is an incredible restaurant. Visited on the occasion of my wifes 50th birthday and they went out of their way to make the experience memorable. Fantastic, pleasant service, without a trace of pretentious or arrogance (though theyd have every reason to be). But ultimately it was the meal itself that truly stood out. Ordered some apps and three different mains. I dont think Id change a thing. From the scallops, to the perch, the hen... All of it had to be prepared by a genius with insane skill. Blown away. Well be back.
WoW! Great wine list, the food was sublime, explosions of flavors in every bite. Great atmosphere and very friendly service! A place that we will return to during our next visits to Ottawa!
Perfect ambiance for a date night, intimate birthday or anniversary. We orders 1 app 2 mains and a dessert. All the food was very unique, unexpected ingredients yet they perfectly match. Keep in mind you have to come in with an open mind to experience unusual food.
5th time there and its always an amazing time! Amazing staff, amazing food, amazing drinks! 10/10 recommend
Pork collar is out of this world.
Visiting Arlo was a very exciting and wonderful experience, the atmosphere was spectacular, the food was simply delicious and the service was perfect, magically we felt like family.
Really great place to unwind awesome atmosphere
Wow, just wow. The food, the wine, exceptional and sensational. The service and the hospitality, just as good. Well done Arlo.
Food is always delicious and when the sommelier picks a bottle of wine to pair with the food, you wont be disappointed
Me and my family enjoyed
place full of detail, excellent food, good wine, impeccable service i love that place
Great food, service, and location. We enjoyed nice and tasty treats with the family.
It was delicious
Me and my gf celebrated are anniversary here. The food was amazing. The halibut was so good and the best lamb chops I have ever had. Will definitely be back soon
Restaurant is amazing friendly gods customer service and also good foods
Great food and the service was excellent. I recommend Arlo Wine & restaurant
I had a very nice experience there. Nice place, nice staff and nice food
I recently had a work event at Arlo and everything from the planning to the execution was done perfectly. Emily was a helpful and enthusiastic liaison beforehand and Darwin was an excellent server who was endlessly accommodating and kind. The Cellar had a fantastic atmosphere and the food was excellent. We look forward to coming here again!
Great!!
Nice
The place is very warm and cozy, food and beverages were awesome . I liked it .
Second time here, everything is so amazing
Food, service and music were all first class. Definitely will be back!
The dinner I had here was incredible. Delicious! We shared several plates and every dish was flavourful, presentation was beautiful. We asked for help selecting a bottle of wine based on a few criteria and the individual who assisted us was very knowledgeable - his enthusiasm was infectious! We thoroughly enjoyed the unique wine that was selected. A great night out.
It was very loud, which was not something the restaurant controls, unfortunately. the porcini was a very fatty cut of meat making it a very difficult thing to swallow,.My date enjoyed her fish plate, the lobster-stuffed eggplant, and her gin. Parking: Street-side parking was not available when we arrived at 5 Wheelchair accessibility: there is a 6--7 step up to the front and i dont remember-notice a ramp
My son was married at Arlos last year, and it was beyond fabulous. My mother in law and I went back this week, and it remains fabulous. There was not a morsel left on our plates. The staff are extremely attentive. Highly recommend this restaurant.
Awesome!!!
Finally. An Ottawa restaurant that has heard the word aftertaste. The best place in town. The seasonal menu means everything is very fresh and flavourful. Suitably adventurous, the quality of the food was above already-high expectations. Not a sliver of gristle in the beef tataki, and the fat in the pork collar as perfectly rendered. The flourless chocolate tart was suitably bitter (but be advised that it sits in your stomach like a stone; in hindsight we would have shared one between us or just had fruit). As a teetotaller, the non-wines didnt disappoint. Only criticism (to taste) is the noise level. A little quieter would have been more to my liking, but it is a social space with lots of people filling an old heritage house. The music wasnt too loud and the playlist was as distinctive and enjoyable as the menu. The service was delightful. Not too overbearing, but we didnt feel taken for granted. Invisible when it needed to be but present with a smile when expected. Perfectly balanced. I was happy to tip generously. My compliments to the Maître D. Everything had clearly been planned out to complement each other and build an experience. It created a wonderful night out and I wouldnt hesitate to return. Including service we paid $300 for two three course meals. Full marks. Ottawa is lucky to have this place. Well definitely be going back.
