The Boatyard Bar & Bistro — Restaurant in Ottawa

I’m not sure if I’ve ever cared enough to leave a review for a dining experience.. but this was such an awful experience that I have to share.

In a nutshell, we had reservations at 7:15 PM, were seated shortly after, ordered our drinks and food, only to eventually have to leave around 9:30 PM after never receiving our meal….

My 8 month pregnant wife and I met a couple friends for dinner. The dining experience started off a little weird by receiving the smallest of water cups while noticing all other tables had full size cups. It took about 45 minutes to even get the chance to ask for full size cups which took awhile to receive as well. After waiting about an hour and a half and being checked on a few times for refills, we were assured our food was coming. However, we started to notice that all the tables around us were receiving their meals in a timely manner. Some groups were even showing up, eating their entire meal, and leaving before we ever got anything. Finally, a member of our party spoke up to a waitress nearby to speak to the manager about what the problem was.

I assume the lady that came out and spoke to us was not even the manager as she seemed to be speaking to everyone that was having issues and gave the same excuses. It felt like she was the one willing to deal with people as who I assume was the actual manager just stayed inside. After what was over two hours our young waitress comes out saying that she honestly doesn’t even know when the food will be done and gave us the choice whether or not to stay… so we left. We felt so bad for the young waitresses that were clearly forced to come out and speak to us about the matter. At least stand up for your employees and try to fix things instead of putting it on someone else.

I tried to be polite to whom I thought the manager was when I was leaving.. but I had to share with him and on here how unacceptable the experience was. Nobody stepped up to come out and talk to us let alone even try to fix the issue. It was the one and only time I have ever walked in to an establishment and left without being served. Let alone we were there almost a total of 2.5 hours and given the run around when it really wasn’t even that busy.

People make mistakes, things happen, but someone needs to be held accountable. Incredibly disappointing, bizarre, and ridiculous behavior by whoever is running this...

I had what can only be described as the absolute worst dining experience of my life. We waited a staggering three hours and never received a single meal. To add insult to injury, the table behind us informed us it took them two full hours to get their food, and one of their orders was just a wedge salad! If it takes two hours to prepare something so basic, perhaps it’s time for a serious reevaluation of operations.

The wait for our drinks was equally disheartening. It took a staggering 45 minutes to receive them, followed by another 30 minutes just to get a refill. We ordered Miller Lites served in cans, and for the first hour of our wait, there wasn't even anyone at the bar. After nearly two hours of waiting, we were presented with nothing but cold bread. Such a generous gesture!

What truly added to my frustration was the complete lack of accountability. Being assured that our food would arrive in just 10 minutes only to wait an additional hour is simply unacceptable. I felt a pang of sympathy for our young waitress, who was clearly in the dark about when our meals might arrive, and the manager's indifference was equally disheartening.

Fortunately, Ottawa is home to numerous restaurants that genuinely prioritize their customers and understand the vital importance of...

What a wonderful dining experience for the wife and Zi on Fathers day June 2025. Jennie and Matt ( trainee Matt) were our servers and they did not disappoint. All smiles and professionalism. We ordered an appetizer ( grouper bites) and they had a very bitter flavor. So much so that my wife and I refused to continue eating them. Upon mentioning this to Jennie she immediately whisked the plate away and advised us that the cost will be removed from the bill. Our main course arrived shortly thereafter and it was delicious. Restaurant manager upon hearing of our dissatisfaction with the appetizer offered to comp our choice of deserts. Well we did not take management up on their generous offer but was nonetheless very very nice of them to do so especially considering that they did not charge us for the appetizers Dining on the deck overlooking the river with pleasure boat traffic and pleasant temperature was in itself enjoyable but when you add to that our two courteous servers and a delicious meal it was an over the top dining experience. Thanks everyone st the boatyard. Fine...