Restaurant International - Ottawa

Guy, this is a serious food experience. The Algonquin College students showcase the art of culinary here. The environment is modern and stylish. The staff students were nice and attentive. The girl staff even offered to take a family photo for us. The food was impressively well prepared and presented. Overall, we had an awesome wonderful meal.

It has been some tine since we were at this property but it remains a real top drawer destination. We were greeted with genuine warmth. the hostess immediately offered to take our coats and hang up the same.The dinner was nothing short of excellent. My wife asked for the boar and it was well presented and cooked to her request. I asked for the fowl and it, as well was excellent. the other courses, appetizer, soup and dessert were equally was presented and flavorful.The only drawback was the limited and marginal quality wine list, but one has to remember that this is a provincially funded operation.Our server was a true delight. The faculty member on duty that evening would be well served to keep his cell phone in his pocket. It sets a poor example to the students who look to the teaching faculty to set an example.Oh, and the value---OUTSTANDING

For my anniversary dinner we decided to eat here, as my husband has been wanting to try it. Plus, I love the idea of supporting the students and their endeavour to learn. The evening started off great, I had a tempura which was so well flavored and the batter was light and fluffy – dare I say it was nearly perfect. I was so impressed. My husband had the spring rolls, and I know he really enjoyed those and the flavor as well – so the first round of appetizers was a total win. My next order was the beef consommé, but this fell flat. It was very bland, and had no flavour (even after I put a lot of salt and pepper to try and help.) Almost like it needed more flavours, like fresh chives would have been nice. I told the waiter and was so polite and said I’m sorry I don’t like it, has no flavour its bland and he brought me out a salad – which I am still dreaming about. The salad was packed with different flavours and lots of textures which made it awesome, was very happy he brought me something else it just made my evening that much better! The entrees were awesome, I really wanted the rabbit but knew I am not a Polenta fan so asked for potatoes – no problem, they easily accommodated my request. Same with my husband, as he asked the mashed potatoes, and I had delicious fingerling potatoes. The rabbit was cooked so well, it was tender, and juicy – I loved every bite. The only thing - and maybe this place does not do it, is they did not do anything for a special occasion, they were aware of our anniversary, but maybe if you call and ask they would accommodate. I will recommend this place to everyone, it’s a fun experience and the price is incredible for the dining experience you get! Thank you to all for a lovely anniversary evening.

Because we had two children with us we booked a table for 5:30 pm. There were no other patrons in the restaurant. There were two waiters, but we waited half an hour for water and menus. This was just the beginning to a dining fiasco. We then waited two and a half hours for the main course. By the time we left at 8:45 with two sleepy children, we were all exhausted and full of the salty, mediocre food. Throughout the meal the maitre d' hid in the kitchen. Terrible service and lackluster food. Avoid this restaurant at all costs!

What an outstanding experience!We were a group of five and we could not have asked for a better meal presented by nothing short of an outstanding server.The appetizers, both the spring rolls as well as the calamari were enticing and did not overpowering. The two suits on the menu, minestrone and mushroom were tasteful and again, not overpowering. Our group had a number of the main courses which included rabbit, pork and fish and all were exceptionally well presented and tasteful. For dessert we all had ‘deconstructed pavlova’ that was a perfect ending to a really outstanding meal.Special kudos have to go to our server, Constantine. What an exceptionally personable young man! He had just the right mix of charm and professionalism and knew how to read and deal with his guests. He was able to describe the menu items and match them to the tastes/inquiries of his guests. He knew his wine list very well. When this young man finishes his studies he would be a great asset to any restaurant where tact, humor, and professionalism are the watchwords.Just before dessert we had the privilege of meeting the faculty chef working that evening, Mario Ramsey and two of his students who had taken the lead in the preparation of what was an outstanding meal. It was obvious that he took pride in students, and they, in turn, held him in the highest of respect and regard. No educator could ask for more. Two of our group were treated to a tour of the kitchen and they came back thoroughly impressed.Oh, and the prices are an unbelievable value, but go there for the meal, the value is the added bonusEven though it is a student learning environment is nothing short of outstanding!