Swan on the Rideau

I love this place. Easily one of the best restaurants/pubs in the Ottawa (south) area. I recently discovered it at the tail end of last summer. It has a wonderful patio if you're looking to sit outside to get some rays and enjoy dinner outside. My favourite spot is their enormous screened-in patio, which is nice if you don't want to eat in the sun, or if the bugs are bad. I popped in a few times after some hikes in the area during the fall/winter, and the inside is a Tudor-style English pub (an old house), which was really fun. So I guess I'm overdue for a review of this spot, as I've been several times now. I was there last Friday as it was one of our friends' birthdays and he wanted to give it a try (he had never been before). We came in at the tail end of the dinner busy-ness (it was a little after 730) and got a spot on the screened patio. It cleared out very quickly, and closes at 9pm, so my recommendation is to get there no later than 730, 8ish. I've always found the service here terrific and super friendly. Our server that night, Fiona (hope I'm spelling it right) was outstanding. She was extremely friendly and welcoming, chatted with us, answered a couple of questions about the food (deciding b/w things etc), and also when we mentioned it was our friend's birthday, she gave him some butter tarts (they are amazing!) on the house for dessert, which was very sweet and kind. The birthday boy had his favourite dish...liver and onions and he said it was one of the best he's had (and it can be hard to find in restaurants these days, so he was quite pleased). My other friend had the Piri Piri chicken and said it was delicious. I got the roast beef dinner, which I've had before and always enjoy. On my next visit, especially if it's hot out, I may go for something a little lighter as it was delicious but quite heavy. It's definitely the perfect fall/winter meal. When it's hot, I just can't eat that much. They also accommodate different diets, food allergies and gluten restrictions. I was happy that they offer GF buns for the burgers, sandwiches, etc. I had the turkey club sandwich (with GF bread) on my last visit, and it was really good. I was actually quite surprised to read one review on here mentioning that their menu was small. Actually, we all thought their menu was very large and varied, so that took us by surprise. They've got a lot of bigger main meals (liver & onions, roast beef dinner, bangers and mash, etc) but also reg pub offerings like fish and chips, burgers, and sandwiches/salads. I really don't think you can go wrong here. They also do specials as well, which adds some variety if you come often. This place is situated right on the Rideau River, so it's incredibly scenic. It definitely feels like you're in cottage country, so it's great for a hot summer day. I can't wait to return!! And thank you to the amazing Fiona for making my friend's birthday extra special as well!

Had a lovely time at the swan on the Rideau. Lots of gluten free options and a decent wine list to match. The atmosphere was beautiful- phone ahead to get the table with the fireplace!! Best spot in the house. Prices were even with even some chain restaurants (example 23$ for a burger and fries isn't the far off from Boston pizza or the like). If you twisted my arm I'd say their coffee could have been better but few of us aside from my fiance order coffee with dinner- that's not the main attraction. All that to say best burger I've ever had, lovely place, lovely people.