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Joy on Sussex, Ottawa, ON

Joy on Sussex

4.2
4.2
61 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Bistro
Top tags:
Welcome to Joy on Sussex.
Located in the heart of the ByWard Market in a magnificent courtyard on Sussex Drive.
Joy on Sussex has hosted events with Ambassadors, Federal and Provincial Ministers, the Mayor, a multitude of members of parliament and city counselors, industry leaders as well as luminaries and some out of the ordinary birthday celebrations, Joy on Sussex is always at the center of the city cultural calendar. A go to location for after work, date night and a late night drink amongst friends any day of the week. The menu features a raw bar selection, and original Bistro style dishes made from scratch that will delight the palate.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Bistro, Bottle Service, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed, Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–12:00 am Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–2:00 am
  • Phone number
    (613) 627-2335
  • Website
    https://joyonsussex.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Private party facilities
    Located on the prominent Sussex Drive, in the heart of the historic ByWard Market, just steps away from the NAC and the Chateau Laurier, JOY on Sussex is a beautiful and versatile space within a Heritage building.
  • Private party contact
    Ilon Tyan: (613) 878-8110

What 61 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.2
4.2 based on all time ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4Value

Noise • Moderate

61 Reviews

  1. CatherineM

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    I wish I knew! Even though I had a reservation the restaurant was closed. I wish the management had reviewed their open/closed date. It’s a small detail but it has a huge consequence.

    Is this helpful?

  2. MariekeB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great restaurant. Beautiful decor, amazing food, great service.

    Joy on SussexResponded on June 13, 2023

    Thank you so much for your amazing review~!!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Lucediversa

    Tahoe

    26 reviews

    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Lovely evening and excellent service. We will definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  4. LindsayM

    Ottawa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, great service that went above and beyond!

    Joy on SussexResponded on June 13, 2023

    Thank you so much for your kind review! We will be sure to share your positive review with the staff who worked that evening.

    Is this helpful?

  5. paulb

    Toronto

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Good location Nice place thanks to interior design Really really fine and tasty good food Excellent choice

    Joy on SussexResponded on June 13, 2023

    Thank you so much for your kind, descriptive review Paul! We are so happy you enjoyed your experience with us, be sure to checkout our patio now that the weather has warmed up.

    Is this helpful?

  6. ColP

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience4
    Took 25 minutes to get drinks when the bar was practically empty. We were there as a bachelorette party and the server seemed uninterested in helping us. First question was: are you doing bottle service? And once we said no, her demeanour and attitude changed and she became incredibly dismissive. Would not go back.

    Joy on SussexResponded on June 13, 2023

    We understand how important it is to have attentive and accommodating service, especially during celebratory occasions like yours. The experience you described is not reflective of the high standard of service we aim to provide, and we deeply regret that it impacted your overall experience negatively. We have taken note of your feedback and will address this matter with our team, including the server involved.

    Is this helpful?

  7. claudiam

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place great service and the menu was the best. Thanks

    Joy on SussexResponded on June 13, 2023

    Thank you so much for the kind review! We are so glad you enjoyed your experience with us.

    Is this helpful?

  8. MarkB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing setting! The food (duck and steak) was the best we’ve ever had. Service was superb. Can’t wait to go back.

    Joy on SussexResponded on June 13, 2023

    Thank you so much Mark for your review! We're so pleased that you considered our food the best you've ever had. Hope to see you back soon.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Benjamin

    Manitoba

    90 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    90 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Server was great as was the duck. Mussels were good but could have been better as the broth was overpowering.

    Joy on SussexResponded on June 13, 2023

    Thank you for the review Benjamin ! We hope to have the opportunity to serve you again and provide you with an even better dining experience. If you have any further feedback or would like to discuss your experience in more detail, please feel free to contact us directly.

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    Montreal

    4 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall1food2service2ambience1
    My experience in terms of ambiance, quality of the food, food/cost ratio and service was significantly below the expectations I had developed after checking out the restaurant’s Instagram account.

    Joy on SussexResponded on June 13, 2023

    Thank you for sharing your feedback regarding your experience at our restaurant. We genuinely apologize for the disappointment you faced with regards to the ambiance, food quality, food/cost ratio, and service, especially considering the expectations you had developed after viewing our Instagram account. We strive to showcase the best aspects of our establishment on social media, and we regret that your actual experience fell short of those expectations.

    Is this helpful?

