Review L'oree Du Bois - Chelsea

Beautiful evening on the patio. Our first time dinning in at l'Orée du Bois since the beginning of the pandemic. • We were pleasantly surprised that the service and food standards have not changed since the passing Chef Jean-Claude. Every plate was delicious and well balanced. The ingredients used were seasonal and fresh. • Kudos to the young and dynamic team growing Chef Jean-Claude’s legacy by adapting the cuisine with a modern twist. Well done!

I wish I could give a higher rating out of 5! Impeccable service and delicious food! Thank you Vincent for making my second time, and my boyfriends 1st time a memorable night we will remember forever! I have yet to experience this level of service...truly incredible. We got this amazing freshly baked bread accompanied by a tasty whipped butter. We ordered from the 4 course option, which you are also able to choose a la carte from the same menu. We each got a soup, n appetizer, main, a dessert and a coffee or tea for 75$ each along with a recommendation of a bottle of wine from Vincent which was 49$. We got the dessert as takeaway. Can't wait to try the homemade salad dressing! We will definitely be back! For two 2 appetizers and two mains is plenty. We wanted to experience the full option and the soup and desert were phenomenal! There is a nice patio and wish I thought to reserve that instead but the inside is nice and it's well isolated so even with a lot of people it's not super loud! Merci to Vincent, the fabulous chef and the rest of the staff who helped answer questions and make sure our water was always full!❣️

Lovely ambiance, great presentation! L’Oree du Bois has been a staple on the Ottawa Gatineau food scene for almost 4 decades, recently placing 4th nationally on the TripAdvisor’s best fine dining restaurants. It is located on the edge of Gatineau park, nestled in an abundance of greeneries. A lovely garden welcomes guests, followed by a charming century old farmhouse, promoting that warm and cozy feeling. I have not been here for many years, and found the large patio and outdoor grill welcoming! The interior decor has also gone through an update, more simplistic and streamlined to suit the more modern clientele. The table d’hôtel menu is excellent, providing many options (although not many vegetarian dishes), and for a small added fee, you can upgrade some dishes to include more expensive options such as pan seared foie gras. The dishes are well prepared, cooked to the right doneness and excellent presentation. What came SLIGHTLY below was the taste, a lot of salt, gravy and heavy cream were used, overpowering the fresh ingredients. Would like to see the new chef making dishes that emphasize the taste of the food itself. Staff was really nice and accommodating, although they probably need more training to be more attentive, I waited for more than 15 minute for my paired wine to accompany the main dish. Very small issue, the waitress was otherwise super polite. There seemed to have a shortage of staff, just like every other service organization post pandemic. People need to be more patient now. Wine pairing was superbly prepared, very satisfied! The venue is beautiful all year round, we’ll definitely be back for more delicious food!

We had an amazing dinner. Service was quick and friendly. The food was exceptional. I had duck confit with duchess potatoes and local asparagus. My partner had chicken with Israeli couscous and a roasted red pepper sauce. We had a delicious non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider. The ginger rhubarb tart for dessert was excellent. ♿️The dining room is wheelchair accessible and parts of the patio were as well. The bathrooms are also accessible. The entrance path is gravel which can be difficult to navigate but otherwise quite accessible.

Follow my food blog on Instagram for restaurant reviews: @mimi.munches! 💖 Ever since I've heard about this restaurant, first from my work, and second from food bloggers, I've put it on the top of my list! So I was super stoked to be able to go! Read below to find out about my experience. You definitely have to try their Table d'Hote menu! It is $65 and you are able to get: a soup, appetizer, specialty (entrée), a dessert, coffee/tea. For the soups, I would have tried the carmelized onion soup (+$3), but at the time of the booking (about 8:30pm), they were out of the soups; so this will need to be for next time! Appetizers: Their homemade charcuterie trio was a great start to a satisfying meal. Theirs had chicken liver mousse, pork and blueberry rillettes and caramelized onions terrine with marinated vegetables. I also tried the Mushroom from Le Coprin farms in a puff pastry, cream sauce (+4): As the Specialties (entrées), I tried red deer medallions for the first time (+$6.50): this one came with variations of squash, and elderberry gastrique. The meat was very tender, although very light in taste - if you prefer richier tasting meats, I would suggest the duck confit. Of course, the Duck confit had to be tried as well - it came with glazed vegetables and duchess potatoes, and caramelized onion sauce. Note that for the two above specialties, pan-seared foie gras was added to both (+$9 per piece). This was SO indulgent and melt in your mouth. Highly recommend to treat yourself and add it on! For dessert, their local cheese platter with focaccia from Roberto Pizza (+$4) was a savoury option, and the pumpkin cheesecake with homemade granola was a nicely rich but also light option to end the meal. I was so stuffed that keeping up with the wine pairings was tough and I fell behind - not usually the case! 😉 I also was able to try the Wine and food pairing, which went really well with the food! You get an apéro (4oz), a white wine with the appetizer (I chose Alsace Riesling, Joseph Beck), a red to go with the specialties (entrée - I LOVED the cotes de bourg, Chateau Bujan), and lastly, a dessert wine (Cadillac, Chateaux Peybrun). Not only is the food spectacular, but the atmosphere is also super cozy as the restaurant is tucked away in a house filled with wood accents and art. As I dined, it was snowing heavily outside which made it feel all the more cozy. However, I would recommend choosing an earlier seating to give ample time to get back home safely, depending on the weather (it was heavy snow the night I went)!

