327 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M5, Canada
Al's Steakhouse has been Ottawa's original steakhouse since 1967, serving old-school favourites with modern style. Steaks, cocktails, and more, perfect intimate dinners and groups alike. Open daily for lunch and dinner Al’s has ample free parking, can host over 100 diners in private events, and features a menu that will satisfy all tastes. Classic steakhouse meals define the cuisine at Al’s: certified Angus beef, fresh fish, a variety of delicious appetizers and salads fill the menu. It’s perfectly complemented by classic cocktails, an extensive wine list, and uncompromising service. Al’s is the first and only restaurant in Ottawa to cook its beef on live charcoal, giving steaks their distinctive signature taste!
Great place for meetings for lunch or dinner. Delicious appetizers and steaks. I definitely recommend bone marrow and stake tartar. They also have great selection of wines as wells as excellent services. If you are in town, you must try this location.
We were a group of 6 that ate on Dec 14th for a few birthdays. Place was packed. First time at Al's. In the last few years, service and quality has always been an issue for us at pretty much any restaurant, always something wrong, BUT not here! Al's Steakhouse has figured things out! What exceptional service and the food was fantastic! I don't mind paying the price when both are top notch and it shows this is a family owned restaurants. You do see the owners walk around and ask if things are good which is nice. I had the rib steak with fries and scallops, steak was cooked perfect, like I asked. The scallops were not really good, they were really bitter. Finally, to our server Kat! WOW, she was on the ball, drinks, food, cell phone pictures were rolling in! She has provided us with the best service I have had in a restaurant in the last 5 years. I may ask to sit in her section next time we go! Thanks for making our night a great one Kat! It won't be the last time we will eat there that's for sure!
The mocktail was delicious! First time having one. The bread was average, the lobster tail was cooked great- a little fishy tasting, when you took the tail off of the pasta, there was a stack of the sun dried tomato’s all in one place. Not sure if it was to be mixed in. Was also very heavy, and the butter started to pool in the bottom after a few minutes. There was to much butter and richness to enjoy such a big plate. The steak ordered was the AUSTRALIAN A9 WAGYU which was heavy on the sear, almost gave it a burnt flavour and was under cooked not evenly seasoned. For the price, was expecting perfection at a steakhouse. The blueberry cheesecake was recommended by the server and it was excellent. Ambiance and restaurant were really nice, other than only having one bathroom to use.
Beautiful restaurant, food was spectacular! Definitely a special occasion type place. Very expensive but you can absolutely taste the quality! The twice baked potato with bacon and chives is one of the best I’ve ever had. Don’t expect cheap, but definitely expect quality
Was unfortunately disappointed with our overall experience after reading all the good reviews. We wanted to share and start with the hot Bone Marrow entré, then move on to our main course with the cold Grand Platter. Unfortunately everything was served all at once at our table even before finishing our digestive. Bonne Marrow plate was a decent size with two pieces to share, unfortunately it was over cooked. The marrow was lightly seasoned and was mostly liquid. The crostini’s we’re over oiled and unseasoned. As for the Grand Platter which was waiting for us on our table. The shrimps we’re unseasoned, not poached in a court bouillon to add extra flavour. Oysters were okay but he had to cut our own lemon wedges out of the 2 1/4 put in the dish. The tuna was good but yet again unseasoned, it was joined with a spicy mayo underneath which helped. Lobster tail was oddly served hot on the cold platter, which was cooked properly and well seasoned.
Very Disappointing Experience I visited this steakhouse to celebrate my girlfriend's graduation, expecting a memorable evening. Unfortunately, the experience fell far short of our expectations. We both ordered the New York Strip, requesting it to be cooked medium rare, along with two appetizers that were okay.. Upon receiving our steaks, it became apparent after a few bites that they were significantly undercooked. Additionally, my steak had a burnt exterior, resulting in an unpleasant charred taste. I chose not to address this issue at the moment to maintain the celebratory mood of the evening. My disappointment stems from my expectations as we chose a place at this price point hoping to avoid such interactions. I hope in the future, more attention to detail can be made in the preparations of the food so others can enjoy an experience they would want to have again.
Food: 1 Stars Service: 1 Stars Ambience: 1 Stars Value: 1 Stars Overall: 1 Stars During a visit to Ottawa, my partner and I decided to try Al's Steakhouse on Elgin Street, enticed by its reputedly stellar culinary offerings. As someone who appreciates fine dining, I had high expectations, but regrettably, our experience fell notably short of anticipated standards. Firstly, the main attraction—steak—was underwhelming. The meat lacked the juiciness and flavour depth one would expect from a high-end steakhouse. Also the vegetable was still raw. Additionally, we tried the Lobster linguine pasta, which unfortunately also missed the mark, presenting a bland taste that didn't leave much to be desired. Service-wise, the experience did not improve. It was average at best, lacking the attentiveness and warmth that usually characterizes top-tier dining establishments. This aspect of our visit certainly compounded our overall disappointment. In conclusion, while Al's Steakhouse may come with high praises, our personal encounter was less than satisfactory. The food was mediocre, and the service did not elevate the experience. It's a stark contrast to the vibrant and robust flavors typically celebrated in fine dining. For potential improvements, a focus on enhancing the flavour profiles of signature dishes and elevating the service quality could perhaps align the actual experience with the restaurant's esteemed reputation. kellychan360
Been coming here since I can remember. Used to go to the bells corners location, staff know my grandmother here very well. Always an absolute treat to be here, iv taken a wide range of people. On valentines day of 2024 another place canceled our reservation without notice, and Al's had our back. Sat us in a nice spot on short notice and did not rush us. Love coming here, the service, the food, the atmosphere, everything is 10/10. Never a problem. Nov 23rd 2024: We just had another wonderful experience here. Staff were friendly and very helpful. Food was amazing and it was a bussin' Saturday night! This is a great place for lunch and dinner options depending on your time frame and budget.
Ive loved Al for a long time but since than the quality of service and food as taken a dip
it was a very nice place the owner went around to a lot of the tables not ours . We kinda felt like an inconvenience for some reason hard to put my finger on it . The best was the pickle tho.
