Soif Bar à vin — Restaurant in Gatineau

A Wine Enthusiast's Oasis: Discovering Restaurant Soif's Enchanting Terrace

Nestled in the heart of the National Capital, a mere 15 minutes away from the iconic Parliament Hill, Restaurant Soif beckons wine enthusiasts and seekers of unique experiences. While its culinary offerings may not ascend to the realm of gastronomy, its true specialty lies in its exceptional wine selection, all set against the backdrop of an enchanting terrace.

Venturing into Restaurant Soif unveils an ambiance that harmoniously blends rustic charm with contemporary elegance. The dimly lit interior sets the stage for an intimate and memorable evening. However, it's worth noting that the true allure lies in the enchanting terrace, where the magic of the outdoors enhances the dining experience.

A delightful surprise awaits at Restaurant Soif with its accessible pricing, allowing patrons to indulge in exceptional wine offerings and the culinary creations of the skilled kitchen team. This affordability ensures that the treasures of the establishment can be enjoyed without financial worry, amplifying its appeal.

Though the focus may lean towards wines, Restaurant Soif maintains its commitment to the local experience by sourcing ingredients from nearby farmers' markets. This dedication to regional flavors elevates each dish, transporting diners to the heart of the National Capital with every bite. A deeper incorporation of local traditions could potentially elevate this experience to even greater heights.

The pièce de résistance at Restaurant Soif is undoubtedly its extensive and diverse wine list, ranking among the most comprehensive in Gatineau. This establishment is a paradise for wine enthusiasts, showcasing the sommelier's expertise and commitment to the art of viniculture. Whether a seasoned connoisseur or an eager novice, the wine list guarantees a journey of exploration and delight.

The service at Restaurant Soif is attentive and personable, ensuring a comfortable and satisfying visit. The staff's guidance through the wine list and menu adds an extra layer of warmth to the experience, aligning seamlessly with the restaurant's commitment to excellence.

An enchanting addition to the Restaurant Soif experience is its captivating terrace, where the true magic unfolds. The outdoor setting provides a delightful escape from the ordinary, offering an intimate space to savor wines and culinary creations in the midst of nature. The terrace elevates the overall experience and adds an extra layer of charm that sets the establishment apart.

In summary, Restaurant Soif stands as an oasis for wine enthusiasts, offering an authentic and captivating escape for those who appreciate the art of viniculture. While its culinary journey may not be a full gastronomic experience, the exceptional wine selection, paired with the allure of the enchanting terrace, creates a unique and worthwhile adventure. With a meticulously curated wine list and an outdoor haven, Restaurant Soif guarantees an evening of delightful indulgence and...

Location: In Gatineau. Street parking is available but I'm not sure if it's metered on weekdays/ nights since I went on a Saturday (also didn't notice if there were meters!).

The place: Beautiful and unique decor, with cork walls, and light fixtures made up of wine glasses. My friend particularly liked the stools that were essentially, very large bottle corks! They also play excellent music! Great vibes all around.

The goods: My friend ordered the 3 2oz wine glasses that allowed her to try three different wines, and she enjoyed them. Since our waiter told me that their wines were mostly all of the dry variety, I only tried a rosé (it was nice) then headed over to the strawberry-infused rum with lime, which was positively delicious and to answer our waiter's question, yes, yes I would like an entire pitcher to myself 😁. Since dishes are meant to be shared, we decided to order the small charcuterie plate, the vegetable tempura, mushroom conserva and tuna. Everything was delicious, and the tempura was only lightly coated with crunchy goodness and not at all greasy. The charcuterie plate had a great variety of different items and the only item we were less crazy about was the smoked duck (but then, I don't think either of us were duck fans to begin with so it is really a matter of personal taste). For dessert, my friend had the trifle and I had the very delicious, unctuous chocolate tart.

Service: Good. We were also satisfied with the measures they took to ensure a safe experience. The host gave us hand sanitizer when we walked in, and masks are required when moving around the restaurant. The wait staff wore face shields and masks as well.

Price point: With taxes, it was about $170 for two people.

Great little spot to check out in Gatineau! (But remember to...

Mediocre-minus service, misleading pricing but solid food and wine pairings.

Misleading Pricing: Went for their tasting menu for two with my girlfriend, which was presented as 140$ for two, and added the wine pairing for 60$. As expected, we had servings for two on the smaller side, which was fine. With appropriate volumes of wine for a tasting. The issue was that we were charged 140$ per person, and 60$ per person despite receiving divided servings of both wine and food. The food was great, but not 360$ great - especially considering the lack luster service.

Service: COVID precautions were very well implemented. Our waiter was rather rude at first until he learnt I had family in France, then warmed up a little. We were asked to use the same glass with every pairing of wine, all of which had very strong flavours contradicting/masking one another. The pours were done before we could confirm we had rinsed them ourselves with water as well, so that was off putting.

Wines were excellent, so was the pairings, but to be honest I would not go back. And I would not recommend people use their "night out at a fancy restaurant" for this venue. The pricing left a rather bitter taste, because it simply made me remember other venues I. Gatineau and Ottawa that gave a worthwhile experience, without genuinely preventing other luxury/leisure spending for a month or so.

Good evening, but disappointed none the less.

UPDATE: We were given a "take home surprise", which turned out to be a bread pudding with a crème anglais to warm at home. Not good, that's all I can say to be honest.

tldr; Good wine pairings and interesting menu, but the frank overpricing and poor service make it not worth your money (and...