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    Play Food And Wine

    4.2 (262 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM

    Play Food And Wine Photos

    Business Info

    PLAY FOOD AND WINE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Dawn M.

    We made a reservation here for a special occasion. It has been on my list for quite a while. Checked in and the hostess verified the special event. We were seated on the second floor. I was a bit surprised at how business casual the decor was. It's comfortable, with lots of leather type bench seating. A good portion of the customers were business people. Our waiter knew we were there for a special occasion. He also knew the menu very well and was willing to express an opinion when asked, like what paired well, what his favorites were. All of the dishes were beautifully prepared and delicious. Thank you Play staff!

    Gnocchi
    Bernard N.

    If you're like us, small dishes are our preference for dinner. Play Food and Wine is definitely the place for this. The choice of dishes and sizes always satisfy us. It was the same that evening. But I must say the Wow moment were, after the entrees, the desserts. Just by looking at them, I have just good memories. As customary, the restaurant offers pairings for each dish but we usually prefer a bottle that could accompany us all along. The Malbec Septima was our choice for the steak, the gnocchi and the salmon. The service was excellent.

    Ladi H.

    It has been awhile since I've been to a restaurant that challenged my tastebuds. This spot was wonderful for a lovely lunch with old friends and good conversation. The timing of the food was just right and we felt it was a luxurious leisurely meal. I'm really glad they left the menu on the table because we referred to it with each dish to help identify what was on the plates. My risotto with sausage had many ingredients and every bite was different and amazing. The charcuterie plate was okay, only one type of meat with a load of crostini, a large dab of grainy mustard and two small sauce containers of a micro slaw of fennel and salsa of pineapple and peppers. The plating was nice for the flavourful fish. The sourdough bread is worth the extra cost with the whipped brown butter. Service was great

    Audrey T.

    Modern small plates restaurant in the heart of byward market. Great for a fancy meal and great for big groups as well. Made a reservation online for a work dinner and was easily accomodated for a large group. On the dinner menu, you choose 2 small plates for $40. I got the toasted fennel gnocchi and steak with fries. All the dishes were plated beautifully and we were quite full after too! I also had the negroni sour for my cocktail and opted for a dessert at the end for an extra $10. The maple pudding chômeur was delicious!

    Gnocchi
    Gladys C.

    I made a reservation for Thursday night. It was pretty busy, so I'm glad I reserved ahead. They were having a promotion for $40 for two small plates. 2-3 plates was recommended for a full meal. It was a nice promo to try two different things but I didn't see a regular menu to just order a la carte. I got the gnocchi with duck confit, sweet potato purée, butternut squash, kale and a bit of duck crackling. The soft gnocchi with the crispy duck was a perfect pair. It was delicious. However the gnocchi was a bit soft, and not chewier like I'm used to. For my other dish, I got the steak and frites. The steak was very tender but it was overly salted. Fries were ok. Nothing special with this dish but it wasn't bad either. I also tried the mocktail which was kombucha with a few other things. It was sweet and sour and I enjoyed it. Overall the food was pretty good, and service was friendly.

    Lingcod
    Anna L.

    All good food, great service, cute venue, but a bit pricey. Lunch is $30 for 2 small plates, one cocktail was $19. The Cenote cocktail was light, sweet and refreshing. I started with a fish cake, the side veggies were fresh and crisp. The cake was too heavy on the potato for my liking, but still good, and great crunch. The lingcod was seasoned well, turnip purée was on the sweet side. The veggies were crunchy which I liked. I had a good meal, although expensive for lunch. But I was just visiting Ottawa so maybe these prices are what to expect.

    Sarah P.

    I visited Play for the first time with some colleagues for a Holiday gathering. We were a large group and they seated us at a large table on the second floor which was basically surrounded by windows, really nice on a sunny day! We all ordered 2 small plates as suggested by the menu. The food all came out together which was nice and in two courses. The portions for some of the plates were a bit small, but other items seemed to almost be a full meal. If you are really hungry, I'd recommend ordering 3 (they are all $14). The drinks were good and they had a small beer list (cans and draft). I did not get dessert however my colleagues ordered the crème brûlée and it was apparently delightful. Overall a nice experience and will likely visit again if I have fancy friends in town :)

    Fettuccine in duck ragu
    Cynthia Y.