We had the wine at the glass in white and red and they were both sublime! The cod tasted like velvet and the steak so incredibly tasty and smoky. Both sauces were amazing and i wanted to literally drink off my dish! Local wines were so unique! Service was attentive and very knowledgeable of wines .You Need to come here, truly! Treat yourself!
Very friendly service but very disappointing cocktail and food.
Arlo in Ottawa is an absolute must-visit for any foodie in the area. From the moment you walk in, you are greeted with a chic and modern atmosphere that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The menu at Arlo is nothing short of extraordinary and so is the wine selection at Arlo is equally impressive. Whether youre a wine novice or a connoisseur, youll find the perfect pairing for your meal. But what really sets Arlo apart is the impeccable service. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, ensuring that every aspect of your dining experience is flawless. From the moment you sit down to the last bite, youll feel like a VIP. Arlo is a true gem. I was blown away by the food, wine, and service, and I cant recommend this place highly enough. Make a reservation and prepare to be wowed. OMG indeed.
Just overall disappointing.
Great food great service, the wine list was challenging. Bought a relatively expensive bottle and it was not good. I did not recognize one bottle on the list. I hope they get some better wine. Otherwise it was very good.
Absolutely incredible. Cozy atmosphere, great food and friendly service. Highlights were the scallop tartare and cheese desert. Would recommend to anyone celebrating a special occasion!
One of the best meals and dining experiences I ve had in Canada. Excellent service. Relaxing, fun atmosphere. A warm, knowledgeable and enthusiastic sommelier. Consistently wonderful dishes with layers and depth. Surprising flavour combinations. Honestly, everything I look for in a meal. And their natural wine selection has you spoiled for choice. I would eat here as often as I could afford to if I lived in Ottawa. A true gem.
Last night we had a remarkable meal at Arlo. We started with some fun cocktails, olives and some great oysters from NB. Then we shared a few super tasty and very pretty apps - beef tataki, scallop ceviche and summer crudités and dip. Its difficult to say which we liked best - they were all wonderful. For mains, two of us had the cod and three had the porchetta. Both were *excellent* but - oh my god - Im quite sure that was the best plate of cod I have every had. We then got and thoroughly enjoyed three desserts - a chocolatey brownie, a fruit/cornmeal cake and cheese/maple (how I love not having to choose between dessert and cheese course!). We paired everything with a recommended bottle of white from northern france and a red from the south of france - the sommelier was very knowledgeable and shared some fun backstories about our wines. It was such a perfect way to celebrate my kids 20th birthday/anniversary of becoming a mom. Were still dreaming and talking about the fantastic energy, service, playlist, freshness, creativity, simplicity, and utter deliciousness. WHAT A JOY. And what an accomplishment -- this special place. I cannot wait to go back. Vegetarian options: Gorgeous veg options for those who prefer. Last time I had the mushroom steak frites and it was outstanding. For a relatively short/tight menu, theyve struck a rather brilliant balance of options.
Superb service and wine selection! Big thank you to the Aussie server and Bundy coke on the house. Cheers mate!
Our table of 5 tried almost everything on the menu and nothing disappointed! Kudos to the kitchen staff and our server Marah, who was wonderful.
My partner and I came out on Wednesday night and had Kobus serve us. The only thing better then the food and wine was his service! We had a great time and will definitely be back. Thank you for a wonderful evening!
We rented the second floor for a wedding celebration and it was perfect, beyond what we hoped for! Amazing service, food and the space (arlo appartement) makes you feel like you re hosting at home thank you all for a great night
Was in the cellar room for my graduation dinner last Friday, entire experience was incredible. Food, service, atmosphere all top notch.
delicious small plates - halibut cheeks were a stand out! impressive win selection would recco sitting in the back patio
Always a treat dining at Arlo! Their staff is very knowledgeable and personable when it comes to recommending wine, and the chocolate tart was to die for
Updating my review: An excellent experience and broad wine cellar outside of the norms of what you might get elsewhere. Well done! Dietary restrictions: Very accommodating and the menu is generally gluten free.
Food was bomb, service was excellent and vibe was on point.
