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Hours
Mon
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tue
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wed
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thu
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fri
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sat
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travelers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Canadian, Contemporary, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
“I had the smoked chicken chowder and the winter salad-light offerings but ver...”
“Haitian Chef Paul Toussaint gave the Steak Tartare a hit of heat which was pe...”
“We split a Caesar salad and the cauliflower main and both were delectable.”
“This was the best duck we’ve ever had, and the chocolate cake was exceptional.”
Details
About
Canadian contemporary cuisine The National Arts Centre's 1 Elgin Restaurant is proud to showcase the fresh flavours and ingredients of Canada, and feature chefs from across the country. Focusing on local, seasonal ingredients, the 1 Elgin menu is a culinary experience that indulges the senses. Whether you're joining us for a sumptuous meal during a corporate lunch, dinner before the show, or simply for a sip of port and chocolate after an evening performance, the 1 Elgin menu has an offering to heighten every dining experience.
PRICE RANGE
$10.00 – $30.00
CUISINES
Contemporary, Canadian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
4.5
735 reviews
Excellent
501
Very good
104
Average
51
Poor
50
Terrible
29
Sandra D
Ottawa73 contributions
Nov 2019 • none
Reservations were made in advance as we were a group of approximately 10 people dining for lunch. The restaurant has nice views of the Canal. Service was excellent, as was the food. Our server was menu-knowledgeable and was able to recommend wines to pair with food, or to suit an individual's needs, and beer as well. Some guests had dessert and said they were mouth watering. Prices are a little high, but sometimes - as in this case - you get what you pay for.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NACJulieB
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Sandra!
We're so glad to hear your group enjoyed their meal and service.
We hope to see you all again soon!
Written March 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul R
Nerja51 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
This was my first visit back to the NAC restaurant renamed 1 Elgin since the re-opening and what a pleasant surprise. The update gives it a sleek, clean, new look from the beautiful menu covers to the new banquets. The new menu is smaller than I remember but offers something for everyone including a daily special. The service as always, is professional, efficient and helpful. A stunningly simple but amazingly tasty dish, was the Reggianno soup. If you're a meat lover, the steak tartar was out of the park. The gnocchi was perfection with it's burnt butter sauce. One professional touch that seems to be absent in most North American restaurants was the Sous Chef came out and discreetly visited with diners. This tradition keeps the kitchen in touch with its' customers and visa versa. Just a perfect evening.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NACJulieB
Thank you so much for your kind words, Paul!
We're so pleased you enjoyed the new menu and the recent changes to the restaurant. And yes, of course, we're extremely lucky to have Sous Chef Connor McQuay as part of the culinary team! He's a pleasure to work with and a very talented Chef!
Thanks again and we look forward to your next visit!
Written January 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CatherineGolfHammond
Ottawa2 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
Made last minute reservations and was able to accommodate me and my family for dinner on new years eve.
My parents love their bubbles and were very happy to find their favorite brand on the wine list. Being a cocktail person myself, their cocktail list has great variety and always taste great!
The menu that night was absolutely divine! My father told me that the meat was ''melt in your mouth'' good. I had the vegan/vegetarian option and they were beautifully colored ad tasted just as nice as they looked.
Great job to our server Lisa and Manager Elodie for a great evening!
Will 100% be coming back!
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NACJulieB
Wonderful! We're so happy your group enjoyed your New Year's Eve meal with us! Very much looking forward to your next visit! :-)
Thank you!
Written January 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeff H
South Mountain31 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
I took my wife to the NAC orchestra and decided to dine at 1 elgin prior to the show since there is nothing else close enough in the middle of February. The restaurant was nice, it was clean, well lit, and the ambiance was right for the NAC. The menu I knew was small and limited. What i didnt kkow was the portions were terrible. I had the cornish hen but only received 2 legs and a chunk of breast. I was expecting a bird for $37. The broccoli side was burnt to a crisp. In all honesty I'd rather go to montanas or lonestar instead.
I'll never go back.
Huge disappointment.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NACJulieB
Thank you for sharing your experience, Jeff. We're glad to hear your enjoyed the new atmosphere in the restaurant, but regret your disappointment in the portion size.
Please know that your comments have already been shared with the restaurant management and will be taken under consideration for the future.
Please accept our thanks for your constructive input.
