Arlo Wine & Restaurant: What’s the hype
Looking for a nice meal in a relaxed atmosphere during a weekend trip to Ottawa, I stumble upon Arlo Wine & Restaurant completely by accident. But when I see the small “Canada’s 100 Best” sign in the window (it’s ranked at number 49), I realize I may be in for more than I’m expecting.
Nestled in one of many beautiful, old red brick houses on a quaint tree-lined street, the charming restaurant is indicative of what I’ve been seeing all over Ottawa: a crop of modern, new drinking and dining establishments that could easily rival Toronto’s. The capital is shaking off its sleepy reputation, and Arlo is a prime example of excellent food and drink worth going out of the way for — although, it feels more like a neighbourhood haunt that you’d wander into.
Audrey Eve Beauchamp
The service is friendly and colloquial, making the staff’s expert wine knowledge approachable and digestible, while creating a vibe that feels like being at a wealthy (but humble) friend’s dinner party. The modern bistro interior is simple, with a few eye-catching details like rounded doorways, an arching backbar and lush greenery. In warmer months, the tree-shrouded back garden patio is as romantic as they come. A large bathtub filled with chilling bottles of wine tells us that despite its acclaim, Arlo is still a fun wine bar that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Audrey Eve Beauchamp
Arlo Wine & Restaurant: The menu
A small but mighty menu doesn’t give diners a lot to choose from; the effort has gone into filling each inventive dish with unique and exciting flavour combinations. Ever-changing and inspired by the seasons, the playful plates are a showcase of Canadian cuisine. Co-owner and chef Jamie Stunt is self-taught, and perhaps that’s what facilitates his out-of-the-box thinking when it comes to his creative dishes.
Audrey Eve Beauchamp
Audrey Eve Beauchamp
Audrey Eve Beauchamp
Salads are usually nothing to write home about, but the last bites of the Little Gem + Rhubarb are worth fighting over. Loaded with tangy chunks of its namesake vegetable, the salad is covered in a citrusy Meyer lemon dressing accented with sumac, mint and feta. The main course, however, is heavenly. A delicate piece of crispy, pan-roasted ocean perch comes swimming in a slurp-able chive blossom and citrus butter sauce that has me wishing this moment would never end.
Arlo Wine & Restaurant: The wine list
The wonderfully languorous meal is made all the more special by its accompaniment: glasses of rare and unique natural wine. Sure, there are classic and seasonal cocktails and a few beers on the menu, but the restaurant is renowned for the expertly curated natural wine program by industry vet, sommelier and co-owner Alex McMahon.
Audrey Eve Beauchamp
We skip a bottle and opt to try as many pours as possible. Aside from Ontario’s beloved Pearl Morissette, every label on the list is unfamiliar to me — how unusual and exciting. We ask for our server’s suggested pairings with our dinner and are treated to a delicious grauburgunder from Germany, garganega from Italy and vinho verde from Portugal. Everything we taste is unfamiliar and exceptional.
Dinner and drinks for two: around $150 before tax and tip.