I really like the cozy vibe. We went with the 4 course meal and the wine pairing. Our server was super knowledgeable with the wine. His recommendation on the veal was my favorite! Top with foie gras was a game changer.

What a wonderful restaurant! My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our anniversary dinner at L'Orée du Bois last night. So much so that I forgot to take more photos of this delicious experience. All of the staff were friendly and our waiter was exceptional! I'm sorry, we didn't catch his name, but with an unassuming but thoughtful approach, he made perfect wine pairings to each of our selections in the table d'hôte, explaining the specifics of how they complimented each other. Most highly recommended. Merci beacoup!

I’ve been wanting to visit this restaurant for some time and it was a really great experience. I had the delicious Foie gras as the appetizer. For main I had the duck confit which was amazing. My wife had the champignons as appetizer with a perfectly served rare Filet Mignon. Great service by Gabriel that explained well the menu and offered great suggestions. Will definitely come back.

Very, very bad experience at L’Orée du Bois restaurant!<br/>We reserve the day before to have a table on the terrace.<br/>"Yes, it's fine, it's reserved .. except if it rains, it will be inside"<br/>The next day, arriving exactly at the agreed time, beautiful sunshine:<br/>"Here is your table (inside) !!! "<br/> Excuse me, but we booked on the terrace !!!!!!!<br/>"Sorry but there is no more table! "<br/> We booked on the terrace! Not in the back of the restaurant!<br/>So we didn't get a table on the terrace .. and we didn't stay. Before I go back there the earth will be flat!<br/>we went to "Mamma Thérésa" next door. Very good supper!<br/><br/>Très très mauvaise expérience au resto L’Orée du bois!<br/>On réserve la veille pour avoir une table sur la terrasse. <br/>« Oui, ça va, c’est réservé.. sauf s’il pleut, se sera à l’intérieur »<br/>Le lendemain, arrivé pile à l’heure convenue beau soleil: <br/>« Voici votre table (à l’intérieur)!!! »<br/> Excusez-moi mais on a réservé sur la terrasse!!!!!!! <br/>« Désolé mais il n’y a plus de table! »<br/>On a réservé sur la terrasse! Pas dans le fin fond du resto!<br/>On n’a donc pas eu une table sur la terrasse.. et nous ne sommes pas resté.<br/>Avant que j’y retourne la terre sera plate! <br/>On est allé chez "Mamma Thérésa" juste à côté. Très bon souper<br/><br/>

Food is ok but coming from a familly of france will tell you its basic french cuisine portions are small and dont expect to leave with a full stomach , the place needs to be redone entirely carpet is dirty and the rest is really out dated place was neglected for a long long time and on top of that the restaurant can get noisi and the menu lacks of choice ! i would not recomend , Le pied de cochon feal more intimate and more welcoming and food is similar but better service , the l orée du bois is a place to eat and go ! cocktails drinks are not that good !! And the management could be way better i rate this place 2,5 on 5 stars , go to Le baccara food is way better and the service is a real 5 stars .

We had a culinary workshop and it was all about lobster. The first plate was a lobsters ravioles, this was exquisite. After was a paella and again very tasty and and lots of lobster and clams. For desert chocolate mousse . Very good recommend

Spectacular food! Though the simple interior could be updated, the rustic earthy tastes are fantastic. The duck confit is to die for! It is tough not knowing French when scanning the menu, but it would be hard not to enjoy whatever you got.

We got to meet the chef this past weekend and tried his BBQ lamb on naan and smoked meat sandwich- they were to die for!! Definitively going back!

Si vous aimez vos plats TRÈS TRÈS salés.... Je fus très déçue encore une fois... Il est triste de voir une "institution" comme l'Orée du bois perdre ce qui faisait sa renommée : un service hors pair et un menu classique français et savoureux, où l'utilisation des fines herbes et les sauces faisaient la distinction. Au lieu de cela, un pain vieilli d'hier pour nous faire patienter, des plats hyper salés où on perd la saveur d'un cerf par ailleurs savoureux, et pour finir, la facture qui elle, se devait d'être salée! Bien triste puisque j'aimais bien ce resto...

