JOEY Rideau: The Ottawa Spot Every Montrealer Should Know About
If you’re making the two-hour drive from Montreal to Ottawa (let’s be honest, probably for work or to visit family), there’s a spot you need to know about. Nestled in the heart of Ottawa’s bustling Rideau Street, JOEY Rideau has become a reliable favorite for Montrealers in the know. Think of it as that perfect middle ground between our beloved Normandin and the fancier spots on Crescent Street.
More Than Just Another Chain
JOEY Rideau sits at 150 Rideau Street, right in the Rideau Centre, making it impossible to miss if you’re downtown Ottawa. While we Montrealers might be skeptical of mall restaurants (we’ve been spoiled by our own food scene), this place breaks all those preconceptions. The moment you step in, you realize this isn’t your typical shopping centre restaurant.
What Makes It Worth The Drive to JOEY Rideau
Coming from a city where good food is practically a religion, we Montrealers can be tough critics. But here’s the thing about JOEY Rideau – they somehow manage to nail that sweet spot between casual and upscale that we love so much back home. Their menu isn’t trying to compete with Montreal’s fine dining scene, but it’s doing its own thing, and doing it well.
The Vibe
Picture this: You’ve just finished a day of meetings in Ottawa’s downtown core, or maybe you’re taking a break from exploring Parliament Hill. JOEY’s Rideau offers that perfect escape that reminds us a bit of our favorite spots on Saint-Denis – modern enough to feel special, but comfortable enough to actually relax.
The space itself strikes that balance we Montrealers appreciate – it’s polished without being pretentious, busy without being chaotic. During lunch hours, you’ll find a mix of government workers, tourists, and yes, quite a few Quebecers conducting business meetings in that characteristic mix of French and English we know so well.
Why It Works For Us
Here’s what makes JOEY’s Rideau a go-to for Montrealers in Ottawa:
First, the service gets us. They’re used to our Montreal way of doing things, and many staff switch effortlessly between French and English – something we always appreciate. Whether you’re ordering in French or English, you’ll feel right at home.
The menu hits all the right notes for our Montreal palates. While it’s not trying to compete with our smoked meat or poutine (smart move), they offer a solid international menu that rivals some of our better casual dining spots. From their steak frites that could hold its own on Boulevard Saint-Laurent to surprisingly good sushi that would fit right in on Bishop Street, they’ve got range.
Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether you’re in Ottawa for a quick business trip, showing around relatives who wanted to see the capital, or making a weekend getaway, Joey’s Rideau fits the bill. It’s become that reliable spot where Montreal families meet their Ottawa relatives halfway, where business deals between the two cities get done, and where tired tourists can recharge without compromising on quality.
When To Go
If you’re visiting from Montreal, timing is everything. Lunch hours (12-2) get packed with the government crowd, and evenings, especially Thursday to Saturday, fill up with a mix of shoppers, tourists, and the after-work crowd. Unlike Montreal, where we’re used to eating late, Ottawa tends to wind down earlier – plan accordingly.
Pro tip for my fellow Montrealers: While you don’t always need a reservation back home, it’s worth making one here, especially if you’re coming for dinner or weekend brunch. The restaurant is a stone’s throw from the National Arts Centre, making it a popular pre-show spot.
The Whole Package
Look, it’s not Schwartz’s or Au Pied de Cochon – but it’s not trying to be. What Joey’s Rideau offers is a reliable, upscale-casual spot that feels familiar enough for us Montrealers while still being distinctly Ottawa. The food is consistent, the atmosphere is welcoming, and most importantly, you won’t feel like you’re settling just because you’re away from home.
For Montrealers making the trip to our nation’s capital, whether for work, family, or pleasure, JOEY Rideau has become something of an unofficial embassy – a place where we know we’ll get good food, good service, and maybe even hear a familiar “bonjour-hi” that makes us feel a little closer to home.
