DreamLand Cafe

Name: DreamLand Cafe
Address: 262 Preston Street, Ottowa, ON, Canada, K1R 7R5
Telephone: (613) 422-4200
Price range: CAN$31 to CAN$50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

276 Reviews

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Italian

Top tags:

THE BEST PASTA IN OTTAWA
LOCAL - FRESH - FEELS LIKE HOME

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 8, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(613) 422-4200

Other options

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Café
Hours of Operation
Wed, Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(613) 422-4200
Website
http://dreamlandcafe.ca/
Payment Options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Coco De Leo

Location
262 Preston Street, Ottowa, ON K1R 7R5
Neighbourhood
Little Italy
Cross Street
Gladstone Ave.
Parking Details
Private Lot
Public Transit
Gladstone / Preston
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

Popular dishes

Dippers
Buttery garlic bread served with tomato sauce, pesto, and oil & balsamic. Can be made vegan. Nut Free
- Regular$8.00
- Vegan$8.00
Parmesan Salad$14.00
Arugula, radicchio, pickled red onions, fried capers and parmesan all tossed in a honey lemon vinaigrette. Can be made vegan
Just Meatballs$12.00
Three of Nonna's delicious meatballs doused in tomato sauce and parmesan cheese. Comes with 3 slices of garlic bread! Contains beef & pork (Meatballs are gluten free)
Honey I Deep Fried the Brussels$16.00
Deep fried brussel sprouts coated with a honey chilli oil and topped with pickled red onions. Served with a dijonnaise
Meatball Sub$15.00
Nonna's Meatballs served on garlic bread lathered with pesto and baked with aged cheddar. Contains pork
"Grilled" Cheese$10.00
Served on garlic bread with aged cheddar & mozzarella + a side of tomato sauce for dipping
Side Order Garlic Bread
2 Pieces!
- Garlic Bread$1.00
- Cheesy Garlic Bread$3.00
- Vegan Garlic Bread$1.00
Potatoes 'n' Pesto$14.00
Deep fried smashed baby potatoes tossed with our signature pesto and served with a side of roasted red pepper aioli

Signature Pastas

Puttanesca
Smashed cherry tomatoes, roasted red pepper puree, habanero peppers, green olives, pesto, & crispy capers. (Pasta: Mafaldine). Sausage add on recommended!
- Regular$19.00
- Vegan$19.00
Carbonara$20.00
Creamy egg & parmesan sauce with crispy cubed pancetta. Topped with lots of parmesan. Contains pork (Pasta: Mafaldine)
Spaghetti & Meatballs$19.00
The one.. the only... original secret recipe. Nonna's tomato sauce. Served with two meatballs and lots of parmesan. Contains beef & pork (Pasta: Spaghetti)
Ricotta Red Pepper$19.00
Zesty and creamy red pepper sauce made with confit garlic & spinach. Topped with house made ricotta. (Pasta: Fettuccine)
Confit Aglio e Olio$16.00
Confit garlic, habanero peppers, tossed with fresh parsley. (Pasta: Spaghetti). Vegan Option

Keep It Simple Pastas

Alfredo Pasta$15.00
Heavenly cream sauce. Topped with parmesan. (Pasta: Fettuccine)
Rosé All Day$15.00
The pasta that feels like a hug. Tomato + alfredo sauce. (Pasta: Penne)
Penne Pesto$14.00
Our herbaceous pesto. (Pasta: Eggless Penne). Nut Free
Spaghetti Tomato$14.00
Nonna's tomato sauce. (Pasta: Spaghetti)
Creamy Pesto$16.00
Everybody's favourite. Pesto + alfredo sauce. (Pasta: Mafaldine). Nut Free
Cacio e Pepe$17.00
Good old fashioned pecorino cheese and black pepper sauce. Salty, peppery, creamy goodness. (Pasta: Spaghetti)