Service was great, our appetizer was good, also drink was good , but none of the main dishes. not only nothing special but also very disappointing. From four option of main dish none of them pleased us but the lamb chop was the most disappointing. Food
Second time at Arlo. Both experiences fantastic. Small but innovative menu. Have not had a dish here that didn t impress. Tonight we had the Beef Tataki (a highlight, just delicious) and citrus salad (also delicious) with a few oysters, which were fresh and shucked well. I had the halibut cheek for a main, a tougher cut, but packed with flavour. The service was knowledgeable and attentive. The first time I went to Arlo was with a large group (~25) for an Xmas work party and I had a similar spot on experience - they served us family style in one of the private rooms. Great cocktails (their specialty cocktails are limited but they can make you anything). Solid wine list. Everyone was very happy!
Arlo was a great experience. I honestly couldnt choose a wine option until our server recommended one which was just what we needed. Not too dry and not too fruity & went great with our orders. The beef tataki was beyond what I thought it would be & the duck frittes is a must try! Cant wait to go back !
Hands down my favorite restaurant in ottawa. Best team , seasonal menu always full of hits , perfect ambiance for a date or a family dinner , plenty of non-alcoholic options plus a stellar wine list. Thank you
Atmosphere - Great Food - Excellent Service - Exemplary Value - OHhh yeah Food : 5/5 |
We got the Halibut Cheek and the Duck Frites. Delicious, tasty and very well cooked. Service friendly and quick.
Love the ambiance and selection of unique, natural wines. We shared a couple of apps and a main the mushrooms and duck brochettes were on point.
Excellent food, good selection of wine. Could have a few good single malt scotch s in their bar otherwise excellent service and food.
We had a lovely evening at Arlo, thank you!! It was a delicious family style meal where everyones dietary needs were well accommodated. The ambiance in the Apartment is really cool and the staff were fantastic. Great time, thank you & bravo! Dietary restrictions: Almost all of the menu is gluten free and they accommodated other dietary needs.
Service was ok, food was also ok but not wow. For the price I was expecting better than chewy duck skewer, chewy Brussel sprouts and a just-ok-seviche. The beef tataki was really great, Belgian-style fries were also very good.
Great place to grab an excellent glass of wine or dinner
I come for the food, I stay for the Spotify playlist
One of my favourite places in Ottawa. Great food, and some of the best wine youll find in the city. Friendly and knowledgable staff too. Try the orange wine, the oysters, the char... Its all good. A little pricey but well worth it if you feel like splurging a bit.
You are definitely going to eat amazing food and have the most amazing wine pairing. This place is a bit expensive but the quality of the ingredients is worth it. Just plan on a bigger budget. Amazed with my experience at Arlo! Would go back to try their new menu. They also import a pretty impressive list of natural wines!!
I recently hosted a milestone birthday for my husband at Arlo in The Apartment and could not have been happier with the experience. We love Arlo and have dined there as a couple or with friends many times, but this was our first event there. Everything was seamless - Emily was organized and easy to deal with when it came to planning, and the entire staff executing the event did a phenomenal job. The food was incredible, as always, the drinks amazing, and the atmosphere was perfect for our group of 30. This is hands down our favourite spot in Ottawa. Thanks to the team for an incredible night that we wont soon forget!
A very cute and cozy spot for date night. Drinks were good and all the food options we got were delicious. The swordfish we had was definitely the highlight of our visit.
Incredible wine list. Delicious menu. Knowledgeable staff. Always a great vibe for a night out. They ll always remember you and make you feel at home if you visit often :)
Went for a romantic dinner with the wife tonight and have never eaten here before. We were lucky and found a parking spot directly in front of the place on the street. There is a paid parking lot right next door as well and there was lots of room there. The space is pleasant and hipsterish, with eclectic, slightly too-loud music that was slightly distracting. The lighting was low enough to provide ambience but was still bright enough to read the menu! This gets more important the older I get... The space was a little tight; our little table beside the wall was just far enough away from the 2 parties adjacent to us to not be able to hear their conversation. I think it might be why the music volume was slightly louder. It actually provided a little auditory privacy. Service was knowledgable and attentive. Between the waitress, hostess and kitchen staff running out some food, everyone was warm and pleasant. The food - we opted for appetizers only, because they all sounded so good! The ceviche was fresh and tasty but could have used slightly more acid. We had the pear and raddichio salad, which was an interesting blend of tastes- the bitterness of the greens was neatly complemented by the soft bite of the cheese. The stuffed clams were bacon-y and homey. A squeeze of lemon helped there too. The real prize was the Beef Tataki. Several thin slices of rare beef with perfectly seared edges was drowned in anchovy aoli and pickled shallots. Crispy sweet potato filaments and just the right amount of chili heat made this the best appetizer Ive eaten out all year! We also had the Maple Pudding Chomeur for dessert. This was a maple soaked, buttery, cakey, pudding served with clotted cream and a tinge of vin jaune. Decadent and delicious, along with a very well made cappucino, it was the perfect way to finish. The menu apparently changes every now and then, and we will definitely be back to try it, as long as the Beef Tataki is still available! Vegetarian options: There was a charred cauliflower main for $40.
