Red Door Provisions — Restaurant in Ottawa

I don’t know how come this place gets many good reviews but every time I come there, the quality of food and service is very poor. For a few times I bought the pastries there, and it was stale and not fresh. Today I asked the stuff when the pastries on display were made, and they seemed to be confused at first, and then they had to admit that the pastries weren’t prepared today. I ended up not buying them at all to not risk of eating spoiled food. They told me that they also have fresh ones but why do they charge fresh and stale pastry for the same price then?!

The drinks are mediocre. For instance, they charge almost 8 dollars for a small seasonal drink. It’s not even good at all, as if tasteless.

The overall atmosphere isn’t welcoming due to constant smell of burning, unfriendly stuff, and some of the kitchenware seems to be not cleaned well, for instance, the toaster, there is a lot of soot on it that constantly burns.

The stuff isn’t suitable for working in hospitality. They seem to not be interested in what they’re doing, and that’s why they do it badly and don’t put much effort. That what happens when the owner hires students for whom working in a cafe isn’t a profession but just a side hassle. Also, their appearance wasn’t nice. By saying that I mean their clothes didn’t look neat and tidy, and their hair were uncombed and loose.

To sum up, Red Door Provisions is just another overrated cafe that might make an impression of cute and cozy place with delicious drinks and pastries at first but turns out to be even worse than mediocre. I gave it a few chances to improve my impression of it but I’ll not come back there anymore, and I recommend others to...

This is in Vanier. I decided to try this spot as the reviews were pretty high. OMG everything was wrong here! First the place is ok looking, it's on a main street with seating in the front and at the back but I doubt the back is for regular customers explanation follows. It was not what I was expecting based on multiple reviews saying it was cute. It was so, so looks wise a small shop which could be amazing yet the 5 pastries we tried were all stale and the spinach feta on top of being stale was gross(old). 4 grilled cheese sandwiches which were quite small and not salted enough as well as the "fancy" one had rotten greens in it. They forgot to bring my coffee outside which they had offered to do so I tried to go back inside but the door was locked. I had being asked if I will sit in the back or front. With the door locking behind each time the back was a poor idea. Coffee was very good but not what I had asked for! I asked for medium roast and this was definitely dark. Kids wouldn't even eat the pastries but said the hot chocolate was good. It was tiny. Paid a lot for that experience of poor food etc. Would recommend The French Baker in the market for fresh real good pastries though note, there...

Yes, this is a great coffee shop. Yes, the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Yes, the baked goods are exceptional.

But those are not the reasons that I support this small locally owned business.

I invest my money in this business because since covid has transformed every aspect of the service industry this little business transformed with it.

There was no staff turnover. There was no decline in product or service. There was an increase in locally sourced products. What! Another small business supporting other small businesses through unknown times. There was a physical change in the space. Where it was once a cozy little Cafe it became a cozy little personal walk through Cafe. There were clear and consistent rules posted at the entrance. Common sense rules: wear a mask, keep your distance and have a great day.

But more than any product or sign, the general feeling is "Welcome."

Welcome meaning. We are here. We see you. We Welcome you into our intimate space and thank you for choosing us as your coffee cookie and safe space.

Thank you Red Door for keeping your door open and providing consistent, exceptional customer experiences...along with great tasting...