Review Petit Bill's Bistro - Ottawa

The service was great. All three of us started with a seafood chowder, which was excellent. Then we ordered Beef Short Ribs and Arctic Char. The beef was a little chewy. The Arctic Char was good, however the risotto under the fish tasted very bland. The lunch for the three of us cost $177 plus 20% gratuity. I thought it was on the expensive side considering the quality of food and we didn’t order any alcoholic beverages.

Great meal and service in a beautiful location.  I especially enjoyed: + Lobster poutine:  They used an amazing savoury white sauce and perfectly cooked shoe-string fries. + Arctic char on a bed of risotto, balanced flavours well executed fish and risotto. It also presented really nicely. Favorite dessert was bread-pudding paired with a creme anglaise. It had nice balance of sweetness and great texture contrasts: crispy edges with creamy/soft center. Delicious. Since it was easy to talk over dinner it would make a great place to celebrate a birthday or team milestone with a special meal. Highly recommend.

Absolutely wonderful & friendly service:) loved our food, drinks and apps. I really enjoyed the lobster poutine!

Great food. Excellent staff. We had the seafood chowder, scallops and duck with carrot cake for dessert. The chowder was tasty with a Sriracha buttered bread. The scallops were okay but we expected a better dear, and honestly would have like 6 of them for the price. The confit duck was amazing and we got 2 legs which was really filling. The carrot cake was excellent with a great caramel drizzle on the plate. First time here, will definitely return to try more menu items.

Well made food attention to details kitchen staff have a clear skill and tallent. The east coast is very present in the flavours. Top end and welcoming. The front of house is attentive and knowledgeable on menu and drinks. Highly recommend

If you are looking for very friendly service (even just with take away) in addition to some of the best food out there, Petit Bill's is a must go to place! They offer something for everyone, whether you love seafood, meat, are vegetarian or vegan all of the fantastic high quality food is right there! My Husband had the Bourbon City fried chicken sandwich which was all levels of wonderful. I had their pecan burger that has perfect, taste and texture. The pickles give the perfect top off! The side salad was super fresh and refreshing. For dessert we had the carrot cake and cherry chocolate torte. BOTH were divine treats and a perfect portion. If I could give this business 10 stars I would. Between the friendly, kind and caring service in addition to fantastic food makes it the perfect place to enjoy carefully crafted true quality food in every bite! My Husband loved his birthday dinner and we cannot wait to order in again, and most of all when things re-open sitting down and enjoying dinner in your restaurant again! Thankyou! K

Why we don’t talk about this place with the city’s best is beyond me. Service is impeccable, the owners check every meal x the culinary team is putting out high end food and the cocktails and wine list compete with anybody (even a mocktail list) it’s a never miss experience

We went there with our 2 young sons on a Tuesday night. Very welcoming staff, the owner came a few times himself to check on us, they were very nice with the kids and they even had a kid portion of the fish and chips (amazing by the way). Food was excellent, service was fast. Starters were on the small side but entrees were pretty generous. Very nice family night out!

We were there for dinner on Saturday, everything was fantastic as ever, love the salmon 2 ways, so so good. Husband had fish and chips, could hardly finish it but could not leave anything behind! The lamb shank fell off the bone with great flavour. Service is always the best. Our favourite place to go.

All-You-can-Eat-Mussels aren't the only reason to go to my favourite place in the city. From quick bites on the patio to riding the entire A la Carte menu on an evening out I highly recommend stopping in. They support many local charities and are involved in the community a great deal.

The fish and chips was excellent!! Fresh cod, cooked absolutely perfectly, with a delicious light batter! The service was top notch, and the restaurant has a wonderful, cozy atmosphere, and I'd recommend it to anyone. I'll be back again for the fish, plus a few other items on the menu I'm looking forward to trying!

We always enjoy going to Petit Bills. It's so nice to be welcomed by Terry's smiling face. The food is delicious. It's a go to spot for us whether it's a family meal with the kids or a nice night out with friends. Highly recommend!!

