Social - Ottawa

Name: Social - Ottawa
Address: 537 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1N 6Z6
Telephone: (613) 789-7355
Price range: CAN$51 and over
Rating: 4.4

4.4

1211 Reviews

CAN$51 and over

Bistro

Top tags:

Opened in the summer of 1999, SOCIAL was received as the perfect blend of restaurant and bar. It was envisioned as a place where guests could enjoy an evening drink without feeling obligated to order dinner too, but where a sizzling menu meant that food was always an excellent option.

20 years later, SOCIAL continues to deliver. Known in the capital city for its ambiant and modern vibe, fifteen-foot ceilings, its secluded and beautiful courtyard patio, and gorgeous stone walls inside + out-- SOCIAL offers an unparalleled atmosphere for a sit-down dinner or some after-work cocktails. Guests can expect high-quality professional service and a menu to match, proving that SOCIAL is truly a downtown destination that has it all.

Come enjoy the culinary experience given by our Head Chef Peter Schulz and his team.
We do not have any live entertainment at the moment, but we hope to bring this concept back in the future!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 10, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
CAN$51 and over
Cuisines
Bistro, French / Canadian
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:45 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:30 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(613) 789-7355
Website
http://www.social.ca/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Dave Godsoe
Private party facilities
SOCIAL has a variety of private and semi private dining rooms and lounges to suit your event needs. We have dining rooms that are a perfect choice for small weddings, rehearsal dinners, client appreciation dinners, pharmaceutical presentations, special family occasions, networking events and more. These bookings are currently unavailable due to COVID regulations in place.
Private party contact
Brittany Weston: (613) 789-7355

Location
537 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z6
Neighbourhood
ByWard Market
Cross Street
George / York
Parking Details
We are located between George St. and York St. on Sussex Drive. You can find meter parking and 2 parking garages on York Street. Parking is also available across the street at 700 Sussex Drive and around the market area.Courtyard accessible by way of George and York St.
Public Transit
There are public transit stops on Rideau street and at the Rideau Center (which is within walking distance).
Entertainment
Live music can be heard every Wednesday night in the summer on the Courtyard - a mix of jazz, acid jazz and blues. An assortment of DJs are spinning on Friday and Saturday nights all year round.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,211 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Ottawa
Gluten-free-friendly
Ottawa
Gluten-free-friendly