I m a couple days late writing this review. My brother and I came on the 14th of December at around 3pm. I told myself I had to write a review after what I experienced. My brother suggested this place and I was quite hesitant due to having a bad experience about 2 years ago. I agreed to go because it had been two years and maybe some things would have changed. We get there and the hostess brought us to a tiny table, my brother asked if we could get an another table that had more space. She brought us to another table but she was not very pleasant about it. Once we sat down it took about 5-10 minutes for a server to come who came with a nice water downed apology for being late. I couldn t quite understand how she was late considering there were very few people dinning in. At this point my brother and I were extremely disappointed, we had not been offered any water, bread and it seems to us this waitress wasn t taking us seriously. We ordered our food which was very good. During our dine in the waitress made an inappropriate comment saying that my brother and I look like we were having a romantic date. Why not ask if we re a couple before making such a comment? When we were served our food, we would say thank you and not get any responses. We noticed how the other guests at the restaurant were being treated and it was very interesting to see how the staff s energy was towards them compared to how it was with us. Now I know my brother and I were dressed very casually cause we didn t expect to eat at the restaurant so we did stand out a little bit. But that doesn t give the right for us to be treated the way we were. I m also questioning if it was because you guys are not used to seeing black people? But regardless of race and how we re dressed, we have the means to eat out in high calibre restaurants and did not deserve this treatment. This experience made us very uncomfortable, I will definitely not be coming back to this restaurant. I would advise black people not to waste their money at Al s Steakhouse so they can avoid being treated like second class citizens.
Been coming here for a while. Tonight we got served two cold twice baked and asked to have them heated up. Finished our steaks and got them back. Cold again only in the centre. Must ve been in the fridge not long before. Anyway not too pleased with how it was handled. Nobody seemed to care. Love the place but will try others now.
Parking: Parking at rear in a small lot Food
Almost 1 hour after leaving the restaurant my lip start to get itchy and swelling the next day I had a cancer sore I had to get medications for a whole week it was probably from the glass that I drank or the cutlery
Great atmosphere, plus good service. You wont be disappointed with the food but the prices might shock you a lil.
Lunch was amazing. Fish & Chips were spot on!
Great food and service. Id strongly recommend trying the bone marrow
I m a ribeye steak lover. Unfortunately I had the worst ribeye steak ever, burnt on the outside until it tasted bitter. It was tough, chewy and full of hard pieces of fat. Even the round filet in the middle was tough to chew on. The atmosphere and service were good but don t justify the almost $300 we paid for two people
You want steaks? Do it. 11 perfect morsels out of 10.
I m from Toronto, Went to Al s last night and the food was amazing! The best steak I ve ever had! The restaurant atmosphere is amazing. I highly recommend Al s for anyone visiting Ottawa!
For its reputation, we were expecting much better. We were a larger group but everyone at the table agreed the food was just okay. I was the only one to order an appetizer and the server said theyd bring it out with the salads but it came10mins before the salads, so i basically ate alone for a while. The french onion soup was tasty but the cheese was too thick, like it served as a barrier to keep the soup warm rather than part of the soup. It wasnt pleasant. I had the filet mignon and while cooked right, it wasnt seasoned. They brought a bowl of sea salt to the table but what did they expect us to do with it? Just dip the steak in? The garlic mashed potatoes had no garlic taste to them and no dessert menu or coffee or tea was offered at the end. Which fine, because we wouldnt have ordered any based on the quality of our food but it is expected to be part of the service. Its a pretty venue but honestly, I had better food at the Keg, and Im not a fan of the Keg either.
Beautiful restaurant with high level of service. Definitely recommended for a special night out.
The service was so worthy of the tip. Water always being filled and always being check on by different staff. Made a reservation and they asked what the occasion was (anniversary). At they end they brought out a slice of coconut cream pie (comped) so generous! Amazing customer service, they are what some restaurants think they are.
The appetizers (crab stuffed mushrooms and escargot) were really well presented and tasted amazing. The dressing on the house salad is uniquely flavorful. Two of the three steaks we ordered were a little less cooked than we would have liked, but not enough to matter, since the steaks were so tender. Truly one of the best steaks we have ever had. Our coffee was fine, no exceptional but fine. The bill at the end of the night was less than I expected, a great value versus other restaurants of this calibre.
Carolyn was our server and she did an unbelievable job in taking care of us! I had the steak burger and my girlfriend had the steak salad. Everything was delicious, and we could not have left happier! We had a pleasant conversation with the manager on our way out as he was describing the magnificent wall of pictures at the host stand! Thank you Carolyn and to the entire team for such a wonderful experience!
You can never go wrong with Al s Steakhouse. Food was delicious everything came out on time with enough time to enjoy each course. Highly recommend it!
A well organized restaurant
Parking: The is a parking lot right behind the restaurant which is very convenient considering the location. Food
I wont be able to rate the atmosphere, but it seemed very cozy. The food was a delight, the meat was cooked to perfection, the fries were really incredible, we ate really well Food
Finest dining setting, service and food
Been coming here forever. I was honestly shocked to see a negative review, that s how I know we live in a messed up world. ALs steakhouse and colonnade pizza (Metcalfe st) are two classics you can not possibly go wrong. Those from Ottawa know. I have been here well over 100 times and quality Is always top notch.
The food was expensive and mediocre. I called and they said they could accommodate gluten free... but this was also done in a mediocre way. No bread for me (everyone else had bread to start). And zero for dessert. This isnt really accommodating gluten free.
Great place . VERY friendly staff a food was very good
Excellent food & service. We shared a ribeye with the twice baked potatoes and Brussels sprouts as the sides. Comes with their house salad which i usually don t end up eating but it was so good with their homemade sauce you can buy as well. Overall just excellent!
We really enjoyed our dinner, service was excellent. The only problem was, no room in the restaurant, they put us outside. Noisy, you are right on the road, smells if the cars and busses not very pleasant. Its too bad they cant move the patio closer to the restaurant and have people walk on the other side, or put the patio at the back next to the parking lot with decor and lights could be quite nice.
Very nice menu and variety for everyone. However, you can never go wrong with a nice juicy steak! Go big! Service was great in a very cozy atmosphere. Parking: The restaurant has its own parking lot behind the restaurant! Its a bit on the small size. Paid / free street parking depends on what day and time. Other parking garages are not far.