We love this place. Staff are friendly and professional. The food and drinks are amazing. We had mussels which are the best we have had anywhere. We will be back for sure. This is truly a little gem.

Excellent! The food is always amazing and never disappointing! The best short ribs that I’ve ever tasted. Randy and his staff are always so welcoming and warm. Thank you Randy for putting a smile on our faces.

Petit Bill’s Bistro: Not just Lobster Poutine. Wellington is by far one of the hottest dining neighbourhoods in the City. With an abundance of asian, french, avant garde and pub eateries to choose from, there is no craving that cannot be satisfied. A favourite amongst the women in my family, Petit Bill’s Bistro on Wellington’s “Epicurean Row” lifts your palette to pleasurable heights. The menu items are disguised as classic French cuisine in terms of herbs, sauces and presentation, however in reality, you’re feasting on ultimate comfort foods. Petit Bill’s lobster poutine, although too rich to eat alone, is perfection when shared. Generous chunks of lobster meat are dispersed over crispy fries and covered with a shellfish, butter and mascarpone cheese sauce….and I must admit, this isn’t even my top recommendation. I would suggest going to Petit Bill’s for lunch and ordering the open face steak sandwich and frites, the sea scallops cooked with maple bacon caramel or french onion soup with a side of root vegetable salad.

Great food, great wine and great service! Would definitely recommend.

My son and I enjoyed a great lunch at Petit Bill’s, the service, beverages and food were all excellent, will be back soon. I would recommend this great little Bistro to anyone who enjoys a quality outing.

Awesome food. I'm particularly fond of the seafood chowder and lobster poutine. Warm and inviting atmosphere and staff.

Fish & chips were great but the slow cooked beef ribs were phenomenal!! The owner(s) & staff take great care of their customers, and the desserts are incredible - Highly recommended

Best bouillabaisse I have ever had. Hands down. Staff were phenomenal. We had a big group and they couldn't have been any better. My new favourite spot and i would recommend it to anyone!!

Mussels were to die for...staff warm and friendly...great service xx

Excellent service every time! Highly recommend the lobster poutine and one of Terry's excellent martinis. Great place to go!!!

Fantastic food! Excellent service! Such a wonderful time!!! That Nutella cheesecake was heaven on a plate. Mmm mmm!

Wonderful place---great service and food! Really enjoyed our dinner and evening at Petit Bills!

Average meal, not particularly memorable.  Unfortunately, the mushroom soup was disappointing.  While the service as attentive and friendly initially, it was very difficult to find staff when it came time to pay the bill. We had to walk to the bar to get staff's attention.

My wife and I celebrated our 40th Anniversary at Bill’s, our first time at the restaurant. Great service! Superb food! Perfect atmosphere. I had the seafood chowder. As a Nova Scotian I have had a lot of Chowders, but Bill’s was the best ever. But don’t share this with my mom, she might not understand.

We scored a lovely table on a patio this week for a late lunch. I had the beef burger with fries and my partner had the pecan burger with salad. Both entrees were good but not wow. The fries were delicious. The server was attentive.

Great food! A lot of character in the restaurant, including lots of History. The staff there was very helpful and really friendly. On a corner, so there was a lots of parking on a side street right beside, as well as parking in front of the restaurant.<br/><br/>I would totally recommend this restaurant to anyone!

Amazing restaurant! The best customer service! The owner is super friendly and welcoming! The mussels and fries are to die for! Great wine selection as well!

First time there on Friday. We made a reservation for two from 5:30-7:15pm. We were seated at a table for four. In the midst of our conversation, the owner interrupts and says, "you'll either have to move to a smaller table or leave by 7:30. It is Friday you know." We didn't even know how to respond. We finished our drinks and left. Our intention was to order our dinner and leave by the time our reservation expired. That's just common courtesy. His remarks were not only rude and unnecessary but NOT representative of Newfoundland culture. Shame on you.

