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  • The Whalesbone Oyster House

  • 4.0 stars
    (Based on 8 Reviews)
  • Cuisines: Seafood
  • (613) 231-8569
  • 430 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y8
  • Neighbourhoods: Somerset, Centretown
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LaurenA
2008/08/11
  • A+ affordable for food quality and great service
  • Overall
    5.0 stars
    • Food
      5.0 stars
    • Services
      5.0 stars
    • Atmosphere
      4.0 stars
    • Price Range (per person): $26-$60
    • Visit Again?: Yes
    • Party Size: 2
  • It was a special occassion, and the whole experience was amazing. I had never had oysters before and the oyster preparer was so helpful and even gave us a variety of ones to try.

    The appetizers are very affordable for the quality. We ordered a few to share and each was amazing.

    The kitchen is open and you can watch the shefs prepare the meal. If you are interested in watching them, ask for the bar seat or booth table close to the kitchen.

    I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone with a passion for seafood. There are also non-seafood options available.
    Very good wine list available too. And the record player made the experience that much better.

  • Order: Oysters, steak with fiddleheads, fish cakes, salad, tuna steak
  • 1 person thought this review was helpful
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Ted Johnston
2007/08/20
  • The appetizers - oysters were great. More...
  • Overall
    4.0 stars
    • Food
      3.0 stars
    • Services
      4.0 stars
    • Atmosphere
      4.0 stars
    • Price Range (per person): $100+
    • Visit Again?: No
    • Party Size: 2
  • The appetizers - oysters were great.

    More presentation than good food. The prices were ridiculous. Why pay more for a chef when he can't produce a good meal...

    Save your money and pay for good food not the name of a chef!

    I have had better wakame sald from a plastic tub in Chinatown.

  • Order: oysters steak salmon wakame salad
J M
2007/06/17
  • Although a little pricy for the portion size, the...
  • Overall
    5.0 stars
    • Food
      5.0 stars
    • Services
      5.0 stars
    • Atmosphere
      5.0 stars
    • Price Range (per person): $61-$100
    • Visit Again?: Yes
    • Party Size: 2
  • Although a little pricy for the portion size, the food was delicious. And a great place to visit for atmosphere, and friendliness. Very kind staff, full of knowledge, advice and good cheer. My GF was sold on 2 words, "Steve Vardy". Great food, awesome atmosphere, definitely want to return!

  • Order: 2 different varieties of oysters. GF had the Tuna, I had the Pork Tenderloin. Bottle of Wildass Rose wine
  • 1 person thought this review was helpful
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Courtney
2007/05/08
  • This restaurant is amazing. I have been three...
  • Overall
    4.0 stars
    • Food
      4.0 stars
    • Services
      4.0 stars
    • Atmosphere
      4.0 stars
    • Price Range (per person): $61-$100
    • Visit Again?: Yes
    • Party Size: 2
  • This restaurant is amazing. I have been three times and haven't been disappointed. The food is delicious and the service is very helpful and friendly.

  • Order: Custom greens, steak, wine
Tony Johnston
2007/04/04
  • We ate at the bar which was good as we could see...
  • Overall
    3.0 stars
    • Food
      2.0 stars
    • Services
      3.0 stars
    • Atmosphere
      3.0 stars
    • Price Range (per person): $100+
    • Visit Again?: Maybe
    • Party Size: 2
  • We ate at the bar which was good as we could see the fresh oysters shucked right in front on us. The appetizers - oysters were great - good variety.

    Steak was not at all what it should have been. Salmon was ridiculous. The presentation was cute, but not that appealing. The prices were way out of whack for the quality and preparation of the food.

    It used to be better - I think they got a new cook - definitely went downhill from before.

    We may go back, but just for the oysters - forget the mains. Save your money and have your main course elsewhere.

  • Order: Raw Oysters, Steak and Salmon Wine - a Shiraz
Sandy Kronick-Abbey
2007/03/01
  • First - the benches - absolutely ridiculous to...
  • Overall
    3.0 stars
    • Food
      3.0 stars
    • Services
      3.0 stars
    • Atmosphere
      3.0 stars
    • Price Range (per person): $61-$100
    • Visit Again?: No
    • Party Size: 4
  • First - the benches - absolutely ridiculous to think that people would be comfortable - for sitting that long with no back support - invest in some good restaurant chairs.
    You are charging 5 star prices for inconsistant food. The appetizers were delicious - but $18.00 each - ridiculous. Salmon and steak were undercooked. No vegetables??? $38.00
    Nice staff - but not professional. For this money you should have top of the line professionally trained staff and consistant quality of food. We won't be back. Nor will our friends.

  • Order: scallops small plate and the fois gras small plate Large plate - three of us had the steak and one had the salmon. The wine was fine - a shiraz.
  • 1 person thought this review was helpful
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SteveB
2007/03/01
  • This is the best Oyster Bar in town! Always a...
  • Overall
    5.0 stars
    • Food
      5.0 stars
    • Services
      5.0 stars
    • Atmosphere
      4.0 stars
    • Price Range (per person): $11-$25
    • Visit Again?: Yes
    • Party Size: 2
  • This is the best Oyster Bar in town!
    Always a large selection of east and west coast oysters, with fresh horse radish, and a Scotch shaker to have on them too!
    Always a fresh menu on the board...
    Very fun place to be!

  • Order: Raw Oysters Fish Dishes. Wine and Beer...
Lance Henry
2007/03/01
  • This place is incredible !!! There is no other...
  • Overall
    5.0 stars
    • Food
      5.0 stars
    • Services
      5.0 stars
    • Atmosphere
      5.0 stars
    • Price Range (per person): $11-$25
    • Visit Again?: Yes
    • Party Size: 5
  • This place is incredible !!! There is no other place like it in Ottawa. Have the lobster bisque. Don't be shy ..... talk to the staff, have some drinks, have a great time. Congrats Josh & Cheri.

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