I visited this restaurant with friends over a month ago. We really enjoyed the food and the good vibe that this place presented. The food served was delicious and on top of that service really needs to be appreciated. The staff were friendly and accommodating. Hope to visit Arlo soon. Highly recommended.
The food was ok, I had the Lions Mane and frites. The fries were basic and the Lions Mane was decent. My friends all ordered steak and all 3 of them barely touched the cabbage side that came with the steak since they didnt seem to like it very much. The service was ok but really slow. Music was too loud, it was hard to talk with my friends. The atmosphere had an understaded class vibe but it did lack finesse. If a resto wants to go for an understated atmosphere and charge high prices, the food should be exceptional.
SOOOO delicious and amazing service. Definitely going back!
We had our first visit to Arlo on a cold Thursday night and it will not be our last! Food was fresh and flavourful, ambience was warm and welcoming and the service was thoughtful and accommodating! We had a great evening here and highly recommend Arlo for any occasion.
The wine was delicious, the service was impeccable and the atmosphere warm. Unfortunately the food was SO salty that it was barely edible. Nice place, nice proposition. Too bad the salt shaker got carried away too much.
My fiancé and I tried Arlo for the first time this Valentines Day and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The cod dish was particularly delicious. The wine pairings were very unique. The staff were knowledgeable and friendly. We will definitely be back.
Great food and cocktails with exceptional service!
Excellent, perfect
My husband and I came here for dinner and had a great time. The server was attentive but not overbearing, gave us great recommendations for both wines and food. The food menu is small, but everything that was tried was delicious. The wine menu is extensive and extremely unique. It is fairly pricey but not outrageous. We had 3 appetizers, 2 mains and a dessert, paired with 6 glasses wine. Total was 350$ (taxes and tip included). We will definitely be going back.
The duck and short ribs were unbelievable wand the wine pairings were spot on
SUMMARY: Accommodating staff/ownership, great atmosphere, excellent chef, and mind-blowing music. CONTEXT: My newlywed wife and I rented the private upstairs room here to sign our marriage certificate and celebrate with family and friends. We were interested based on the classy, vintage decor and competitive minimum spend amount for a Saturday. Everything was done to make our special day as special as possible. SERVICE: The staff and ownership were fantastic, respectful, and inclusive of everyone, and went out of their way to ensure so. We got the sense that they were close with one another and wasnt just an establishment simply trying to take in as much $ as possible, but rather people with good values and positivity. They were happy to let us bring a cake in too and did a good job accommodating our needs in the ceremony. FOOD: Numerous discussions with the ownership had shown their attentiveness toward people with dietary restrictions, and as a vegetarian this meant a lot. They asked beforehand on numerous occasions to provide a list of people with sensitivities and allergies. The plates were family-style and delicious, and I especially loved the oyster mushroom + pesto main they served. I heard numerous compliments from our other guests on the non-vegeratian options as well. When there was a small amount of leftover food the staff were attentive to ensure it didnt go to waste. MUSIC: Im genuinely floored. I went around asking a few music admirers amongst us who hijacked the speaker to play Richard Hell & The Voidoids, and turns out none of us had - the playlist the venue had was nothing short of perfection. They also had ESG, Coltrane, Kendrick Lamar, Speed Glue and Shinki, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Lee Perry, King Tubby and the list goes on and on of well selected tunes. This is unheard of in an Ottawa venue, so you can expect a great selection when going here. ACCESSIBILITY: There are many stairs, especially to get to the two private rooms. It proved to be challenging for our friends with accessibility concerns, but was also understandable from our part given the nature of the building construction.
While the wine selection was good, we found the food to be underwhelming. On the positive side, the atmosphere was cozy and intimate.
We had an excellent dinner at Arlo! The atmosphere was cool with a good vibe, the wait staff was genuinely friendly and helpful, and the best part was the food was creative and delicious!
Horrible lighting - couldnt see the food or anything. Outrageous pricing - $18 for a gloss of wine!