    Every bite is delicious. Service is impeccable. We ordered the squid (cooked to perfection), soco salmon (the crispy skin in so yummy!), prosciutto and burrata (perfect pairing), the fettuccine with duck ragu (a must try!!!), and the steak and frites (its good, but pales in comparison to the pasta) Serving size is small for its pricing. We ordered 5 dishes for 2 hungry adults (1 male, 1 female) and figure we should order at least 2 more. Definitely a place with quality. I will come back

    Open kitchen with a bar seating in front
    Christoph S.

    I know the young generation like those trendy spots. I also like new, innovative gastronomic ideas - if they are really new and innovative. With Play Food and Wine - first what comes to my mind: 'very small, overpriced portions'. My son will 'hate' me for this statement and the 3 stars - he would gave given 4 stars at least. He liked most the wine menu with some very interesting options on it. We had a Persan from Nicolas Gonin (Isère) - which was really good for CAD 85. Please get me right I like small portions with a multiple course gourmet dinner - I'm also willing to pay the price for good food - no worries about that - and they have mentioned up front that you need 3 to 4 plates to get enough but those will adding up and you will not even get some bread with the cover. But the ambiance of the restaurant is very nice and service was really great - very friendly a little up-spaced but that's ok for the restaurant. The food was ok nothing special - I had the linguine with shrimp - good but no surprise at all (and the linguine were hardly self made) - also the tuna crudo was ok - I would have expected just the little more or unexpected... but you get 'business as usual' for a little more dollars. ... ;-) - therefore the 3 stars from my perspective. Overall not a bad eating experience and we nevertheless had a lot of fun with the family in a nice environment- and that's at the ent what it is all about.

    Figs, goat cheese, prosciutto, chive, oranges
    Cassie P.

    I was staying nearby and decided to try Play Food and Wine for one of my meals out in Ottawa. I walked in around 6:00 pm on a Monday and it wasn't too busy yet. Even so, I opted to grab a seat at the bar which was definitely the highlight of my experience! The bartender was super friendly and happy to share his knowledge about Canadian wines that I had no idea about. The menu is succinct and changes all the time. It's small plates style so best to go with someone and share; however, since I was alone, I opted for two dishes by myself: the fresh fig with goat cheese and prosciutto, and the Asian beef brisket. Unfortunately, neither dish really did it for me. I'm not one to complain about food and always excited to try new things, but the flavors and texture of the fig dish didn't go great together, while the beef was more of a mushy meatball that was definitely filling but not very satisfying. I'm sure if I had been with more people we could've gotten more dishes and maybe one would've wowed me, but these really missed the mark. On the plus side, they do have a good lunch special (two courses for $22) and a nice charcuterie selection. That, paired with some nice wine service, could warrant a return visit if you twisted my arm.

    Ricotta fritters
    Donald S.

    Ok...I get it. I see why this is easily one of the hottest dining destinations in Ottawa. I honestly didn't expect to be this impressed. Located in the middle of downtown, steps from the national gallery, this modern eatery is dishing out Canadian inspired tapas style plates. The $22 lunch special features any 2 menu items. This is more than enough for one person as the portions are far bigger than your average tapas plate. My lunch choices: Grilled halloumi cheese: there is a lot going on here, and it's all phenomenal! The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the grilled smokey cheese. Red deer pappardelle: yes you read that correctly, deer. A beautifully constructed dish full of fall flavors: squash, tomatoes, mushrooms & onions. But of course the star is the deer meat, which was more enjoyable than any beef I've had. Tender, juicy, with a subtle hint of sweet. My first deer experience won't soon be forgotten. Ricotta fritters: this is culinary art brought to life. Tender ricotta fritters surrounded by chocolate crumbles all swimming in a strawberry sauce. And is that a kumquat? Are you kidding me? This must be desert heaven. All the buzz is more than justified. A table at Play is worth whatever wait or parking issues you may have to go through.....

