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Pelican Fishery & Grill
Categories: Restaurants Seafood Food Specialty Food Seafood Markets Seafood, Seafood Markets [Edit]
1500 Bank StreetOttawa, ON K1H 7Z2
(613) 526-0995
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 8:30 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
Sun 12 pm - 8 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
10 reviews for Pelican Fishery & Grill
10 reviews in English
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Review from Dawn M.
3/28/2012
Wandered over without a reservation, arriving just after 7 on a Wednesday night. This place had come up in a number of places - including personal recommendations from friends - so I was happy we were finally going to try it.
You enter through the fish shop - which had just closed. Just keep going and hang a right at the first opening.
The restaurant was about 60% full. To be on the safe side, probably best to get a reservation. Overall it's a small restaurant with about 15 tables and on a busy night probably 3 waitstaff. Decor was pleasant. Loved the role-themed professional photos of the staff hanging throughout the restaurant.
Menu is succinct - clearly they stick to what they can do well, instead of trying to be everything to everyone. They do also offer some daily specials (soup, and entree).
We ordered the lobster poutine, garlic shrimp, fish & chips and salmon. I was wondering how lobster poutine could possibly worked - but it did! Instead of gravy, it's got what I would call lobster bisque. Steaming hot. Fantastic. Flavourful. This is a must-try for any visit.
Fish and chips (halibut) was moist and juicy on the inside, but crunchy and light on the outside. Worth re-ordering on a future visit. (That was Hubby's order - I snuck a couple of bites.)
I had the garlic shrimp on risotto with vegetables. Loved it. All the flavours and textures worked together well.
The boy had the salmon. He wouldn't share - so I can't comment. He did pick out his vegetables, stating they weren't a good match for the salmon. He finished everything else. Of the three of us, he thought he probably wouldn't make an effort to return. (I on the other hand proposed we become regulars.)
Finished up with chocolate cake for dessert. It was cold, and a bit dry - however, still flavourful. This was the low point of the meal - and I might be inclined to head somewhere else for dessert.
Wait staff were wonderful and attentive.
Would I recommend: Yes
Would I return: Yes -
Review from Absolute B.
Ottawa, ON
1/20/2012
My wife and I booked dinner with another couple to treat them for his birthday.
First off be aware this place is tiny and we were packed in. Not a huge deal, but just so you know. My seat was literally back to back with another chair. We were seated and dropped off water and amazing bread and then told about the menu. We placed our drink order and then waited...over 20 minutes for our drinks and to have our order taken. We ordered our food and then waited for our apps which came out pretty fast but without cutlery and my wife had to request cocktail sauce twice before it was received. Most of the staff were very friendly but seemed very absent minded and we did not really know who was taking care of us as we had at least 3 servers visiting the table (the first of which seem quite scattered and disinterested). I also noted that the plates and glasses were gritty feeling and not so shiny. Not dirty...just not nice to touch.
Ah well...IMO it's the food that matters...I will not speak to our guest's food except to say that they felt it was some of the best seafood they have had in Ottawa. I wish I felt the same
For apps my wife and I shared: clam chowder...it was OK. Not great to start but it grew on me. Not what I grew up on in NS but not at all bad. Mussels in creamy garlic sauce. This was the highlight of the meal. Really tasty (but my wife felt it was too strong of a flavor of bacon..I don't think there is such a thing). Crab Cakes. This was a miss. Not the best I've had by far. An odd combination of too dry on the exterior and just mushy inside. Not pleasant.
For mains, my wife had oysters which were very tiny even for the price (two were nearly nonexistent, not meaty just water on a shell).
I had the Halibut and Chips...I love Fish and Chips and I love Halibut...unfortunately this experience was without flavor and oily (but I will say the fries were actually some of the best I've ever had)
I come from the east coast and perhaps I expect too much or maybe my palate is just tuned to that taste. Again it was not a horrible meal at all, it just could have been so much more. For east coast seafood I'd choose Merivale Fish Market...another fish market/restaurant combo with a flavor that is more familiar to me and a real NS feel
Meal for four with 1/2L of wine tax/tip was $215 -
Review from Katie D.