We booked the upstairs apartment for the members of our Japan exchange group. Awesome ambiance with cozy surroundings combined with top-notch food and service meant that everyone left the restaurant extremely happy!
Went there with a gift card so the meal was basically free. Service was good and was a cute place. But, the food was not worth the price for quality or quantity. We spent 200 dollars between my 100lb wife and I, and neither of us were full after. Menu was kinda random too. Wouldnt go back on my own dollar, but there was nothing bad that stuck out about the overall experience.
Arlo is a niche addition to Somerset. Its not for everyone but its worth a try.
I dont think Ive ever had service as personal and attentive as this before. Well worth it.
I came here because I got a gift card and was very excited to spoil myself and ordered the duck. It tasted like they doused the duck in a Costco spice mix that they use in those chip trucks and added more salt on top and a stupid amount of regular fries to look like theres more food. Salad looked like when you get the last packet at the grocery store thats a day before expiration and was swimming in very meh dressing. Would never pay my own money for this. Go buy yourself a poutine instead. Save your money.
Everything was perfect: good service, good wine and excellent food
We really enjoyed our evening at Arlo s last summer. The food was so delicate, the cellar was really impressive and our somellier was A1. Will definitely go again.
Amazing restaurant with a top quality natural wine selection and I believe a wicked service is a wine club. The restaurant is very hip minus pretention, the art is all amazing and its named after Arlo Guthrie. So amazing! Also Alex the Wine guy and Chef Jamie are AWESOME and have probably forgotten more about their specialties than most others know. Check this place out!
Had a fantastic time - forgot to take photos! The staff have fantastic knowledge of the wine, the atmosphere is cozy, vibey and almost feels like were out of Ottawa. We ended up doubling up on the Arctic Char Tartar, highly recommend this dish!
It was our first (but not last) visit to Arlo. We loved everything about this restaurant: the wait staff were attentive, friendly and very efficient and they were knowledgeable about the ingredients in all the dishes so I could choose the dishes that were safe for me to eat.The owner, Alex, was very friendly and knowledgeable about wine and his wine collection and generous with sharing that knowledge. The washroom was very clean (loved the floor comprised of old Pennies!) and the air conditioning was comfortable. As a senior, I hate going into any place that requires a winter coat just to sit and eat a meal!!. We will be back. I can t recommend this place enough.
A mediocore dinner. First, we waited almost 30 minutes for some raw appetizers to come. We would have preferred to be updated while waiting but the server was inattentive after taking our order. The oysters were fresh and maybe the best part of the meal. We tried the steak and duck brochette for our mains. Steak: -Well cooked and seasoned, sauce was delicious -Vegetable accompaniments were good -Potatoes could have been fried crispier, glad the dish was served with carbs though Duck Brochette: -Very disappointed in this dish, the spices on the meat were so strong they overpowered the natural flavour of the duck. I had a similar spice rub on lamb and it tastes the same. -Duck hearts were the best part, very tender -Served with fries and a side of mostly wilted greens -Aioli was bomb, perfect amount of garlic The service was okay, our server was knowledgeable about the menu and the drinks. However they were inattentive unless they were serving your food or asking for the bill. Food: 6/10 Service: 6/10
We went for a friends birthday party and it was amazing! A must try! Food, wine, cocktails, service Amazing!
Delicious food and drink. Wonderful service. Beautiful place!
Absolutely fabulous! The young staff are so knowledgeable and professional; service is top notch! Food is amazing and ambience is great! So great to see young restauranteurs operating at this level! (Outdoor benches on beautiful patio would be much improved with cushions.)
A hip restaurant that s worth a try at least once; the magazine review is overhyped, tho.
Highly recommend Arlo s second floor Apartment for a private event! Emily was extremely helpful and answered all of my questions leading up to the event, and Natalie and Leanne provided exceptional service throughout the afternoon. The charcuterie and snacks were delicious and the room is absolutely beautiful with bright windows, gorgeous decor and 2 private bathrooms. It was perfect for our event!
My husband and I tried Arlo for the first time and it definitely won t be our last time! The food was amazing, the atmosphere was lovely, and the service was excellent. They really know their wines, and we ended up having one of the best wines I ve ever tasted. We re also huge fans of Chartreuse, and we got to try two delicious cocktails with Chartreuse as well as an incredible taste of some special vintages (thanks, Alex!). Highly recommend Arlo for a great night out!
