Da Nonna Maria - Ottawa, Ontario

Great service, great food! —- Went back tonight after one year... and the service and experience was not quite like the first time. The food was ok, and the service is friendly. Tonight it was very slow and we witnessed arguing between 2 store clerks that made the visit very uncomfortable. We had 3 ... people at our table, we waited for water, menus, had to ask for bread, and then waited for an hour for 2 out of the 3 meals. The 3rd meal came out after the 2 were already finished eating. We asked for the third meal to go as it was really uncomfortable. There was barely an apology and we didn’t know the meal was not coming out of the kitchen right away. The persons arguing and swearing behind the desk was very unprofessional and very awkward to be around. we witnessed swearing at each other, name calling, and a receipt was thrown in one guys mouth. If it wasn’t for this, we may have gone back but I’ve never seen anything like it. The 3rd meal coming out so late, and their unprofessionalism. The restaurant itself was not very welcoming at the entrance, a little messy and dirty looking. No ice in the room temp water, no ice in the coke, all around not a great experience tonight. Read more

My wife and I ate at Da Nonna Maria. The atmosphere was quaint, small establishment but quite warm and friendly. The portions were modest but the food was well above average. My only minor complaint was the service. There were tables left uncleared the whole time we were there. We ... ate late so there were only four tables occupied. When the meal was served the server didn't return to do a follow up to see if the meal was satisfactory. Fortunately the meal was very good. Prices were fair and we will probably go back. Cheers Read more

When arriving at Da Nonna Maria, the first thing I noticed is, this place needs to expand. It was very crowded & noisy, and the tables were way too close together. We were given, what looked like makeshift menus, with no explanations of the offerings. The focus seemed to be ... on the wines. After 20 minutes, a waiter came & asked if we were ready to order our dinner, did not offer us a drink or appetizer. Upon asking about drinks other than wine, he proceeded to list the soft drinks. We asked for something a little stronger, and my husband ordered a beer & I ordered a Caesar. The beer came with no glass, which for a "nice restaurant", I feel is inappropriate. He had to go to the bar to ask for one. My Caesar seemed very watered down & had no celery salt on the rim. We ordered calamari as an appetizer, which I'm sure was the frozen variety, not the best calamari I've ever had. I must say, that the waiter was very helpful in explaining the ingredients of what we ordered for our main course, which was very tasty, but could have been a bit warmer. In all I found the service very slow, and the food & wine overpriced. When leaving I noticed several empty boxes lined up along a wall by the bar, giving the place a very untidy look. I do feel that many of the above concerns could be resolved by expanding & hiring more staff. Read more

Have been there 3 times. Once for a business dinner then twice for a large family gathering. The restaurant is the perfect size to make everyone feel comfortable. Luigi and his family are the most accommodating hosts I have ever experienced. Everyone is looked after and Luigi ... personally ensures you are having a great time. The food is always excellent. I highly recommend this place for a quite dinner or a large family/friend gathering...thanks Luigi for another awesome night! Read more

Decided to try a new place one night, and I'm so glad we did -- it's a cozy, little restaurant with excellent, fresh food and character. I especially loved the Veal Parmesagna and the fresh pasta -- and the owners (Luigi and Jessica), who are not only accommodating but go out ... of their way to make you feel like family. I don't even live in Orleans and I was back the very next week to bring my mother for Mother's Day - and now she loves it as much as I do. :) Read more