Mac 'N' Cheese

Classic Mac$16.00
Four delicious cheeses, one unforgettable experience. (Pasta: Creste De Gallo)
Pesto Mac$17.00
Perfect blend of cheese and herbaceous flavours. (Pasta: Creste De Gallo). Nut Free
Tuna Melt 'n' Cheese$20.00
Our classic mac n cheese with our signature tuna salad, baked in the oven with white cheddar, and topped with dill pickle chip gremolata, and green onion. (Pasta: Creste de Gallo)
Sriracha Mac$16.50
Our delicious 4 cheese mac with the addition of spicy sriracha and sliced green onion on top! (Pasta: Creste de Gallo)
A Lil' Loaded$18.00
Our classic mac 'n' cheese with bacon, sriracha sour cream & green onion. Contains pork. (Pasta: Creste de Gallo)

Dessert

Tiramisu$9.00
Layers of espresso soaked lady fingers, mascarpone whip cream and cocoa powder. Alcohol free
Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cup$9.00
Chocolate mousse layered with strawberry compote, & fresh whip

Take Home Sauces

Tomato Sauce
San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, onion, & secret spices. Heat up and serve. Can be frozen
- 1/2 Liter$8.00
- 1 Liter$15.00
Alfredo Sauce
Butter, cream, secret spices. Comes with parmesan cheese. Heat and simmer for 5 minutes, add as much or as little parmesan as you want. Can be frozen
- 1/2 Liter$8.00
- 1 Liter$15.00
Rosé Sauce
Beautiful blend of our tomato and alfredo sauces. Heat and simmer for 5 minutes before adding pasta, add as much or as little parmesan as you'd like. Can be frozen
- 1/2 Liter$8.00
- 1 Liter$15.00
Creamy Pesto Sauce
Beautiful blend of our pesto and alfredo sauces. Heat and simmer for 5 minutes before adding pasta, add as much or as little parmesan as you'd like. Can be frozen
- 1/2 Liter$8.00
- 1 Liter$15.00
200g Pesto Sauce$8.00
Basil, arugula, lemon, garlic. This vegan pesto can be enjoyed cold or heated. Nut Free. Can be frozen
100g Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese$5.50
200ml Coco's Caesar Dressing$6.50
Dress up your salad or use as a dipping sauce! Add parmesan cheese to recreate our signature kale salad. Contains Anchovies

What 276 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

Ottawa
Best Overall
Ottawa
Best Food
Ottawa
Best Value
Ottawa
Healthy
Ottawa
Neighbourhood gem
Ottawa
Vegetarian-friendly
Ottawa
Italian
Ottawa
Best Overall
Ottawa
Best Food
Ottawa
Best Value
Ottawa
Healthy
Ottawa
Neighbourhood gem
Ottawa
Vegetarian-friendly
Ottawa
Italian

