La Petite Primerose — Restaurant in Gatineau

This place delivers the kind of dinner that lingers in your memory long after the last sip of wine. From the moment we settled into the cozy, plant‑filled dining room, the team’s warmth set the tone for a faultless evening of modern Québecois cuisine.

We began with the pain du jour, a fragrant einkorn loaf whose malty crumb and silken house‑churned butter instantly signaled the kitchen’s devotion to craft. The tartare de bœuf Penokean followed, a jewel‑toned mound brightened by earthy matcha‑peanut crumble and sweet kernels of charred corn—an inspired contrast of land, forest and field that showcased chef’s creativity.

Vegetables shone just as brightly as the proteins. Jeunes brassicas grillés arrived blistered and smoky, draped in creamy tomme and punctuated by confit chilies and garden herbs; it was proof that humble greens can steal the show. The patate douce—slow‑roasted to caramelized perfection—was lavished with black walnut crumble and a whisper of umami‑rich kombu, turning a simple tuber into a showstopper. We swooned over the chou rôti: charred cabbage layers painted with spicy ’nduja and lifted by a mint gremolata that sang of spring. Even the often‑overlooked rutabaga was reborn as silky ribbons scented with wild garlic, reminding us why seasonality matters.

For a playful intermezzo, the savoury tatin swapped apples for celery‑root, its flaky pastry nestling beneath ribbons of the vegetable glazed in mustard‑seed jus—a clever twist that balanced richness with gentle heat, such a unique dish!

The mains reached a crescendo with the longe de porc, perfectly blushed and napped in a caper‑fruit chasseur jus that threaded briny brightness through every tender slice. Finally, the turbot arrived: pearlescent, moist and cradled in a velvety carrot‑ginger velouté that hinted at both shoreline and spice route.

Service was intuitive, pacing flawless - Tristan, Chef and the team are on point. Le Petit Primrose isn’t just another neighborhood bistro—it’s a love letter to local produce, technique, and imagination. Reserve a table, surrender to the tasting menu, and prepare to be dazzled. Will be back and for...

La Petite Primerose is the newest addition to the Hull food scene, taking over the cozy little spot formerly home to the beloved Restaurant Edgar (a place that held a special place in my heart). Naturally, I was excited to try it, knowing it had some big shoes to fill. • The space remains intimate and inviting, with a minimalist decor that feels both warm and unpretentious. It is a small restaurant, but the seating is comfortable, and the atmosphere is just right for a quiet brunch. • We visited on a Sunday morning and were immediately intrigued by the brunch small, seasonal menu. It is clear there is a lot of thought and creativity going into each dish with fresh, local ingredients, unique pairings, and a few unexpected twists. • We ordered a variety of items, including several sharing plates, allowing us to sample as much as possible and enjoy the meal family-style. • That said, while everything looked beautiful and showcased fresh ingredients, each dish seemed to fall just slightly short of its potential. The poached eggs were overcooked, the potatoes, for example, were a bit dry, and the accompanying yogurt sauce did not add enough sauciness to it required. The sweet potato pancakes were delicious in taste but very dry and crumbly. We ended up asking for extra syrup. The homemade sausage was flavorful but the whole peppercorns inside made for an unpleasant surprise when biting down. • While there were a few elements that did not quite hit the mark for us, it is clear that a lot of care and creativity goes into the food. The concept is thoughtful, the ingredients are fresh, and there is real potential here. • I am looking forward to seeing how the menu evolves as the restaurant finds its footing. I would be happy to return and explore more of what La Petite Primerose...

I had the privilege of dining here recently while on a work trip to Ottawa. I’d read about this restaurant in a food publication and immediately put it on my “to visit” list. I was not let down.

The experience was exceptional from start to finish. Dare I say... it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had — anywhere in the world.

The flavour profiles were thoughtful and inventive, the dishes resembled works of art (not in a pretentious way), and the food was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Our meal was a selection of what piqued our interest on the menu, along with recommendations from the server (who also happened to be one of the owners): a non-alcoholic homemade soda (I believe it was apricot and rhubarb?), housemade bread and butter, beef tartare, foie gras tart, courgettes, and a peach tart with crème fraîche and housemade ginger ice cream for dessert. Each dish delivered, and we didn’t leave hungry.

Something else I’d be remiss not to mention is that while the meal was excellent, it was also incredibly reasonably priced for what we got. In other words, the value for money was there as well. I’m pointing this out because, while I wouldn’t go so far as to call it inexpensive, I did feel that the owners have prioritized making the overall experience special without breaking the bank. I’m assuming there’s intention behind this. If not, I hope they realize that it was noticed and appreciated. They really do have an award-winning formula here — one that feels both elevated and accessible.

And while I’m the one leaving a review, I can attest that my dining companion felt the same way. The next day, we were still raving about it during our meetings and encouraged our Ottawa-based colleagues to pay La Petite Primrose a visit.

This is top of my list to return to when I’m...