1,211 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Gloucestershire
4 reviews
vip
3.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Food average, but over priced. Near vat area, extremely noisy.
Is this helpful?
AM
AmyM
Ottawa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic services, beautiful inside and out, great food.
Is this helpful?
GB
GeorgeB
Montreal
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 2, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Staff very friendly and charming. Wine list solid but standard. Food choices limited.
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O
Orny
Ottawa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing perfect 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
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SD
StephanieD
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a wonderful time last night. Great service and food tasted amazing !!!!!
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F
Frenchy
Exclusive
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great bartender, great service, sexy atmosphere, great for a first date.
Is this helpful?
T
Tris
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The social was a wonderful place to dine in. The service was fantastic and very welcoming. The only downside is that the mains were very very salty. The salt flavor overpowered the entire dish.
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GV
GregV
Ottawa
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was awesome but I didn't really like my food and it was pricey , Still it's a wonderful place,
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MM
MaureenM
Ottawa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 22, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a wonderful lunch. Food was delicious. Service was excellent. Everything was perfect.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Ottawa
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent on all aspects. I had the duck confit that was excellent but I wish the portion was a little bigger. Great service
Is this helpful?
CD
CherylD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I loved the ambience, great food and friendly service
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 15, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great food and service and accommodating for a large group.
Is this helpful?
y
yasu
Ottawa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Thank you for the wonderful lunch. I could really enjoy it!
Is this helpful?
AF
AlexF
Toronto
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
I initially rated this restaurant 5 stars on Google, but this time, I'm giving it 4 stars due to the interior. It would significantly enhance the overall experience if the management considers replacing the worn-out chairs and ensuring they are kept clean. The food was delicious as always.
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RS
RegS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Great spot for happy hour and fantastic value! Lovely atmosphere too.
Is this helpful?
D
Diner11
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love this place! Fantastic service and creative amazing food! We come every time we are in town.
Is this helpful?
C
Candace
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great location, nice atmosphere, staff was nice, but unfortunately I was completely unimpressed by my meal. I ordered the Warm Beet Salad and it was bland and tasteless. I understand the cost of food and that everything is more expensive now, but a $34 salad should at least taste good.
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D
Denis
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Prene is an outstanding server. Exquisite food. Great nigth.
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DM
DaveM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 3, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really great food and fantastic service. You get what you pay for and this place is definitely a great choice if you are looking for great fine dining.
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TN
ToddN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 3, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Pleased with the quality of food and service A1 job.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A visit to Social is a must whenever we are in Ottawa. Great restaurant and this visit was no exception. Excellent food and wonderful service from Vee. We will be back again!
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T
Trix
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great vegan, GF offering. Impeccable service. Knowledgeable staff.
Is this helpful?
DP
DanielP
Ottawa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great restaurant and well situated downtown Ottawa near the Byward market. The food was good with home made fries. A bit pricy but a good experience over all. Thank you Social restaurant!
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PR
PRASHANTP
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Appetizers were to salty, food size were too small, the cutlery was not cleaned.
Is this helpful?
l
lisa
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 17, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
risotto under the salmon was cold. i asked for short cook time, salmon was overcooked and dry.
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HD
HeidiD
Montreal
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
PHENOMENAL! Second time we come here and the service is exceptional. The food is delicious the price is reasonable for what you get. The staff is so friendly. I wish I lived in Ottawa so I could go more often.
Is this helpful?
SM
SandraM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 8, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Excellent service, friendly wait staff. Good food.
Is this helpful?
f
fitfoodie
Vancouver
47 reviews
vip
4.0
47 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
A nice upscale ish dinner spot before a show at the NAC
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DK
DrKim
Montreal
21 reviews
3.0
21 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Ambiance and cocktails were great. Service was VERY slow (even though it was a Monday and quiet) and very inattentive. We asked for bread to go with the meal, and it came after we were done. When I asked for water they dropped off the water bottle rather than fill our glasses. They poured the wine, and never came back to repour. This is quite an upscale resto and I expected more. My guests were a former provincial premier and an international dignitary - when I am back in town in 2 weeks I will skip The Social.
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C
Clay
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The server we had was outstanding. She knew her stuff and made the evening great.
Is this helpful?
JM
JamesM
Ottawa
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Lovely spot for a classy lunch. Excellent service and delicious mains. Well worth it.
Is this helpful?
MT
MattT
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Lots of great options on the menu, and the food is excellent. The cocktails were also very well prepared. Service was passable, but not worthy of the inflated tip prompts on the card machine.
Is this helpful?
PL
PaulL
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The ambience is excellent. For the price, the salmon was below average compared to other similar priced restaurants. No flavour. The roasted chicken was tough and vegetables were soggy. I would recommend this restaurant but not for the food.
Is this helpful?
GQ
GinQ
Toronto
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Food was amazing. No complaints there. Server took time from the moment we were seated. Didn’t pay attention to us. He was probably busy so nothing against him.
Is this helpful?
MD
MarieD
Edmonton
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The meal was excellent. Two of us had a small bowl of soup- fragrant and spicy. The warm beet salad was excellent and my friends enjoyed the steak frites and the duck- superbly cooked and presented.
Is this helpful?
D
Downtowners
Charleston
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We enjoyed the desert with lemon curd the best. The warm beet salad was great as was the rib steak and the scallops. The beef carpaccio was just ok.
Is this helpful?
MP
MP2020
Ottawa
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Way overpriced for what you get in terms of food and drinks. Music was too loud; I had to practically shout so my dinner companion could hear me. Server was inattentive and basically ignored me while focusing on my friend. My experience last night left a bad taste in my mouth.
Is this helpful?
LH
LucieH
Toronto
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We went for brunch and had the eggs benedictine. They came with overcooked potatoes (only, no fruit, no green), greasy and salty. The eggs themselves were fine, but other cheaper restaurants have a nicer presentation and better potatoes.
Is this helpful?
L
Liam
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 12, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
The worst service I have ever experienced. The server never checked up on us. Our plates from appetizers weren’t picked up during the main course. I had ordered a steak and it was cold. After the first order the server never checked up on us and we didn’t have a chance to order a second drink. The food was below par. Did not see service until the bill. Additionally we had called ahead of time for a special birthday request and were assured over the phone they would make the evening special, not only did they disregard the request, we didn’t even get normal service all night. It was a Tuesday night. Genuinely the worst service I’ve ever experienced especially on a special day. Definitely not worth the price. Will never be going back. Initially we had read some questionable reviews but wanted to give it a shot because the menu looked appetizing however it was one of our biggest regrets.
Is this helpful?
E
Eric
Toronto
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We were propmtly seated. Our server was pleasant but made a mistake with our appetizer order (Oysters instead of squid). Our mains were well prepared and delicious. I mentioned that it was my wife's birthday but they did nothing special.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Social - Ottawa offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (613) 789-7355.

Social - Ottawa is rated 4.4 stars by 1211 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

Dec 10, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

537 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z6

Additional information

Cross Street
George / York
Neighbourhood
ByWard Market
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:45 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:30 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price
CAN$51 and over
Cuisines
Bistro, French / Canadian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Business Casual
Parking Details
We are located between George St. and York St. on Sussex Drive. You can find meter parking and 2 parking garages on York Street. Parking is also available across the street at 700 Sussex Drive and around the market area.Courtyard accessible by way of George and York St.
Public Transit
There are public transit stops on Rideau street and at the Rideau Center (which is within walking distance).
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Dave Godsoe
Entertainment
Live music can be heard every Wednesday night in the summer on the Courtyard - a mix of jazz, acid jazz and blues. An assortment of DJs are spinning on Friday and Saturday nights all year round.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
http://www.social.ca/
Phone number
(613) 789-7355
Private party facilities
SOCIAL has a variety of private and semi private dining rooms and lounges to suit your event needs. We have dining rooms that are a perfect choice for small weddings, rehearsal dinners, client appreciation dinners, pharmaceutical presentations, special family occasions, networking events and more. These bookings are currently unavailable due to COVID regulations in place.
Private party contact
Brittany Weston: (613) 789-7355

Social - Ottawa

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Popular dishes

Mariposa Duck Confit

Seared Scallop

Warm Beet Salad

Menu

What 1,211 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Screening

FAQs

Does Social - Ottawa offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Social - Ottawa restaurant rated?

Is Social - Ottawa currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information