Sort by

Filters

DS
DinaS
Ottawa
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Both the dishes on special, smashed patates (appetizer) and fettuccine bolognese (main), were simply amazing! Scrumptious!!! It was difficult to hold back but I managed to save enough of each that I had another delicious meal waiting the next day. Of course I couldn't resist dessert, and I highly recommend the bread pudding. 😁
RG
RichG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, great wine pairings. Excellent service staff. Really enjoyed our visit and we will come back soon!
WR
WarrenR
Toronto
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outrageously Good!!! I love everything about the restaurant and the two owners are the sweetest people I’ve had the pleasure to meet!! The food is exceptional and flavourful!!!
J
Julia
Toronto
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall3food5service2ambience3
Normally have great experiences here but this time it missed the mark. Really slow service, every time we ordered a drink it seemed to be instantly forgotten about, watched our server putter around and do anything excep poor a glass of wine (and gave a little sass when an inquiry was made about the missing drink) Food came out at a reasonable time and was hot and great per usual. In a restaurant this size, there’s no reason to wait as long as we did for drinks. More personal note, wish cocktail menu was available online, the Italian soda tasted like sour soda water, and the tirimisu lacked flavour and sweetness. I’ll come back, was just disappointed in the service considering how high the bill is.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect evening end to end. Greeted and taken to our table right on time. The wine recommendation was amazing. The deep fried potatoes were unique and best thing ever. I asked for Cocos recommendation on her favourite new menu item she developed based on her recent trip to Italy and all I can say is OMG!! Coco and Marlo, you rock.. Highly recommended.
D
Devon
Ottawa
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
A little packed but the food is quite good!
J
Jaydee
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Pasta is fresh and food is terrific. Service was excellent.
CK
ClemK
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Some of the best pasta in Ottawa. Also delicious cocktails! They revamped the space a bit, and it’s noisier than before, and the seating a bit less comfortable (narrow, uncushioned wood benches on one side of tables). Still a great place!
D
Diane
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
the best pasta in the city! i keep coming back and i’ve been going since they opened their first location on laurier.
KF
KarenF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a recommendation for us to try this restaurant and we decided to go before the Holly Cole concert and absolutely will be going again! From the staff to the ambience to the food all around a wonderful place!
SL
ShannonL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food as always, so happy that I finally got the chance to show my besties what I've been raving about months. And extra credit for the new ravioli shaped tables!
CT
CarolineT
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very cozy place. Friendly service. Food is amazingly tasty.
X
Xoxo
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The server was good and the food was good. It’s a really small restaurant
SC
SarahC
Chicago
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love it every time we come. The food is amazing, the drink selection is great, the servers are friendly and knowledgeable. Recently had to cut gluten out of my diet and their GF pasta was perfection.
SS
SarahS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing! Dreamland Cafe was a lovely little restaurant and I would definitely go back. I called to change my reservation for an earlier time and they were able to accommodate.
MA
MirandaApril
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
dreamland cafe is fabulous! my partner and I returned for the first time in 2.5 years (pre-covid) for our anniversary and it's just as lovely as before. we were so happy to see it was still lively and vibrant! the food is phenomenal and a decent price. while the space is quite small it wasn't very noisy which we appreciated. fast service and great tasting food!!!!
M
Melissa
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The best pasta you will ever have. You’ll dream of it for days. Staff are also absolutely stellar. Excellent experience!
MN
MitchN
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious meatballs and sauce, yummy garlic bread dippers, velvety fettuccine, crispy craft beer, smooth red wine, and the brussel sprouts slapped. We will be back!
JC
JennaC
Vancouver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing, as always. My favourite spot for a date night, birthday or anniversary ❤️
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a fun restaurant! the pasta is delicious
TL
ToniL
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food. Great service. Amazing staff. Book in advance.
A
Arelo
Ottawa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ambience is great, love the ravioli tables! All the food was delicious and enjoyed by all, even by the Italians in the group who are used to eating their nonna’s pasta! Service was stellar. Must try the brussel sprouts! Would definitely go back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic Canada
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great dining experience !! Food and service is always amazing ! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a great pasta meal !
JY
JYFM
Ottawa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Friendly services. Excellent mushroom truffle mac n cheese! We had some issue with one of our orders, they offered alternative and made sure we were happy with the solution. Highly recommend this place!
CE
ChristineE
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just a real gem in Little Italy. Everything is just cozy and excellent.
JC
JacquieC
Ottawa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food here is amazing! Please keep the mushroom truffle Mac and cheese on the menu! It’s amazing
GV
GregV
Ottawa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Again amazing! The food is just so good, the drinks are fun and it's a blast!
R
Raelynn
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 27, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
Love that they have gluten free options, all pastas can be made with gluten free noodles. Also had some cocktails which were very tasty.
MR
MercieR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Every time I come here, this place does not sense to amaze me. You will not be disappointed, no matter what you eat!
D
Danny
San Diego
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 27, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience3
Great home-made pasta dishes in cute little house in Little Italy. Very tiny space but worth it!
LM
LoisM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 26, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
1st visit and was not disappointed. The music and ambient noise was a bit too loud and made chatting difficult Server (Reese) was super friendly. Very familiar with the menu and willing to offer suggestions. He was attentive and quite helpful The pesto pasta was fantastic. Brussels for starter delish. The carbonara laws a bit soupy and would not be a repeat. The overall experience was super good. I’ll be back
SG
SylvieG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was amazing, felt nice to eat something GF that was different and not boring, it's nice that they consider giving us GF people some other options that actually taste good. Thank you for the great night!
K
Karoline
Toronto
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall3food5service2ambience5
The food was AMAZING as always, Thank you ! But the service...was not great at all.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always amazing food and service , it’s our regular date night spot from now on
MC
MeganC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The pasta and the vibe of dreamland never disappoints! For a date night or for a girls night, it’s perfect every time!
d
david
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
the lamb ragu was absolutely insane . very well priced for a great quantity of food . it was so delicious . i’m still shocked a full day later . i almost ordered a 2nd round of the ragu but i didn’t want my gf to roll me out of the restaurant . good vibes good energy. drinks were cold and tasty. staff were kind . always smiling . you can tell they enjoy working there
DD
DimitriD
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 21, 2022
overall3food3service5ambience2
Carbonara tasted unusual, restaurant was really noisy.
DS
DinaS
Ottawa
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
As my many past reviews attest, I'm a frequent flyer at DreamLand Cafe, and I'm usually very happy with their offerings. Last night I introduced friends visiting from BC to the wonders of DreamLand Cafe, and they were similarly blown away by first their beverages (rhubarb pie cocktail is HIGHLY recommended!) then their food.
S
Steph
Montreal
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 2, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Pasta sauce for the ragu and amatriciana were on the sweet side. Amatriciana used to be better. The pasta were fresh but sauce could have been more savoury. Food was a bit too spicy (needed to drink water all night long). Apetizers were good: polenta and ceasar salad.
T
Taylor
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything fantastic, pasta was as fresh as can be and make sure to get the garlic bread!!! To die for

