Town Ottawa (Restaurant Review)

Town is a great spot. It is small, unique, friendly, inviting, delicious....I could go on. Town is inconspicuously located on Elgin street in Ottawa. It's a popular spot, but easily missed if you don't know what you're looking for. There's a very small patio out front that seats about four people on a high top bar and the inside seats about 40 people. Their small size is definitely not a downfall as they make up for it with great service, a warm atmosphere and equally delicious food. I treated my mother to Town last weekend and we managed to polish off a bottle wine and spend a few great hours sipping, eating and chatting.

I'll start with the service. One word - great! The staff was friendly and accommodating from the moment we walked in. They have their own sommelier (a trained wine professional) who helped us with our wine selection and even chatted a bit about the local wine culture in Ottawa. Our server was equally as friendly and knowledgeable and helped us choose a fabulous selection of plates to fill our bellies!

Since we're all about sharing, we decided to try a few small plates. We ordered the mixed marinated olives, the 5 selection cheese plate (which came with tallegio, le noble, blue bénédictin, bellavitano, and grey owl; as well as some candied nuts, honey, an apricot preserve and crostinis), and the ricotta stuffed meatballs. I love when cheese plates have selections I've never heard of. For $20 the cheese plate portion was perfect and slightly more filling than I've had previously. The ricotta stuffed meatballs with polenta and san marzano tomatoes were divine. It was the perfect combination of cheese, meat, sauce and soft polenta. I'm realizing that polenta is becoming quite popular in gourmet dishes, and rightly so. Polenta is basically cornmeal boiled into a porridge, but the way it's prepared can add a balanced flavour and texture. We were definitely satisfied and perfectly full after these great dishes. A few small plates passed us on the way to another table....we both agreed they looked fabulous, which ultimately meant that this would not be our last trip to Town.

5 selection cheese plate ($20)

Ricotta Stuffed Meatballs (2 for $11 or 4 for $21)

After a couple of hours of great wine, food and conversation (without our cell phones), we both agreed on the great experience we had just shared. Town is definitely recommended to anyone looking for a casual meal with friends, a romantic date night, or simply drinks and snacks after a long day's work. You will not be disappointed with the food, service or atmosphere. Until next time Town!

Verdict: 9/10 - everything on par with greatness

Hours: Lunch is served Wednesday-Friday 11:30-2. Dinner is served Monday-Thursday and Sunday 5:00-10:00, and Saturday 5:00-11:00

Price: $$ - Small plates range from $6-$17. Large plates range from $16-28. Lunch sandwiches served for $14

Town. 296 Elgin Street, Ottawa. http://www.townlovesyou.ca/