This restaurant now offers Takeout

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Carben Restaurant

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.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
CAN$30 and under
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

26 Ottawa Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Mushroom$19.00
Charred Maitake Mushroom + Chicken Consomme + Roasted Sunchokes + Sunchoke Chip + Arugala
Eggplant$17.00
Eryngii Mushroom + Crispy Tofu + Edamame Puree + Cashew Cream
Duck Tartare$20.00
Soy Aioli + Sesame + Cured Hen Egg + Quail's Egg
Chinook Salmon$19.00
Kombu Cured + Dashi Cream + Confit Beets + Beech Mushrooms
Octopus$21.00
Squid Ink Harissa + Annatto Seed Aioli + Cherry Tomato + Fennel Gastrique + Puffed Sorghum
Duck Breast$36.00
Miso Caramel + Broccoli + Sweet Potato Pave + Tomato Jam + Black Garlic
Hanger Steak$38.00
Potato Pavè + Salsify + Broccolini + Toasted Grains + Black Garlic + Soubise + Jus
Sablefish$40.00
Shio Koji Butter + Celeriac + Braised Celery + Chive Emulsion + Smoked Pork Belly Lardons
A Neat Chocolate$14.00
Milk Chocolate Cremeux + Feuilletine + Salted Bourbon Fudge + Maple Glaze + Olive Oil Ice Cream
Affogato$10.00
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream + Espresso + Honey

Chef's Tasting Menu

Chef's Tasting Menu$85.00
Entire table must participate

What 843 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.3Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

843 Reviews

MW
MargaretW
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 22, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
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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P
Pamela
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 20, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Carben was all around amazing and they will be deeply missed by the community!
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A
Anon
Ottawa
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved dining again at Carben. Always an amazing experience.
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MM
MaureenM
Ottawa
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Dinner was amazing, as always. Drinks, service, food, it was all excellent. Carben will be missed.
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JA
JohnA
Montreal
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
So sad they are closing, but we had an absolutely outstanding final dinner :).
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KM
KimM
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food and service were outstanding. Too bad they are closing in 2 weeks.
Is this helpful?
MC
MCgy
Calgary
56 reviews
vip
5.0
56 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
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.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Ottawa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We had the tasting menu and it was phenomenal. I can’t wait to go back.
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c
cabernet99
Ottawa
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
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 !!!
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MP
MargaretP
Ottawa
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
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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C
Christine
Ottawa
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
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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M
Marie
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The Chef’s menu was fantastic. Innovative and tasteful dishes. Dessert to die for
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CS
ClaudiaS
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
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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MD
MarilynD
Montreal
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
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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AK
AarteeK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 3, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The tasting menu is wonderful! I went to Carben twice in one month and had the tasting menu both times.
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NF
NormF
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazingly presented small plates with delightful aromas and flavours.
Is this helpful?
c
cabernet99
Ottawa
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The tasting menu was AMAZING - as was the generous wine-pairing !! Top-notch service ... a GREAT night out !! Thank you
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GF
GriffinF
Ottawa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
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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S
Strongfood
Montreal
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great experience. The chef’s tasting menu was really good. Definitely recommend
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Ottawa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
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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AZ
AnnaZ
Nashville
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding food and service. This is one of our favorite restaurants in Ottawa.
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DQ
DarleneQ
Ottawa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The menu was interesting and fresh. Service was excellent and food came out quickly.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Ottawa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 6, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
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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RH
RyanH
Ottawa
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 5, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Incredible food and drinks. Can’t wait to go back!
Is this helpful?
CF
ClareF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 17, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A wonderful taster menu. A delightful dining experience.
Is this helpful?
t
tkmc
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic tasting menu, very flavourful. Great service, love coming here.
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JR
JamiR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 15, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
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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SD
StephenD
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 14, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
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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DR
DRUSSELL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 9, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing dining experience. Intimate, little restaurant with excellent service and excellent food. Looking forward to returning, soon.
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KE
KathleenE
Ottawa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 1, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a wonderful date night at Carben. The tasting menu was delicious and beautifully presented.
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FL
FoodLover
Ottawa
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 17, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of the best in town. Amazing food and service
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FH
FionaH
Ottawa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The most delicious meal that I have eaten in a long while.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Ottawa
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Mother's Day
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EH
EstherH
Ottawa
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Last minute reservations for Mother’s Day! Excellent food and service. We will be back!
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C
Chachachati
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 11, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The tasting menu, the service and the whole experience was outstanding. We will be back for sure!
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NG
NicholasG
Toronto
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 4, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Exceptional food, wine and service, as always! Highly recommend.
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SR
SteveR
Ottawa
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Amazing food, great service, very modern and interesting techniques used. Definitely will go again
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Morher-daughter date! We keep coming to enjoy a meal at Carben whenever my daughter is in town.
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RC
RC95
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My first time at Carben. Very glad we went. The food is imaginative & deliscious.
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RP
RachelleP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was fantastic, even the mocktails! I’d definitely come back.
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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.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

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
Price
CAN$30 and under
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

Website
http://www.carbenrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(613) 792-4000
Private party facilities
Private Events are available. Please contact info@carbenrestaurant.com

Featured in

26 Ottawa Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Carben Restaurant

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

26 Ottawa Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Menu

Main

Mushroom$19.00

Eggplant$17.00

Duck Tartare$20.00

Chinook Salmon$19.00

Octopus$21.00

Duck Breast$36.00

Hanger Steak$38.00

Sablefish$40.00

A Neat Chocolate$14.00

Affogato$10.00

Chef's Tasting Menu

Chef's Tasting Menu$85.00

What 843 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Carben Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Carben Restaurant restaurant rated?

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

26 Ottawa Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day