ZOE'S

As someone that’s been to hundreds of high end restaurants around the world this place was disappointing. I would not recommend this for anyone with food allergies, especially gluten free. The food felt like 0 effort was made for the gluten free option. There are so many places in Ottawa that are around the same price range that make great efforts and do a very good job at covering gluten free food options. The sandwiches were served on stale gluten free bread with no diversity at all. The desserts felt like no real efforts were made. For the price I’m very disappointed.

The Fairmont Château Laurier is always an unforgettable experience, but during the holiday season, it becomes simply magical. As soon as we arrived, the festive atmosphere enveloped us with the magnificent Christmas decorations, the illuminated trees and that touch of elegance which makes the Château a unique place. We chose to celebrate this special evening at Zoe’s restaurant, where the warm and cozy atmosphere, enhanced by impeccable service, gave us a memorable moment. Our waitress, Natalie, ensured throughout the meal that we had a perfect experience, combining professionalism and attention to the smallest details. We started the evening by ordering a bottle of Baco Noir, Henry of Pelham, a Niagara Peninsula VQA wine which perfectly accompanied our meal with its rich and balanced notes. To complete, we had a bottle of sparkling Eska, ideal for refreshing the palate between each course. Rather than each choosing our plates, we opted for a sharing approach, savoring each bite together, which made the meal even more enjoyable and enjoyable. We began our tasting with the foie gras torchon, magnificently coated in a pistachio crust, accompanied by apple compote and a Vidal icewine reduction. The richness of the foie gras paired wonderfully with the sweetness of the icewine and the crunch of the pistachio, while the toasted brioche provided the perfect finishing touch. Then, the lobster vol-au-vent seduced us with its velvety American sauce and pearl onions which added a delicate sweetness to the dish. The spinach puree and picked mushrooms balanced everything out, highlighting the freshness and tenderness of the lobster. We continued with the porcini and black barley risotto, a comforting dish where picked mushrooms, roasted squash and chive oil came together in an incredibly flavorful Parmesan broth. The black barley added a most pleasant texture, making this risotto both classic and original. Next, we tasted the beef medallion, accompanied by creamy polenta and pea puree, all enhanced by a remarkably deep Espagnole sauce. The meat, tender as can be, went perfectly with the sweetness of the polenta and the lightness of the pea puree. The highlight of the meal was the absolutely melt-in-your-mouth braised beef short rib, served with lightly sweetened apple puree, chestnut mushrooms and a sumptuous black truffle sauce. The balance of flavors was impeccable, each ingredient bringing a unique touch to the whole. To end on a sweet note, we chose the chocolate tart, which, in addition to being gluten-free and vegan, offered an exquisite chocolate intensity. Its crunchy shortcrust pastry, silky chocolate cream and coconut custard made a perfect trio. The cocoa crunch added a nice texture, making each bite even more satisfying. Each dish was a real discovery, and Natalie's attentive service made this evening even more memorable. Zoe’s never ceases to impress us with the quality of its dishes, the elegance of its atmosphere and the professionalism of its team. If you are looking for a place for a refined gastronomic experience in an enchanting setting, especially during the holiday season, Zoe’s at the Fairmont Château Laurier is a must-visit address. We will definitely come back to relive this magic again and again. David Elliott Claveau

The celeriac chestnut soup was exquisite in all ways. Hanan offered me skilled and thorough service. The atmosphere is bright and elegant; a welcome thing in the cold winters of Ottawa. They accommodate dietary restrictions with ease. The food I wanted was not listed as gluten free on their menu but they managed to make it in a way that was.