Bistro Ristoro — Restaurant in Ottawa

OVERPRICED, OVERCOOKED, OVERRATED

This restaurant's high reviews lulled me into a false sense of confidence that I'm about to endure a great meal, but after I had my first bite, I was terribly disappointed.

The fish was overcooked, rubbery, and obviously from some package of pre-made battered cod filets, and so were the French fries that were served alongside the main. I'm fairly sure they were some type of McCain fry since the taste was so familiar. This awfully prepared food for 35 dollars is such an insult, I'm amazed they charge so much for what seems to be an operation of reheating meals.

The bites of pizza I had were so uninspired, the taste reminiscent of making pizza at home with pre-made dough and cheap pepperoni. The stone fire oven can only carry terrible ingredients so far.

Don't make the same mistake I did and trust the reviews of others, they're confused, go somewhere else and enjoy a better meal. Your night will become a disappointment if you dine here.

Edit:

To the responder, you admit to using frozen french fries on a $35 dollar meal, french fries that had no color and a generic taste.

You're right, I don't have exact knowledge of what ingredients you used, but I have the knowledge of trying them, and that's sufficient to make a judgement on the value derived from the meal I had. If you priced it $10-15 less, I wouldn't complain, I'd think it was a perfectly mediocre meal, but to act like what you served is anything close to menu price is obscene!

Add a sauce to complement the fish, a sauce for the fries, something to take it to that price point, but what you're serving is no better than what I could have prepared at home with frozen items from my...

Bistro Ristorante in Ottawa has quickly become my go-to for an authentic and incredibly satisfying meal. While their menu boasts some fantastic Mediterranean dishes, the real magic lies in their "secret" offerings – specifically, the Shopska Salad and the Macedonian XL Pljeskavica. First, let's talk about the Shopska Salad. You won't find it explicitly on the menu, but if you ask for it, prepare for a revelation. This vibrant, refreshing salad is a perfect medley of finely diced tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions, all generously topped with a snowy mound of grated white brined cheese (akin to feta). It's simple yet bursting with fresh, tangy flavors – absolutely a must-try appetizer and a true taste of the Balkans. And then, the main event: the Macedonian XL Pljeskavica. This isn't just a burger; it's an experience. The massive, perfectly grilled veal patty (they use grass-fed veal, which you can taste!) is incredibly juicy and seasoned to perfection. It comes nestled in rustic bread, topped with a generous dollop of kaymak (that traditional creamy cheese spread), along with fresh salad and red onion. It's hearty, flavourful, and easily one of the best Pljeskavica I've had outside of North Macedonia itself. It truly satisfies that craving for authentic Balkan comfort food. Beyond these standout dishes, the atmosphere is cozy, and the service is always welcoming and attentive. Bistro Ristorante has carved out a unique niche in Ottawa's culinary scene, bringing truly authentic Macedonian flavors to the forefront. Don't hesitate to ask for the Shopska salad – it's a game-changer! Highly,...

Inoffensive Pizza, EXTREMELY SLOW SERVICE

I visited the restaurant for lunch over the Labor Day weekend, drawn by its high ratings. After our experience, it's hard to understand how this place is so highly rated because the food was not exceptional. We ordered an appetizer and one pizza. While the host was incredibly kind, the service was atrociously slow. It seemed there were only two staff members working during the weekend lunch—a cook and a host. A third person, presumably the owner or manager, arrived at the end of our visit.

We should have taken a hint when we arrived and noticed that three other tables were occupied but had no food. After 30 minutes, it was evident that all the diners were anxiously checking for their orders.

Our visit lasted approximately two hours. It took over an hour to receive our main course, a very thin-crust pizza that was good but nothing special that I would go out of my way to get. By the time we got our food and ate, we were still hungry but couldn’t bring ourselves to wait another hour for additional dishes.

I won’t criticize the staff, as they were kind and courteous, but the management needs to address their staffing issues. With the restaurant at about 20% capacity, waiting over an hour for a pizza is unacceptable. If you’re in the Byward Market, I wouldn’t recommend...