La Roma - Ottawa, Ontario

Top 3 worst dining experience we've ever had. For the prices they are charging and their supposed storied reputation, La Roma is just not worth it in every aspect. We eagerly visited La Roma on a recommendation by a close friendly friend as they have been patrons for several decades. However, ... we left severely disappointed and quite embarassed at how staff conducted themselves. Poor service and unprofessional atmosphere as staff would verbally berate their colleagues in front of patrons. Food was very delayed and one of our dishes arrived lukewarm. They made minimal effort to check-in or update us as to why it took ~1.5 hours to receive our dishes. The patio appeared to be their main focus as they would receive service, food, and drinks first. In contrast, we were one of three tables indoors and were even seated before some patio tables. Our server consistently, and visibly, ignored our attempts to request something as simple as water during our elongated wait. TL;DR - For Italian food in Ottawa, there are simply better options in terms of food, service, drinks, and overall quality, than what is currently offered at La Roma. Read more

It was refreshing to go to a restaurant that didn't rush you to order food! The server was great! He appreciated the fact that my friend and I hadn't seen each other in a long time. He didn't rush us at all and was respectful and patient with us! We had a ... bottle of red wine (I forgot the name), and it was fantastic! I ate the Gnocchi Alla Napolitana, which was exceptional! It was nice to receive a huge plate of food! Read more

The food at La Roma was delicious! From the drinks to the bread to the apps to the entrees, everything was fresh and yummy! And I can't even begin to describe the staff....they are so warm and welcoming! Everyone was friendly and attentive. We started in the bar where we ... had cocktails. Then proceeded to the charming patio for apps. When it rained, we were brought into the dining room. Everywhere we sat was like a perfect Italian atmosphere. This is going to be our new "go to" Preston St restaurant. Read more

Decent enough food, but it is fairly pricey for what you are getting. There was a really nice selections of wines and cocktails, which highlight what this place would be a recommendation for. The calamari was nicely battered and what you would expect or want to get. A fairly good portion, but ... it lacked anything that would make it stand out from other places. The seafood pasta was really nicely cooked and the star of it was the small scallops which were very tasty. I must praise the fact that the pasta was cooked to perfection. All in all it was a decent meal but not $200 worth in my opinion, as it lacked that unique thing that makes a restaurant stand out. Read more

I stopped in for a solo meal at the bar while in town. An elevated casual atmosphere, authentic Italian dishes, and exceptional family style hospitality were the perfect trifecta yesterday evening. Hats off to Maria, Rory, Ian, and the rest of the team. Thank you for the fantastic meal and ... great chats. Can’t wait to visit when I’m in town next! Read more