Love this restaurant! The food is fantastic and the staff even better. We've been several times, including special bourbon and scotch tasting events, and have never been disappointed. It always feels like home.

For my birthday, I visited Petit Bill's with a friend( it was also his birthday as well!)<br/>We both ordered the same dish which was the smoked salmon sandwich with a side of fries. The sandwich was comprised of house smoked Atlantic salmon with lemon aioli and watercress and served on country loaf. I quite enjoyed the sandwich but I felt like I couldn't taste the smokiness as much as I would have liked. The consistency was more like a steamed filet than the usual thin slices that is typical for smoked salmon. I loved the fries; crispy and oily without being too greasy.<br/>We finished with dessert and both splurged on the earl grey crème brûlée. The taste was splendid and the bergamot flavour matched perfectly with the smooth cream. One thing that could have improved is the consistency of the full dish since the bottom of the crème brûlée was a bit lumpy compared to the top,<br/>We accompanied our meal with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc that paired beautifully with the smoked salmon.<br/>As for the service, the server was polite and very friendly. Overall, a solid recommendation.

Unfortunately, this was a disappointing lunch meal. The artic char sandwich was tasteless, and the bun was so much bigger than the fish! The garlic aoli had little flavour aswell. Maybe the dinner menu is better? The taste value ratio for this particular meal wasn't at par.

I went for dinner there tonight with my spouse. Warm welcome and fast service. Food is 5/5. Definitely a must try in Ottawa. I had the table d'hôtes : soup of the day, salmon wrapped in beacon with a light creamy sauce (good combinations of flavours), the cheesecake for desert was delicious.

Amazing service! Amazing food! Had the steak salad! Perfect and my hubby had the lobster Poutine. Amazing amazing!!!!! We will be back

Another great evening!. Thanks to Terry and his team - we had another amazing dinner at Petit Bill's. My daughter's absolute favorite meal (veggie burger), my other daughter actually finishing her entire meal because it was so good (battered fish and frites - and creme brule), amazing five-spice chicken, and Bill's burger (juicy burger, just the right-size bun). The service was fantastic, friendly, and feels like home (but better food, of course). Thanks!

Delicious and Great Service. Had to give this place a try. Service was amazing. The owner is very involved in the service... loved that. The food was unreal. I would go back in a heartbeat, not only because the food, but because I felt like my business mattered and was treated very well. look forward to trying more off their menu.

YUMMY. I have never felt compelled to write a restaurant review before eating at Petit Bill's Bistro. We were in for dinner last Sunday, and it was fantastic. Best of all was our server, Jessica. She made us feel right at home, and made lovely suggestions for our meal. We will definitely be back!

Love it!. I had dinner here a few years ago, and came back with some girlfriends. My second experience was just as good as the last. Delicious food (I had this yummy 'lightly curried' cod dish) that came out piping hot, the way I like it. The veggies and potatoes in the dish were cooked perfectly. My friends loved their dishes, and the service was fantastic too. Now that I'm in the neighborhood, can't wait to come back again!

Top 5 in Ottawa. This is a hidden gem. Forget all the over-hyped restaurants in the market. This is the real deal. The food is great, including the portion sizes, the restaurant is spacious and the tables are not smacked right next to each other like they tend to be. The service is the best ive seen in awhile. None of this new Rude/hipster style of service, which needs to stop. Great for families, couples or even a solo visit to the bar. 2 Thumbs way up.

We went to Petit Bill's for a birthday dinner with a group of friends. It was also Newfoundland Night with a special menu based on the foods of NL. We all enjoyed our meals immensely and the service was one of the best experiences I've had. From the owner checking in to the servers and hostess. They were outstanding. <br/><br/>I had the Jiggs Dinner for my meal and it was an excellent (large) dish of food. The pea soup was very good (usually not a fan of pea soup) my wife had the Cod Au Gratin, which she enjoyed. <br/><br/>This was our 2nd visit to petit bills and both times we loved out experience.

