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The Whalesbone Oyster House
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
14 reviews for The Whalesbone Oyster House
Review Highlights
14 reviews in English
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Review from Tanima M.
Ottawa, ON
5/9/2012
I love seafood! And this is the best place to have seafood in Ottawa. Even if you don't like seafood, this place is a place to eat. I had one of the most amazing brisket's ever here, it was cooked in duck fat, it was a religious experience.
This place is all about atmosphere, great staff, and great music. The place is tiny, and I have never sat anywhere but the bar, it's a great place to sit, you get to chat with the awesome bartendar, talk about their record collection, and get to watch them shuck the oysters.
You will have to plan ahead to come here, make reservations, as it is too small for walk-ins. They have a retail store as well, on Kent st. with amazing sandwiches and soups at lunch time. -
Review from Absolute B.
Ottawa, ON
4/16/2012
Took my wife here for dinner for her Birthday. She is a huge fan of oysters, and to that end she was not disappointed. That is where the good ended.
While my wife dove in to her 18 Oysters, I had the 'Clam' Chowder. I could not detect a clam, potato or anything else that resembled what goes in a chowder. Just a creamy base with a hunk of Rye bread plopped in the middle
Our mains then came out (My wife's main was presented to me and vice versa, but that's not a huge issue)
I had the Lobster Roll, which may or may not have contained lobster. It was served on a cold white bread which I found stale but may have just been the fact that it was still cold from the refrigerator. This was the size of a Twinkie® and the scant filling it did contain was void of any seafood flavor. There was definitely apple and maybe pear and mayo and a visible abundance of some seasoning all over the top which neither my wife or I could identify or palate. It was served with a handful of tiny potato chips and a mere garnish of slaw. It was $19. I wept a bit, not for the price, but rather for the fact that it was just not a lobster roll...or good
My wife had the walleye, and the fish itself was actually very tasty. The portion was about 4 oz and server on a mushroom ragu which I thought was 'OK' but not enjoined by my wife. It was also served with a mini mushroom pot pie which we both found 'Odd'
Anywhoo...
Oysters, chowder, walleye, lobster roll with water and one pint of beer was $135+tip (granted the oyster sampler was $50)
I'd take my wife anytime for the oysters which she loved, and have a pint while she dined.
Two stars only because of the Oysters...Other than that it is a pass for me -
Review from Jason K.
2/5/2012
- best restaurant in ottawa. period.
- for a landlocked city, whalesbone has some pretty great oysters.... was there last night and had some dynamite "sea angels" from BC. holy crap.
- daniel (the dude shucking the oysters) knows his sh!t.
- completely and 100% percent recommend sitting up at the bar just to be able to chat with him.... and if you're lucky enough, you can help select the music played on the sound system (he only plays LPs, and goes from johnny cash to arcade fire to elvis)
- their menu rotates, and last night's clam chowder was damn good.
- would also recommend getting a reservation. this place seats maybe 35 at most. -
Review from Pumpkin E.
Ottawa, ON
1/12/2012
This is my favourite restaurant in Ottawa. Whalesbone has yet to disappoint me. I would eat here every week if I could afford it. My most recent visit was for brunch; I had the lobster benedict, and my friend had the cornmeal waffles. Both were just plain good food. I still salivate a bit when I think about the hollandaise. I can't remember what I ordered the last time I went for dinner, but I do remember the oysters. Delicious.
Also: some of the most knowledgeable and friendly restaurant staff I've encountered in Ottawa. Always make a reservation. It's teeny tiny inside and popular. -
Review from Hintonburg R.
Ottawa, ON
7/12/2011
More shabby than chic, the Whalesbone should stick to its specialty oysters and not try so hard on the dinner menu. Eco-seafood is expensive, but servings are just too paltry despite the fact that they are very flavourful. For example, the octopus was tasty, but it was too much like octopus bits than even an echo of what a hearty pulpo could be. The tuna tartare, while savourific, was too thin a tuna line to warrant the big catch price.
All in all worth a visit, but eat before you get there. Or just stick with the oysters. -
Review from Frank W.
