Anabella’s Kitchen & Lounge

I’m a little confused about all the 5 stars to be honest. My spouse was in town for just a few days and I’d chosen this restaurant as our romantic night out given the reviews. I’m not sure I’ll be back.

The good: the rigatoni pasta was one of the best I’ve ever had and I liked the zucchini crisps. The music is at the perfect level that you don’t hear other tables but you can speak to your date. Feels intimate.

The not so good: the wine list was lacking. The wines tasted like they’d been open a while and the quality wasn’t there. The server was overly chatty, stopping by incessantly but not bringing additional value. It was a date, it was supposed to be just us, but we felt like we were having a party of 3. Last, what’s with the red lighting? Made me feel like I was in a seedy brothel.

This place has the food to back it up, but lost stars for everything else – the mood lighting, the service and the wine.

My wife and I had a wonderful date night at Annabella’s this past Friday. The food and service were outstanding. For me having Peroni on tap was the topper!

We tried several dishes during our visit — the yellowfin tuna, the short rib, the burrata, fried zucchini, and some drinks.

Starting with the short rib: it was unfortunately the biggest letdown. The meat was far too salty and hadn’t been braised long enough to reach that fall-apart tenderness that makes braised beef special. The burrata was average at best, nothing memorable. The tuna itself was good in terms of quality, but the soy sauce marinade was overly salty, leaving the whole dish tasting a bit unbalanced.

The fried zucchini was enjoyable, though not enough to redeem the rest of the meal. Drinks were okay. Ordered our drink shaken on ice and got it on rocks !!! Definitely not the same.

Atmosphere-wise, the setting was okay, but the couch seating was wobbly and moved around while we sat, which made it feel less polished than expected. On the positive side, the service was excellent. Our server was attentive, friendly, and on point throughout the evening. The location itself is also easily accessible.

Overall, while the service and accessibility were good, the food did not match the hype of the 4.9-star rating we saw on Google. We came for the food, and unfortunately, it just didn’t deliver on expectations. Hopefully we give it a shot again in the future and can change this rating…

If you’re in Ottawa and haven’t yet dined at Anabella’s Kitchen and Lounge in Little Italy, you’re truly missing out on a remarkable culinary experience. Absolutely superb!

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warm smiles and impeccable service that makes you feel right at home. The ambiance strikes a beautiful balance, comfortable and casual, yet elevated with the elegance of fine dining.

The menu is a masterful fusion of Mediterranean inspiration with a distinct nod to the owner’s Lebanese roots. Each dish is exquisitely plated and bursting with rich, vibrant flavors that will have your tastebuds dancing with delight.

Start your journey with the fried zucchini (you’ll be tempted to order it twice), or their fresh and flavorful fattoush salad. The yellowfin tuna appetizer is delicate and expertly prepared, while the truffle aioli frites are the perfect indulgence.

For mains, the Anabella Chicken, za’atar cauliflower with lentils, Pan Seared Coho Salmon, and Margherita Pizza are all standouts—each dish meticulously crafted and layered with ingredients that speak to heritage, heart, and exceptional culinary skill.

Anabella’s isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a celebration of flavor, culture, and hospitality. Whether you’re a local or visiting Ottawa, this is one stop you’ll be raving about long after your last bite.

Don’t wait and go visit Anabella’s today and savor every bite of this unforgettable dining experience.

From the moment we walked in, the restaurant had a warm and inviting presence that set the tone for a wonderful dining experience. The atmosphere was vibrant yet relaxed—perfect for a night out.

The staff were exceptionally courteous and attentive, striking the right balance between being helpful and giving us space to enjoy our meal. Every interaction felt genuine and professional.

As for the food—absolutely delicious. Each dish was not only beautifully presented but full of rich, original flavors that stood out. You could tell that a lot of thought and creativity went into the menu.

All in all, it was a memorable evening, and I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great food, a lovely ambiance, and top-notch service.