Play Food & Wine

4.7

298 Reviews

CAN$51 and over

Contemporary Canadian

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 14 times today

Good for special occasions
Charming
Great for fine wines

Play food & wine will make serious food fun and accessible to many types of guests by offering an inspiring menu, legendary service, outstanding values and a culinary home for our guests in which they can spend a variety of occasions.

All of our dishes are modest portions designed to share. This allows guests to sample a few different dishes without having to commit to just one main course as in a traditional restaurant. Our menu changes frequently, respecting product availability and seasonality.

We are committed to working with our many great suppliers to source the best and most flavourful ingredients possible. We use local, sustainable and seasonal products whenever possible, and believe in supporting area farmers as much as we can.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
CAN$51 and over
Cuisines
Contemporary Canadian, Canadian, Global, International
Hours of Operation
Mon–Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(613) 667-9207
Website
http://www.playfood.ca/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Shane Brown
Catering
Please reach out to us at info@playfood.ca for inquiries
Private party facilities
Semi-private and fully private dining spaces available. Fully private space can also be reserved for a standing cocktail style reception up to 80 guests.

Location
1 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z5
Area
ByWard Market
Cross Street
Corner of Sussex Drive and York Street
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Rideau Centre
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Vegan

roasted sweet potato soupCA$10.00
apple gastrique / allium ash / leek oil
gem caesarCA$19.00
black tahini caesar / bonito breadcrumb / cured egg yolk / goat cheese / duck prosciutto
burrataCA$19.00
roasted beet / cherry agrodolce / pistachio / red watercress
stuffed eggplantCA$20.00
beef / pickled pomegranate / couscous / celeriac / tomato jam
falafelCA$20.00
smoked date / babaganoush / za’atar / zhoug / pickled sunchoke
seared scallopsCA$31.00
espresso parsnip / smoked salsify / cauliflower yogurt / leek vinaigrette

LARGER PLATES

fennel ash gnocchiCA$25.00
pork bolognese / rapini / ricotta / ramp crumble
cedar papardelleCA$25.00
lamb merguez / green garlic / peas / radicchio / fried lemon / pecorino / grainy mustard
baked mackerelCA$29.00
bulgar / chermoula / walnut muhammara
braised bison short ribCA$32.00
polenta / carrot / mushrooms / pickled ramp / sundried tomato & olive vinaigrette
grilled beef striploinCA$36.00
red eye jus / frites / herb aioli

Wine by the Glass (5oz)

Sparkling

Blanc de Beckta, Cave Spring, NVCA$14.00
Branco Superior, Quinta do Cardo, Beira, PT ‘21CA$14.00
Grüner Veltliner, "Vom Loss" Divald, Wagram, AT ‘23CA$14.00
Albarino, Monte Pio, Rias Baixas, ES ‘23CA$15.00
White blend, "Liquid Sundowner" Kristinus, HU ‘21CA$18.00
Trebbiano, Noellia Ricci, IT ‘21CA$20.00
Shiraz, Tscharke, Barossa, AU.’22CA$15.00
Barbera, Vigneti Repetto, Equilatero, IT ‘21CA$16.00
Cotes du Rhone, "Chat Fou" Eric Texier, Rhone FR’ 22CA$18.00
Red Blend, "Delmoro Tinto" La Comarcal, Valencia, ES ‘21CA$19.00
Spätburgunder, Koehler-Ruprecht, Pfalz, DE ‘22CA$20.00

Cocktails

Crystal GimletCA$17.00
Pisco | White Crème de Cacao | Crystal Lime | Saffron
Haute MondeCA$17.00
Plymouth Gin | Elderflower | Orange Bitters | Grapefruit Oil
Gingerbread FlipCA$17.00
Spiced Rum | Jamaican Rum | Ancho Reyes | Chai | Gingerbread | Cream | Egg | Cinnamon | Chocolate
Fruit + ChampagneCA$17.00
Southbrook Cassis | Giffard Abricot | Palo Cortado | Quince | White Balsamic | Kefir | Champagne Foam
Play Pisco SourCA$18.00
Pisco | Campari | Tio Pepe | Giffard Abricot | Lime | Egg White
CenoteCA$19.00
Amaretto | Palo Santo Tequila | Lime Leaf Lillet | Coconut Milk Liqueur | Crystal Lime | Lemongrass
Dos CocoaCA$19.00
Tequila | Mezcal | Coffee Campari | Cocchi di Torino | Cacao Nib | Cinnamon | Chocolate Bitters