    Red Snapper w/ lentils & kale in Parmesan broth ($16 CAN)
    Courtney L.

    Play is an excellent pick for a relaxing dinner where you can unwind and savor a variety of dishes while enjoying the company of others. Our group of 10 had a wonderful experience. I enjoyed the warm elegant atmosphere and the service was both personable and professional. Since the dishes can be served tapas style, there are many shareable options including cheese and charcuterie plates to start with. Our waiter advised that the entrees could also be shared, but they are prepared in smaller portions with the intention that each person can order two to try. Listed with each entree is a suggested wine pairing to compliment the dish. **TIP: The entrees are listed beginning with lighter options at the top and become richer as you move down. Both of mine were definitely more substantial than I anticipated: I began with the Hanger Steak ($17) which came with a generous pile of natural-cut fries. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium, however was chewier and contained more gristle than expected. Flavor-wise, the slightly sweet marinade and grilled flavor was delicious. As for my second entree, I went with the Red Snapper ($16). The pan-seared fish was cooked well throughout and had a nice crispy layer on top. The Parmesan broth, kale and lentils provided freshness and a mix of textures making for a satisfying dish overall. I preferred this to the Hanger Steak. Prices are on the steeper end, but for a special occasion I feel that treating yourself to a nice meal at Play is worthwhile. Keep in mind that the service is more leisurely paced. The expectation is not to be in and out quick so plan for at least a 2-hour meal for the best experience. Menu: http://www.playfood.ca/Menus/tabid/4167/Default.aspx

    Paul M.

    If you like tapas style eatery, go here in heart of downtown Ottawa near Hayward Market. It was a festive atmosphere, Winterlude when we decided to try our luck without any reservations. We got lucky however we were offered a two hour window only to sit and eat which was more than enough for us as we wanted to continue our promenade outside. We ordered start offs of heavy and light: gnocchi, sweet potatoes wrapped in bacon in cream and swiss chard and tuna crudo with cucumber, melon and tangy naranjilla. We did order another popular dish prawns with rice and red Thai curry but we were disappointed since we found it very ordinary. Each tapas on the menu listed wine suggested accompanyment. We drank Bordeaux Superior which we don't normally drink from- we always like try something new! If you're really hungry tapas ain't for you. Great for intimate occasions! Need to reserve in advance since it is a popular eatery. $$$

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    3 years ago

    Went for Christmas celebration. We had a tasting menu and it was a delicious experience.

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    The food/tasting dishes had so much flavour and our server had such a comprehensive knowledge of her craft

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    The best food and service in town! Their seasonal menus are never boring. My favorite restaurant in Ottawa.

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    Amazing service and amazing small plates made from local good quality ingredients. Would definitely recommend!

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    Le Poisson Bleu

    Le Poisson Bleu

    4.4
    (14 reviews)
    1.9 km

    Wow...wow...wow...WOW! You know how you think you found your…read morefavourite restaurant and you think of that meal with complete fondness and think you'll never find anything better. This was the better. Literally, this is the best meal out I've ever had. There was only one tiny disappointment, which was that I'd looked at an old menu online and didn't realize and picked out this amazing sounding drink beforehand. If you see the Major Payne online, don't pick it in advance! LOL I did get a super nice Prosecco at happy hour for a fabulous price. My server was Jamie, and I ordered every suggestion she made, and was not disappointed. Started with a salad, perfect mix of sweet with charred peanuts for a touch of bitter. The cheese that was on that salad was phenomenal. One of the best salads I've ever eaten. Dinner was the lobster risotto. Hands down, best risotto I've ever eaten...and I thought Vessel in NOLA would never be beaten. So creamy. The butter poached lobster was perfect, so tender. There were macadamia nuts, which broke up the creaminess of the risotto and crispy sage, which was also a perfect break from that rich, perfectly cooked rice. Never had a better dish out. I'll be dreaming about it for months after I go home. I wasn't even thinking about dessert, but Jamie brought over a menu with so many gluten-free options. I got a mini pavlova that had coconut cream inside and raspberries and blueberries. I don't usually enjoy desserts with berries, but the tang was such a perfect compliment to the vanilla/coconut. Nice crispy shell too. It was so light that after the risotto, it didn't make me feel overstuffed. Such a cute, homey vibe, and I had a seat by the window and could watch the busy street. Wonderful that they had a parking lot too (free). Service was perfect. Jamie had a real sense for when she should stop by and kept my water glass filled at all times (and it was small). She was amazing. I left my glasses in the window sill and had pulled the curtain, so I missed them when I left. I went right back and she had held onto them for me. This place is perfection. I know it will be one of the top highlights of this birthday trip! Please, visit and have that lobster risotto. Your tummy will do a happy dance!

