The Rowan — Restaurant in Ottawa

Location: In the Glebe. Street parking is available but may be difficult to find if an event is going on at the park.

The place: Great little spot that isn't overly big but not too small, either. It's got a gastropub feel to it that is cozy and relaxed with no pretence whatsoever. Their front window (is massive) and opens up so that you can get that terrace vibe.

The goods: I don't even know where to begin. For real, people! My friend and I ordered 5 dishes because The Rowan's concept is small dishes that area meant to be shared. We got the salad, arancini, cauliflower, pasta with zucchini and ricotta, and the smoked tofu. First off, their portions are very generous and could easily be had as mains (we appreciated that!). The salad was fresh and delicious with no wilted lettuce leaves in site, the arancini were so mouthwateringly good that the next time I go, I'm going to bring bread so that I can finish off the delicious sauce - these were absolutely on par with arancini that I've had in Italy. The cauliflower had a nice caramelized char to it, the pasta was fantastic and the tofu was great. We enjoyed every dish though would have probably ordered 3-4 vs. 5 if we had known these guys were so generous! For dessert, we had the chocolate pot de crème which I really enjoyed, though personally, I found the butterscotch a bit too sweet. Oh, and the cocktails were superb. I recommend the Ruby Collins.

Service: Fantastic. Our hostess and waitress was delightfully friendly and always had a smile on. Our waitress was attentive and we didn't lack anything throughout our dinner.

Price point: Personally, I think their prices are reasonable with dishes ranging between $14 and about $22 (not sure about dishes with meat, though). The price will obviously depend upon how many dishes you order.

I highly recommend this place and plan to go back the next time...

If you're seeking a dining experience that will leave an indelible mark on your palate and heart, look no further than The Rowan in the Glebe. From the moment I stepped through the door, I was captivated by the warm and inviting ambiance, which set the stage for an evening of gastronomic delight.

The Rowan is a true gem among restaurants, with a team that excels in delivering an extraordinary culinary experience. The food at The Rowan is simply divine, and every dish I had the pleasure of tasting was a masterpiece in its own right. Each plate was thoughtfully crafted, showcasing the culinary expertise of the talented chefs.

The frequently changing menu at The Rowan offers a diverse range of options, ensuring there is something to suit every palate. The use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients was evident in every bite, enhancing the overall quality of the dishes.

However, what truly sets The Rowan apart is its exceptional service and the genuine warmth of the staff. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with smiles and made to feel like a cherished guest. The staff at The Rowan are not only highly knowledgeable about the menu and wine pairings, but they also take the time to engage in friendly conversations, making me feel like a part of their extended family.

The staff always ensures that my dining experiences are nothing short of great. They were attentive, yet never intrusive, anticipating my needs and providing recommendations that surpassed my expectations. Their passion for hospitality was evident in every interaction, and it was refreshing to witness such dedication to customer...

Let’s set expectations first.

This is less of a stuffy dark pub and more of an open air gastro bistro.

What does that even mean? Simple chairs and tables, uncluttered walls and a clear view of the sparkling clean kitchen.

It also means no TVs, no blaring music and staff that doesn’t rush around. The result is that the clientele can slow down, settle in and relax.

Let’s talk menu.

I’d actually encourage you to have a conversation with your host. I say host, and not server, because they are knowledgeable, friendly and honest.

Although there is a burger on the menu we did not order it. I’m sure it’s great. That’s not the point. We just found better choices we couldn’t ignore.

My view is that the menu’s focus is on seasonal ingredients.

For example, we opted to start with oysters on the half shell. We added a shareable peach and greens salad.

The oysters were cool and light. The peaches were silky and resilient amongst the ripe tomatoes and crispy greens.

We paired it with a Chilean sauvignon blanc that they recommended. Do that.

For a main, we chose a scallop and pork belly dish served with polenta, beans and leeks. This was topped with a slightly acidic chorizo aioli. Again, we shared. And again, we were impressed. The scallops were crispy and tender, the pork belly melted in our mouths and the polenta wasn’t too sweet or salty.

The cost for all this? We found the prices of the food align with the quality and care put into each dish. This might not be a place for “foodies”, but it is certainly a place for people who enjoy good food done well...