Soleil des Iles — Restaurant in Ottawa

Having visited Soleil des Iles multiple times, I have always been impressed by the exceptionally delicious food, which many consider to be among the best in Ottawa. However, my recent experience has once again highlighted significant shortcomings in customer service and overall ambiance that detract from what could be a truly outstanding dining experience.

Customer Service Issues One of the most glaring issues at Soleil des Iles is the poor customer service. Knowing their history of slow service, I took the precaution of ordering one hour in advance. Despite this, I still had to wait an additional 15 minutes for my food to be prepared upon arrival. This lack of efficiency is frustrating and reflects a concerning disregard for customer satisfaction. Upon entering, I was surprised to find that there was no one at the counter to greet me, which set a disappointing tone for the visit.

Ambiance and Decor The decor of the restaurant, even after recent renovations, leaves much to be desired. The overall appearance of the place is uninviting and lacks charm . A revamp of the decor is essential to create a more welcoming atmosphere. The current aesthetic does not reflect the quality of the food being served and could benefit from a more cohesive and professional design.

Potential for Improvement Despite these issues, it is important to emphasize that the food at Soleil des Iles is truly amazing. The flavors are vibrant, and the dishes are crafted with care.. However, the restaurant's potential is being undermined by its lack of attention to customer service and the overall dining environment.

Soleil des Iles has the potential to be a top-tier Haitian food destination in Ottawa, but it must address its customer service shortcomings and invest in a more professional decor. After years of receiving feedback, it is disheartening to see that these issues persist. If the management can focus on improving these aspects, they could transform the restaurant into a truly exceptional experience that matches the quality of their food. Until then, it remains a place with great food but significant room for improvement in service...

The food is fantastic! It’s probably the best griot platter you can find in the city. I won’t lie, the customer service isn’t always great (they can be pretty slow) and the restaurant is in a rundown area, not super pretty inside, but it’s more of a “hole in the wall” takeout spot than fancy dining establishment. Call in advance, don’t be in a rush and expect incredible food at a good price. The restaurant is always full of people waiting to get an order, especially Haitians. You know it’s good when a restaurant specializing in an ethnic group’s food is popular with people of that same ethnic group. Soleil des Îles reminds me of those memes online that say if the restaurant is packed and there’s no bells and whistles, the food will be delicious. It’s true...

This place is a real hit or miss sometimes, but for the most part has very delicious food. I recommend ordering the Griot or the chicken if it’s your first time going there. They also offer free ranged chicken in sauce on Thursdays and Sundays and if you get the chance to be there on those days I Highly suggest getting it. The service is sub-par with almost no one being there when you are ready to order and order notes being mixed up when you call ahead of time, but the taste of the food and the quality more than make up for it. The price does continue to go up with inflation, but the flavour is still there and the restaurant itself does seem to be building a more hospitable environment with more tables for guest to sit at and enjoy...