Missed the mark this time. While the last time we went to Petit Bill's left us eager to return, this time not do much.<br/>The bread was fresh and chewy, and ended up being the highlight of my meal sadly. Their soup of the day, cream of mushroom and leek, was bland despite being loaded with mushrooms. Ironically I had asked if it would be served cold, and was given a look as if vichyssoise didn't exist, and then it showed up lukewarm bordering on cold. That didn't help. My BH ordered the crab cakes, which were almond crusted and divine. I was jealous and do convinced him to split a seafood sharing plate... How could we go wrong?<br/>Unfortunately it went wrong in almost every way. Tuna, calamari, crab and lobster rolls, and shrimp cocktail were the dishes that made up the platter. There was also pickled onions, dijon, and cornichons, accompanied by crispy bread slices. Crudites I think those are called. Anyways, let's break it down. Ramekin with like 15 tiny, watery, tasteless shrimp smotheted in cocktail sauce. Tried it, moved on. The tuna was just seared and served cold on a smear of Korean bbq sauce. Not liking the temperature, but the tuna tasted right and the sauce was good. The crab and lobster rolls suffered from blandness and were not the vibrant little morsels they presented themselves as, being wrapped in lettuce and with peppers and other veggies mixed into the filling they looked refreshing, a little tweaking and they could be saved. The calamari I cannot say the same for. I think it was called lemon pepper, which led me to believe it would be lightly dusted and fried, so I was surprised to see the rings show up floating in a bowl of yellow oil. Never one to waste calamari I dove in. Not palatable. <br/>At this point our distress was picked up on by a gentleman I can assume is the owner or manager, and we stuttered through trying to express our displeasure without being rude. He took it away with a quick and heartfelt apology and offered the menu, but our appetite was lost (that bread was delicious), so we decided to move on. Our bill was reflective of us sending the platter back, and we were grateful for it.<br/>On a good note, my spicy Caesar was spicy as all hell, just the way I like it : )<br/>We figure they must be trying a new spring menu, and while they didn't ask for feedback, I'm sure adjustments will be made. <br/>We'll give it another go, as we have always been pleased in the past.<br/><br/><br/>-----09 Jul, 2014-----<br/><br/>Everything a girl could ask for. Popped in for lunch today. My sandwich, if I can even call it that, was PERFECT. Had the po boy, and their version is cod and lobster fritters with a light chipotle mayo, greens and whatnot on a croissant. Gentlest touch with cilantro I have tasted in a long time. The whole affair was rich, as I'm sure you can imagine, so had the 'fralad' on the side -- fries and salad -- cause let's be honest, the petite-cut fries are delish! Kudos to the fact that I was able to enjoy it and be out in about a half hour, though I did know what I wanted immediately and so ordered post-haste! Always enjoy this spot, and must return soon to sample some of their mussels at dinner.

Unique. I had the Lobster Poutine, heavenly. Yummmmy!

Awesome!. I had never heard about this place, but went with some friends who recommended it. We shared the lobster poutine which was amazing. I then followed up with a the lobster tail pasta which was massive and beautifully presented. My friends had the duck and gnocchi, which were tasty as well. We did have to wait a little while for our food because there was a party of 30 inside and our orders came in after that. These things happen, but the owner came over and chatted with us and was very friendly. Great food, would definitely return!

Never disappoints. Was there with a group of eight last night. All the food was tasty. Two soups arrived a little tepid and were immediately and graciously whisked away and returned piping hot. Vegetarian pecan burger was especially nice, and the pecan pie with bourbon-chocolate sauce was completely unnecessary but well worth it! Our bread came with shallot and partridgeberry butter, which was a very nice touch. Good, attentive service, and good to see the owner come over to check on us. A really pleasant and satisfying experience.

Class, comfort and friends. Sit at the bar, sit in the bar area, sit in the restaurant...it is all good. Our favourite is always in the bar area. The staff is friendly, the food is excellent and whether you chat with Terry or Randy, life at Petit Bill's is always good!