We were in ottawa visiting from the UK...this place is superb,the food is 2nd to none with a great service.....I absolutely highly recommend this place..you wont be disappointed
Worse part of our family reunion. I had family members travel from the U.K. and to celebrate my sisters 50th birthday and our reunion after 20 years, we had reservations at this restaurant while in Ottawa during this part if their Canadian visit.The halloumi salad, intended as a vegetarian option, was nearly unpalatable due to an excessive amount of oregano, the cheese not even tasty just rubbery. Meanwhile, everyone else at the table enjoyed their steak dishes which were satisfactory. The most disappointing aspect was the service from our waitress, who was not only unfriendly but also instructed my family to address her individually. She literally gave us orders on how to speak to her. Her constant frown and the way she responded rudely to my husband when he attempted to order a drink for me, even questioning his order, added to the unpleasant experience.To the waitress, its clear who you are. Reflecting on your service, it might be beneficial to focus on improving your facial expressions, perhaps aiming for a more welcoming smile. Its disheartening to hear that a group of six from the U.K., who spent two weeks here and dined out frequently, considered you the worst waitress they encountered during their stay. This not only reflects poorly on you but also on me as a Canadian host. I also noticed you ensuring you received your tip *dont think I didnt hear you tell my out of Country friend how much you think you should have received, which makes me think youre in the wrong profession. The service industry doesnt seem right for you.The overall ambiance was noisy, the food was average, and unfortunately, the service lacked friendliness, so its best to seek hospitality elsewhere. Honestly, WORSE MISERABLE WAITRESS I have ever encountered. Had it not been for the enjoyable company, I would have said that your performance alone would have spoiled the entire evening.
Spectacular service and excellent food would definitely recommend it Bravo
Always a great lunch with my good friend Alex. Thank you Vanessa for the great service! We shared the Filet/Wagyu rib steak platter with mandatory sides...everything was excellent.
Poor Steakhouse. Mushrooms were microwaved. Undercooked bone marrow. Old creme brulee. Most disappointing steak Ive had in years.
Awesome staff, and great food. A Ottawa must
My family of 4 adults had dinner last night at Al s. Hadn t been there in many years. We all enjoyed our meals. The bread was great, the starter salads included with our meals were good too. I ordered a 10-ounce filet mignon. It was deliciously char broiled. Good baked potato. Each of us had a cocktail. I am a small eater so I took home half of my steak. We had no space for dessert. The restaurant was busy so somewhat noisy, but our server was very attentive. My only suggestion would be to have tablecloths, not placements, and candles to make it feel more like fine dining. (When I googled Al s Steakhouse, the description says the restaurant has white tablecloths.) We found the prices reasonable for steaks and the food quality very good.
We recently celebrated our wedding at Al s Steakhouse, and we couldn t be happier with our experience. The atmosphere was perfect for our celebration. The food was absolutely delicious, with every dish receiving rave reviews from our guests. The staff was attentive, professional, and incredibly accommodating, ensuring that every detail was taken care of. We are so grateful for the wonderful service. Thank you, Al s Steakhouse, for helping us create such beautiful memories! Special thank you to Sam, Paul, Justin, Jake and Cath.
I recently dined at Al s Steakhouse, and unfortunately, the experience was far from satisfactory. The steaks we ordered were undercooked and completely flavorless. To make matters worse, we noticed a mouse on the table next to us. The owner was present and clearly saw how distressed we were by this, yet did absolutely nothing to address the situation. What could have been a decent meal was overshadowed by poor food quality and the lack of basic hygiene and customer service. Please do not respond to this review with an offer to make it right. You had the chance to do that in person and chose not to. I cannot recommend this restaurant based on my experience.
Amazing restaurant with incredible food and great service!
We only stopped for a glass of wine but it was so lovely we stayed longer. Beautiful inside and spotlessly clean. Would recommend a visit. We were here from N.Ireland just waiting on an Uber.
Ate at Als last night, steak was cooked to perfection, price was very reasonable and service was spectacular, I have frequented this spot over many years and the consistency is what keeps bringing me back, a steak cooked over charcoal, that Als famous salad dressing just a great spot to grab a steak
Als is a great restaurant and has been a long time favourite for our family. The service is always amazing, the food is fantastic and the atmosphere is great. Make sure you try the house salad, the dressing is to die for!
Food and service were great. Atmosphere is a little night at the roxberrys and can get loud.
Very nice romantic atmosphere. Cozy and chill. Prices are what you would expect from such a place. About 150$ for 2 ppl before tips. Ordered 16oz new york and 14oz rib eye with included fries/mash and salads + 2 non alcoholic drinks. (I wouldnt recommend going for such big portions if you already ate something before this , we couldnt finish em haha. Couldnt even fit appetizers or deserts) Our waitress Kath or Cath was patient, informative and kind. She always checked on us and was straight to the point. A guy I wish i got his name was also constantly filling our water when needed and the manager checked on us as well. Service took about 20mins for the salads drinks and the meat. Food was good , I liked the garlic mash and the fries. Steak was ordered medium rare and they delivered on that. Wish there was more seasoning. The bread and butter was nice and fluffy , salad was fresh and the dressing tasted nice. Overall good first experience. Thanks for making our birthday feels special (we didng tell them its a birthday haha). Michel
Even though I did not have a reservation I was not turned away. Great and consistent food and service!
Experienced Al s by the park (the backyard patio) for coffee and dessert! WOW the service and the dessert (blueberry cheesecake to die for!) freshly baked and shareable! Excellent cappuccino too! Food : 5/5
I discovered the back of this restaurant thanks to the lights at night. It was an opportunity to take advantage of the night heat to end the evening with dessert. I was recommended the blueberry cheesecake made by a pastry chef who only comes to the restaurant in the morning to prepare them. Its excellent!
We could not stand a lot of flies indoors.
Justin and Caroline gave us amazing service and we had a great night and great food, could not ask for better!
Came in last minute with a group of friends during peak rush hour and got sat at the bar wich wasn t our preferred place to sit, they immediately checked in on us and moved us to a better table. The service was excellent we had a great time. Be sure to ask for Justin and Caroline they took great care of us and made sure everything was good.
Great food and service from Justin and Caroline, enjoyed our night at the fullest.
The service was professional, attentive and perfect. Als has the best steaks in Ottawa with delicious sides, desserts, and drinks. Parking: There are plenty of spots on Gilmour and Lewis, especially East of Elgin.