10/27/2011
I arrived early for a dinner with a friend and first waited at the bar. The staff was extremely friendly, pouring a hot tea to take off the chill. I hadn't seen my friend in four years so we spent more time talking that eating, but even though the restaurant was crowded the staff insisted "Take your time."
The food could hold its own at much stuffier establishments. Pricey and (relatively) small portions, but the flavors were exquisite and I did not leave hungry.
Whalesbone provided a number of reasons to feel good about the evening, and I'd like to return to sample more of the menu. The four-course tasting dinner for $70 caught my eye... -
Review from G H.
3/31/2011
I have to agree with the other reviews. This place is very good!
The staff is super friendly. We sat by the kitchen bar and were educated by Chloe on the finer aspects of sustainable sea food.
We had the oyster special which is 18 oysters. We had a mix of the 5 varieties n stock. They were all good. The Super Jumbo from BC could have been a chicken breast based on it's size - more than a mouthful!
The fish and chips on the lunch menu was excellent. They use fresh water bass and local potatoes seasoned with truffle oil.
Planned to return on my next trip to Ottawa. Be sure to make reservations if you plan on dinner. It is a very small intimate restaurant. -
Review from Andrew K.
Ottawa, ON
5/6/2011
This place is okay. Its got the best seafood I have had in Ottawa, which isn't saying much. This place wouldn't last a month in Vancouver.
Overpriced.
The guy who shucks the oysters is proud of his shucking abilities. -
Review from Tim C.
Ottawa, ON
6/26/2011
Great atmosphere and decor. Small place, make reservations. Food is pricey but tasty, and Ocean Wise certified. Portions are a little small. Friendly service.
A nice treat once in a while. -
Review from Marie B.
Gatineau, QC
8/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oysters! Always packed, make a reservation or try to grab a seat at the bar. Pricey but worth it.
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Review from James F.
Oakville, ON
4/30/2011
This maybe one of the best restaurants on the planet. Its nothing you would expect. It's more like being in a friends front room while a party is going on. It's small, maybe only seat 25, and the music comfortably loud. The staff are so friendly you will think you have known them forever. Chef Charlotte is a world class chef. Ask for the chefs table and watch this young lady creating a world class dinner, and dancing at the same time! I had three types of oyster to start (and these guys know oysters and sell to the other restaurants including Chateau Laurier). Then the fois gras, the presentation will blow you away. Then lobster. Chef Charlotte's creativity will leave you speechless. All my guests were world travellers and all said it may have been the best meal they had ever had!
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Review from Esther Y.
Ottawa, ON
12/3/2010
I hated oysters before having a meal at Whalesbone and man did they change my mind. I have tried Oysters at several other places (always raw) and never tasted as fresh or "clean" as the ones here.
My fiance is not a big fan of seafood and even he will agree to be adventurous here and try fish for dinner. The food is absolutely delicious and one of the best places in Ottawa I have been for seafood (and I have extremely picky about my seafood)
The only down fall to this restaurant is the size, but I suppose that is the charm. I suggest making the reservation a week in advance if you want to be sure to get a spot. This restaurant is not for the shy -- the tables are quite close together. -
Review from Gypsy T.
Toronto, ON
6/15/2010 1 photo
Simply the best casual resto in Ottawa for great atmosphere. Can't get to the menu because we end up eating too many oysters. Wine selection is good. This restaurant is always full - get there early for a spot at the bar (before 7) or make a reservation.
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Review from Mike N.
London, ON
2/11/2010
I've eaten here twice while visiting Ottawa. Incredible food and talented chef! They shuck a variety of oysters at the bar and then educate you about their oysters flown in from both coasts. Friendly staff and they play vinyls from an eclectic collection of LP's - The Flowers, Rolling Stones and Funky Funky, New York while I was there. Everything is good - try the pizza appetizer - mussels, truffle oil, fresh dill, capers etc - memorable!! They are "Ocean Wise" certified, which means they only serve sustainable oysters and fish. http://www.thewhalesbo...
