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Carben Restaurant, Ottawa, ON
Carben Restaurant, Ottawa, ON
Carben Restaurant, Ottawa, ON
Carben Restaurant, Ottawa, ON
Carben Restaurant, Ottawa, ON
This restaurant now offers Takeout

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Bring the restaurant to you. Order and pay for food directly on OpenTable.

Carben Restaurant

4.9
4.9
843 Reviews
CAN$30 and under
Global, International
Top tags:
Carben is located in Hintonburg and thrives from the vibrancy and support of the community. The restaurant is named after the owners Caroline Ngo and Kevin Benes. It is a play on carbon, which is a compound found in all living plants and animals.



The food at Carben is expressive, modern and ever evolving. We are inspired by local and international ingredients and cuisine. We are always challenging ourselves, our staff and our customers. We love collaborating our food with craft cocktails which are created with the same intensity as our food.



The space was designed by Shannon Smithers-Gay from one80 Design. The space is modern and rustic with a touch of industrial – from the quartz bar, to the personalized book shelves, and the large modern light fixtures. We want the space to feel inviting and a place that everyone wants to keep coming back.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Global, International, Canadian
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (613) 792-4000
  • Website
    http://www.carbenrestaurant.com/
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Kevin Benes
  • Private party facilities
    Private Events are available. Please contact info@carbenrestaurant.com
  • Location
    1100 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y7
  • Neighbourhood
    Ottawa
  • Cross Street
    At the corner of Wellington Street West and Sherbrooke in Hintonburg!
  • Parking Details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

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Experiences

  • Tasting Menu

    $85.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Enjoy one of the best and affordable tasting menus in the city. **Entire party must participate**

What 843 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Ottawa

    Best Overall

  • Ottawa

    Best Food

  • Ottawa

    Innovative

  • Ottawa

    Best Overall

  • Ottawa

    Best Food

  • Ottawa

    Innovative

843 Reviews

  1. MargaretW

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food2service3ambience2
    We unfortunately were seated at a high top table with extremely uncomfortable stools!! It was so noisy with the music being too loud, so guests were shouting to be heard. The food tasted good but not enough of it. Came home and had something at home as we were still hungry. Too bad, as the food tasted good

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  2. Pamela

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Carben was all around amazing and they will be deeply missed by the community!

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  3. Anon

    Ottawa

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved dining again at Carben. Always an amazing experience.

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  4. MaureenM

    Ottawa

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Dinner was amazing, as always. Drinks, service, food, it was all excellent. Carben will be missed.

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  5. JohnA

    Montreal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So sad they are closing, but we had an absolutely outstanding final dinner :).

    Is this helpful?

  6. KimM

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food and service were outstanding. Too bad they are closing in 2 weeks.

    Is this helpful?

  7. MCgy

    Calgary

    56 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We really enjoyed the experience. Every dish was super well presented and with a great combination of tastes and textures. Overall very satisfied with the quality and amount of food. Service was excellent with Emily explaining every dish. Very delicious, very well Executrade in terms of timing and pace. Would certainly come back.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Ottawa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We had the tasting menu and it was phenomenal. I can’t wait to go back.

    Is this helpful?

  9. cabernet99

    Ottawa

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the tasting menu (again !!) - with the generous wine pairing (again !!) - AMAZING !!! (again !!) So sorry to hear Carben has been sold .... many thanks to the chef & staff for some of our best meals out and best of luck on your new "journey" !!! You will be missed !!!

    Is this helpful?

  10. MargaretP

    Ottawa

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had not been to Carben in years (I seem to remember some poor reviews pre-COVID), but after last night's fabulous dining experience I cannot wait to go back. The food was just perfect -- the best breast of duck I have ever tasted in Ottawa and possibly Canada-wide! The server was friendly and knowledgeable. My friend cannot have gluten or dairy but had no trouble ordering off the menu. Her cod was amazing. And while I received a small, warm bun lightly salted with Fleur de sel, the kitchen sent my friend a small bowl of popcorn seasoned with Paprika. We will definitely go back!

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  11. Christine

    Ottawa

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    We shared four appetizers between the two of us. They were all interesting and delicious and plentiful. The service was good. My one complaint would be the plastic chairs. They are comfortable but rather spoil the style.