I had the opportunity to visit the restaurant last weekend with the special plan of proposing my girlfriend. Ill start by saying that they were very kind to offer us a table without previous reservation. The staff in general is friendly. Our lunch began with a very boring Caesar salad, followed by steaks, which unfortunately, although they had a good look and were cooked to the correct point, they lacked flavour at all, the only thing I could perceive on my palate was the taste from the torch with which they melted a medallion of butter that instead of adding flavor, ended up ruining the meat. As an accompaniment, I chose a baked potato, once again the only taste that left in my mouth was the mediocrity of the kitchen team. I couldnt handle half of it. For her part, my guest asked for mashed potatoes, and this is where everything started to go worse. After being disappointed with her steak and tasting the mash, she found a large piece of aluminum foil in her mouth. The solution they gave us was null, they only replate the same food! It was outrageous that they didnt replace it. The drinks were standard and we were not provided with coasters so my glass dripped on my shirt with every drink. The saloon, beyond being able to be enjoyed by diners, is overshadowed by the sound of the service teams chatter. And the constant battle with flies is an atmosphere killer. My partner asked me to leave, we didnt even allow ourselves to look at the dessert menu. I went with a lot of expectations hopping to be a day to remember and I left disappointed with my plans canceled and a ring in my pocket
Added 37.5 dollar on the bill by mistake under Tips title and, asked for steak well done and was received medium rare. Won t repeat the experience
Dinner for a conference was hosted at the basement area as it was a large group of people. The service was fantastic! The food was good! However, the lighting could be improved (didnt mind it at that moment though). Overall, a good place to get steak or chicken!
The food and drinks were excellent as always! The service was horrible ! The waitress would disappear and not come back for long periods instead of checking on us.
Sad to see this place loose ground like this. Very loud, very smoky inside, and food was closer to pub style with people being loud and rowdy. Wondered at one point where the match was being shown in the place. Salads oozing with sauce, medium well steak order came as medium rare. Pasta heavy, way to saucy and shell fish hard and rubbery. Staff was curt, stressed and rushed. Not the atmosphere one expects in a high end steakhouse. Perhaps simply an off night and hope not the trend. Good luck folks and hope you get back on your game.
Grew up in the Ottawa area, always hearing about Als Steakhouse but never tried it until last week when we went to dinner with friends. I came in with low expectations having tried so many steakhouses and leaving disappointed, however I was thoroughly impressed with Als. Ordered the ribeye, my favourite cut, and it was very juicy and incredibly tender. My one and only complaint though, the steaks were not seasoned well (or at all?) so we felt the need to repeatedly ask for more coarse salt at the table to put on our steaks. Well definitely be back though. :)
Well worth the trip from Cornwall to visit the restaurant
I ve been dining at Al s Steakhouse a few times a year for the past 10 years, and I ve always had a positive experience. The food is consistently good, and the service is generally reliable. However, last night s experience was exceptional, and I felt compelled to share it. From the moment we arrived, our server, Skylar, made the evening special. Attentive, prompt, and friendly, Skylar ensured that everything was perfect from start to finish. The steaks were cooked to absolute perfection, the stuffed baked potatoes were delicious, and the French onion soup was hearty and generously topped with cheese. As always, Al s famous dressing did not disappoint. The margaritas were some of the best I ve had in the city truly a highlight of the meal. The restaurant itself was spotless, and the ambiance was upscale, easily rivaling Hy s in Toronto. Al s Steakhouse continues to impress, and after last night, I m reminded why it remains one of my favorite spots in Ottawa.
I had the mussels and side salad the als dressing is fantastic
If I could give this place more than 5 stars I would. I came in to eat last night with my boyfriend for my birthday and everything was outstanding! Service was excellent, support staff was on the ball and our server Jade made the entire experience feel so comfortable and really made me feel special for my birthday with a free dessert and some shots! We ordered the 50 Oz Tomahawk steak (which was incredible), and our server highly recommended the smashed potatoes (best potatoes we ve ever had!) My boyfriend and I were both so impressed with the cocktail list, and the manager even touched our table to make sure we were enjoying our meal! It s very clear this is a team-oriented workplace. Highly recommend!!!
I recently dined at Al Steakhouse, and while I was initially impressed by the quality of the food and the ambiance, I regret to report that my experience took a turn for the worse. Everything seemed to be going well until I unfortunately came down with food poisoning shortly after my visit. I spent the next 24 hours feeling extremely unwell. It s a real shame because the meal itself was enjoyable, but this incident has left me quite concerned about the restaurant s food safety practices. I hope this feedback helps in addressing any potential issues to prevent similar experiences for future diners.
From the moment I walked into Als Steak House, I was enveloped in an ambiance that exuded warmth and sophistication. The decor is tastefully done, striking a balance between classic elegance and modern flair. But as delightful as the ambiance is, its only the beginning. The real star of the show at Als is, unsurprisingly, the food. Each dish I tried was a culinary masterpiece, a testament to the chefs expertise and dedication to excellence. The steak was cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, rivaling some of the best Ive ever had. Every accompaniment, from the appetizers to the desserts, showcased a symphony of flavors that left me eagerly anticipating my next visit. Yet, what truly set Als apart for me was the impeccable service. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable without being pretentious, and their genuine passion for ensuring a memorable dining experience was evident throughout the evening. In a world filled with dining options, Als Steak House stands out not just for its outstanding food but for its dedication to providing an experience thats truly special. I cannot recommend it highly enough and eagerly await my next visit!
Wow! A huge thanks to Al s for a special 20th anniversary dinner with my partner. I had mentioned in my reservation that it was a special occasion and right when we were seated we were wished a happy anniversary. Our server, Kat, was incredible. She took my allergies seriously. My steak was a wee bit under for me and they whisked it away and had it back to me so quickly I barely knew it was gone! My husband had the bacon as an appetizer and said it was fantastic and really enjoyed his strip. My fillet and smashed potatoes were incredible. And don t sleep on the bread - it s so good. After dinner a piece of coconut cream pie suddenly appeared with a sparkler and we were once again wished a happy anniversary. The pie was amazing! We can t wait to go back! Thanks so much Al s!
One of the best restaurant experiences Ive ever had! Incredible staff, one of the best servers ,funny informative and friendly. Food was phenomenal even starting with the delicious read butter AND kosher salt. Never tried this before but will be from now on. You need to eat here, simply the best.
Favourite restaurant ever.
