Black Dog Bistro - Ottawa

Our visit to Manotick after over 10 years was disappointing. We stopped by for a drink and light lunch on two occasions, and found the experience to be mediocre at best. During our most recent visit, we hoped to enjoy a glass of wine on the open terrace on a Friday afternoon. Despite only wanting drinks and not planning to eat, we were told by the hostess that we couldn't sit on the empty part of the terrace as there was no server assigned to that section. After explaining our simple request, we were begrudgingly offered a table in the covered area, just a few feet away from the closed section in the sun. Feeling unwelcome, we left and went to another nearby restaurant called Tresor. We observed the hostess and two servers chatting at the entrance, seemingly unconcerned about serving customers. It was clear that the current staff lacked the hospitality that the previous owner, Dot, and former employees like Audrey had provided. It makes us wonder if the current owner is aware of the issues in her restaurant. Additionally, we found the hostess' attire to be inappropriate for her role. It's unfortunate to see what was once an excellent restaurant decline in quality.

This was our go-to restaurant for years. We live about 45 min away but it was worth the drive …. but not anymore. The last half dozen times we’ve been the food quality has significantly deteriorated. The last trip was the final straw. We ordered...calamari to start which was basically breaded rubber. We have always loved their matchstick fries so we also ordered them as an app. Surprise! We got regular julienne fries as they have discontinued the others. We were there for a late lunch so my hubby ordered the steak sandwich which was the best thing we had and it was pretty basic. I ordered a spicy chicken sandwich. The spicy part of the sandwich was a side of Frank’s Hot Sauce which was pretty lazy on the cooks part I think. But that didn’t really matter as it was completely dried out and so tough as to be inedible. At this point we finally complained. The waitress really seemed to be at a loss and apologized but nothing else. We actually had to ask her to remove our basically untouched plates as she thought we weren’t done. We had both been looking forward to their Sticky Toffee Pudding and espresso so we took a chance and went ahead. The dessert was just as amazing as ever and we really enjoyed it. When the waitress brought our bill she had not deducted anything off of it. We were surprised but she said she couldn’t do that. We asked to speak to the manager. When the waitress returned she had removed the chicken sandwich but not the calamari or fries (that we barely touched). We asked again to speak to the manager but she was busy so we left it at that. But we will not be back. Please note the service (from the front door to our server) was very good and friendly except of course for the manager whom we never had the opportunity to meet. And as stated the dessert was very good.

Stopped in for lunch at the Black Dog Bistro and once again had a great lunch. We had the wings has a starter and they were so good. Had the sandwich of the day which was also superb. Very nice dinning room and the service was excellent.

Stopped in with visiting adult daughter. Great food, friendly service and surprisingly airy dining room. Server was friendly and flexible. Lots of kids (which might bother some) which is a little surprising at this price point. Very nice place.

This is a great restaurant to try out if you haven't already, and you will frequent this place once you have been here. We enjoy this restaurant all seasons of the year, they have a lovely patio area to enjoy on warm summer nights, as well as great seating options inside, from casual pub style to finer dining option, food choices are plenty and everything we have tried has been delicious! Calamari is one of my fav for appetizer, and the Back Ribs for an entire are my fav, but their salmon is also a huge hit with many customers. The staff is very friendly, personable and professional always taking good care of their customers, and you must ask to meet the owner KJ - she is an amazing lady who runs a great restaurant, and works very hard to ensure the customers are comfortable and satisfied. I highly recommend you check this establishment out, we introduced some friends to Black Dog this past week and they were very satisfied and will be repeat customers.