Rabbit Hole — Restaurant in Ottawa

Rabbit Hole in Ottawa is a truly unique dining experience – weird in the best way possible! It was our first time visiting this spot, and we were intrigued from the start, especially since it came highly recommended by a friend. Honestly, we were surprised we hadn’t heard about it before, considering my wife and I have explored so many restaurants in the city.

The moment we stepped in, we felt welcomed. The ambiance was different from your typical restaurant – there’s something about being directed downstairs that adds an air of mystery and excitement. The decor and overall vibe were quirky yet charming, setting the tone for a memorable evening. Everything was clean, and the atmosphere was calm and inviting. One standout feature was the "no phone" policy. While guests are allowed to take pictures of themselves or their food, the rule encouraged people to truly engage with their surroundings and company. This made the experience even more special.

Now, let’s talk about the service – it was impeccable. From the moment we arrived, the staff was friendly and attentive, ensuring everything was up to standard. Everyone seemed genuinely invested in making sure guests had a great time.

For appetizers, we decided to try the oysters, and wow, were we impressed. They were fresh, flavorful, and prepared perfectly – easily some of the best oysters we’ve had in Ottawa. Moving on to the main dishes, we ordered a couple of pizzas and a steak and fries. But before that, let me mention that Rabbit Hole makes some of the best drinks in town! Their cocktails are expertly crafted, with a perfect blend of flavors that complement the overall dining experience. The pizzas were delicious, with a great balance of flavors and a perfect crust. My wife’s steak was a bit of a hiccup, though. She ordered it medium well but received it well done, which made it quite dry. However, when we mentioned it to our waitress, she handled the situation wonderfully. Without hesitation, she took the steak back and offered to replace it. To our surprise, the replacement was a Wagyu burger, and it was absolutely phenomenal. The juicy, flavorful burger more than made up for the earlier issue.

Overall, our visit to Rabbit Hole was a fantastic experience. The combination of great service, delicious food, and a unique, phone-free atmosphere made it a standout in Ottawa’s restaurant scene. We left feeling satisfied and already planning our next visit. If you’re looking for a dining spot that’s a little out of the ordinary but delivers on all fronts, Rabbit Hole is definitely worth...

I am employed in the public service sector and frequently organize social gatherings with my colleagues after work. As someone who values quality service tailored to working professionals, I am always on the lookout for local establishments that meet these criteria. The Rabbit Hole came recommended for post-work gatherings, so I was eager to give it a try.

Unfortunately, I had not made a reservation due to my busy schedule, and it slipped my mind.

Upon arrival, I was informed that there was a wait list, but the staff refused to disclose any information regarding the estimated wait time. When I inquired about the number of people on the list, the host discreetly concealed the wait list by pulling their notebook closer to their body and informed me they could not say.

Shortly after this conversation, my colleagues arrived, and we collectively decided to wait for a table. Seeking refuge from the cold, we entered the restaurant, only to be informed that waiting inside was not permitted indicating we were a fire hazard for standing near the doorway (this is a lie, if there was a fire we would certainly move). In light of this restriction, one of my colleagues innocently asked the host about the expected wait time. To my surprise, the host responded with a dismissive tone, stating, "As I already mentioned, I cannot provide you with that information." I was taken aback by the lack of professionalism in response to a simple query, especially considering that my colleague was not present during our initial interaction.

Due to the lack of professionalism and disregard for customer service, we made the decision to seek an alternative establishment. Approximately 1 hour after adding our names to the wait list, I received a call notifying me that a table had become available and we were expected to return within 10 minutes or we would lose our table. However, the call came across quite demanding as they failed to inquire whether I was still interested in the table, which I was not.

Ultimately, the host's snarky attitude and the overall lack of attention to customer service left me feeling embarrassed for having brought my colleagues to this establishment. I have no intention of returning. I strongly recommend that the restaurant invest in training their hosts to ensure a higher level of...

I don’t normally leave reviews, especially not for bars or restaurants—I write real reviews for a living. But I felt compelled to share this experience so others don’t have to feel the way my group and I did.

Over the May long weekend, my group visited Ottawa to enjoy the Tulip Festival. Wanting to explore the local night scene, I suggested we check out The Rabbit Hole after hearing about its speakeasy-style concept. As someone who’s grown up immersed in Toronto’s nightlife, and travelled extensively to similar establishments across North America, I was genuinely curious to see what Ottawa had to offer. Unfortunately, from the moment we walked in, we were met with judgmental stares and subtle but unmistakable condescension.

It was clear we didn’t fit their aesthetic—likely because we’re an older, more diverse group who didn’t match the youthful, curated vibe they seem to cater to. I inquired about the speakeasy portion of the venue and was told abruptly that it was “fully booked.” A secret speakeasy that’s fully booked? That defies the entire premise of what a speakeasy is meant to be. The energy was dismissive at best, discriminatory at worst.

The experience quickly unraveled from there. Within 20 minutes, I’d quietly clocked four separate health violations. I won’t get into the specifics now, but let’s just say if I made a call, this review would be the least of their worries. The scent downstairs was an overpowering blend of bleach, mildew, sweat, and something unidentifiably unpleasant.

We ordered drinks that were entirely forgettable and wildly overpriced. When we decided to order a pizza to go with our cocktails, we waited over an hour—only to realize it had never even been put through. No apology, just a half-hearted shrug. The staff, most of whom appeared at the tail end of their youth and on a power trip, showed no signs of accountability or interest in hospitality.

In a world where we preach kindness and inclusivity, The Rabbit Hole failed on every front. This wasn’t just bad service—it was exclusion masked as exclusivity. And while they may not have known who I was, or what I do for a living, they should know that no one—regardless of age, style, or background—deserves to be ostracized for simply not “fitting in.”

Terrible...