Arlo - Ottawa

Review summary

1. D

   Danièle

   Ottawa

   3 reviews

   2.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   This restaurant was highly recommended by a friend, so my expectations were high. Too high, it turns out. I was very disappointed. But let’s start with the positives! The ambience is hip and laidback, the serving staff is friendly. Now, the disappointments: our server lacked knowledge. She could not describe the fish (Red perch), nor give us a satisfactory explanation for why the white wine was fizzy. Given Arlo is a wine bar, she should have been able to explain that this is typical of organic wines, which I found out later by looking it up on the Internet. When my friend decided to opt for a different wine for her second glass, she just poured the new wine in the same dirty glass. Hmmm. A wine bar? Now, the food. The biggest disappointment of all. My carrot salad was just OK: the vinaigrette was too acidic and the taste of the pistachios had to compete with too many sesame seeds. I would have preferred it if the carrots were at room temperature rather than cold. As for the main dish, I just could not finish it. The red perch was well-cooked so the texture was very nice. But the taste was way off. It had that pungent metallic taste that one can get in white flesh fish when it is not fresh. The sauce was supposed to a lobster demi-glace. It was brown and salty, not refined in the slightest. I could not taste the lobster. The fennel was barely roasted and had little taste. I was quite envious of my friend’s husband who ordered the ossobuco and enjoyed it. Still, I will not be going back to try it out!
   

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2. A

   Andrea

   Toronto

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent, attentive service from start to finish. I loved the personal call to confirm our reservation and that our server already knew about our dietary restrictions before we even sat down. Food was delicious - I’m still thinking about that scallop tartare. Our party of two ordered a snack, an app and two mains. Everything was thoughtfully prepared and presented, with creative flair but no pretentiousness. The dishes were well-portioned - we did not go home hungry and next time would save room for dessert. I understand that Arlo boasts a well-curated selection of wines, but the sober and sober-curious will be interested to know that they make super yummy non-alcoholic cocktails too. Finally, the ambiance and decor create a dining experience that feels cozy and comfortable but unique. Arlo does everything right. Can’t wait for our next visit.
   

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3. V

   Valerie

   Montreal

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   Food good but not exceptional. Service is very casual. We appreciated our evening, but it wasn’t memorable.
   

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4. D

   Dennis

   VIP

   Ottawa

   49 reviews

   5.0

   49 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We were there New Year’s Eve for what was a fixed menu. I can’t say enough about the staff, with their attentive and good nature. Plain and simple, the vibe at Arlo is outstanding…and the food was excellent. What more could you ask for a memorable night out.
   

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5. G

   Greg

   Toronto

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Service and staff at top notch performance and the food was outstanding with perfect pairing wine, I would highly recommend for an optimum dining experience.
   

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6. B

   Brenda

   Toronto

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We were fortunate to get a table at Arlo for their New Year’s Eve Experience. Everything was perfect. They are so accommodating and professional. Our dinner was amazing, from the seafood starters to the truffles and special cheese. Can’t wait to go back.
   

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7. E

   Emile

   Ottawa

   3 reviews

   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on December 28, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   We had a great time. The atmosphere was great. You MUST get the duck. It’s their best item in the menu. The cod was good but lacked some taste. Overall would go again and get the Duck for myself and not share it with my gf
   

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8. L

   Liv

   Montreal

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 20, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Beautiful delicious food. Every bite was wonderful. Cozy and fun atmosphere. Our server had such a great knowledge of the wine and food pairings. A “must” if you live in Ottawa.
   

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9. C

   Chanel

   New Orleans

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on December 17, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Exceptional! One of Ottawa’s best. Everything was perfect.
   

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10. K

    Ken

    Ottawa

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 16, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Fantastic food, courteous and very knowledgable server and an inviting ambiance. Very highly recommended.
    

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