Pelican Seafood Market & Grill — Restaurant in Ottawa

A Disheartening Experience That Stayed with Us for 7 Years

Seven years have passed since my partner and I dined at this restaurant, and the experience still lingers, not in a good way. I’ve held back from writing this review for so long, hesitant to tarnish a reputation that so many others seemed to celebrate. But now, I feel it’s time to share our story, not out of malice but in the hope of shedding light on an experience that left us deeply disheartened.

We were young adults, eager food enthusiasts, drawn by the buzz around their famed lobster poutine. It was supposed to be a memorable treat, a splurge for a night of indulgence. Instead, it became an evening of quiet humiliation.

The Atmosphere: From the moment we walked in, we felt unwelcome. Perhaps they saw us as inexperienced or assumed we lacked the means to afford a high-end meal. The air of condescension was palpable, but we brushed it off, determined to enjoy ourselves.

The Service: Our excitement quickly faded as the waiter took our order with eye-rolls, sighs, and dismissive answers to simple questions. One instance stands out: we asked about their cocktail shrimp options. Wanting to try the best, we opted for the priciest, only to be served a single, undersized shrimp, far from the promised “jumbo” size. In hindsight, we realize how ridiculous this must have seemed to them: young diners paying $4 for what was likely a size 26/30 shrimp, nowhere near the black tiger shrimp we’d envisioned.

The Food: The seafood tower we ordered, again, the most expensive, arrived looking disorganized and lackluster, especially compared to the beautifully presented towers served to other tables. Still, we tried to stay optimistic.

The pasta dish, unfortunately, dashed any remaining hope. It was poorly cooked, with chunks of uncooked pasta swimming in a watery sauce that barely clung to the noodles.

Finally, the famous lobster poutine was…fine. It didn’t blow us away, but at least it wasn’t a disaster like the rest of the meal.

The Bill: When the check came, we were stunned: $430, before tip. Despite everything, we left a 35% tip, naively thinking they’d tried their best or perhaps out of pity. Looking back, it feels like they didn’t just serve us a meal; they served us a lesson in humiliation.

The Takeaway: Seven years later, the feelings of regret, embarrassment, and disappointment still sting. This review isn’t meant to defame or harm but to share the experience of two young food lovers who were let down by a restaurant they hoped would provide an unforgettable meal.

If you’ve read this far, thank you for hearing our story. Maybe this restaurant has changed for the better over the years. But for us, the memory remains a bitter...

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This review is for their special Four course Valentines dinner, with these dishes (review for lunch to come soon)!

Shrimp Cocktail with Champagne Seafood Sauce (5 Piece): the shrimp was SO fresh and sweet. The seafood sauce had just the right amount of kick!

Paella Rice With Sautéed Vegetables: this came with herbed butter which was delicious on top of the rice!

Smoked Salmon Tarragon Coquille St. Jacques - Potato, Smoked Salmon & Bay scallops in Creamy White Wine Sauce, Served in an Authentic Shell & Topped with Breadcrumbs & Smoked Gouda: what a TREAT! Having both smoked salmon and scallops is truly indulgent. So creamy and cheesy!

Canadian Lobster - 1 ¼ lbs - Cooked & Cracked: you can enjoy this cold or steamed, and the meat was tender and fresh. Such a classic!

Garlic Herb Butter & Lemon: they give a good amount, so I plan on using the leftovers for other dishes! 😉

Dark Chocolate Pot de Crème: the perfect ending - this was not too sweet and was rich and creamy.

Note that: The Valentine’s Day Lobster Dinner to go is available for the Sat, Sun and Mon of the Valentine’s Day weekend only (Feb 11/12/13). Delivery is available within 30km (driving distance) for $6, otherwise pickup is possible.

They also have gift cards that make great Valentine’s gifts!

They have lots of other delicious take out options available for lunch or dinner any day - my favourites have been their fish and chips, and their lobster poutine is well-known!

They also offer groceries and fresh fish delivered to your door from their market. I LOVE getting their smoked salmon - it's so good I just eat it on its own! Their sushi-grade salmon and tuna are fantastic for sushi...

Pelican Seafood Market & Grill in Ottawa is a delightful culinary gem that truly stands out for seafood lovers. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the fresh coastal cuisine on offer.

The menu is a fantastic blend of classic seafood dishes and innovative creations. The freshness of the ingredients is evident in every bite; the fish is sourced daily, ensuring that you’re enjoying the best possible quality. The grilled salmon is particularly noteworthy, perfectly cooked with a crispy skin and served with a mouthwatering lemon dill sauce that enhances its natural flavors.

One of the highlights of dining at Pelican is the extensive selection of oysters. They offer a variety of types, each with its unique taste profile, and the knowledgeable staff is always eager to provide recommendations. Pairing these with a glass of wine from their well-curated list elevates the experience even further.

The service at Pelican is exceptional. The staff is attentive, friendly, and clearly passionate about seafood, often sharing insight into the dishes and their preparation. This level of service makes you feel valued and enhances the overall dining experience.

For those looking for a casual but upscale dining experience, Pelican Seafood Market & Grill is a must-visit. Whether you're there for a special occasion or a casual meal, the combination of fresh seafood, great service, and a charming ambiance ensures a memorable visit. Don’t forget to save room for dessert; their key lime pie is a refreshing finish to a fantastic meal. Highly...