The Galley - Ottawa

The upstairs lounge and dining room were very nicely decorated and the music was better than in past years; the overall atmosphere was very pleasant.The meal was not quite up to last years' standards; soup was good quality but temperature-wise could have been actually hot; the salad was blah...and lacked presentation, the main (beef) was very good, however lacked vegetables, the dessert very nice.As always, the service was very pleasant and polite.

I've been back to this restaurant three times in the past month. The first two, the food was actually quite good. And on the second of those two times the acoustic performance by a local group was excellent. The third time though, the vegetarian dish was a tasteless mush and quite inedible. Since there are only three options on the menu, only one of which is vegetarian, it's not possible to substitute for something else. The over-amped after dinner entertainment was not that great either and precluded any after dinner conversation. This is not a good concert venue and most guests are members and friends of the sailing club who like getting together to catch up during the winter months. While we had made reservations for Valentine's dinner we cancelled them based on our most recent experience as well as the fact that only group seating at tables for eight would be available. It's not what you'd call a quiet, intimate setting for a romantic dinner.

Friday night dinners at The Galley during the winter months feature a table d'hôte menu with an appetizer, a selection of three main courses including one vegetarian choice, and an optional dessert. This is followed by live entertainment. Advance reservations are mandatory. Bar service is excellent, but dining service could still use some improvement. The food unfortunately is not as good while prices have been increased over last year with a change in both the chef and the operations. A vegetarian diner was initially offered an appetizer that included beef. After a long wait this was substituted by a vegetable soup that was mostly broth with little substance. Some of the entrees were overcooked but barely warm. The entertainment was OK, but much too loud making conversation difficult. The club is open to the public but members do receive a discount on food.

This restaurant is upstairs at the Nepean Sailing Club but you don't have to be a member to eat there and enjoy the spectacular view of the Ottawa River. Their wrap-around deck makes for a great view no matter where you sit. There is very much a sailing club atmosphere -- dress is casual and you give your order at the bar. They give you a disc that lights, beeps and vibrates when your food is ready and you pick it up at the serving counter from the actual galley. It's good food at reasonable prices, and you can't beat the view. You can see their menu online and plan your repast ahead.

We decided to spend NYE close to home and were lucky to get tickets for dinner / dance at the Galley with friends.The seating was great on a nice table for four; the decorations greatly enhanced the atmosphere and the four course meal (prime rib / salmon) was outstanding.As always, the service was friendly and efficient.We were able to move to the more casual lounge part of the restaurant from where we enjoyed the rest of the evening.Thank you for a job well done.