The Black Walnut Bakery — Restaurant in Ottawa

After messing up a pre-order (gave my large pie to someone who ordered a small pie) and now yesterday I picked up a flank steak only to have no steak!!! Called and got the excuse "sorry we've been under renovation and short staffed".. ummmmm so does that mean I have to sacrifice my experience as a paying customer!!?? Apparently I was rude ( more like a frustrated dissatisfied disappointed customer) to whom ever I spoke to ( sounded like they were all of 15 yrs old ) and well can't handle anything or anyone who doesn't speak in rainbows and butterflies and all sugary and sweet.... If you employ people to work customer service to tell the difference....rude is swearing and being belligerent, cutting off conversation without allowing the other to speak..... complaining about being disappointed with Black Walnuts lack of quality control is more than reasonable given my experience. Not to mention that your parking situation is still horrendous. While you may have created more spots, people sit outside for hours and created once again, a headache just to get to you and now once I even get to you who knows if what I have ordered either thru pre ordering or picking up will be what it should be. And then you have the audicity to email my husband ( after I provided you with my number) and say that our patronage is no longer wanted because your staff tells you that I was rude!!!!! You Black Walnut are rude for not only being cowardly and emailing my husband and not calling me but as a business, you are rude to me as a customer. Not my fault you are not able to handle disappointed and frustrated customers with more customer service. And oh ya....I guess I'm not getting my "credit" for the mess up with my salad....give it to someone who...

Edit: May 2025 Update - Many of the concerns or cons have been addressed as they expanded the building; entrance is now to the side rather than out front under the tree. Quality of food items remains high; service is very good; prices are fair for the quality you're getting. Can't wait to see how things are when the renovations are done!

Pros - Great staff; friendly, and appreciative of feedback. Food products are delicious; very good quality for the price Quick service Good variety Almost something for everyone to enjoy A local business that supports other local businesses

Cons - Drink menu lacks the same quality as the food products Prices add up fast Items run out quick (get there before noon, or pre-order online for pickup) Front walkway leading to order pick-up needs tending or renovating.

Other - Watch out for falling walnuts from the big tree out front. Curbside steps need improving; looks hazardous, doesn't feel very secure. Cozy, rustic feeling building and interior (it is an old farm house, after all) Limited parking, however since the pandemic, they have set up picnic areas including large tents to protect from rain or sun. Parking is available on the street as well. Personally, I'd like to see the landscape get some attention; maybe a remodeling for a more business appropriate pathing. (I am aware I'm nitpicking) Many of the customers that hang out in the area have a very entitled attitude about them. (Not BW's fault, just an...

Everything we purchased today was delicious. Was meaning to save some pastries until tomorrow but they didn't stand a chance. The almond croissant was so flaky and buttery. The honey cookies remind me of the cake my grandmother used to make, with a deep honey flavour. Wish I bought more, it was so good and hearty with a cup of tea. Next time :) Hoping for some baked goods on the menu with black walnut or poppy seed in the future.

Edit - went back for the makivnyk and purchased 4. Sliced it and froze it and was my late night treat when I couldn't make it out to your bakery. It's all gone and will keep an eye out for whenever it comes back on the menu.

Edit 2 - I wrote the first review maybe a year ago? I need to edit it to say that your lemon meringue pie and your pesto eggs benny croissant are mind blowing. I ate a quarter of the pie over today and am about to tuck myself into another bonus slice. I would do 10 extra treadmill workouts gladly just to be able to eat that pie. Your bakery is not just a bakery. It is my number one favourite thing about the Ottawa region. Your desserts and meals have brought so much joy to my home and I am so proud of what our city has to offer when I serve your food to my family and friends. I hope your business has eternal success and I hope you realize just how talented...