  11. RobertaD

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service. The mussels were delicious and I am from Atlantic Canada so I am a harsh judge:)

    Joy on SussexResponded on May 1, 2023

    hi Roberta, we are very honoured to have met your East Coast expectations on our fine mussels :) We hope to see you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  12. RemoV

    Orlando

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Restaurant was pretty quiet for 7pm. Server was very attentive and knowledgeable about drinks and food. Drinks were excellent. Food was excellent. Once 9pm came along, place was alive and didn’t see our waiter again. Hostess brought our bill. No thank you from anyone on our way out.

    Joy on SussexResponded on May 1, 2023

    hi Remo, we are very grateful for your business and the positive review for the food. We'll be sure to pass this onto our management team to improve upon.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good service and nice decor. Mushroom ravioli was superb!

    Joy on SussexResponded on April 3, 2023

    Thank you so much!! The Mushrom Ravioli is a fan favourite indeed!!

    Is this helpful?

  14. JoelM

    Montreal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great. The wine was great. The service was great. We all had a great time and will go back again!

    Joy on SussexResponded on April 3, 2023

    Greetings from Joy on Sussex! Thank you for your review, JoelM. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Cheers!!

    Is this helpful?

  15. JaniceP

    Vancouver

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great family event celebrating a graduation! Ottawa is a beautiful location!

    Is this helpful?

  16. AtsushiYasuda

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    We had recd a msg a few days prior to our reservation telling us the restaurant was fully booked from 8 pm and whether we wanted to move our reservation earlier. We had other plans so left our 630 reservation When we arrived, we were told there was an event happening from 8. Given the hard stop we opted not to order mains as we wanted a leisurely meal and not be rushed. Had we been given the actual details we would have cancelled and gone elsewhere. Pretty disappointing customer service in not being more clear

    Joy on SussexResponded on February 27, 2023

    Hello, we've sent you a private message to remedy the situation

    Is this helpful?

  17. AngelaV

    Ottawa

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfection. Service ambiance food. Can’t ask for better.

    Joy on SussexResponded on February 27, 2023

    Hi Angela, Greetings from Joy on Sussex! Thank you for your review, Audrey T.. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Joy on Sussex Team

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    London

    10 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Restaurant was closed for a private event - despite us having a booking. A sign on the door made it even pointless to go inside.

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    Northern MI

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Disorganized. Bad service. Small portions, and the food was not that good. Spoke to someone prior for a dairy free dessert option. Was assured we would have one, yet they had to run out to another bakery because they forgot.

    Joy on SussexResponded on February 27, 2023

    Hello, we've sent you a private message.

    Is this helpful?

  20. PeterG

    Ottawa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a wonderful experience for my wife and I. Loved the interior design which was almost as good as the excellent food which was almost as good as the outstanding service. We will be back for sure

    Joy on SussexResponded on February 27, 2023

    Hi Peter, We are so happy that you enjoyed your experience at Joy on Sussex. Thank you for the great review, we look forward to seeing you back soon! Joy on Sussex team

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    Ottawa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We visited this place for my husband's birthday. We really enjoyed our dinner. The waiter was very patient and nice. The experience was really great, and they offered free cake for my husband. The ambience was very cozy and romantic.

    Joy on SussexResponded on April 3, 2023

    Thank you so much for your amazing review and trusting us with your celebration :)

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff was excellent, food was great, this is a small boutique style restaurant with lots of charm. A great spot for a date or special occasion.

    Joy on SussexResponded on April 3, 2023

    Thanks a ton :)

    Is this helpful?

  23. KieranC

    Vancouver

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Joy has a great vibe to it. The food was excellent. The service was also. We love the upbeat music and decor.

    Joy on SussexResponded on February 8, 2023

    hi Kieran, We are so happy that you enjoyed your experience at Joy on Sussex. Thank you for the great review, we look forward to seeing you back soon! Joy on Sussex team

    Is this helpful?

  24. JFArbour

    Montreal

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service et ambiance parfaite. Qualité de nourriture à la hauteur de notre attente

    Is this helpful?

  25. pickmybrain

    Edmonton

    55 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great location on Sussex. Sat by window & enjoyed people watching. I had the tenderloin, my friends had the salmon and duck. Our plates were spotless! Not a lot of drink options despite the walls of liquor on display. Will definitely return to try their appetizers.

    Is this helpful?

  26. NormanU

    Toronto

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great evening! The service, food and atmosphere were great!! I fully recommend Joy on Sussex

    Is this helpful?

  27. BrandonS

    Toronto

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    High-tea and appetizers

    Is this helpful?

  28. MikeN

    Ottawa

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    My wife and I typically shares tastes of our meals and the winner between us was the mushroom ravioli. My Braised Duck with blueberry risotto was very good. Service was excellent. Value wise we rated our experience better than a 1Elgin at the NAC

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Matthieu was a fantastic server. He accommodated our special needs with grace, was attentive, and solved problems before we were even aware they existed. Joy was a beautiful room with eclectic decor’ comfortable seating spaces, and a great bar. Our food was inspired, imaginative and expertly prepared. Would definitely return.

