Atelier

I rarely eat this well and that’s saying something coming from a loyal Nobu client. From start to finish, L’Atelier in Ottawa was a complete surprise. We had no idea what we were going to eat before arriving and each of the seven courses was an explosion of flavor, creativity and balance. Every plate was a visual masterpiece and a culinary journey on its own. From the delicate crab topped with caviar to the vibrant vegetable garden suspended in glass, the presentation was simply breathtaking. The tartare was perfectly seasoned and layered with textures that played beautifully together, while the dessert was a stunning combination of color, freshness and precision. The service was as refined as the dishes, our waitress knew every detail of each creation and guided us with genuine passion. This restaurant deserves to be discovered and celebrated. It’s now without hesitation in my top five dining experiences worldwide.

The service was impeccable, with each dish presented very creatively and played in an appealing manner. Overall the food was good, though I did find the balance to be off on some of the courses - I found them to be overly sweet and missing acid, heat, and that umami element. Still a great experience though and I am glad I went!

The service was impeccable and the food was both delicious and creatively presented. When the first couple of courses were served I was worried that we have to go for a meal after our meal, was I ever wrong. The servings of the savoury courses turned out to far more filling than expected and the desserts were amazing. This is a dining experience that may be a little bit on the pricey side but is something that should be on your list.

Atelier is a hidden gem in the heart of Ottawa. The building itself is unassuming, yet upon entering, you are transported to a culinary world of carefully curated creativity. Each dish was exceptional and explained down to the T by our server. This restaurant is an experience that couples artistry with gastronomy. The staff were incredible, knowledgeable, accommodating, and made my birthday dinner experience one for the books. Their Manhattan's are ON POINT as well. 10/10

I visited Atelier in Ottawa with my partner last month, and it caught me completely by surprise — literally, because I had no idea he was taking me there. Walking in felt like entering a quiet dining room that just happened to be hosting a culinary experiment. Within a few courses, it became clear that Atelier isn’t about predictability. It’s about curiosity. Every dish was whimsical and unexpected, with playful presentations that still delivered impressive depth of flavour. The food never felt unusual just for the sake of being unusual; it always made sense once you tasted it. My favourite moment was the green curry coconut “styrofoam,” which looked exactly like packing material but dissolved instantly with a burst of bold, bright curry flavour. Even the butter that accompanied the bread came as delicate butterfly shapes presented in a case like preserved specimens from an entomology lab. It was absurdly charming — beautiful, a little nerdy and delicious. Service was fine — nothing over the top or particularly memorable — but the food carried the experience with enough personality that it didn’t need theatrics from the staff. The kitchen handled all the storytelling. If classic fine dining is elegant and predictable, Atelier is its mischievous counterpart: playful, clever and unafraid to take risks. It’s a place that invites you to have fun with food, not just admire it. If you’re open to being surprised, you’ll leave with a full stomach and a grin.

WOW -i have been to a lot of restaurants but this was one of the most interesting dining experiences! It was more the art of food and taste. You are greeted with a fairly plain restaurant, I wasn't sure if I was at the right place. But the 40 taste and visual delights you are exposed to are incredible, as much a delight to the palette as they are to your eyes. Loved the wine pairings too and the service was just excellent. Oh,and it cost a lot, and it took three and a half wonderful hours! If you can afford such luxuries, quite the experience.

Fabulous experience! Presentation was outstanding, and the food delicious. A novel concept that we look forward to trying again in the winter. A must visit restaurant when in Ottawa.

Just wow! The tasting menu experience at Atelier felt like being on a wonderful, culinary journey from start to finish. It was unique in the sense that it was a blind tasting - we had no idea what to expect! It was amazing that each of the 40 dishes was so intricately plated and so delicious! The harmony of the dishes was so enjoyable and it was truly a 3.5-4 hour dining experience. Such a perfect way to celebrate signature milestones like anniversaries and birthdays. You truly feel special when you get to experience the tasting menu! Very deserving of a Michelin star once Michelin goes to Ottawa!