What should I order at The Whalesbone Elgin Street?
The Whalesbone Elgin Street
Oysters
The most frequently praised item in the reviews; repeatedly described as extremely fresh, delicious, and the best many diners have ever had.
Pork Belly
Recommended multiple times as a standout main, with reviewers calling it tender, packed with flavor, and one of the best dishes of the night.
Seafood Pasta
Mentioned as mouthwatering and delicious, with reviewers highlighting the rich seafood flavor and saying it was a favorite dinner spot because of it.
Hot Seafood Platter
Praised for being fresh, flavorful, and hard to stop eating, with multiple seafood components that made it a popular shared dish.
Lobster Pasta
Recommended for its perfectly cooked pasta, rich and flavorful sauce, and generous, fresh lobster portions.
Bone Marrow
Called massive and rich, with a memorable flavor balance from the accompaniments, making it a strong starter recommendation.
Seafood Chowder
Described as amazing and especially flavorful, with reviewers noting its bright taste and dill-forward depth.
Stone Crab Bucatini
Mentioned by multiple diners as an incredible main, showing up as a popular pasta choice among the seafood dishes.
Hours
| Monday | 4 to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 4 to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 4 to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
| Saturday | 3 to 11 PM |
| Sunday | 3 to 10 PM |
About The Whalesbone Elgin Street
The Whalesbone Elgin Street is a seafood restaurant in Ottawa, Ontario, with lunch, dinner, brunch, and late-night food service. Reviewers consistently praise the oysters, seafood dishes like mussels, seafood pasta, chowder, and the hot seafood platter, along with attentive service and a cozy, intimate atmosphere. It is also noted for bar seating, cocktails, beer, and wine, with reservations recommended for lunch and dinner. The restaurant is described as casual, cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale, and it is popular for solo dining, groups, and date nights.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Frequently asked questions
What is The Whalesbone Elgin Street known for?
It is best known for oysters, which reviewers repeatedly call exceptionally fresh and among the best in Ottawa. Guests also highlight seafood-focused plates like the hot seafood platter, mussels, seafood pasta, and seafood chowder, plus a strong bar program with cocktails and wine.
What dishes are most recommended at The Whalesbone Elgin Street?
The most recommended items include oysters, the hot seafood platter with fish cakes, shrimp, bacon-wrapped scallops, and mussels, seafood pasta, and seafood chowder. Reviewers also praise non-seafood dishes like beef tartare, bone marrow, Wagyu or flat iron steak, and pork belly, which makes the menu appealing beyond just shellfish.
What is the atmosphere like at The Whalesbone Elgin Street?
The vibe is described as cozy, intimate, and romantic, but also lively and buzzing when full, especially on weekend nights. Reviewers say it works well for date nights, solo dining at the bar, and groups that want a busy, energetic seafood spot rather than a quiet fine-dining room.
Is The Whalesbone Elgin Street good value, and what is the price range?
The restaurant is priced at $$$, and reviewers say the portions are large enough that some people skipped dessert because they were already full. The value is helped by generous seafood platters, substantial mains like pork belly and steak, and attentive service that makes the higher price feel justified.
Do you need a reservation at The Whalesbone Elgin Street, and when is it busiest?
Reservations are recommended for lunch, brunch, and dinner, and same-day seats can be hard to get because the restaurant is often full. Reviewers mention Saturday nights as especially busy and note that bar seating can be a good option when the dining room is packed.
Is parking available at The Whalesbone Elgin Street?
Yes. Free street parking, Paid street parking, Usually somewhat difficult to find a space is available.
Does The Whalesbone Elgin Street have vegetarian options?
Yes, The Whalesbone Elgin Street offers vegetarian options.
Restaurants like The Whalesbone Elgin Street in Ottawa
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