What should I order at Play Food ?
Play Food
Sourdough bread with caramelized butter
Recommended multiple times for its excellent flavor and elevated simplicity; reviewers called it one of the best they’ve had, said it was a must-have, and praised the caramelized butter for taking the bread to the next level.
Gnocchi
Frequently praised in several forms, including hand-cut gnocchi, fennel ash gnocchi, and ramp gnocchi. Reviewers highlighted its outstanding texture, bold flavor, and careful execution, calling it one of the best dishes they’d had.
Pork belly
Mentioned as a standout for its high-level technique and thoughtful ingredient pairing, with reviewers praising both the taste and presentation.
Falafel
Strongly recommended for its surprising quality, moist texture, fresh parsley flavor, and well-balanced accompaniments, including a spiced date jam.
Mushroom croquettes
Praised for their perfect pairing with wine and for delivering outstanding flavors and textures; reviewers described them as some of the best dishes they had in Ottawa.
Scallop ceviche
Recommended as a standout dish for its freshness and overall quality, with multiple reviewers calling it excellent or a highlight of the meal.
Le Coprin mushrooms
Recommended for their bright, acidic, sweet, and earthy balance, especially when paired with shishitos and sourdough bread.
Brussels sprouts with herb aioli
Praised as amazing, with reviewers specifically noting the satisfying flavor and the herb aioli.
Rabbit cavatelli
Described as outstanding, making it one of the dishes reviewers most wanted to order again.
Braised short rib
Recommended for being fantastic and memorable, with one reviewer singling it out as a highlight of the meal.
About Play Food
Upscale-casual nook with an open kitchen, market-driven sharing plates & lots of wines by the glass.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Play Food known for?
Play Food is best known for its small plates and wine pairings, especially dishes like gnocchi, scallops, pork belly, and charcuterie board. Reviewers repeatedly mention the kitchen’s balanced flavors, careful presentation, and strong wine list as major reasons to visit.
What dishes are most recommended at Play Food?
The most recommended dishes include the fennel ash gnocchi, pork belly, scallop ceviche, and hand-cut gnocchi, with the grilled sourdough and caramelized butter also called out often. Other specific favorites from reviews include braised short rib, crispy Brussels sprouts with herb aioli, and the charcuterie board.
What is the atmosphere like at Play Food?
The atmosphere is cozy, quiet, romantic, trendy, and upscale, with an open kitchen, two floors, and options like bar seating and kitchen counter seats. Reviewers describe it as relaxed but polished, making it a good fit for dates, solo diners, and groups that want a more refined meal in Ottawa’s Byward Market area.
Is Play Food good value, and what is the price range?
Play Food is in the $$$ price range, so it is not a budget option, but reviewers say the food, service, and wine pairings make the experience feel worth it. The small-plates format also lets solo diners or couples try a few dishes without committing to a large meal.
Do I need a reservation at Play Food?
Yes, reservations are recommended for both lunch and dinner, and reviewers mention that walk-ins can sometimes get a table but without a guaranteed wait. Because it is a popular spot in the Byward Market area, booking ahead is the safer choice if you want an easier visit.
Is parking available at Play Food ?
Yes. Paid parking lot, Paid street parking is available.
Does Play Food have vegetarian options?
Yes, Play Food offers vegetarian options.
Is Play Food kid-friendly?
Yes, Play Food is good for kids.
Restaurants like Play Food in Ottawa
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