The food was fantastic, but the mussles were on another level! Well priced for the quality of food and level of service.
My friend and I sat at the back patio and its very nice and we enjoyed the knowledge of their server. She judiciously proposed wine to us for every plate we chose. When we started, for each appetizers we shared, for main course. Its small glasses of wine and it allow you to try different types. I enjoyed it. Its different from having one bottle and sticking to it. Food was so great! We had the duck brochette for main.
My husband and were married at Arlo this past weekend. To say that this restaurant was perfection would fall well short of praise deserved. Emily, Mark and staff were exceptional. We cannot thank them enough for giving us our amazing day and what are sure to be fond memories. The food was fantastic (especially the Duck Wings and the Arctic Char Tartare). We are also very grateful for François and his bartending skills. If you re hesitating to try Arlo, don t. Run to this restaurant and enjoy the experience!!
Knowledgeable staff, delicious food, and a wonderful atmosphere. The fried asparagus was outstanding, and after telling them I enjoyed Armagnac, the staff taught me about eau de vie and the process of making brandy including tastes of multiple types of spirits. I loved the Brooklyn toile in the bathroom, as well as the availability of free tampons. From what I could tell, everything about Arlo is meticulously crafted to provide a delightful experience to visitors.
Enjoyed our meal but did find the restaurant very loud. Asparagus gazpacho with nordic shrimp was small and underwhelming in appearance, but decent flavour (shrimp a little mealy/watery in texture). Fried asparagus appetizer was fantastic. Arctic char tartare was very enjoyable as were the oysters. The duck brochette was a bit overcooked and a bit heavy on the rub. The dish overall felt very heavy. The flank steak was delicious though the kale was soggy and didnt add to the dish. The flourless chocolate cake was not enjoyable. Overall, a nice night out but the restaurant was very loud (patio closed and not an option). Service and wine were great.
Everything was excellent from the moment we stepped in the door until we left. Food was great, wine was paired well, fun, attentive server will be back with friends
Such a beautiful restaurant! The service went above and beyond and the food and wine was incredible. New favorite spot in town for a fancy date night. Food
Arlo Wine & Restaurant is an absolute gem that captivates both alcool enthusiasts and food connoisseurs alike. From the moment you step inside, the warm and inviting atmosphere embraces you, setting the stage for a great culinary experience. Arlos culinary creations are simple, but well prepared. It is a harmonious fusion of flavors that excite and delight. Every plate is beautifully presented, making each dining experience a feast for both the eyes and the palate. But its not just the wine and food that make Arlo exceptional its the entire experience. The service is impeccable. Their attentiveness, knowledge, and genuine warmth make you feel like a cherished guest, adding an extra layer of joy to your visit. Also, the art adorning the walls is a captivating element that enhance the entire dinning experience.
Very New York
A gorgeous meal in a gorgeous space. Enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Arlo last night. Simple, delicious food beautifully prepared. We had the duck and the steak and both were full of flavour and satisfying. The service was warm and friendly and the vibe was relaxed but in an interesting space with thoughtful decor. Would definitely return!
Easy five star. Atmosphere is chill, staff were cool and quick to serve and food was amaaaaazing. Would highly recommend the party room on the top floor for a small event.
Shared 3 apps, 3 mains and 3 desserts among 4 adults. Everything was delicious. The service was excellent. The duck and the asparagus gazpacho were the stand outs. Definitely going back.
Our first time at Arlo and it won t be our last. We sat in the back garden which was beautiful. Food was amazing .creative, fresh, seasonal and absolutely delicious. Service was amazing and we tried boutique wines we ve never seen. You gotta eat here!
Sierra made our visit absolutely exceptional!
Went for a wedding. Absolutely everything was top tier.
A great start to the weekend with Friday dinner outside on the lovely back patio. Food was good with attentive service. Bar was rather backed and took a long time for drinks to arrive, but server made up for it by offering us Cremant on the house while we waited. This is a neighborhood gem worth visitng.
Coming around to leaving a review now - we had the pleasure of coming to Arlo for valentines day 2023. I am so glad they made it to the list of Canadas top 100 restaurants this year because they have definitely deserved the title. Having a carefully crafted set menu made things simple & easy. It also gave us the opportunity to sample a lot of different & unique dishes we probably would have not otherwise selected ourselves like the misery salad. My favourite dish by far was the braised beef short rib which was out of this world. It was paired with a wonderful rare Grenache which weve never been able to find anywhere other than Arlo. The Icelandic cod was a close #2 and was beautifully done. Everything from the food, service, and aesthetic left an unforgettable romantic experience for myself and my wife. Hopefully we will be back again for Valentines day 2024.
