DreamLand Cafe — Restaurant in Ottawa

Updated review: Having now eaten here twice (I was given a gift certificate so decided to use it despite the initial bad experience), I can now write a more in-depth review.

The food: mediocre. Of the two appetizers, four mains, and two desserts my partner and I tried between our two visits, not a single one wowed us. The pasta was perfectly al dente but was absolutely drowning in sauce in every single dish. Every dish seemed to rely on cream/fat rather than actual flavour, leaving the food feeling far too rich and heavy.

The drinks: the cocktails are, admittedly, delicious, but absolutely not worth the price.

The atmosphere: it’s a cute restaurant with its quirky art and ravioli-shaped tables but the space is far too cramped. You feel like you’re sitting on top of your neighbours. It is difficult to manoeuvre between tables. The space is NOT accessible for individuals who use any kind of mobility aids. The restaurant is so dark that, from the outside, it appears closed.

The service: friendly and well-intentioned, but overall not great. The servers do not write down your order, which means that more often than not, someone has to come back to the table to double check what it was you ordered. Just write it down and get it right the first time. Our desserts were also served about five minutes apart. Water glasses sit empty for far too long.

Overall impression: this is an extremely overrated restaurant. I suspect much of their success can be attributed to its perceived exclusivity/how difficult it is to get a table or reservation here, but the reality is that is only the case because the restaurant is so small that it can really only accommodate about 20 diners at a time.

Original review: Extremely poor customer service. We arrived a few minutes after 4 pm to a completely empty restaurant and was told they could seat us, then they backtracked and said they actually didn’t have any tables. Again, it was 4 pm and the restaurant was empty. No smile, no apology, no accountability for the mistake of saying we...

DreamLand Cafe is truly a dream come true for those who seek a cozy, homely environment to enjoy a good meal or just unwind with a cup of coffee. From its comforting atmosphere to the delightful menu, this establishment has left an indelible impression that warrants this glowing review.

Upon entering DreamLand Cafe, one is greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. The decor is tastefully done, creating a calm and inviting space that adds to the overall dining experience.

The real magic, however, lies in the cafe's menu. DreamLand Cafe offers an array of dishes that are comforting, delicious, and beautifully presented. The focus is clearly on quality over quantity, with each dish masterfully prepared using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a fulfilling dinner, DreamLand Cafe has got you covered. The menu is diverse, catering to various palates and dietary preferences. The pastas are particularly noteworthy, offering a perfect balance of flavors that are sure to delight any food enthusiast.

Complementing the food is a range of beverages, from artisanal coffee to refreshing smoothies and much more. The coffee, in particular, is a must-try – rich, perfectly brewed, and served just right.

The staff at DreamLand Cafe deserve a special mention for their friendly, attentive, and professional service. They go the extra mile to ensure guests feel welcomed and cared for, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Moreover, the cafe's commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment is commendable, particularly in these times when hygiene is of utmost importance.

In summary, DreamLand Cafe offers more than just a meal. It provides a delightful culinary experience in a cozy, welcoming setting, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience. Whether you're meeting friends, working on your laptop, or simply enjoying a quiet meal, DreamLand Cafe is the...

Walking into DreamLand Café, I genuinely thought I was in for something special. The place has a certain charm that immediately draws you in—cozy lighting, a welcoming atmosphere, and a vibe that feels both relaxed and thoughtfully curated. Add to that a team of warm, attentive staff, and the experience starts off on a very high note.

To kick things off, the Spicy Caesar Salad was a surprising highlight. A fresh, creative twist on a classic—it had just the right amount of heat and crunch, and honestly set the tone for what I hoped would be a great meal.

But sadly, it all went downhill from there.

The spaghetti and meatball dish was, in a word, disappointing. The pasta itself had the soft, overcooked feel of canned spaghetti, and the sauce leaned noticeably sour, without the depth or seasoning you'd expect from even a simple marinara. Still, I could have forgiven that—until I got to the meatball.

I don’t know what went wrong here, but the meatball was one of the strangest textures I’ve ever experienced. It felt like it had been microwaved from frozen, and the more I chewed, the more it turned into this dense, rubbery mass—almost like chewing on a plain eraser. No flavor, no seasoning, no tenderness—just dry, spongy, and honestly hard to swallow.

By the end of the meal, I found myself wondering: Did I catch them on a bad night? Has something changed—maybe a new chef? With all the glowing reviews out there, I really wanted to love this place.

Maybe I just ordered the wrong dish. While I won’t be rushing back, I still think DreamLand Café deserves a chance—especially if you're going for the atmosphere, the service, or something other than the spaghetti and meatballs. Try it for yourself; your experience might be...