Not impressed. I went to L'Oree du Bois Sunday, Feb 15th as I had heard great reviews and decided to try it out for Valentines Day present to my boyfriend. I deliberately made the reservation for the day after Valentines day as I figured it would not be as busy and we could still try the Valentines menu. There was horrid sulphur type smell coming from the washroom area that was hard to ignore and the service was terrible. There was a set menu for the evening and yet our server was virtually non existent and it took at least 20 minutes from the time we asked for our bill to actually getting it so we literrally sat and stood with our jackets on trying to get the servers attention. The food was just ok. The appetizers were for sharing between two people with items that were meant to be spread on crostinis and yet they only gave one crostini per person. We maybe could have asked for more but again no service to even ask. I did like the fact that the chef was mingling with the guests and the atmosphere is quaint however given the food was just ok and the service was bad, I was very disappointed given the price of the meal.

My fiancé took me to this restaurant to propose. Good was delicious and service was amazing!

Magnificent!. We have dinned here twice and it exceeded our expectations both times. I love the fact that they have a vegetarian menu with lots of options and the staff are very professional. I like the decor and the rural Quebec feeling the restaurant gives off. One reviewer mentioned that the service was slow! I liked that we had time to enjoy the food and the company of our friends. Worth every dollar!

Went there on sept the 6th to celebrate both me and my wife's 5th wedding anniversary and also my parents 46th. This place exceeded my expectations ! Service was outstanding ! Food great and the table d'hôte great value especially when you can can adjust it with the a la carte menu and create your own a la Carte ! Amazing value and very charming. Will bring back friends with us for sure again !

It was very delicious French food in a cute cottage-style place. It's nice that they have 1/2 bottles of wine too. The lamb was really tasty and paired nice with the red Chateau neuf du paup. My only comment would be that it's slow there, with large gaps of time between courses. So be patient. Service is very attentive.

Wedding Day Glory. Yesterday, we had our wedding celebration and meal at L'Oree du Bois and could not have had a more amazing and spectacular day. We had the celebration in the garden. The staff were extremely helpful and courteous and went out of their way to ensure everything was perfect. The meal we had was simply delicious as all of the guest commented. Thank you so much for making this day truly special.

Best restaurant in town. If you like great fine French cuisine, this is the place. I highly recommend le pavé de boeuf, which is the fillet mignon. it is absolutely de best I've ever had.

Not to my expectations. Went to L'Oree du Bois for diner. The surroundings are nice but the inside is in need of a major renovations. With the amount they charge for a meal you would think they could afford decent chairs. The service is way to long, 3 1/2 hours for supper is to much. As for the food it did not meet my expectations. The bread was day old and the rest of the meal is nothing to brag about. If I would recommend this restaurant the answer is no.

Bléca et ça coute, ça fais léche.

Outstanding. I went here over the weekend with my partner and we were both thrilled by this little gem. The service was fantastic and the food was exception. The menu is expansive and flexible and made the evening all the more enjoyable. I cannot wait to vist L'Oree de Bois again! I will certainly encourage family and friends to make a visit, it is absolutely not to be missed!

A Gem. Many years ago, Margaret and Pierre Trudeau frequented this restaurant. Their marriage did not last, but this establishment endures. Situated in the hills of Gatineau, this cottage of a restaurant serves wonderful fresh French food.<br/><br/>This is not the most expensive restaurant in the area, but dinner for 2 with alcohol will take you beyond $100. It is worth it. This is my restaurant of choice whenever a special occasion arises. Our office Christmas party is held at this restaurant every year and we all consider it our annual indulgence. We love it.<br/><br/>The ambiance is a French Cottage. There is a large coatroom, so in the winter, there is plenty of space to drop off all of your layers and relax comfortably at your table. The bathrooms are very clean. There is ample parking.<br/><br/>Everything on the menu is delicious and I have never had a bad meal here. My favourite is the Duck Confit, which melts in your mouth. The tarragon seafood and fish stew is rich and comforting. If you like an aperitif after your meal, I suggest you instead try the chocolate and wine sampling tray. The chocolates are made onsite and the pairing is wonderful. Or try the brandied fruit platter, which has fruits lengthily macerated in brandy. They pack a wollop and are sheer pleasure to eat.<br/><br/>Everyone who I've taken to this restaurant loves it and you will too.

Brilliant ambience, spectacular service and excellent food! After hearing that we had come from Hamilton, the owner gave us a jar of Apricot marmalade and recommendations for the rest of our trip! Will most definitely be returning.

