JOEY Rideau — Restaurant in Ottawa

Embarking on a delightful culinary journey, I recently had the pleasure of dining at Joey’s restaurant in Ottawa. Our visit took place on a sunny Tuesday afternoon, just before the evening rush, and from the moment we stepped inside, we knew we were in for something special. Welcomed with genuine smiles and impeccable service, our experience at Joey’s began on a high note.

As if the warm reception wasn’t enough, we were pleasantly surprised to be treated to a complimentary glass of Prosecco before even being seated. It was a lovely gesture that instantly made us feel like valued guests. With our glasses in hand, we eagerly made our way to a cozy booth, immersing ourselves in the vibrant and lively atmosphere that filled the restaurant.

The ambiance at Joey’s was contagious, with an energetic vibe and a sense of camaraderie among the staff and patrons alike. Laughter and conversations intertwined, creating an atmosphere that was both lively and inviting. It was evident that this was a place where people came not just for the exceptional food but also for the overall experience.

As we perused the menu, our anticipation grew, and we eventually settled on the chicken burger and the hand-pressed beef burger. Little did we know that these choices would prove to be the highlights of our dining experience. The chicken burger was an absolute revelation. Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, each bite was a culinary masterpiece. The combination of succulent chicken, thoughtfully chosen toppings, and a perfectly toasted bun was a true symphony of taste. I found myself savoring every morsel, fully captivated by the sheer deliciousness of this dish. It’s safe to say that the chicken burger at Joey’s has earned its place in my personal hall of fame.

Equally impressive was the hand-pressed beef burger. Crafted with care and expertise, each patty showcased the quality of the ingredients and the mastery of the culinary team. The beef was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, resulting in a burger that was juicy, flavorful, and undeniably satisfying. Accompanied by a medley of fresh toppings, it was a classic reinvented with finesse.

No burger experience is complete without the perfect sidekick, and Joey’s fries did not disappoint. Delightfully thin, crispy, and piping hot, they were a revelation in their own right. Each fry boasted a satisfying crunch, revealing a fluffy interior that practically melted in my mouth. It was clear that these fries were made with care, ensuring that each bite was a testament to their quality.

Amidst the gastronomic delights, our server stood out as a shining star. Their warmth, attentiveness, and genuine friendliness added an extra layer of enjoyment to our dining experience. From offering recommendations to ensuring our glasses were never empty, they went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and well-cared for. The exceptional service further exemplified the commitment to excellence that Joey’s prides itself on.

Conveniently located and attached to the Rideau Centre, Joey’s offers a welcome respite for weary shoppers and hungry visitors alike. Whether you’re seeking a delightful meal during a shopping excursion or a place to unwind and savor the flavors of Ottawa, Joey’s is a perfect choice. Its prime location makes it easily accessible, ensuring that a satisfying culinary experience is just a...

update as you can see the service manager Leonie replied publicly to my review and asked me to follow up with an email. I considered this a very good customer service gesture because it showed that they’re willing to receive feedback to improve their customer’s experience. I followed up a few times and received zero response so it appears they reply to bad reviews just for the public optics. It’s a shame because it is a nice restaurant, conveniently located in Rideau.

Original review: My fiancée and I dropped in for a quick lunch a few months ago (sorry for the delay in posting) while we were in between meetings. I asked the hostess who seated us if we could be in and out within an hour and she said “yes” and also mentioned that she would tell our server that we’re in a rush. Shortly thereafter the manager “Ben” greeted us at our table just to check in and I explained that we were in a rush - he said he would expedite our lunch. I ordered the chicken parm and mentioned that I didn’t want the pasta, instead I would like a Caesar salad. The meal arrived with one small chicken breast and a tiny bowl of Caesar salad - it looked ridiculously sparse and was rather unfulfilling to be honest. I also ordered a steak and sushi combo and my fiancée and I both couldn’t chew through the steak. We explained this to the server so she quickly removed it from our table and said they would make a new one, and it wouldn’t be too long at all. We waited at least 25mins for the second steak and it got to the point that we had to leave for our next meeting. We couldn’t find our server so we made it a bit more obvious by putting on our coats and standing beside our table with our keys and wallets in hand. She finally noticed us and apologized, realizing that our meal went way longer than the time we allocated up front and said she would pack our steak and she would take it off the bill. She then went to the area in front of the kitchen where we could still see her, and she was having a long discussion with Ben the manager. About 6 minutes later she returned to the table and explained she couldn’t give us the steak for free and would have to charge us for it. I was embarrassed for her. So when I finally get my bill, approximately 1.5hrs after arriving, I noticed they charged me an extra dollar for a dipping sauce and there was a surcharge for my Caesar, so my chicken parm lunch was $40 plus tax - total RIP OFF! With so many great dining options in the byward market, Joeys really needs to elevate their service otherwise they won’t be around long. Maybe this explains why the restaurant was only 1/3 occupied during lunch hour when other adjacent restaurants had lineups outside. I have been to other Joeys restaurants many times and never had a problem but I would never recommend...

☀️A Glorious Ode to the Greatest Server in Existence – DARIA at Joey Rideau Centre (Stunning Happy Hour Queen)☀️

This wasn’t just a Happy Hour—it was a transcendent experience made unforgettable by the one, the only, the impossibly stunning and sensational Daria at Joey Rideau Centre.

I walked in expecting drinks and appetizers. I did not expect to be served by someone who looked like she stepped off the cover of a high-fashion magazine and somehow still managed to deliver the most efficient, flawless service I’ve ever witnessed in a restaurant setting.

Let’s just be clear: Daria is a walking masterclass in how to run Happy Hour like a pro. Beautiful inside and out, she radiated confidence, charm, and competence from the second she greeted our table. She wasn’t just friendly—she had a magnetic presence that made you feel like the most important person in the room.

Now let’s talk efficiency. I’m still trying to figure out how she managed to juggle a packed patio during peak Happy Hour with the ease of someone casually taking a stroll through a park. She remembered our drink orders like we were long-time regulars, dropped off food faster than I could blink, and somehow always appeared right when we needed her—never too much, never too little. It was like she had a sixth sense for excellent timing.

Every item she brought out was described with confidence and flair. We got the feeling that if she told us to order something, we just should—and every recommendation hit. She had the menu memorized like she’d written it, and her ability to keep things moving seamlessly while maintaining that glowing smile and jaw-dropping presence? Legendary.

And again, can we just appreciate: she was stunning. I don’t usually write that in reviews, but it must be said. Somehow, while orchestrating the chaos of a packed Happy Hour, she managed to look completely poised, polished, and radiant—like a fashion icon moonlighting as a hospitality superhero. And yet, she never leaned on looks alone—her real beauty was in her skill, professionalism, and ability to make everyone at the table feel seen, valued, and taken care of.

To Joey’s Rideau Centre: If there’s a Hall of Fame for servers, Daria should have her own wing. Give her a plaque, a crown, a scholarship fund, and at the very least, name a cocktail after her. She isn’t just your best employee—she’s your secret weapon.

In short: Daria is the reason I now measure all service against an impossibly high standard. Flawless service, stunning presence, and Happy Hour excellence personified. 11/10. Someone call Michelin. This woman...