Amazing food!. Went for the first time to Petit Bill's this past weekend and it did NOT disappoint. Service was very attentive (thank you Bridget), food was succulent. At one point I said it was like a song in my mouth.. flavors were bursting and melded well together. Dinner companion and I had a fantastic time .. would definitely go back<br/>Thank you for such a wonderful meal ! :-)

A Favorite. One of the first places to come to mind when thinking of place to take visitors from out of town. Never fails to disappoint - the team is friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is always great. I've consistently been very impressed by the dishes I've tried, and while I just can't make amends with lobster myself, I've heard enough times how much I'm missing out by not trying the lobster poutine :-). Definitely one of Ottawa's tops.

One of the Better places in area. They always have something new on the appetizer list, and its always fun , interesting and delicious. terry and randy are great hosts. I love this place.

Wonderful experience - delicious food as always. We held our wedding reception here earlier this month on a Saturday night, and everything went perfectly! <br/><br/>My husband and I have been to the restaurant a few times over the years and have always enjoyed the amazing food and friendly service, so when we were looking at venues for a smaller wedding reception (we had 55 people) we thought of using a restaurant. We contacted Petit Bill's a few months in advance and the owner made planning the night really easy for us! They took care of everything and made excellent recommendations for us regarding seating plans, drinks and snacks, and they printed up table cards and menus! It was the perfect cozy space for a group our size and the feedback from our guests has been that everyone had a lot of fun and the food was the best they had ever had at any wedding reception! Late night lobster poutine for everyone! <br/><br/>So a big thank you to the team at Petit Bill's for making our night very memorable. We definitely have a great place to return to on anniversaries!

Amazing food and friendly service!. From the moment we entered the restaurant we felt welcomed. We made a last minute reservation for 7:30 on a Friday and they slotted us in. We really enjoyed the selection of drinks they had. We started off with the lobster poutine which was exquisite! We then had our mains, the scallops and the cod au gratin, which we shared because we really enjoyed both of them. We finished off our meal with the maple cheesecake which was also amazing! We were so happy with the delicious food and friendly service that we would DEFINITELY go back again.

Great meal. Fantastic service, great energy. The yellow fin tuna was excellent. Highly recommended.

Great food, amazing service! Great atmosphere, will definitely go back

Lobster Poutine --- Not as scrumptious as it sounds. I ate lunch at Petit Bill's lately and out of suggestions from my fellow diner, I ordered the lobster Poutine. They heard that it was what they were known for. The sauce tasted a bit like lobster with Alfredo sauce. And my biggest disappointment was that there was not enough lobster. I only had two really small pieces. It's not lobster season, but I would have paid more for more lobster. I'm not crazy about the creamy sauce over fries either. I have not made up my mind over Petit Bill's, however. My dining companions ordered the clam chowder which looked delicious and indeed, they said it was. So, I would like to come back and try something else rather than the lobster Poutine.

A great all-around eatery. This is probably in the running for one of my favourite restaurants in Ottawa. Been here many times, never leaving disappointed. Service is attentive and it's unlikely that you will get through your meal without one of the managers/owners stopping by to make sure you are satisfied. Food which is mostly fish is generally predictable fare (except for the Lobster poutine) but is delicious nonetheless. Trying the maple-glazed scallops is a must for first timers, although I have become more in love with the way they serve char on subsequent visits. A fancy yet casual ambiance suits the food well.

Still a great spot in Westboro. We have been going to this great spot for a few years now, Terry and Randy are always on site and will ensure your stay is wonderful. Food is great and is fresh and tasty. Thanks for being consistent. See you soon.

One of my favorite restaurants in Ottawa. I just love this restaurant. Clamchowder is excellent, fish too and the appetizer platter with many different variations of fish (smoked, in sausage, raw, etc.) is just yummy. I highly recommend it. <br/><br/>May be a bit pricy, but excellent.