Beer

Broadhead Light LagerCA$10.00
Beyond The Pale Clean CutCA$10.00
Broadhead Oatmeal StoutCA$10.00
Collective Arts Apple & Cherry CiderCA$10.00
Collective Arts Micro Pale AleCA$10.00
Dominion City Sunsplit IPACA$12.00

Spirit Free

N/A Peach BelliniCA$15.00
Cipriana White Peach | Steinbock Sparkling
N/A SbaliagtoCA$16.00
JNPR BTTR | JNPR VRMH | Silver Swallow
Silver Swallow Sparkling Wine (5oz)CA$8.00
Collective Arts N/A IPA (55ml)CA$7.00
Collective Arts N/A Guava Gose (355ml)CA$8.00
Perth Play N/A Lager (473ml)CA$9.00
Sparkling Water (750ml)CA$8.00
Juice (Orange / Apple / Cranberry / Pineapple)CA$4.00
PopCA$3.00
Fever-Tree Tonic / Fever-Tree SodaCA$5.00

What 298 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Ottawa
Great for fine wines
Ottawa
Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Play Food & Wine offers a vibrant dining experience with "outstanding service" and "amazing food." Guests appreciate the creative small plates and thoughtful wine pairings. The atmosphere is welcoming, making it ideal for intimate dinners or celebrations. Standout dishes include the gnocchi and foie torchon, promising a memorable culinary journey.

298 Reviews

A
Alyssa
Montreal
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was super yummy and selection was good, service and ambience was amazing. Would definitely recommend and come back.
Is this helpful?
N
Nick
Ottawa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went for Valentine’s Day, had a great experience at the bar. Kate took care of us and gave us great advice on sharing plates!
Is this helpful?
D
Dan
Ottawa
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Our server was excellent. The food was decent but was expecting a little better. Was again, very impressed with the service.
Is this helpful?
M
Maia
VIP
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
A great combo of taste, coziness, great atmosphere, and trying something unusual. It felt both trendy and timeless. Enjoyed my visit very much.
Is this helpful?
M
Mary
Ottawa
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food, in a comfortable dining environment with exceptional service.
Is this helpful?
R
Robert
New York City
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 9 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The restaurant lives up to its name as food is playfully created without succumbing to excess or just adding things because they are trendy. We had the Caesar, falafel and paradella all outstanding as well as a dessert of the day being a modified Baked Alaska. Only found the wine list could use some more medium priced bottles, but what we had as recommended was exactly what we liked. Great service and ambiance and will return on our next Ottawa trip.
Is this helpful?
S
Sarah
Montreal
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 7 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing experience every time. Definitely my favorite restaurant to live an amazing experience. Highly recommended!
Is this helpful?
M
Maria
Chicago
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 4 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The location is great, very convenient and steps away from major attractions. Food was ok, I can’t say it was the worst, but definitely not worth the $. 3 out of 4 dishes were very sour and it was completely unnecessary, as it didn’t complement the flavors. My steak was burnt but thanks to our server it was resolved, so no hard feelings there. Would I come there again? Maybe, to give another chance. Will it be on my top list? Probably not.
Is this helpful?
x
xiaolei
Ottawa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 2 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
the industry Sunday 3 course meal is very good! Especially the grilled eggplant and falafel, they are phenomenal.
Is this helpful?
J
John
Ottawa
37 reviews
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on 2 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Have been many times & will be going back. Delicious food at a great price - perfect portion size and excellent service. The perfect night out !!
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FAQs

Play Food & Wine offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (613) 667-9207.