    Wow...wow...wow...WOW! You know how you think you found your…read morefavourite restaurant and you think of that meal with complete fondness and think you'll never find anything better. This was the better. Literally, this is the best meal out I've ever had. There was only one tiny disappointment, which was that I'd looked at an old menu online and didn't realize and picked out this amazing sounding drink beforehand. If you see the Major Payne online, don't pick it in advance! LOL I did get a super nice Prosecco at happy hour for a fabulous price. My server was Jamie, and I ordered every suggestion she made, and was not disappointed. Started with a salad, perfect mix of sweet with charred peanuts for a touch of bitter. The cheese that was on that salad was phenomenal. One of the best salads I've ever eaten. Dinner was the lobster risotto. Hands down, best risotto I've ever eaten...and I thought Vessel in NOLA would never be beaten. So creamy. The butter poached lobster was perfect, so tender. There were macadamia nuts, which broke up the creaminess of the risotto and crispy sage, which was also a perfect break from that rich, perfectly cooked rice. Never had a better dish out. I'll be dreaming about it for months after I go home. I wasn't even thinking about dessert, but Jamie brought over a menu with so many gluten-free options. I got a mini pavlova that had coconut cream inside and raspberries and blueberries. I don't usually enjoy desserts with berries, but the tang was such a perfect compliment to the vanilla/coconut. Nice crispy shell too. It was so light that after the risotto, it didn't make me feel overstuffed. Such a cute, homey vibe, and I had a seat by the window and could watch the busy street. Wonderful that they had a parking lot too (free). Service was perfect. Jamie had a real sense for when she should stop by and kept my water glass filled at all times (and it was small). She was amazing. I left my glasses in the window sill and had pulled the curtain, so I missed them when I left. I went right back and she had held onto them for me. This place is perfection. I know it will be one of the top highlights of this birthday trip! Please, visit and have that lobster risotto. Your tummy will do a happy dance!

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    To the left
    To the left
    Le Poisson Bleu
    To the left

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    To the left
    Soif Bar à vin de Véronique Rivest

    Soif Bar à vin de Véronique Rivest

    4.3
    (23 reviews)
    2.3 km
    $$$

    Was looking for a wine bar and wanted something different. What sets this spot apart from other…read morewine bars is that they specialize in organic wines. The selection is huge so getting recommendations is very important. I decided to go with a good wine pairing so I could try many different wines. I was not disappointed with the selections. The staff knew so much about every bottle and had a story to go along with it. Service was impressive. The food was good. The highlights were the charcuterie board, pork belly and Brussel sprouts. Ambience was casual and low key. It was a good experience especially having the opportunity to learn and try so much.

    "Soif: A Wine Bar That Forgets About Dinner" I understand…read morethat Soif is primarily a wine bar, but if food is on the menu, the portions should at least resemble a proper meal. Last night, I ordered the fish with vegetables. What arrived was honestly insulting: two tiny, sad slivers of fish perched on a bit of kale -- for $22. I'm not exaggerating when I say it couldn't have been more than 10 grams of fish. Imagine going out for dinner and your "main course" looks more like a garnish. My friend didn't fare any better. She ordered the crab guédille, which turned out to be served on what was essentially a hot dog bun. For the price and the setting, that choice felt lazy and downright ridiculous. Soif may be a place to enjoy wine, but the food should not feel like an afterthought or a joke at the customer's expense. Unless you plan to eat beforehand and only sip here, I cannot recommend Soif for dinner.