Always surpasses expectations!. Where to start.... The service is top-notch. The servers are always friendly, polite, and attentive. The owner even pops by each table to ensure everyone is having a pleasurable dining experience. I have tried a wide array of their dishes and have never been able to say a bad word. Their creme brulee, seafood chowder, burgers, devilled eggs, and lobster poutine are all amazing! They also may have the best Caesar in Ottawa! They put jalapeno in their vodka! Highly recommend!

Amazing food, awesome service A++. Great restaurant, excellent food and fabulous service. This is such a wonderful restaurant, I have been about a dozen times, every occasion is A+.

Maritime Hospitality.. Very versatile restaurant. You can have a drink at the bar with apps, a fine dining dinner or a nice lunch. <br/><br/>The owner is dedicated to this place and has been there every time I went. He has on occasion poured water for our table then stood there and had a conversation with us. Nice guy.<br/><br/>The food is great and unique. The atmosphere and decor is inviting and relaxed. Prices are fair and in line with what you get. Fabulous service. It's a seafood heavy menu with options for a vegetarian. <br/><br/>I would recommend going here for any occasion, great place.

Amazing!. Can not say enough about this restaurant. Service was amazing from start to finish. The food was more than we expected. My wife couldn't get past the idea of Lobster Poutine until I ordered it ... she ended up eating half of my appetizer! (which is OK since I dug into her Seafood Chowder ... just like my mother-in-law (Cape Bretoner) makes). <br/><br/>Main dish (Chipotle Char) was very tasteful and had the perfect amount of kick ... wife's scallops were cooked perfectly! For dessert, we both had a bread pudding ... make sure that you leave some room for this ... made with croissants and cranberries (for those like me that don't like raisons). Stuffed when we left and couldn't stop talking about the place on the way home ...

Great service and meal. Thumbs up for Petit Bill's ..........had the Arctic Char and Moules last week and they were both delicious . ........ ... Service was friendly and we felt welcome.. Thanks to the manager / owner for his special attention.<br/>Definitely going back again soon

Excellent!. Went with family and a baby. Service was exceptional. Food was some of the best I've had in Ottawa. The lobster poutine was so good we went back for lunch to have it again. <br/><br/>Food was fresh and reasonably priced. The fish was fantastic. Absolutely nothing to complain about. <br/><br/>Will be back as often as I can.

Amazing food & service!. Just have to say every time we've been to this Petit Bill's the service is top notch! The food is always fresh and tasty and some of the best dishes I've ever had. They certainly hold a high standard as far as restaurants go which it not always easy to find these days. Can't wait till we go back again. We highly recommend it!

Incredible service. So many options on the menu. Will be going back again!

Great food, great service. I went here for a birthday dinner. Our server was very friendly, one of the best I've ever had. Everyone loved the food. I had the lobster poutine and it was delicious. Looking forward to coming back.

After reading such good reviews, we wanted to give this restaurant a try. Like the online reservation system. Great service, nice ambiance. Food was pretty good. Will come back but won't hurry back

Simply great!. We went there for Valentines after searching reviews.<br/>It exceeded expectations - excellent food, friendly staff, and a nice dining environment. Try the lobster poutine (as strange as it sounds)....it is incredibly tasty!<br/><br/>We will go again!

