What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Aperitivo
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
From scratch + seasonal. Mediterranean inspired, share plates. Innovative wines, creative cocktails + local craft beer.
Features
CUISINES
Mediterranean, Contemporary, Wine Bar, Canadian
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Full Bar
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Street Parking
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Parking Available, Street Parking
Can a vegetarian person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 11:00 PM
Sunday
4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday
4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Thursday
4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday
12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Saturday
12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Contribute
4.6
528 reviews
Excellent
396
Very good
86
Average
31
Poor
8
Terrible
7
Jim K.
Ottawa2 contributions
Nov 2023 • family
We had a terrific meal. Upon arrval drinks were ordered and served quickly.
We ordered 3 Mezze and 3 Share Plates and they were served one or two at a time so we weren't overwhelmed and could dine at a comfortable pace. The cornbread takes a little while to bake but our server explained why it would be delayed. All our food was excellent and easily shared. The only suggestion I would have is a few more chips with the baba ghanoush; otherwise serving sizes were perfect.
Written November 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise L
Ottawa12 contributions
Jul 2024 • couples
So. Good. This is my favourite restaurant in Ottawa. The food is always on point, cocktails are delicious (hibiscus sour is my personal favourite), dishes are perfect for sharing, and they take care of allergies in a careful but easy-going manner. Service is impeccable, the servers really understand the intricacies of each item on the food and wine list.
Written July 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred G
Ottawa7 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
We had a lovely time, the server was appropriately attentive, helpful on food choices and conveyed an enthusiasm for the food. Our choices were varied and delicious and of excellent quality. We thoroughly enjoyed five dishes plus dessert and were content. A very pleasant experience. A very good selection of alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages.
Written January 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth B
Stittsville1 contribution
Apr 2022 • none
My husband and I had reservations at Aperitivo last Friday. We noted that there were only 2 tables left, not in good locations. The server offered us either table - table for 4 in the middle of everyone, or a high table of 2 by the entrance. I responded the high table. My husband commented unhappily that they were not good tables considering we had a reservation. The server immediately became rude and defensive. She then paused and said she decided she would after all seat us at the table we had on our reservation which was the table for 4?! I responded that I would not argue over a table and sat at the high table and she said “great start to the evening”! We had our drinks then decided to leave because our evening was ruined. The other 2 servers who checked in on us were professional and friendly.
We try out new restaurants around Ottawa almost every weekend and have no complaints about the service at any of them. We are big tippers as we like to support employees in the restaurant industry.
Last weekend we were at the Perspective Jazz bar and we were offered to move to a better table with a view of the band as soon as one was available. We tipped generously for their great customer service.
I won’t be recommending Aperitivo to our large group of “foodies” and we will not be returning as we do not have any interest in bringing our business there.
Written April 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle M
87 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
We were two couples for lunch on Saturday just before Easter. The sharing plates are sooo delicious! We had charcuterie, halloumi (so yummy!), the chicken kebabs and focaccia. Our friends had never been there and they absolutely loved it. Erica treated us so great. It’s nice that you can also buy their wines (which you can’t get at the LCBO) at retail price and also bring back home any bottles that you didn’t finish. Please keep this restaurant going! So many around them are gone and they’ve managed to stick around.
Written March 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline P
1 contribution
May 2023 • couples
We have dined here twice and we loved it both times. The food is delicious, the menu is creative and locally sourced and offers many options for folks who eat gluten free and vegetarian/pescatarian diets. The service is personable and the staff know their stuff, lingering a moment to help make recommendations and suggest wine pairings. All in all, we enjoyed everything about our dining experience. Book that table now!
Written June 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen Symons
3 contributions
Feb 2024 • friends
Aperitivo is a bustling and popular restaurant for good reason. We've been coming here for more than a decade and it's still our favourite spot. The food, the personnel, and the wine are always superb. The reservation system is easy to use, and allergies are elegantly accommodated. I can say that dining at Aperitivo is always fun, delicious, and an overall wonderful experience.
Written February 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David L
Ottawa156 contributions
Dec 2024 • couples
Aperitivo offers a creative and delicious menu, exceptionally prepared. Each shareable plate offered proof of the love and expertise that went into its preparation: the perfect cut of steak, the tangy gnocchi, the mushrooms, each was delectable. And the crew working there was professional, charming and low key.
We were happy to discover Aperitivo and will definitely return.
Written December 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie S
5 contributions
Jan 2023 • couples
Aperitivo never disappoints us and last night was no exception. Food, cocktails and wine were all outstanding. Even the coffee is consistently fresh and piping hot! I’m not sure how they do it but every few months the menu changes and just when you think it can’t get any better they go and prove us wrong! If I was able to rate this restaurant 6 out of 5 I would!!! Erica & Jen: you guys are awesome! You are always spot on when we request that you pair the wine for us! Thank you!
Written January 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
canadianinriyadh
Arizona221 contributions
Jul 2024 • couples
Highly recommended on reviews. Despite the name we thought it would be a bigger restaurant. Staff very friendly and answered our questions regarding the menu. This is a tapas bar and meals are shareable. For me the food was too salty as I choose to cook with not too much salt and use herbs and seasoning. Would recommend this place but personally would not go back.
Written August 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mdextras8
Ottawa15 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
As always Aperitivo did not disappoint. We went with our son who was visiting and the place was buzzing as usual. Erica and Jen greeted us as if we were old friends. The sharing plates menu allowed for a good varied selection, halloumi, so tender with a superb sauce, halibut brown butter, fritto misto with a lovely hollandaise, just enough to dip your veggies and a lamb & pork bolognese. Everything was excellent. Erica chose a wonderful wine for us, she knows what we like!
Written June 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen P
19 contributions
Jun 2022 • family
This is our go to restaurant for a nice night out in Kanata. The dishes are tapas style which is great since there are so many on the menu to try. They also accommodate gluten free extremely well; everything on their menu is naturally gluten free with exception of the crostinis which can be subbed for a gluten free cracker.
The fried kale was by far our favourite dish on the menu and shouldn’t be missed.
The cocktails are also really nice and the wine list and selection of wines by the glass is great.
Can’t wait to come back!
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josh A
43 contributions
Mar 2023 • family
I’ve been to Aperitivo many times and as usual it was great. Servers were very friendly and helpful explaining menu items. Menu selection is always very interesting and had a great variety of options.
Corn bread with whipped honey butter was hot and fresh; very tasty. Fresh east coast oysters were a treat! Wine selection was also great as usual.
I’ll be back again!
Written March 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SandraOttawa_Ontario
Oxford Mills5 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
We try to eat at Aperitivo every few months. Instead of ordering from the menu, we ask Erica to chose our dishes and to pair them with wine. We have never not liked a dish. Just last night, when we were looking at the menu, my husband said to me.. "I don't want the fried kale". But he didn't mention it to Erica and guess what? Erica served us the kale. My husband loved it so much, he considered asking Erica to bring out a second one! Their dishes are always imaginative and exciting. I highly recommend that you ask for Erica and ask her to select the dishes and wine. Be adventurous! You won't be disappointed and if you are lucky, you might even get served dishes that aren't on the menu.
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole D
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • friends
It was a fantastic evening from start to finish! The staff, the service, the recommendations for dishes and quantity was superb AND then the food arrived. We were a party of 4 and every plate was delicious and we all raved abut the flavours and taste. It was a memorable way to celebrate my birthday.
Written July 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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