Written March 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
573Wayne
Ottawa27 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
A memorable dining experience (thanks to winning Childrens' Hospital of Eastern Ontario Lottery Draw) of Caesar Salad, Tenderloin Tartar, Ling Cod and Parisienne Gnocchi, Flourless Chocolate Cake and Apple & Cream. These were complemented by excellent and attentive service (Michel). We started with a terrific bottle of French wine (2014 La Manufacture Bourgogne Pinot Noir). After serving the starters, Michel accidentally broke the tip of the decanting bottle, located on a separate table. Without hesitation, and with many apologies, all (both food and wine) were taken away immediately. Within 2-3 minutes, Michel returned with fresh starters and new bottle of wine. The guests around us were totally impressed, lending to much friendly conversation between tables. And by the way, the later National Art Centre symphony featuring Mozart, like Michel, were all pretty special. Thanks for a great date night, featuring delicious food, great service and wonderful music.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NACJulieB
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! This is wonderful to hear!
We'll be sure to pass your lovely comments on to Michel and the rest of the 1Elgin staff.
Thank you so much for taking the time and we hope to serve you again soon!
Written February 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nancy B
Ottawa38 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Three of us went for lunch on the covered patio right beside the Rideau Canal. Lovely location. The food was delicious and the service excellent. Two of us had the Arctic char, which was served with fingerling potatoes, roasted tomato, zucchini, kale chips, lemon and thyme vinaigrette. The char was cooked perfectly with a nice crispy skin. One person had the piri piri chicken and prosciutto club. Also very good. We will go back soon. This is a great place for lunch.
Written July 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NACJulieB
Thank you so much Nancy! Glad you enjoyed your lunch and our very special location by the Canal. Glad to hear we'll have the opportunity to serve you again soon! :-)
Written July 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leslie F
Ottawa15 contributions
May 2022 • none
We treated ourselves to a meal at 1 Elgin before an evening at the ballet, and enjoyed the experience very much, from start to finish. Attentive but not pushy staff, appropriate music, a shortish, interesting and varied menu, and deliciously executed dishes were all appreciated, as was the timing that meant we could linger over an excellent cappuccino before going upstairs to the ballet. We will be back.
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie B
Thank you so much for sharing these kind words about our menu and your experience at 1 Elgin. We're so pleased to hear you enjoyed yourselves!!
Written May 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
weekamp
6 contributions
Dec 2021 • none
Ate here with a friend one week ago. Great food choices. We both had sweet potato gnocchi, glass of white wine and coffee. Our waitress, Charlotte, was friendly, prompt and helped with the wine selection. It is a lovely calm restaurant and feels intimate even though it is large, as the bar separates the middle of the room. It is full of light from the big windows overlooking the canal. In winter, the scene outside is the canal skateway. Lunch for one was reasonable - with taxes and 18% tip it came to $48. The restaurant is part of the National Arts Centre and inside staff give directions.
Written December 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie B
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We're very happy to hear you enjoyed your experience and hope to see you again in the future! :-)
Written January 4, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nikki F
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
We arrived just after 8 to what looked like staff and a restaurant frazzled from the pre-show service. We asked to sit inside (it was too hot for us outside) at a table with a view and were put at a table with a view of covered patio furniture....... We then asked to be moved and sat nearer the patio door.
We then proceeded to sit there and have multiple wait staff yell back and forth from the patio and kitchens doors to the bar as well as smashing and crashing from the kitchen. However we did unfortunately still order appetizers ( yes the summer salad was lovely) and prosecco - (Our menus never got taken away we ended up having the put them on the floor) We had to asked for bread that took almost 10 mins to arrive and when it did it was cold and dry and stale - not in any way the type of quality we were expecting from a restaurant that markets itself and “a culinary experience that indulges the senses. Experience our take on contemporary cuisine with dishes that will delight and engage you”
It was so incredibly disappointing that we chose not to stay and canceled our main course order and left the restaurant. It was so disappointing i had been looking forward to going there to celebrate a birthday
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie B
Thank you for sharing your experience. We apologize for not living up to expectation on this occasion and assure you that your comments have already been sent to the restaurant management so they can address these issues.
Thank you again and we hope to serve you again in the future.
Written July 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Icychick
Victoria76 contributions
Jul 2022 • family
What an over rated restaurant. We arrived for our reservation at 7:30pm, we were never told that service stops at 8:30pm. Had we been informed of this we would have gone elsewhere. What’s the point of going to a high end restaurant if you are being hurried along, it’s not advertised as fast food!
Our server was very nice and attentive but didn’t have a clue about the menu… and it’s not a very big menu! They were unable to provide an adequate description of any of the presentations. Very disappointing.