As Al s Steakhouse opened in 1967, I was 15 years old. At that time, Dad would bring us there on occasions. A few years later, as we were all married, he took us regularly at Al s. So much so, Al himself would greet us personally, by calling out each our names, including our spouses, as we shook his hand. A gentleman, Al certainly was. That is where, I tasted their famous house dressing! In my opinion, it is the very best house dressing, I have EVER had and this stands, to this day and I travelled pretty well all of Canada and two thirds of the U.S. and being a good supporter of Steakhouses, I frequented many of them. This up coming September, my father would ve been 100 years old. To celebrate his life, I suggested to my three siblings, to meet there on his birthday and have cocktails & an enjoy our favourite meal, chosen from their magnificent menu, to suit everyone s favourite items. Latest up day, it s GO! It will happen. I haven t been there for a long time, since I now live in Montreal. So, YES, I m certainly looking forward to it. Dietary restrictions: At that time, we had none, but since, some one now needs to eat gluten free. I m not going to call, if there s something on the menu suitable for that person. I am CONVINCED they will take care of all dietary restrictions & allergies needed. Parking: Been to Al s many time! Yes, the parking is very occupied, but NEVER, was I not able to park. At the time, there was a parking lot attendant, for your car s security, but I don t know, if it s available now. A simple phone call, will properly inform you.
My family and I made reservations at Al s a few months back for my mother s birthday, we had a great time and the food was amazing as well as the dessert, we were a party of 7 and ordered the butchers board as well as 2 others meals and a few drinks which were also very good! The staff was very friendly the entire dinner and had great service can t wait to go back :)
Food was good, however the kitchen/server kept messing up our order and forgetting items. Wish we got to enjoy everything that we initially ordered and not have to constantly remind that we are missing X item that we ordered.
First time visit. Excellent all around. We ll be back soon.
We had 25 people. We used to work with. Get together for supper. It was awesome. I had ribeye steak. It was really good yeah its
I had the tomahawk steak served with bone marrow butter and fries and it may have been the best thing Ive ever eaten. It was well worth the price. And service was excellent!
One of my top fav.. restaurants.. It s the magical place with amazing food and great service Food
We had the 10oz and 8oz Filet Mignon, excellent steaks, everything was perfect. The ambience, the service the food. Excellent. Dietary restrictions: My wife does have some dietary restrictions that were taken care of by our waitress. She was very understanding of my wifes situation. We also had one person in a wheel chair, all the staff were very helpful, ensuring her comfort and satisfaction. I havent seen a level of excellent service like this in a long time. Parking: The parking is at the rear of Als Steakhouse. They have a security guy sitting in the lot, there is also plenty of parking on the street, which is free on Saturdays and Sundays. Kid-friendliness: We had our 5 year old grand daughter with us, Als staff were great with her. Wheelchair accessibility: Als is on street level, accessibility is not an issue. Als staff are committed to ensuring a great dining experience, ensuring comfortability and enjoyment.
Oysters seemed fresh, horseradish was excellent. Steak was cooked perfectly (couldn t have done better myself) Was surprised by the mashed potatoes - excellent Staff were working hard but were having fun on the job (still professional). My waitress was quick to solve a small issue with my drink, thank you! I noticed another waitress playing peekaboo with a baby girl which was entertaining for the whole restaurant. Surprisingly wholesome for an upscale restaurant lol I have celiac s disease (can t have gluten). The staff were knowledgeable and made it easy for me to order. No reaction :) Dietary restrictions: Gluten free (celiac)
Our experience was fabulous. My wife and I went there for our wedding anniversary - symbolic act since we celebrated our civil wedding in their event room located in the basement. Service: 5/5. They give you time to figure out what you want for those who check items while at the restaurant. No pressure after paying, it seems as if we could stay and enjoy the light music if we wanted to. Atmosphere: 5/5. No bright lights, very subtle music. At some point, a lady in a corner table made the supervisor know she was getting cold, and he reduced the A/C to her comfortable temperature level. Food: 5/5. This one was tricky for me at first. I have gone to upgraded restaurants before, like Milestone, Moxies, etc., and the price was expected. But when we got the menu, the least expensive main course was $32 going all the way to $190, excluding salads and small entrées. I dont deny I was a bit shocked. Then I thought, its our wedding anniversary, its worth it. Ooh, was I wrong: after ordering, they gave us bread and butter while waiting, followed by a starter salad (upgradable to Caesar), then the main dish. Portions were very good, bordeline big. I was so full I didnt have space for dessert . All in all, the price might seem steep compared to everyday restaurant (rightly so), but it is worth it. You get all the value of your money and recommend Als Steakhouse to anyone looking for a nice place for that special occasion. Parking: The parking is located behind the restaurant using Waverley Street. Its first come, first serve.
A traditional steakhouse with really good food. Lots of steak and seafood options. Staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. Good for family and friends. Happy hour is very good too.
My brothers wedding reception was held here and it was absolutely amazing! Loved the drinks, quality food and great atmosphere. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking to enjoy a meal out or for hosting an event.
Went there for my birthday. Food was good, ambiance was great and they accommodated us adding unexpected additional guests. I will definitely be back!
What an awful place. Dirty, mystery-stained, fly-infested bathrooms, bad attitude service staff, food was dry just overall terrible. What a dump this place is. Never coming here again.
The food is amazing. This is pricey, but you get what you pay for. The ribeye melted in my mouth. The black truffle mushroom bread was an amazing surprise. The server was very friendly. She only missed on star because it took a while for her to get back to us, and I asked for a Ceasars salad and got a regular, my friend asked for a lobster tail and never got one . But we were so stuffed with awesome food, that none of that mattered. Ill call it an off night for the waitress because she was very nice and awesome on every other level.
I absolutely loved the ambiance it was both vibrant and robust with laughter and chatters the steak was grilled just the way we wanted it Hasan our server made our experience even better - he was friendly and on point with his suggestions! 100% recommend this steakhouse in Ottawa !
This is definitely a memorable experience! The steak was the best Ive ever had! Cooked perfectly! Great staff!
Just wonderful! Kaya was amazing!
Its good. Similar to Mortons.
Very tasty! Zucchini Sticks are phenomenal would recommend. Steak was meh, not the best not the worst. But the zucchini sticks and fries are a 100% recommend
The food is not good at all. The service is very low too.