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
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
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

DreamLand Cafe does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. DreamLand Cafe also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (613) 422-4200.

DreamLand Cafe is rated 4.8 stars by 276 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 8, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(613) 422-4200

Other options

262 Preston Street, Ottowa, ON K1R 7R5

Additional information

Cross Street
Gladstone Ave.
Neighbourhood
Little Italy
Hours of Operation
Wed, Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Café
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Private Lot
Public Transit
Gladstone / Preston
Payment Options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Executive Chef
Coco De Leo
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

Website
http://dreamlandcafe.ca/
Phone number
(613) 422-4200

DreamLand Cafe

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Alfredo Pasta

Pesto Mac

Side Order Garlic Bread

Starters / Not Pasta

Dippers

Parmesan Salad$14.00

Just Meatballs$12.00

Honey I Deep Fried the Brussels$16.00

Meatball Sub$15.00

"Grilled" Cheese$10.00

Side Order Garlic Bread

Potatoes 'n' Pesto$14.00

Signature Pastas

Puttanesca

Carbonara$20.00

Spaghetti & Meatballs$19.00

Ricotta Red Pepper$19.00

Confit Aglio e Olio$16.00

Keep It Simple Pastas

Alfredo Pasta$15.00

Rosé All Day$15.00

Penne Pesto$14.00

Spaghetti Tomato$14.00

Creamy Pesto$16.00

Cacio e Pepe$17.00

Mac 'N' Cheese

Classic Mac$16.00

Pesto Mac$17.00

Tuna Melt 'n' Cheese$20.00

Sriracha Mac$16.50

A Lil' Loaded$18.00

Dessert

Tiramisu$9.00

Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cup$9.00

Take Home Sauces

Tomato Sauce

Alfredo Sauce

Rosé Sauce

Creamy Pesto Sauce

200g Pesto Sauce$8.00

100g Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese$5.50

200ml Coco's Caesar Dressing$6.50

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does DreamLand Cafe offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is DreamLand Cafe restaurant rated?

Is DreamLand Cafe currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information