Went here for a birthday party and let me tell you it was fabulous The dinner was served family style, and it was one to remember! Some of the best bites Ive had from a restaurant in Ottawa! The duck wings and Artic Char tartar were perfection!
Wow. More people need to come here. Menu is awesome, wine list is v awesome, service is stun. This place is that the correct vibes.
First time visiting Arlo, sat on the patio in the back - beautiful space! Only good things to say about the food/wine and service.
We hosted my daughter and her new husbands wedding ceremony and reception at Arlo this past weekend and it was a magical experience! These people know whats what about hospitality! The space was perfect - so romantic and lovely. The food was outstanding - the passed canapés were delicious, the meal (which was served family style) was amazing. Each course had many components and each dish was beautifully prepared and presented. Simple, but delicious food! The wines and cocktails were unique and delicious too. But what really made our night special was the service - it was extraordinary! Every member of the staff was so warm and attentive, anticipating and meeting our every need with grace, efficiency and good humour. Finally, I will say that working with Emily, Alex, Mark and Jamie was a pleasure from start to finish. They knew from the start what the bride and groom wanted, their advice including for other vendors (like the wonderful Ganden Gardens) was spot on, and they far exceeded all of our expectations by providing the most wonderful experience right on budget. So deserving of their place on the Canadas top 100 restaurants list! Parking: Easy peasy paid parking right beside the restaurant.
Probably my new favorite restaurant in Ottawa. Been there already 3 times in 2 weeks.
Great service and amazing food. We were a party of 12 that booked last minute. They were kind enough to offer the private room and family style meals which were absolutely delicious. My daughter fell asleep throughout and they even brought a blanket for her! Super sweet and thoughtful. Highly recommended!!!
Best wine! Best food! Best staff! Best vibes! I live in Montreal and I drive down just for their food and selection of wine! Beautiful restaurant with an amazing terrace.
We loved it! Super friendly staff and the best steak Ive ever had. Our dog Elvis loved it too :) Well be back soon.
Way too loud, excessively expensive mains for the portion size with very limited options, slow service, and the dishes were not as memorable as I had hoped they would be. All in all, I was slightly disappointed with the experience as I had very high expectations due to the reviews. The atmosphere was extremely loud, it sounded like a pub that was packed full; it was too loud to speak at a regular volume, so I found myself yelling to simply talk to someone at my table as well as having trouble having a conversation due to the screaming table beside us. I am not usually one to complain about slow service, but we had ordered a beer and Espresso martini at the same time. The Espresso martini came out 15-20 mins after the beer, at which point I was done the beer and ordering a second. Eggplant toast (4.9/5) - absolutely incredible flavor combination; crafted to perfection -highly recommended! Oysters (4.6/5) -super fresh and delicious with great flavor -house made hot sauce was an amazing touch and added a enjoyable kick Duck frites (3.8/5) -duck itself was cooked beautifully, nice and pink, but did not have an overly memorable flavor considering its nearly 50$ price Flank steak (4/5) -perfectly cooked -mushrooms and sauce had great flavor Vegetarian options: Multiple vegetarian options Kid-friendliness: Absolutely not the spot for children. Wheelchair accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Flight of stairs and a couple of manual (non assisted) doors to enter.
Great food and service, nice atmosphere, supposed to have the best wine cellar in Ottawa but I cant drink so I wouldnt know, but our waiter really knew his wine stuff (my dinner companions were very happy with the selection).
Definitely falls under the hidden gems category. Amazing food, service and atmosphere, would recommend for a special event or a romantic date!
This was our first time at Arlo and, let me preface things by saying that I know how hard it is to own/operate any restaurant, let alone a small, independent place but the dinner we had on Sunday night was really bad. And ridiculously expensive. Specifically, the pickled shrimp were over cooked and under seasoned (please check out Daniel Bouluds recipe for artichokes and mushrooms a la grecque and add the shrimp - delicious). I couldnt taste the char tartare and the accompaniments and presentation were terrible. The scallop crudo was indistinguishable from the sauce, the whole thing didnt work and the portion was tiny. The lamb shoulder was tepid and fatty and the greens were overdressed. The fries were the best part, Im sorry to say ($45?). The rice pudding was bland, unevenly cooked and cold. The wines by the glass were decent, but barely 5oz and overpriced. After working in kitchens for a long time, I know that its not that hard to make good food but at the prices youre charging, it should be great. Please step it up.