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    Vin rouge
    Vin rouge
    Tartelette au chocolat et noisettes
    Tartelette au chocolat et noisettes
    Médaillon de wapiti

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    Médaillon de wapiti
    Arlo

    Arlo

    4.5
    (13 reviews)
    1.3 km

    My husband and I had a wonderful experience at Arlo. I ordered the duck frites, which were tasty…read moreand cooked to perfection. My husband ordered the chicken, schnitzel and escargot. This was also delicious and had such an interesting combination of flavors - I was very pleasantly surprised. The restaurant is very quaint and cozy. Our server was also friendly and attentive. Definitely recommended.

    My hubby and I go to Arlo every year for our anniversary, it's where we had our very first date, so…read moreit's super meaningful to us. The vibe is always cozy and romantic, and the service is honestly top-notch every single time. Everyone is so friendly and attentive. We were seated next to a loud group of ladies, and without us even asking, our waiter noticed and moved us to a quieter section. Such a small gesture, but it made the night so much more enjoyable. He even brought us complimentary wine to help us celebrate, which was so thoughtful. The food was a bit of a mix this time. The tuna crudo was bursting with flavor: fresh, bright, and hands down one of the best dishes of the night. The lamb kebab, though, was way too salty, to the point where it was hard to really enjoy the flavors. And the salad was drenched in dressing, which made it wilted and heavy instead of refreshing. A shame, because Arlo is usually so consistent. Dessert totally redeemed things, though. The panna cotta was delicious, silky, smooth, and the perfect way to end the meal. Even with a couple hiccups, Arlo still holds a special place for us. Until next time, Arlo!

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    Arlo
    Arlo
    Arlo

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    Cantina Gia

    Cantina Gia

    3.8
    (34 reviews)
    2.6 km

    Amazing, simply perfect. This place is amazing! I enjoyed a…read moreflawless dining experience from start to finish. This gem is tucked among the many businesses on Bank Street. The atmosphere is eclectic, with lampshades of different designs hung over the tables, a brick main wall and a small, intimate seating capacity. I made reservations, which most often earns me a table at such establishments instead of being offered uncomfortable bar seating only as a single diner. I was lucky enough to get parking just around the corner on a side street as this area can get extremely busy (spent a Thursday night driving around for two hours looking for a spot). There was a storm that made me a couple of minutes late for my reservation. Just to note, you do get an allotment of two hours per reservation, despite the limited number of tables. I was greeted right away by the friendly hostess and placed at a small, cozy table with a back booth seat. I ordered a spicy margarita, which was sublime. Wait times were stretched out which gave one the opportunity to enjoy that first cocktail before the main dish comes out. The quality of the food was just off the charts! I ordered the risotto which had preserved lemon and prawns. The flavour was Italian with a sharp lemon tang. One of the best risottos I've ever eaten. Exquisite. I enjoyed every single bite. The service was impeccable. Quinn was my server and she knew just when to stop by to check. I had everything I needed at all times. I don't often order dessert, but couldn't resist their panna cotta with peanut and caramel topping. It was like a cloud. Such a treat. Definitely in my top five all time desserts. Dining here makes you feel special. Truly wonderful food, amazing service from everyone who works there and is so friendly. I will definitely visit again and recommend this restaurant to everyone. They treated me like someone special, even though I was a solo diner, and I do not get that everywhere I dine.

    Underwhelming. Service was nice but I've had better. Spaghetti & meatballs were okay, the pasta a…read more little too al-dente and meatballs were good but a little too dry. Their pannacotta was delicious though.

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    View from table
    View from table
    Focaccia and oil
    Focaccia and oil
    Ambiance

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    Ambiance

    Play Food And Wine - wine_bars - Updated July 2026

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