Ottawa, ON
2/26/2012
The Pelican Grill is a small bistro adjoined to the Pelican Fish Market.
We had a positive lunch experience here highlighted by excellent service and a nice atmosphere that makes you forget that you are in a strip mall.
The fish is fresh without doubt however the overall execution of our dishes was a bit disappointing. We had a bowl of Chowder ($7), the daily special (Arctic Char for $19) and the Scallops and Pork Belly ($19). The scallops were bland and the veggie side didn't complement the flavors of the fish. The Artic Char was better and was accompanied by the same vegetable mixture. The chowder was very good.
While we were not blown away by the food, we will return to try other dishes (notably the fish and chips) before rendering a final verdict on this place. Until then, Pelican Grill is a very solid 3 stars with 4 star potential. -
Review from Amanda B.
Ottawa, ON
11/23/2010
My friend's dad was very kind and offered to treat us to lunch. I had never been there before, and I was very excited when we walked in, as they have the fresh seafood for sale in a different section on the right side, so I knew the seafood was fresh. Surprisingly, this fresh seafood smell did not travel to the restaurant-grill area where we were seated. It was extremely popular, and the restaurant was almost full, but we didn't have to wait for a table.
My eyes really lit up when I saw grilled scallops on the menu, so, naturally, I had to have them. I decided to order them with potatoes and vegetables instead of greens, and I was not disappointed. There were more scallops than I expected and they were quite large in size. They were grilled perfectly - not at all hard or chewy in texture, but tender and flavourful, as they should be. I was very happy to find that the dish had scalloped potatoes instead of mashed or baked. These were also cooked very well, along with the mixed vegetables. It was such a great treat for us! It was a bit pricey, as this was a main lunch dish, but for the quality of the food, it's absolutely worth it. I can't stress enough how fresh their seafood is! Fantastic! I'd love to go back to try their dinner menu.
The service here was amazing. They greeted us the second we walked through the door, made sure we got everything we needed while we were eating, and said bye to us as we were leaving - smiles all around :)Listed in: Glutton
-
Review from Hintonburg R.
Ottawa, ON
5/28/2010
Finally, perfect fish and chips. Happened to stop by on a whim and decided to try the fish and chips. Normally, I am cautious in Ottawa, where every two-bit chain pub (and you can't swing a dead cat in this town without hitting one) serves some over breaded over cooked deflavoured overpriced serving of fish and chips.
Not the Pelican Grill. Tender, succulent fish with delicate breading, flavoured just right. With delicious french fries.
They do eat in and take out. I just tried the take out. But the place was packed. -
Review from Marjorie P.
Ottawa, ON
1/21/2012
My expectations may have been too high as it was rated best in Ottawa by trip advisor. I thought the service was excellent, my companion thought they came by too often. The restaurant is small and crowded and busy. I ordered two appetizers, the salad and the three fish one and a cup of chowder. The chowder was very good, salad just okay. My friend's fish needed more cooking. The free creme brûlée for my birthday was lovely. The bill with no alcohol or tip was 59.00 for two.
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Review from Dina V.
Orléans, ON
1/13/2012
Never had a bad salmon or seafood here! Personal service and lots of laughs.
-
Review from Celine B.
Orleans, ON
8/10/2010
Really great restaurant, the seafood was very fresh and tasty. Service was prompt, and presentation was beautiful.
The entrance smelled of fish (they have a counter where you can buy fresh seafood), which was a bit worrisome considering fresh seafood shouldn't smell that much. Also, they looked rushed to close down at around 8pm, where they told us the kitchen was closing. What a shame...but it is in a strip mall and not the Market I guess. -
Review from Rhino R.
Calgary, AB
10/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
The fish n chips were delicious!! Really enjoyed stopping here for lunch!
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Review from Zoe S.
Ottawa, ON
8/8/2011
Delicious! Everything about this place is charming and tasty.