Great menu, great wine selection, small and intimate.
Everything was excellent. Period! Service was awesome. Jamie was attentive, and helpful with menu choices. Menu selections were phenomenal. Just go!
Consistently delicious food and beautiful wines!
I really liked the atmosphere and cute decor. Food was AMAZING! I enjoyed every bite!! Food
I held a private retirement party in the upper dining room for 20 people and the food, wine and service was all amazing. Great communication up to the party time and a perfect location for a small gathering. My guests absolutely loved the food. Thanks Emily to you and your team.
Absolutely wonderful private dining experience at Arlos Apartment. The service staff was absolutely amazing, and the chefs delivered on the food without a doubt. The administration was very accommodating in terms of planning and menu adaptations to accommodate the dietary choices of the guests. The sit down area is perfect for 30 people, and the lounging/sofa area was excellent for transitions. Standing room is also very good for 50 people, and the transition from the sit down dinner to the standing service was also excellent. The quantity of food is adequate for the number of guests, and they will not be left hungry. The flexibility with how to manage the open bar is also industry leading. I will definitely use Arlos again for future events. In fact, I am trying to find an excuse to go again.
Everything was excellent here.
That was probably the best tartare I have ever enjoyed! The halibut was nicely cooked, still juice and tender, but the Cornish Hen was my preferred. I consider myself lucky because it was the first day the Cornish Hen being on the menu. The owner was friendly and came to share the story of the wine.
Had the lions mane steak, was one of the best vegetarian mains I ever had in 10+ years!
When a friend said they were holding their birthday dinner at Arlo, I had no idea where or what it was, but these friends are foodies, so I expected good things. I was not disappointed. We had a multicourse fixed menu, and everything on it was tasty. There wasnt a single dish that left me disappointed. The only item I think could have been a little better was the flank steak, it was tasty and cooked med-rare (more to the rare side), which is how I would usually order it, but it was just a little more chewy than I expected. Still very nice, but not perfect. The fan favourite at the table was unquestionably the duck, it was richl, succulent, and flavourful. Cocktails were also very nice and the wine was good. I had never had natural wine before, so I wasnt quite prepared for how different they taste from the wine I am used to, but they were still nice - just lighter bodied on the whole and I would say a little more acidic. Our host/server, Marah (who was excellent), did a nice job describing the wines and letting us sample a few until we each honed in on one we wanted with our meal. All in all, atmosphere was nice (we were in the party room downstairs which was a little cozy and a little loud with our boisterous crew, but the look and feel were quite nice), service was good, drinks were good, and food was delicious. I would certainly go again.
I love Arlo. The service staff are so kind and attentive. The food is made with a great deal of care and I can honestly say this is one of the best meals I have had at this price point. My only complaint is that the music is a little loud.
Place was awesome. Got treated like royalty!
I always have a great time at Arlo. Truly one of my favourite spots in the city. I wish that they would regularly have a vegetarian option on their menu. I know they rotate their menu seasonly but it would be great if they would add a vegetarian option. Their drinks are top notch and they have a massive wine selection. The restaurant itself is beautiful and in the summer they have a lovely patio out back. The staff are always really nice as well. Vegetarian options: Limited or no vegetarian options.
The food was good but the menu and cocktail options were a bit limited. Otherwise, I enjoyed the meal I had. I don t know how excited I was about the presentation however. And I did have to ask for bread when other tables just seemed to get it without asking. That being said, it could ve been a busy night and not the biggest deal. Overall, a really good dining experience.
Arlo was a great venue for my daughters Engagement Party! The atmosphere, food and service were perfect and the guests has a great time! Thank you!
This place is top notch. Top notch service. Top notch food quality and freshness. Top notch atmosphere. Would definitely recommend.
10/10 would recommend! We had a lovely staff party with fantastic food. The upstairs atmosphere was so elegant and private for our Christmas party Food
One of my favourite places to eat in Ottawa - the food is always great and so is the service!
Overated. Good food, but compared to similar restaurant, in terms of price, class, type of food, etc., it lacks finesse and originality. Absolutely no Wow. No reason to go back.
Just a beautiful spot, with exquisite food and service.