The server was not very welcoming and the food was very mid, looks better in the pictures. Very disappointed!
Great place amazing food and drinks outstanding service
Still a wonderful neighbourhood steakhouse after all these years. And yes, the salad dressing is to die for.
i visit here every year on my birthday. i work in the service industry & i work as a bartender, so i understand that you need to check on your table after they receive food. i find that (even though i spend over $120 on champagne&oysters&appetizer&dinner), because im alone&younger, i dont get good service ever. i get pushed to the side (meanwhile i;m the one who would tip 20% because im a waitress myself, and i understand that giving good service should be easy&standard. ive never had good service here. i recommend sitting at the bar if you like an attentive waitress. i visited this afternoon (friday april 26th)
Most of experience were good. Service was phenomenal. Tables are too close and crowded. Everybody speaks so loud. But the biggest reason for below average was kitchen. Seafood entrée platter is just a joke. They mark up probably more than 10 times than its value. So slow. Extremely slow. Slower than snail. When we got there at 7pm, we got our steak after 9pm. Rear steak came out as medium. Medium came out as rear. Actual quality of meat and ingredients were higher than average. Just they dont know how to cook them.
Went to Al s for my birthday dinner, I was very disappointed in the quality of the steak, the Porter House steak, the tenderloin was good, the strip loin was disgusting, terrible. Large chunks of hard Gristle in every bite that I had to pull out of my mouth. I have had better quality meat from the grocery store. My wife s battered shrimp had tail shell still on them too. I regret spending $260 there
I ordered the ribeye steak with a loaded baked potato and no joke the best tasting meal Ive had in a while. The service was great. Each course came perfectly timed. Definetely recommend.
Als Steakhouse was a lovely experience. The fillet was beautifully done and so tender. Delicious drink and the service was excellent. Our server was very attentive and made us feel welcome. A must try restaurant in Ottawa.
Probably the best steakhouse Ive been to. The staff were so attentive and friendly. My steak was perfectly cooked/seasoned. A great place to have dinner!
Celebrated my 21st birthday here with my boyfriend. Initially the good service and the ambience of the restaurant influence me that I was in for a good steak dinner. The bread was warm and was served with salt and butter which was excellent, everything went downhill from here. I found my caesar salad to be a little dry and lacking flavour. When the main course finally arrived my butter was melted on top of my steak in front of me which I thoroughly enjoyed. As I took my first bite I was expecting a savoury steak, I was taken back with an overwhelming burnt/char taste. I like my steaks medium well so there was no reason for my steak to be burnt on the sides. My mashed potatoes were mediocre at best. After the main course I hoped I would at least get a complimentary dessert for my birthday, which was not the case. Overall, the place was extremely expensive and while the service was excellent it did not make the price worth it for the quality of food that was served.
This is an old school steakhouse with great food and even better service. The wine list is extensive and worth your time looking over it. It was a great and value-for-money experience!
Great service and great food!
An old favourite. Cant beat the filet mignon, though Im also partial to the shishkebab
really delicious, and its not just steak, there are also vegetarian meals. I had the mushroom ravioli and it was a real delight.
I tried to have dinner here today with my mother, but unfortunately I was told that they dont have the space to accommodate the stroller of my baby.. I felt so bad.. is it ok for restaurants to discriminate against mothers with their babies?? A very bad customer service. This is the first time for me to have such an experience.
Excellent food with a good choice of wines. Fast and courteous service.
When it comes to finding the perfect place to satisfy your cravings, Al s Steakhouse never disappoints. Inviting atmosphere, delectable food, and delightful drinks, its always a top choice!
Great customer service, staff was very pleasant.
Went to Als for the first time in many years (I dont live in Ottawa anymore) with a work group. They managed the large group really well, our server was very attentive and the food was absolutely excellent! I had the steak and goat cheese salad and crème brulée for dessert.
This was super disappointing I will say the restaurant is beautiful but who cares if the food sucks. The waitresses weren t very friendly which really took away from how much money clearly went into decorating the place. It took over half an hour for bread to come to the table. It took TWO HOURS for us to get our mains. The place wasn t overly busy. The food is insanely expensive too. I don t mind paying good money at a restaurant if they give good service and serve good food but the food was awful. When I saw the prices on the menu I had high expectations. I enjoyed the salad but the steak was TERRIBLE! I had no idea it was even possible to cook a steak to perfection and it still taste so bad. It wasn t seasoned at all. All I could taste was charcoal. Almost as if their grills hadn t been cleaned in years. We were a pretty big group and I m not the only one who thought so. Some of the people in our group didn t even eat their food. They serve their mashed potato s piped onto to the plate giving you the impression they would be whipped, smooth and fluffy. They weren t. It was also obvious they had been sitting on the plate for quite a while before they were served. They were very dense and lumpy like they were undercooked and then mashed. Not to mention they were also completely flavourless. I would rather just eat at home. Lower your prices if you re going to serve terrible food or better yet just shut your doors. I don t understand why this place has been hyped up so much. It was shockingly bad. Just go to the keg. You ll spend less, get significantly better food and service. I don t normally write bad reviews. I m not sure I ever have but people need to know about this before they go out for a nice dinner and end up being served this over priced garbage after waiting a ridiculously long time for it. I find it almost insulting to be served food that bad from waitresses that were so obviously miserable and be charged that much. If our group had given them a hard time or been rowdy I would have understood their attitude but we definitely weren t. If I could give zero stars I would. I don t understand how this place is still open.
We don t go out for steak often but when we do , it s als steakhouse all the way , from the moment we sat down until we left everything was perfect , thank you Sam and Gloria for maintaining the superb reputation your father and family have kept for all the years you ve been in business, Thanks again , rick shaheen
The best option (and probably one of the only options) in Ottawa for a luxury, high-end steakhouse. Service was very good and the ribeye was cooked to a perfect medium rare. The baked potato was excellent as well, soft and almost creamy. Their wine selection is notable, both by the glass and by the bottle. Although it is a bit too pricey all things considered. But what isnt these days?
Had a nice meal here as a couple on a Monday evening. Nice classy atmosphere and friendly service. We each had a NY strip steak (which comes with a salad and side) and a cocktail. The bill was a little more expensive than we were used to in Canada (CAD$210) but Id say it was worth it
Save yourself +$100 and go to your local moxies. My partner and I came after a long week of looking forward to trying out this popular spot but left so disappointed. From the start, the service seemed like a tim hortons drive thru, our waitress was not attentive and messed up our order multiple times, the steak which we paid $60 each for was dry, overcooked, and chewy, served with two pieces of fries and KETCHUP? We were seated next to a very loud table which made our experience way worse.