    Is this helpful?

  30. jsaim

    Ottawa

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome service; and the staff was very attentive to guests and customers. 5/5

    Joy on SussexResponded on November 8, 2022

    Thank you SO much for your kind review and our team is exhilarated that enjoyed our space and service.

    Is this helpful?

  31. Chanontherun

    Ottawa

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    One of our favourite best kept secrets. Great service and the food is great too.

    Joy on SussexResponded on October 23, 2022

    Greetings from Joy on Sussex! Thank you SO much for your review - it means a lot to us! We look forward to seeing you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  32. KellyS

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ambiance and service was fantastic. Food presentation, taste and portions are generous. Definitely will come back again !

    Joy on SussexResponded on October 23, 2022

    hi Kelly, thank you so much for your compliments and detailed review!

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful anniversary dinner! Beautiful restaurant with excellent service. We enjoyed wonderful cocktails, a generous cheese board, and delicious entrees.

    Joy on SussexResponded on October 11, 2022

    Thank you so much, it was a pleasure serving you!

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic service!great food and love your art and lighting!

    Is this helpful?

  35. ottawafoodie

    Ottawa

    5 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Run down and dirty. seating and tables outdated Bathrooms smelled like sewage and dirty. Horrible service Waitress with no communication skills whatsoever took our drink order which she wrote down-15 min later the manager came back saying there was a “misunderstanding “ and she didn’t know what we ordered! We left and I will definitely not come back .

    Joy on SussexResponded on September 12, 2022

    Hi ottawafoodie, we are truly saddened that your experience was subpar. We will be sure to bring this up with our management team.

    Is this helpful?

  36. PeterPiano

    Ottawa

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had great food and service. We enjoyed eating in the courtyard as well. My wife loved the mushroom ravioli and my pan seared salmon was delicious. Our servers Matt and Anna were very helpful and cheerful. -overall a wonderful meal.

    Joy on SussexResponded on September 12, 2022

    Thank You so much! We're so glad you enjoyed your experience, we hope to see you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  37. Upperwestsider

    New York Area

    37 reviews

    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Love the patio waiter was beyond good great evening

    Joy on SussexResponded on September 12, 2022

    Thank you so much!!

    Is this helpful?

  38. DeanT

    Toronto

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    It was the worst experience with service and quality of food. The calamari had one piece of fish and the rest was garnish and potato. The prime rib was served cut into strips instead of served whole and was seasoned so much with salt. It made me wonder what it was. the asparagus was over cooked and stringy that I couldn't cut with a fork. the the price of all of this was way over priced. I wanted to speak with the manager because it too so long and ended up with a sub standard dining experience. The waitress was terrible and delayed with the simplest tasks of making sure that we were getting what we asked for, instead after 30 minutes mentioned that the stove is having problems. I would not ever recommend this restaurant Joy.

    Is this helpful?

  39. ChantelleM

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2022

    overall2food1service3ambience3
    This place came so highly rated I wanted to try it. So disappointing. I had the duck with a blueberry risotto and a cranberry au jus. The duck was cooked well but the risotto was a disaster swimming in oil not an au jus.. tried two bites ..was inedible. My partner had the tenderloin, again beef cooked well but overcooked asparagus, and the potato dauphinoise was grainy. On the positive side the drinks were excellent and the service was very good, but their entrees were lacking.

    Is this helpful?

  40. EuniceQ

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Enjoy the ambience.like the interior design.presentation of food is good.just need to reduce the saltiness of gravy. duck breast blueberry rissoto is creative combination.The duck meat is well seaoned and tender.The bar tender was very attentive,accommodating to my request. As I could not drink alcoholic drink,he prepared the mocktail or summer drink to me. The drink was refreshing and suitable for hot weather on that day. Strongly recommend this restaurant.

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Joy on Sussex is rated 4.2 stars by 61 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Google Map for Joy on Sussex

527 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S6

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    ByWard Market
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed, Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–12:00 am Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–2:00 am
  • Cuisines
    Bistro, Bottle Service, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking Details
    None
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine
  • Website
    https://joyonsussex.com/
  • Phone number
    (613) 627-2335
  • Private party facilities
    Located on the prominent Sussex Drive, in the heart of the historic ByWard Market, just steps away from the NAC and the Chateau Laurier, JOY on Sussex is a beautiful and versatile space within a Heritage building.
  • Private party contact
    Ilon Tyan: (613) 878-8110
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