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  12. Marie

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    The Chef’s menu was fantastic. Innovative and tasteful dishes. Dessert to die for

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  13. ClaudiaS

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had a lovely evening there with friends last night. We opted for the tasting menu and each dish was outstanding, diverse and beautifully presented. Our server was extremely cordial and knowledgeable.

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  14. MarilynD

    Montreal

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience2
    Excellent food although we could have had s bit larger portions for the tasting menu. Noise level was loud and the music too loud and the style didn’t fit the scene.

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  15. AarteeK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The tasting menu is wonderful! I went to Carben twice in one month and had the tasting menu both times.

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  16. NormF

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazingly presented small plates with delightful aromas and flavours.

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  17. cabernet99

    Ottawa

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The tasting menu was AMAZING - as was the generous wine-pairing !! Top-notch service ... a GREAT night out !! Thank you

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  18. GriffinF

    Ottawa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Far from my first visit to Carben, definitely will not be my last. Staff are all very attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. The food is so beautiful it almost hurts to eat, but it’s so damn good that it is worth it. 11/10, my favorite restaurant in the city

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  19. Strongfood

    Montreal

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great experience. The chef’s tasting menu was really good. Definitely recommend

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Ottawa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was among the best we’ve had in Ottawa, innovative and delicious. The service was impeccable. We look forward to our next visit.

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  21. AnnaZ

    Nashville

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food and service. This is one of our favorite restaurants in Ottawa.

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  22. DarleneQ

    Ottawa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The menu was interesting and fresh. Service was excellent and food came out quickly.

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Ottawa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Had an amazing time at this restaurant. We had the tasting menu and everything was delicious. Service was also very nice. Highly recommend.

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  24. RyanH

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible food and drinks. Can’t wait to go back!

    Is this helpful?

  25. ClareF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful taster menu. A delightful dining experience.

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  26. tkmc

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic tasting menu, very flavourful. Great service, love coming here.

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  27. JamiR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was outstanding, particularly with the testing menu where you can have smaller versions of most of their menu items for a reasonable cost. It's not an inexpensive meal, but well worth every penny. The flavours were complex and unexpected and our server was very attentive. We would love to go back.

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  28. StephenD

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 14, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Being rather critical here against high standards--had an excellent experience and will be going back. Duck breast, salmon rosettes, lobster & asparagus, Brussel sprouts all excellent. Wed-Thurs 50% off wine bottles = Brunello :) Respectable wine list. Friendly and helpful server resulted in highly satisfactory food choices. At the top of the Hintonburg, certainly holds its own within the better establishments group in Ottawa. Worth it.

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  29. DRUSSELL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing dining experience. Intimate, little restaurant with excellent service and excellent food. Looking forward to returning, soon.

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  30. KathleenE

    Ottawa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a wonderful date night at Carben. The tasting menu was delicious and beautifully presented.

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  31. FoodLover

    Ottawa

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best in town. Amazing food and service

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  32. FionaH

    Ottawa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    The most delicious meal that I have eaten in a long while.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Mother's Day

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  34. EstherH

    Ottawa

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Last minute reservations for Mother’s Day! Excellent food and service. We will be back!

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  35. Chachachati

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The tasting menu, the service and the whole experience was outstanding. We will be back for sure!

    Is this helpful?

  36. NicholasG

    Toronto

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Exceptional food, wine and service, as always! Highly recommend.

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  37. SteveR

    Ottawa

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Amazing food, great service, very modern and interesting techniques used. Definitely will go again

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Morher-daughter date! We keep coming to enjoy a meal at Carben whenever my daughter is in town.

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  39. RC95

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My first time at Carben. Very glad we went. The food is imaginative & deliscious.

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  40. RachelleP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was fantastic, even the mocktails! I’d definitely come back.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated
    • Staff temperature check required
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Carben Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (613) 792-4000.

Carben Restaurant is rated 4.9 stars by 843 OpenTable diners.

Carben Restaurant does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Carben Restaurant

1100 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y7

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    At the corner of Wellington Street West and Sherbrooke in Hintonburg!
  • Neighbourhood
    Ottawa
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Global, International, Canadian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    Street Parking
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Kevin Benes
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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