Erling’s Variety

Erling’s Variety hosted a small wedding party for my daughter and sixteen guests. We could not have picked a venue with a more accommodating and attentive staff. The service was excellent and the food presentation and quality was top drawer. I have never seen a charcuterie board so well presented. The main course and tuna appetizer were delicious and the desert was to die for. Hats off to the owners. We had a great evening. Thank you for capping a very special day.

I recently visited this restaurant and found it to be a mixed experience. The highlight of the evening was definitely the wine selection that paired nicely with the meal. The food itself was fine, competently prepared and presented, but it didn’t leave a strong impression or bring anything particularly exciting to the table for my tastebuds.

The atmosphere and service were pleasant enough but not especially memorable, lacking the kind of warmth or energy that would make me eager to return. Overall, it’s worth a try if you’re in the area, but I wouldn’t say it’s a place I’d rush back to anytime soon.

Atmosphere shines, food and service fall short

Tucked into the heart of the Glebe, Erling’s Variety has all the makings of a great neighborhood spot. Parking is manageable, the space strikes a balance between casual and refined, and the open kitchen brings a lively energy. It’s the kind of place that immediately feels welcoming.

Drinks were pleasant if not particularly memorable—well made, but lacking the spark you might expect from a restaurant with this level of ambition.

The food, unfortunately, never quite lived up to the setting. The potato agnolotti arrived in a small bowl, with the nduja sofrito pooling at the bottom. Flavor-wise, it was fine, but the presentation made it awkward to eat. Reaching for one piece of pasta meant nudging the others aside just to capture a bit of sauce. A wider plate or sauce served on top would have let the dish feel more cohesive.

The scallop plate was harder to forgive. Three scallops, priced around $35, arrived rubbery and overcooked, without the delicate golden sear that defines a well-executed scallop. The supporting kale and corn salad offered brightness and acidity, but the dish as a whole felt disjointed—as if ingredients had been assembled rather than thoughtfully composed.

Service matched the food: average at best. Staff were polite but not particularly warm, and the 30-minute wait for two dishes felt longer than it should have. Nothing was egregious, but nothing elevated the experience either.

When measured against nearby restaurants like The Belmont, which deliver polished service and carefully executed plates at similar prices, Erling’s Variety struggles to justify its value.

Bottom Line:
Erling’s Variety has a wonderful atmosphere, the kind of room you want to linger in. I only wish the food and service rose to meet it. Until they find that missing finesse, it’s a place better suited for drinks with friends than for a full dinner.

I make it to Ottawa a few times a year from the US. Erling’s is my go-to restaurant every trip and what I consider to be the best restaurant in the city (and rivaling the best restaurant in any city I’ve traveled to). Liam and Che are always cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and I find watching them cook is almost as much of a treat as actually tasting the food. Each time I go, I tend to experience an entirely new menu, my wife and I tend to splurge and try one of everything (or one of most things). It’s like having your own personal tasting menu and a fantastic culinary experience. (I’m a bit behind on my review as this is from a few months back, but I have a reservation coming up and wanted to share the excitement of my last few visits). Great restaurant, highest recommendation!

Had a fantastic experience!

The wait staff were kind enough to create a romantic table as a surprise for when we arrived. They even had my favorite music playing! The chef has great taste in music. I love how the restaurant is set up to see into the kitchen. It’s great to see professionals do their thing.

The staff were pleasant and efficient, and as each dish arrived, they exceeded our expectations. Fresh and delicious, each plate was made perfect. My favorite dish of the night was the scallops.