Play Food & Wine is rated 4.7 stars by 298 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 14 times today

Order delivery or takeout

1 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z5

Additional information

Cross Street
Corner of Sussex Drive and York Street
Area
ByWard Market
Hours of Operation
Mon–Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
CAN$51 and over
Cuisines
Contemporary Canadian, Canadian, Global, International
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Rideau Centre
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Shane Brown
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Vegan

Website
http://www.playfood.ca/
Phone number
(613) 667-9207
Catering
Please reach out to us at info@playfood.ca for inquiries
Private party facilities
Semi-private and fully private dining spaces available. Fully private space can also be reserved for a standing cocktail style reception up to 80 guests.

Play Food & Wine

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

FOR THE TABLE

fritesCA$9.00

Le Coprin mushroomsCA$10.00

warm marinated olivesCA$10.00

chips & dipCA$12.00

pork dumplingsCA$15.00

grilled sourdoughCA$5.00

CHEESE & CHARCUTERIE

featured charcuterieCA$21.00

artisanal cheeseCA$23.00

mixed cheese & charcuterieCA$42.00

RAW

rainbow trout crudoCA$21.00

veal carpaccioCA$23.00

SMALL PLATES

roasted sweet potato soupCA$10.00

gem caesarCA$19.00

burrataCA$19.00

stuffed eggplantCA$20.00

falafelCA$20.00

seared scallopsCA$31.00

LARGER PLATES

fennel ash gnocchiCA$25.00

cedar papardelleCA$25.00

baked mackerelCA$29.00

braised bison short ribCA$32.00

grilled beef striploinCA$36.00

Wine by the Glass (5oz)

Blanc de Beckta, Cave Spring, NVCA$14.00

Branco Superior, Quinta do Cardo, Beira, PT ‘21CA$14.00

Grüner Veltliner, "Vom Loss" Divald, Wagram, AT ‘23CA$14.00

Albarino, Monte Pio, Rias Baixas, ES ‘23CA$15.00

White blend, "Liquid Sundowner" Kristinus, HU ‘21CA$18.00

Trebbiano, Noellia Ricci, IT ‘21CA$20.00

Shiraz, Tscharke, Barossa, AU.’22CA$15.00

Barbera, Vigneti Repetto, Equilatero, IT ‘21CA$16.00

Cotes du Rhone, "Chat Fou" Eric Texier, Rhone FR’ 22CA$18.00

Red Blend, "Delmoro Tinto" La Comarcal, Valencia, ES ‘21CA$19.00

Spätburgunder, Koehler-Ruprecht, Pfalz, DE ‘22CA$20.00

Cocktails

Crystal GimletCA$17.00

Haute MondeCA$17.00

Gingerbread FlipCA$17.00

Fruit + ChampagneCA$17.00

Play Pisco SourCA$18.00

CenoteCA$19.00

Dos CocoaCA$19.00

Beer

Broadhead Light LagerCA$10.00

Beyond The Pale Clean CutCA$10.00

Broadhead Oatmeal StoutCA$10.00

Collective Arts Apple & Cherry CiderCA$10.00

Collective Arts Micro Pale AleCA$10.00

Dominion City Sunsplit IPACA$12.00

Spirit Free

N/A Peach BelliniCA$15.00

N/A SbaliagtoCA$16.00

Silver Swallow Sparkling Wine (5oz)CA$8.00

Collective Arts N/A IPA (55ml)CA$7.00

Collective Arts N/A Guava Gose (355ml)CA$8.00

Perth Play N/A Lager (473ml)CA$9.00

Sparkling Water (750ml)CA$8.00

Juice (Orange / Apple / Cranberry / Pineapple)CA$4.00

PopCA$3.00

Fever-Tree Tonic / Fever-Tree SodaCA$5.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

Does Play Food & Wine offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Play Food & Wine restaurant rated?

Is Play Food & Wine currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information