Opening Hours
| Day | Regular Hours | Happy Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 9:00 PM – Close |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 9:00 PM – Close |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 9:00 PM – Close |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 9:00 PM – Close |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 9:00 PM – Close |
JOEY Rideau Menu
Appetizers & Share Plates
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Steak French Dips | Carved new york strip, gruyere cheese, garlic toast, au jus pour over | 2 ea $13 4 ea $23 |
| Hummus | Tzatziki, dill, olives, crispy pita | $20.50 |
| Japanese Gyoza | Pork dumplings with hot mustard | $17.50 |
| Korean Fried Cauliflower | Sweet & spicy korean chili miso paste, toasted sesame seeds | $16.00 |
| Truffle Parmesan Fries | Grainy mustard aioli | $14.00 |
| Yam Fries | With spicy aioli | $14.00 |
| Szechuan Chicken Lettuce Wraps | Sweet soy ginger glaze, peanuts, crispy wontons, spicy aioli | $24.75 |
| Roasted Corn Guacamole | Cilantro, fresh lime, cherry tomatoes, serranos, feta cheese, warm tortilla chips | $16.50 |
| Sliders Royale | Three beef sliders, secret sauce, american cheese | $20.25 |
| Hot Wings | Frank’s hot sauce, creamy blue cheese dip | $20.50 |
Mains
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Parmesan | Spaghetti pomodoro, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil | $34.00 |
| Spaghetti Pomodoro | Calabrian chili-spiked tomato sauce, whipped ricotta, fresh basil, parmesan | $25.00 |
| Ravioli Bianco | Prawns, crispy onions, grana padano, truffle beurre blanc sauce | $35.00 |
| Herb Crush Salmon | Truffle beurre blanc, preserved tomatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, snap peas & asparagus | $37.75 |
| Oven Roasted Wild Cod | Steamed & crispy rice, snap peas, cauliflower, almonds, thai peanut curry sauce | $34.00 |
| Bollywood Butter Chicken | Aromatic basmati rice, papadum, grilled naan | $31.00 |
| Blackened Chicken | Warm potato salad, bacon & horseradish aioli, creamy coleslaw | $37.00 |
Salads & Bowls
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Farmers Market | Fresh strawberries, marinated beets, roasted corn, candied sunflower seeds, aged cheddar, champagne vinaigrette | $19.50 |
| Katsu Chicken Salad | Crispy chicken breast, julienne vegetables, peanuts, arugula, miso ginger dressing | $28.50 |
| Yellowfin Tuna Salad | Seared rare, mango, peanuts, avocado, crispy gyoza strips, cilantro ginger dressing | $29.75 |
| The New Cobb | Romaine & kale, double smoked bacon, soft-boiled egg, grilled chicken breast, grana padano dressing | $28.50 |
| Mediterranean Bowl | Harissa grilled chicken, marinated chickpeas, grilled artichokes, roasted peppers, kalamata olives, gem tomatoes, jasmine rice, hummus, tzatziki | $29.50 |
| Tuna Poke Bowl | Sashimi grade ahi tuna poke, crispy wontons, green papaya slaw, chili crisp, carrot miso dressing, coconut jasmine rice | $28.50 |
| Crispy Tofu Bowl | Korean chili spiced tofu, crispy wontons, green papaya slaw, chili crisp, carrot miso dressing, coconut jasmine rice | $27.50 |
Sushi
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sushi Cone | Tempura prawn, avocado, spicy mayo, tobiko | $7.00 ea |
| Lobster & Prawn Sushi Tacos | Mango, coconut lime dressing, avocado mousse, sushi rice, crispy wonton shells | $18.00 |
| Seared Salmon Sushi | Osaka pressed, fire torched salmon, umami sauce, shaved serrano peppers | $21.50 |
| Tuna & Avocado Crunch Roll | Marinated ahi tuna, avocado, pickled ginger, tempura flakes, spicy emulsion | $21.50 |
Burgers & Handhelds
All served with fries
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Baja Fish Tacos | Two tacos, shrimp & cod, guacamole, valentina’s | $22.50 |
| Grilled Chicken Club | Spicy mayo, aged cheddar, smoky bacon | $25.00 |
| Ahi Tuna Club | Grilled rare, bacon, sweet pepper relish, onion rings | $26.50 |
| Hand-pressed Burger | All the groceries, secret sauce | $22.00 |
| Veggie Burger | Brown rice, mushroom, almonds, miso dressing, arugula | $24.75 |
Steaks
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| JOEY Classic Steak | 6 oz CAB sirloin, fully loaded crispy mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables | $38.00 |
| Steak With Lobster | 6 oz CAB® sirloin, fully loaded crispy mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables | $61.00 |
| Steak Frites | 6 oz CAB sirloin, garlic butter, rocket greens, preserved cherry tomatoes, fries | $34.75 |
| The Ribeye | 16 oz bone-in, garlic butter, peppercorn sauce, fully loaded crispy mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables | $67.00 |
Steak Add-ons
- Peppercorn Sauce: $5
- Lobster Tail: $23
- Garlic Lemon Prawns: $12
- Miso Roasted Mushrooms: $7
- Red Wine Jus: $5
Desserts
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Individually Baked Apple Pie | Hand-folded pastry, toasted almonds, canadian maple ice cream | $14.00 |
| Crème Brûlée Cheesecake | Fresh strawberry compote, whipped cream | Half: $8 Full: $14 |
| Warm Italian Donuts | Vanilla mascarpone cream, lemon curd | $13.75 |
| Molten Chocolate Cake | Fresh raspberries, tahitian vanilla ice cream | $13.75 |
Prices do not include tax
Substitutions & Upgrades
- Substitute salad: +$3.50
- Substitute truffle parmesan fries: +$7.00
- Substitute gluten-free bun: +$2.50
- Protein-style: +$2.00
- Add mushroom & cheddar: +$4.00
- Add cheddar & bacon: +$4.00
- Add avocado: +$4.25
- Add chicken: +$8.00
- Add salmon: +$11.00
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