We had a fantastic meal and great service by Taylor. We loved the vibe. The Hot seafood platter did not disappoint. For meat lovers the burgers were very yummy. Nice selection of tequilas and whiskeys. Extremely quick service. Will definitely be back!

I've eaten dozens if not hundreds of fried Calamari around the world but without a shred of doubt, the Calamari at Whalebone was the best I've ever had. It was so tender, had a delicious coating and the dipping sauce was delicious. I was tempted...to order a second one but instead moved on to their Seafood Chowder. The Chowder seemed to be a bridge between a New England and a Manhattan style clam chowder. There was plenty of meat and other goodies in it and the flavour was delicious. Like the Calamari, I would order this again. My wife had the Bay Scallop Ceviche. It was light and tasty but unremarkable in that it lacked the typical punch of flavour many Ceviche dishes offer. She had the Tuna Poke bowl for her main and said that it was really very good. She would order that dish again. The service was impeccable. The surroundings are hustle bustle but in a good way as the place is full of energy. We've eaten here a few times before and will be back for more.More

This restaurant is one of my favourites when I stay in Ottawa. Whalesbone has a great atmosphere with fantastic food. I always like to stay at the bar when I eat here. I had the Cornish hen for the first time with their truffle fries;...decadent. Also, I have to mention the great music! This restaurant is a must when you are in Ottawa. It isn’t easy to find parking; you have to be patient.More

When doing research on restaurants in the city, Whalesbone continually came up. So when friends of ours also recommended it, we knew we had to try it. It is located within walkable distance from the city center and is on a busy street with many...other restaurants and stores to explore. We stopped in around 20:00 on a weeknight without a reservation, and waited five minutes for a table. The hostess was friendly and apologetic for our short wait. The server we then had was just as friendly and helpful and they both set the tone for great service that we experienced the entire evening. We had a bottle of wine, some oysters, then the cold seafood platter (which was wonderful). This amount of food was perfect for two people, saving just enough room for dessert! We couldn't have been more pleased with the atmosphere, the service, and the food. This was without question the best dinner we had while in Ottawa. I would recommend The Whalesbone to anyone looking for a nice dinner in the city.More

This restaurant is one of my favourite restaurants in Ottawa. Friendly staff and delicious food. This time I had a waghu burger with truffle fries. It was amazing. Whalesbone is known for its delicious oysters.

We popped in to have a few oysters last week. They did not have room for us which I can accept but the wall of rudeness was absolutely uncalled for. The front of house person put us off to the extent that we will not...return … anytime soon. I can understand the stresses and strains that restaurants are currently experiencing but we as consumers are also facing our own discomforts. We are just heading back indoors without masks and we are prepared to spend more on the same menu items. What we are not ok about… a rigid and rude demeanour from the folks we are trying to support.More

I was in search of a light bite before attending the concluding Chamberfest concert at nearby Dominion Chalmers Church. The Elgin Street branch of Whalesbone Seafood Emporium kindly accommodated and found me a seat at the bar with a splendid view of a barman preparing...signature oysters collected in pots behind him assorted according to their provenance. I enjoyed a shrimp cocktail and a glass of Ontarian Gewürztraminer whilst the barman discussed hosting a private oyster party at the home of one of two women seated to my right.More

Not only was the food fantastic, the ambiance of the restaurant lovely and welcoming….but the service was impeccable!! The staff are so team oriented! I like every single one of their staff checked on us at various points and gave suggestions. Just a lovely all...around lovely experience. The thoroughly enjoyed!More

The salmon with gochujang glaze, sweet potato, herb salad and veggies was a feast for the eyes as well as for the palette! It was perhaps the most delicious serving of salmon I've ever eaten. My husband really enjoyed the scallops & pork belly too....The service was very good, but the initial (un)welcome by the hostess almost had us leave to find another place to dine. Arriving on a Thursday at 5pm without a reservation seemed to be an issue; so I recommend reserving ahead of time.More

I visited a few nights ago and be warned…. It’s better to book in advance to avoid disappointment as it gets rammed in there. The staff are attentive and the menu extensive. The drinks menu is extensive too with a variety of foreign and domestic...draught and bottled beers. The wine list caters for all tastes and pockets. I opted for 2 starters (Jumbo Shrimp and Clam Chowder) and 4 Raw Oyster’s to start. The novelty there was a bottle of Scotch to fill and empty shell and wash it down! 🤣All through my stay, the waiting staff and bar staff always stopped to ask how my courses were, not to be intrusive, but to be so friendly. It does appear to me that this restaurant wants to enhance their customers’ experiences and they do that with immense pride. If and when I go back to Ottawa, this restaurant is definitely on my list to visit again.More

Wow.....what an utterly disappointing visit to this restaurant. Service was great, but the food was mediocre (with the exception of the ceasar salad. The halibut in the fish and chips was chewy and tasted frozen, the salmon tasted 'fishy' and sat amongst a ton of...cilantro and some underwhelming vegetables. For the price of the entrees, one expects a significantly higher standard of food.More

Mondays are not usually the best day to experience an eatery. But, I would expect that an establishment that does open on a Monday and charges the premiums that this resto does, the quality would be top shelf. I was disappointed. The tartare was pleasant...but not outstanding, the tuna crudo was tasty but the pieces were razor thin. The fish and chips was a disappointment the fish pieces were certainly not worthy of the price, something I would expect at standard resto. The tuna poke bowl was tasty but not outstanding. The standout is the service staff, very pleasant and engaging. Not sure that I will return to give them another try.More