Aaron C.
Google
I visited Atelier in Ottawa with my partner last month, and it caught me completely by surprise — literally, because I had no idea he was taking me there. Walking in felt like entering a quiet dining room that just happened to be hosting a culinary experiment. Within a few courses, it became clear that Atelier isn’t about predictability. It’s about curiosity.
Every dish was whimsical and unexpected, with playful presentations that still delivered impressive depth of flavour. The food never felt unusual just for the sake of being unusual; it always made sense once you tasted it. My favourite moment was the green curry coconut “styrofoam,” which looked exactly like packing material but dissolved instantly with a burst of bold, bright curry flavour. Even the butter that accompanied the bread came as delicate butterfly shapes presented in a case like preserved specimens from an entomology lab. It was absurdly charming — beautiful, a little nerdy and delicious.
Service was fine — nothing over the top or particularly memorable — but the food carried the experience with enough personality that it didn’t need theatrics from the staff. The kitchen handled all the storytelling.
If classic fine dining is elegant and predictable, Atelier is its mischievous counterpart: playful, clever and unafraid to take risks. It’s a place that invites you to have fun with food, not just admire it. If you’re open to being surprised, you’ll leave with a full stomach and a grin.