The Ritz on Elgin

The Ritz on Elgin has been around forever - it's always been an Ottawa favorite, and it's still good, but it's beginning to show it's age.

The Ritz is a small restaurant - it seats about 40 people. We ended up here the other night after trying to get into a few other restaurants on Elgin - which were packed. The Ritz was pleasantly (frighteningly) empty.

The menu is basically unchanged since at least 2004. We ordered a mix of items off the menu, and the daily specials.
The food was good - nice salads, and my wife's favorite spinach with goat cheese was very tasty. I had the chicken special - it was not bad - the potatoes had sat around for quite a while and were a bit rubbery.

The place could use a little fixiing up. It's not bad - I wouldn't hesitate to return, or to bring guests here, but the place is lacking a general cleaning, polishing, and a coat of paint.
The Ritz on Elgin
274 Elgin St,
Ottawa, ON
K2P1M2
613-235-7027

Dirienzo's

A trip to Dirienzo’s is a trip indeed.

In the heart of Little Italy, Dirienzio’s looms immortal in Ottawa for its fresh Italian deli sandwiches and groceries. It’s one of those rare local spots that are pleasingly untouched by the grip of modernization.

Dirienzio’s is known best for its “football” sandwiches, affordability and relaxed approach. All of the sandwiches options are clearly explained so you know exactly what you’re ordering. There are no surprises here – just the kind of good sandwich and intimate service that you’d expect from a neighborhood deli. Sandwiches made fast and fresh to order - the spicy eggplant is a must.

Other, more corporate grocery delis in town have bigger selections, trendier items, cleaner, more updated looks and little personality. None offer the historic, "hometown proud" experience that good old Dirienzio’s serves up. It’s so welcoming, in fact, that there is no beating the lunch crowd here; clusters of people line up to grab a tasty sandwich. It’s the kind of place you might run into familiar faces.

Also available are freshly made pasta dishes as well as free baked goods.

Did I mention affordability? All sandwiches and fresh pasta – $3.50! taxes in!

If you haven’t had the pleasure as of yet… I suggest you make a visit… it will definitely be worth your while.

Dirienzo’s Food & Grocery
111 Beech St. (off Preston St)

Juniper Restaurant

(Guest reviewer: Dale)

Well I just LOVE the new Juniper Restaurant.

I always liked Juniper, but then again I am a chick. They have always had excellent chick-food (you know, 8 million ingredients, pretty on the plate, lots of nice seafood, lovely fizzy fruity drinks). But in its new incarnation on Richmond Road in the old Subaru dealership, Juniper's has finally found its restaurant balls.

They have all the chick food, but they have EXCELLENT guy food as well. The menu states its point very clearly: BEEF, DUCK, SALMON . . . the main ingredient shouts out at you in an elegant way. So chicks, guys and anyone in between can find what they like and order it. The presentation and the taste is just heavenly.

The ambiance is very New York. The open concept is wonderful - airy, modern, makes you feel like you're on display and part of the very nouveau scene. Comfy seating, great lighting, great open bar area.

Service is top-notch at Juniper too. The waiters and waitresses are very attentive and friendly. The whole experience starts off with a tres amusant amuse-bouche: a nice surprise, and a hint of lovely taste combinations to come

The food is superb. So gals, bring your guys - they'll love it. And you will too.

http://www.juniperdining.ca/

Lunch
Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2p.m.

Dinner
Monday through Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 10p.m.
Small Plates & Bar open all week from 5p.m. to 11p.m.
(until midnight on week-ends)

The restaurant is casual fine dining.

245 Richmond Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 6W7
t. 613.728.0220 | f. 613.728.3993
Reservations are recommended.