Al's Steakhouse — Restaurant in Ottawa

My daughter and I moved to Ottawa last year, and with my 78-year-old mom visiting from Vancouver, we chose Al’s Steakhouse for our first Ottawa steakhouse experience.

Unfortunately, our night got off to a slightly disappointing start when we were seated at a table right beside the entrance despite having a reservation. While not a dealbreaker, it wasn’t the most comfortable spot. We were one of the first to be seated in our section, yet throughout the evening, I couldn’t help but notice that our table consistently received less attentive service than the surrounding tables. We placed our order before nearby guests, yet waited over 30 minutes just for our salads. By the time our salads arrived, other tables were already enjoying their entrées, and by the time we received our entrées, some had already finished or even left, with new groups of guests being placed at the now-vacant tables.

The service from our assigned server felt inattentive. Even though this was our first time at Al's Steakhouse and our server heard us mention this while we were looking at our menus, she didn't bother to make any suggestions on the different types of steak or other menu items. We also didn't realize we had a choice of seasoning for our steak because our server never told us; by then it was too late and my daughter commented that her filet mignon was somewhat "basic." Furthermore, at no point did the server check in to explain the long delay for our salads or ask whether our entrées were satisfactory. If it hadn’t been for the attentive server assistants who kept our water glasses filled and the food runners who brought our entrées promptly once ready, the experience would have felt even more neglectful.

When I asked for three boxes and began to request a dessert menu from our assigned server, she turned and walked away while I was still talking mid-sentence requesting the dessert menu. My teenage daughter noticed and commented on it, and while I initially gave the server the benefit of the doubt, the fact that it took about another 15 minutes before the server returned—after watching her take a water jug to replenish the water glasses of all the surrounding tables including the guests at the bar before returning with our three boxes—and confirmed my daughter’s observation. Only then did our server ask if we wanted the dessert menu. Perhaps if she hadn’t rudely walked away from me while I was speaking, she would have heard that we wanted dessert menus, and we wouldn’t have waited another 15 minutes before getting them.

That said, the steaks were above-average—comparable to meals we've had in dining establishments throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Unfortunately, the service was not just lacklustre, it was downright disappointing; both my mother and daughter felt we were treated differently from other guests in a way that left them feeling diminished and unwelcome. It was upsetting to spend a special evening and significant money, only for my loved ones to feel the way they did based on how our server treated us in comparison to the surrounding tables. The excellent food couldn’t fully make up for the sense that our table’s experience was shaped by bias rather than genuine hospitality.

While I can’t fault the kitchen, I do hope management takes note, as a restaurant of this caliber should pair its great food with equally great service—service that treats every guest with the same respect and attention, regardless of external factors that...

Four of us dined at Al’s last night and had a mostly good experience. We sat at the bar area on plush furniture. It was definitely a cozy feel on such a slushy night. The calamari was the best in recent memory and the cocktails hit the spot. I tried the green pepper steak and my wife had a filet with mashed potatoes. Everyone’s steak was tender and cooked to perfection. The only problem were the rolls which were quite hard. The butter was presented in little balls that were too hard to spread… cafeteria style. Our waiter, Hasan, was good at bringing requested items to the table but lacked the skills to provide a pleasant atmosphere. He brought flatware without being wrapped in a cloth napkin and lime wedges on paper napkins. These may sound like nit picky complaints but considering the calibre and price of this restaurant, one would have expected a bit more attention to detail. Furthermore, after the food was served, he disappeared for long stretches of time. He also failed to offer dessert and coffee. We certainly had to ask for the bill which had items incorrectly divided between the two couples. He was not the one who presented the bill for final transaction. (Why was the ink such a light shade? Tricky to make out the charges in the dim light.) When the four of us left, and passed our server, there was zero acknowledgment as to wishing us a good night… this is after the table dropped around $50 as a tip. Zero gratitude either. Although I’m sure we will return at some point in the future for drinks and appetizers… we will be on the lookout for this server to avoid him. Or maybe by then he will have gained more experience and represent the quality the rest of the establishment seems to possess.

Update: August 16, 2025

My wife and I decided to give this establishment another try and dined there around 3;30pm in the main dining room. The second time was the charm as we were promptly greeted by our server (her name escapes me at the moment). Due to the time of day, we had a private meal (until about 4:30). I tried a cocktail called Lemon Meringue which was a spot-on imitation of the dessert. The calamari was crispy and plentiful and the short rib was tender. My wife chose the steak with frites… cooked and seasoned to perfection. Although I had indicated we were celebrating our anniversary, I was surprised when our server brought out a lovely piece of coconut cake (complementary) with a sparkler to help commemorate the occasion. We stayed approximately two hours and enjoyed every sip and bite. Al… you have been totally redeemed and we will definitely consider returning for our next special occasion. 5...

I have had the pleasure of being a regular customer at Al Steakhouse for quite some time now, and each visit continues to be a delightful culinary journey. Last week's dinner at this establishment was nothing short of extraordinary, reaffirming my belief that Al Steakhouse is truly in a league of its own.

From the moment we stepped through the door, the warm and inviting ambiance enveloped us, setting the stage for a memorable evening. The tasteful decor, coupled with dim lighting, created an intimate and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing dining experience.

The star of the show, however, was undoubtedly the food. Al Steakhouse consistently delivers a culinary masterpiece with each dish. The menu boasts a diverse selection of cuts and styles of steak, prepared to perfection. The quality of the ingredients is evident in every bite, showcasing the chef's commitment to excellence.

During our recent visit, we had the pleasure of indulging in [mention specific dishes you tried]. The flavors were rich, the presentation impeccable, and each dish was a testament to the culinary expertise of the chefs at Al Steakhouse. Whether you're a steak connoisseur or someone seeking a gastronomic adventure, the menu caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Equally impressive was the level of service we received. The staff at Al Steakhouse goes above and beyond to ensure that guests feel pampered and attended to. From the knowledgeable and friendly waitstaff to the attentive management, the service was seamless and enhanced the overall dining experience.

It's not just about the food and service; Al Steakhouse has mastered the art of creating a dining atmosphere that feels both refined and welcoming. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual evening out, the ambiance adds an extra layer of charm to the entire experience.

In conclusion, Al Steakhouse continues to exceed my expectations, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a top-tier dining experience. The combination of exceptional food, impeccable service, and inviting ambiance makes Al Steakhouse a standout in the culinary landscape. I eagerly anticipate my next visit to savor the culinary delights that this establishment...