So I enjoyed my food and service was good. We left the restaurant paid the bill and went home, at 1030pm the restaurant called us. The woman identified herself as the owner and proceeded to explain that our bill had a mistake. We had only paid half are bill according to her, and could we give her a credit card number. We asked if an email copy of the bill could be sent and we would split it, the person on the phone was not interested. Since this was our waiters mistake and we live about 30 minutes from the restaurant it would be more convenient and we would know who are credit card number was being given to. This spoiled a great evening and we will not be returning incredibly disappointing.

Always Fantastic!!. We've been going to L'Orée du Bois for about 15 years now, we make at least 1 or 2 visits per year, and even though we don't frequent restaurants all that often, we keep coming back here year after year! The food, and service and atmosphere are what keep bringing us back. We're going tomorrow night and I've been looking forward to it all week:)

Never disappointed. Guy and Jean Claude always cook with their heart. Manon and Crystel make great services. So happy to have their deer, fish soup, duck confit..... love everything on their menu.

Didn't live up to expectations.. We had looked forward to going here for my wife's birthday. The first problem that we encountered was that the evening before I suddenly received an email thanking me for cancelling. I quickly called and luckily, I got a hold of someone very late at night and there was still room. When we arrived at the restaurant the next evening, we could see what others talked about, the surroundings were beautiful but the greeting in the restaurant left much to be desired, it was non existent. We were given a choice of two tables,bad and worse. Our waitress took our order over 3 minutes later despite others entering the restaurant after us and being served before us. We had to speak to the manager just to get served bread. I found that there was too much garlic in everything. And the quality of the food was only mediocre and tastes were pretentious. The waitress never came over to our table to ask us how we were enjoying the food. After spending $200 I would have expected at least a goodbye. Nothing. We will not go back and I would recommend that others do not go there either.

Une adresse en or!. Mmmm! Une carte grandiose, des mets succulents, une cuisine qui allie parfaitement les douceurs québecoises aux recettes françaises! <br/>Personnel très accueillant! Pour fêter un bel événement ou pour tout simplement se faire plaisir, réussite garantie!

Pretentious. If you like pretentious, you'll Like L'Oree du Bois, Food is generally good, wine recommendations are impalpable, my partner ordered fish and was delivered steak with an "o well" response.

It's like being in France!. Went for the Table d'hôte de la St Valentin. It was a six course meal. Smoked Salmon spread with chives(very good), two celery soup with beet sour cream (the beet cream formed a heart on top of the soup, nice touch, very good), 5 appetizers to choose from, I had the Rabbit terrine with Pistachio(excellent-nice display with veggies, mushrooms, salad), main courses 7 to choose from, I had the Duck with peppercorn & cognac sauce (excellent), Lemon verbena sherbet (very tasty) and I had the cheese platter instead of the desserts (excellent). The variety in your choice of bread was excellent, warm and fresh. It was extremely busy, but the service was still very attentive and good....for $50, it was a steal of a deal. We also had the Palette de vin which matched wines to the menu...very well match and nice choice of wines. I visited France this summer and the food is so good there, I must say, this place is comparable...bravo to the Chef<br/>My friends had the Red deer and couldn't stop raving about it.<br/>My husband had the Roasted pork...he wanted to add salt as he is a salt junky...the salt never showed up at the table.....but our 3 meals needed nothing added. Will go back soon...really love the food and the place

Amazingly flavorful dishes served piping hot. The host Mme Blain made us feel like regulars even though it was our first visit. Will definately go back.

Consistent quality and great value - we keep coming back for more!. This has become a regular favourite among my friends - we've been numerous times, sometimes with large groups, and I don't think we've had a bad dish yet. Favourites include the lamb, duck confit, salmon and the rabbit. All dishes are very rich and flavourful - they don't skimp on the fat...and that comes true in the taste. They have a Table d'hote that is excellent value for the price paid. Desserts are equally divine - again, they've all been great. If there's one criticism of the place - the menu rarely changes and is perhaps less adventerous... which may be a good thing, as they've perfected most of the dishes. We've been to many more expensive fine dining restaurants in Ottawa, where the quality has been very hit and miss. Here it has been consistently excellent, so we keep coming back!

Easily Met Expectations. We specifically went there based on reviews to celebrate a special occasion, and were not disappointed. Excellent food and service. Ambiance needs more elegance.

You can't beat the value you get at this superior restaurant. You have some of the best food in the Ottawa area and fantastic ambiance.

This was a perfect spot for my Birthday dinner, pleasing our pallets and the wallet of my dear friends. The service was friendly and efficient; and if we waited a bit too long between our appetizer and main, it was made up for by the food coming out hot and tasty and the easy conversation among friends. We left the restaurant discussing others who we should bring to L’Orée du Bois and p

A group of us went to L’Orée du Bois in Chelsea last night. My first impression as I walked in was how cozy it seemed inside. Dim lighting, warm and inviting, but much busier and larger than I expected from the outside.