This was our first time. We came for steak and left disappointed. Our porterhouse was supposed to be a medium cook, but for the most part was well-done and dry. Given that it was cut up, the kitchen should have realized that it was over cooked and not sent it out. The mashed potatoes and bread were the highlight, unfortunately.
Had an amazing night at the bar with Jenny. GM Paul stopped by and so did Tina, food was incredible, cocktails were perfect and service never disappoints. One of the few places in town that knows how to make a steak Chicago style. Perfect night as always
Best place in Ottawa
Terrible service. Took 20 mins for a refill on our drinks plus took over 20 mins for our bill. Steak was terrible. I paid for the wagyu which yes I know their cut at this restaurant isn t the best for the price but you should expect more for the price, and I ve had plenty of wagyu. This Was the chewiest steak I ve ever had. The person I was with also asked for med rare and got blue rare. We waited for about 15 minutes but our server didn t come around so we ended up eating our steak as it as it got cold. Atmosphere was great other than service and food. If you want the best go to matis or rosebowl for all around best experience.
Came to Als after reading raving reviews. Coming from NYC we needed some Canadian foods. We usually go to Sterling but it was full so decided on something out of our comfort zone. No service for approximately 10 mins. But once our server came, we ordered 2 Cadillac margaritas, the steak tartare, stuffed crab mushrooms, filet mignon kebab and the seabass. Then when we finished our drinks, she asked if we wanted another drink. So we got 2 more Cadillac margaritas and asked for extra spicy. Second order of margarita, the bartender added a Thai chilli pepper. Maybe she needed to blend the chillis into the drink as it was not spicy even though we tried to break apart the chilli with our straws. Everything was ok good. The server did not ask us how we wanted our filet mignon so when it arrived it was a medium, we prefer medium rare but its still ok. We also asked baked potato instead of the rice. The server forgot to order it. We were offered some bread at the beginning, which we said of course. Second time, the server came with our appetizers and mentioned that the bread is still being heated up. In the end we never got the complimentary bread. I would say this place is ok...in between our meals the hostess/front person came to ask if everything was ok, we said yes everything is ok but maybe we should have been more open and told him whats up but we gave the server and kitchen the benefit of the doubt. Overall, maybe I would give this place another shot to redeem themselves but Im not sure. It was Easter Monday and not busy the time we went. I probably wouldnt go back unless someone I know invites me there
Classic steakhouse menu done right, with nice modern ambience and friendly service. Highly recommended!
Food was very salty. With the exception of the glass of water... EVERYTHING was heavily saturated in salt. Sorry but I wont be coming back.
What a steak !!! A true classic steak house . Will be returning for sure.
Terrible food. Tried again unfortunately and was still disappointed. The steak was completely undercooked and took forever until our waitress came. Very unpleased. She said it was because they char the steak so that s why the cooks can t tell obviously doesn t know how a steak should be cooked? Very weird. If this place calls themselves a steak restaurant you d think they would know how a steak is made lol. Just go to a different restaurant honestly. Way better food than this place. My friend is Avery well known food critic and will be verifying/ reviewing this place because of how terrible her food was.
Best tomahawk in Ottawa
I came here with a group of 19 on Monday, April 15th. I arrived with 3 out of 19 and had only been sitting for about 30 minutes before the server and manager basically pressured me and the other guests I was with to order. Their reasoning was that there was other parties and I observed during our time there, there was no parties that were brought in that would coincide with our reservation. At one point the server came to the table after we said we wanted to wait for everyone at the table to arrive and said you guys are ordering now. I d understand if it was a busy day and peak time but it was a Monday and my sister who had made the reso was reassured it was a slow day. In addition, when the server and manager approached us the energy they carried was very dismissive and rude. I ve been a server at many different establishments and was appalled by how we were treated. The host couldn t even fake a smile, the manager was intense and the server was snippy. I would have addressed these issues right there and then but I wanted to wait and see if the service got better. However it didn t, nor did it make me forget the prior treatment we received. I spoke with my other guests as well and they agreed with my sentiments. It s not difficult to smile and speak to people with respect and patience. All in all, I personally enjoyed the food, albeit the steak could ve been seasoned more but the service was cold and felt calculated. Especially in this economy when people come to spend their hard earned money at a nice establishment they don t expect to receive such cold service from not just the server but management and host aswell.
just came in for a glass of wine but ended up having a great experience and nice food. good music not too loud and great conversation & service from the bartender Justin & manager Paul. might have to come by more often !
Best service in the city ! Kelly and Chelsea and Hassan take the best care of my parties! My friends were all beyond impressed with the top quality of food that Als presents !!
Always the very best meal. Perfection every time. Just like the service.
For a good filet mignon steak, this is the place! Very good portion choice of potato, house salad or Caesar for a slight extra. Unlimited bread and above all don t forget to order pickles! They are free and delicious! I recommend this restaurant! Parking: There is plenty of parking at the back of the restaurant.
My wife and I, and my sister and her husband on Saturday night. Our first time at Als. Got our drinks and order in as usual. I ordered a starter french onion soup. I never received it. We all received our mains and I never received an explanation about my soup. By brother inlaw ordered a glass of red wine with his porterhouse. He received it after we finished our mains. Waitress never asked if we wanted another drink, which we did. Their loss I guess. Drinks have the highest mark up. After the meals I said to the waitress, I hope I wont be charged for the soup because I didnt receive it. Then she informed me that the cheese was bad. Would have been nice to know before. The food was great. Our service was not good for the type of restaurant Als is. I dont know if it was too busy for the wait staff but service is the difference maker these days. I dont see us going back to Als anytime soon. Still tipped 12%, normally 20%.
Nestled in the heart of the city, this culinary gem exceeded expectations, particularly with their divine Lobster Alfredo. Each bite was a harmonious symphony of flavors, with the rich creaminess of the Alfredo sauce beautifully complementing the tender sweetness of the lobster meat.
Steaks were great. Busiest Ive seen a restaurant in Ottawa in a long while.
Great environment and good food. Highly recommend.