We ordered the trout and the strip loin entrees. Both of the striploins were cooked medium rare and were tough, the broccoli was burnt not charred and all in all the food was mediocre at best…$300.85 truly wasted.
We asked for a substitution to be made and the “ chef” declined, so we didn’t order the starter we wanted, guess making money isn’t that important to them. When we ordered a second round of drinks we were told the bar had closed at 8:30pm, on the dot. We only asked for wine, the waitress can’t access the bar?
Would we recommend this restaurant, absolutely not! In the capital of Canada there are some marvelous restaurants and this one deserves an overhaul of its menu and train more competent staff ( we don’t think our server had even sampled the menu)
2/5 at best.
Written July 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie B
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Detailed notes like yours help us to identify where we could be improving, especially during this time, when so many of our staff are new and currently being trained.
With this in mind, your notes will be shared with the restaurant management, the executive chef and kitchen staff.
Written July 11, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pauline p
Ottawa2 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Three friends and I had dinner a few days ago on my birthday. Two of us had the Beef Tenderloin which was awesome & perfectly cooked and accompanied by several local vegetables, romesco sauce and demi glace. I also shared a very tasty take on Caesar salad made with a combination of romaine, radicchio & kale, maple smoked bacon & sourdough croutons. The other two people had the daily special ling cod which they both loved. Their plates were also accompanied by a number of vegetables & things, but I was too busy eating my own dinner to clearly recall all of it! And for dessert, we all had a very tasty & light peach & lemon panna cotta. The restaurant also has a very reasonably priced and varied wine list. All in all, it was a perfect outdoor outing during these weird Covid times and the service was very very good. Can't wait to go back!
Written August 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NACJulieB
Thank you so much for the detailed review, and Happy Birthday!
We're so happy to hear you and your friends enjoyed your meal and your evening with us!
And we can't wait for the opportunity to serve you again! :-)
Written August 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GaryWaterfield
Perth14 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Wow! My wife Marg and I had exceptional meal accompanied by outstanding service to celebrate our 36th Wedding Anniversary last night. The meal and view of the canal made for a romantic evening. I had rabbit and Marg had beef tenderloin as our main dishes which were delicious. Our server was very attentive and took took pictures of us. We highly recommend this restaurant . We will return!
Written July 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NACJulieB
Wow! Congratulations on your 36th anniversary, and thank you for spending it at 1 Elgin! We're so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your evening with us, and appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We look forward to your return!
Written August 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karl D
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • friends
We visited 1 Elgin to celebrate a birthday dinner for a girlfriend last weekend. I must say that the service we received was excellent, and the food delicious. Our sever had a great knowledge of the menus and gave us great recommendations for our mains with wine pairings. I had the bison .. one word .. Amazing!!
1 Elgin is definitely a place to go to while visiting Ottawa. The ambiance, layout (wall to wall windows) bring city views from every angle; a pure delight while having a dinner or sipping cocktails at the end of a work week. I will definitely be back. Thank you again for the great service!
Written October 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie B
It's wonderful to hear you had such a great time! Thank you so much for sharing! Hope to see you again soon!
Written October 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dr V S
Toronto10 contributions
May 2022 • none
Our adult family luncheon at 1 Elgin was an experience of excellent cuisine, friendly, efficient staff, and a spectacular location on the banks of the Ottawa River. This was a special birthday celebration and General Manager Grayson McDiarmid carefully took care of a few special requests. We loved our corner table, immediate access to two of our favourite white wines which were chilling in ice buckets when we arrived. Individual place cards with the birthday gentleman's name were prominently positioned at every place, and the desert plates came adorned with the wording in chocolate script, "Happy Birthday Paul". The European-style menu offers an internally inspired handful of choices for appetizers, main courses, and desserts. We all chose different dishes, unusual and amusing for our group who tend to gravitate toward the same foods. This break with tradition we attributed to the strong appeal of so many complementary dishes. Looking for something comfortably sophisticated in the best of Canadian tradition? 1 Elgin just may be a perfect fit.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie B
Wonderful! Thank you so much for taking the time to write these kind words about your recent experience at 1 Elgin! It is very much appreciated and has already been shared with the staff. We hope to serve you again soon!
Written June 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ross
1 contribution
Dec 2019 • none
I had a wonderful meal prior to the NAC Pops concert. The roast beef was medium rare as advertised and as I like it. Excellent service by Michael. Only disappointment was I was unable to get horseradish for my prime rib.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NACJulieB
Thank you for sharing your experience and for the great review! We hope you'll stop in again before your next show! :-)
Written January 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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