Lovely food and drinks. The service was excellent, attentive but not intrusive.
I was super excited to attend this restaurant with friends, however our experience with this place wasn t pleasant. My dish and one of my friend s dish was taken to the kitchen twice to be fixed , this is when everyone else in our group had finished their food already !The waitress was very unprofessional and immediately demanded tip from me when it came to paying, which I understand ,but not with her unprofessional behaviour of tossing my food on the table when I said my steak was raw. I paid and was reimbursed with a gift certificate for the price of my steak after speaking to the manager. Unfortunately I wasn t able to enjoy my food with my friends.
More of a 3.5/5. I liked most of the food, though only a few elements wowed me. We had: Seafood platter: Surprisingly my favorite thing was the tuna tataki the sauce that came with it worked so well. The jumbo shrimp with cocktail sauce was yummy too. Lobster was overcooked and we wish they gave us more oysters. Porterhouse: This was cooked medium rare, but we could tell they didn t rest it enough as it was a bit bloody.. however, the bernaise sauce and bone marrow butter were the perfect accompaniments. Fries: These were overall good. Well salted, crispy on the outside. Some of them were undercooked though. Caesar Salad: Bad The croutons weren t crisp. They were soft. Didn t finish this. 24K Cake: I had high hopes for this, was expecting a slice of layered cake given the description and the price. However all we were served was a small mousse cake. Drinks: These were awesome! Overall, it was a decent experience with attentive service and good pacing for dishes. I also enjoyed the restaurant s classy and minimalist decor.
Visited Als Steakhouse while visiting Ottawa for the first time, after recommended by a local. It did not disappoint! I had an 8oz filet with sea scallops and broccolini. Everything was cooked perfectly and seasoned just to my liking. The atmosphere is upscale and beautiful. The staff are very accommodating and attentive. I will certainly be looking to visit when I visit Ottawa again.
Awesome food, fantastic drinks, service was a little lacking, but it coulda just been an off day for the server, so no harm no foul. Will definitely be coming back. Vegetarian options: Lacking in vegetation options, but its a steakhouse so its to be expected
We had a lovely family dinner on Sunday evening . A proper memory in honor of Bill Watson who spent many happy times at the restaurant over the years A special thank you to Hesan our server for the attention to detail he gave us all evening. Also a Thank you to Management for the extra care and thoughtfulness you showed us It was Definetly a wonderful memory for the family to share The Watson Family
Al s is part of Ottawa s culinary history and after decades they still deliver with great staff, drink options and fabulous eats. Several menu items aside from their renown steaks. Parking: Their parking lot is in the rear of the building - if you can t find a spot their there lots of on street paid parking. Wheelchair accessibility: Completely wheelchair accessible with a front & rear street level entrance and main floor restroom.
Ive never heard of this place before but apparently im very late to the party in getting to know Als
Hello, Overall the experience was good, but a major turn off is having the waiter hover over you (almost an intimidation tactic) while you pay and having a ridiculous tip option staring at you. First of all 18% (your minimum) over the taxes is outrageous. Standard tip is 15% on the food. This is a real crafty method of trying to take more money out of your customers and sours the whole experience. Have a little integrity.
Went for my annual Steak Dinner last night. It was very yummy. However I found that the escargots were a smaller portion than usual and the quality was not there. The salad has also shrunk. The steak was good. Its not what it used to be. Going to be looking for a new steak house.
The owner and staff respect their reputation and legacy! Great service, food is outstanding!!
Parking: Parking lot in the back, don t pay for street parking in front. Food
Extremely buzzing atmosphere on a Friday night! Beautiful set up. We ordered calamari which came as a generous portion. It was not too bad but we wished they included the tentacles too. The rib eye steak was VERY DELICIOUS. The lobster pasta was okay. The lobster was very big which I appreciated, but the dish tasted like lobster on top of pasta in a plain creamy sauce. I am not a chef, (and do not want to undermine these amazing chefs) but may I suggest maybe incorporating more lobster flavour into the pasta sauce. Otherwise it s worth going! Great prices, great portions, great food.
Simply outstanding in every way
I just started going back to Als after MANY years away, and its just like I remembered it...excellent food and service. And I really like the new look after the renos.
OMG!! I have never tasted anything as fantastic as the steak we had. The food was hot, tasted so good. Excellent atmosphere and waitress was very friendly and top up our glasses. Food is out of this world.
Worst resteraunt in Ottawa . Service was ok but food was horrible . We got the wagyu steak and first time it wasn t cooked to our liking which we specifically mentioned to our server . She than send it back to recook and it came out super oily and we could not even finish it . It was the first and last time we will go there .
Wonderful first experience! My girlfriends and I received a welcome shot with our meal.
Amazing food , you can never go wrong eating at Als. Service is also great , you dont find good service like this in many restaurants these days. Menu has a good variety of steaks and seafood.
Warm steak house atmosphere. Efficient servers. Excellent flavours. My steak was delicious but rare rather than the medium rare I ordered. I would go back for more in a heartbeat. Parking: behind restaurant, plenty of spaced.
My long time friend , Cathy, and I came to Al s in the 70 s. It was fabulous then. After almost FIFTY years of living tumultuous lives, we returned today. Apprehensive that the bloom would be off the proverbial rose . NOT SO Our server , Ryan , was nothing short of kind , helpful and discreet. The food???? Holy Cow Tremendous in every single aspect right down to coffee!! It may appear costly but is far from it. The serving sizes taste I could go on and on. Thank you Al s- for not changing. We SHALL RETURN Holly & Cathy
Food quality was exceptional
Amazing service like always...if you didnt try the bone marrow ..please do its the best! The picture attached is that of a Tomahawk steak...highly recommended.
Server took a long time to even come to serve us. My steak was not seasoned and I had no idea that sauce was an option for the steaks. I wish the waiter would have asked us before hand. Overall place looks good but whoever is cooking the steaks did not prepare the way we liked and had to send them back. A steak house should definitely know how to cook steaks at the very least. Not horrible but not great. Doubtful if we will go back again
Asked them for a filet mignon rare, but received an overcooked, burned black outside piece of meat. long waiting for good they brought it to us only after we asked for it intentionally. The glass was broken. It was changed only when we asked for it. Not recommended. This place is not worth its price.
Great spot in Ottawa with fantastic service! Thank you Tina for the amazing evening!