Great meal out even with kids. Our family of 5 came to Ottawa for Winterlude. We hunted for great spots to eat and came across this place when searching french restos in the area. The atmosphere was exactly what I imagined for our little family night out. Cozy and warm with the hustle and bustle of diners loving their food and enjoying a great night out. I wanted our kids to move away from the more traditional kids menu fare and try something new. The first and most notable score for this venue was the service. Remember we came into a fine dining establishment with 3 young children under the age of 9. The server was so personable and warm, she made us feel right at home and let us know immediately that any item on the menu could be modified for a younger pallet or they could create something special if nothing suited them. That service continued throughout our entire meal, from helping us with our dinner selections to giving our 4 year old a huge hug at our departure. The aperitifs were great, caesars made with habanero infused vodka and Shirley Temples for the kids with no artificial colours! The apps were also stand out, roasted beet salad (AMAZING!), caeser salad (did not get to try it because it got inhaled by our kids) and THE BEST lobster poutine I have ever had. The hand cut shoe string fries and house made gravy with chunks of lobster meat and marscapone were to die for. I know why this is their signature dish. For my main, I chose the duck confit with ginger spinach and red potatoes, all of which were great, but the flavour profile and texture of the sides would be more suited to a crispy duck breast than a confit. Each element was cooked very well and the pomegranate gasrtique was right on the mark. My husband ordered the Cod, baked with panko, herbs and french cheese, served over Israeli couscous and roasted cherry tomatoes. This was a great dish with simple clean flavours, although the cod was a bit over cooked, the richness from the cheese made it a bit more forgiving and over all the dish was fantastic! I would highly recommend this place to anyone, especially for those with children who are looking for a great meal without stepping foot into an Eastside Mario's!!

Today I came for a late lunch. Service, wine and good were excellent. I had the tomato soup with basil and cilantro, which was not creamy and therefore strong, full bodied and filling. It was wonderful to have some bread on the side. Some restaurants like Hintonburg Public House do not offer bread even though the price is similar. <br/><br/>Then I had a bacon wrapped pork tenderloin with rice, veg, and raisin mix with maple reduction drizzle for $12!!! Way better for the price than a oily salad and dry tourtière at HPH.<br/><br/>For wine, the ever reliable Bogle Petit Syrah. Again a vastly superior wine to the expensive Canadian reds at HPH. <br/><br/>Next up, the amazing bread pudding!!

This place was fan-freaking-tastic! I had the chorizo then the braised duck with the squash risotto and the bread pudding for dessert. I will remember the flavours for months after.

Went therethe other day and was pleasantly surprised at the flavoured butter they had, some honey mustard type thing. I had the lobster and walleye melt, which wasn't great, except for the cheese on top. My girlfriend had the lobster poutine, which was predictably pretty good. The bread pudding was excellent. Nice restaurant, overall.

Clam chowder to rave about. Yup, Clam chowder is one of the best of the best in the city... next i am trying their popular poutine everyone keeps talking about

My mom and I went here for my birthday and we both had nothing but positive things to say. Will definitely return.

Fabulous dining experience. Went there in a party of five. I had the soup of the day, a delicious Manhattan style clam chowder, and then the steak frites. Steak was cooked to perfection (rare). Other people in our party had the tuna and avocado salad that was heavenly, and the baked cod (well cooked, nicely presented) and the arctic char (again, a visual and tasty delight). We had the Hart and McGarry Cab Sauvignon, which was just marvellous after having been aired for about 30 minutes. I will go back!

Still thinking about the food!. What a great dinner experience! Dinner was so good, I went back for lunch a couple of days later! Before getting to the food, I just want to say that the service was as good as it gets. From start to finish, it seemed like they knew when to come and when to stay back, and always with a smile (you don't get that on a regular basis anywhere!). Now on to the food. Had a really hard time deciding what to order, everything looked so tasty! Had the lobster and salt cod cakes for the app. It was the first time in my life that I had a seafood cake that tasted like SEAFOOD! You can actually taste the lobster and cod. For the main, chowed down on the surf n' turf. It was served with lamb instead of beef and cooked perfectly. I wish there was more lobster, but I'm a pig that way! My date had the rainbow trout with frites (fries from regular folks). The fish was cooked perfectly and wasn't overdone and the frites...yummy frites! I know lots of people like McDonlads fries, but these are in direct competition. I will definitely be back!

I just had my birthday dinner here and everything you expect to be good in a restaurant was beyond that. It was exemplary. The service was amazing , the atmosphere was romantic and the food was phenomenal. I had the tuna and my boyfriend had the cod. We also started with the stuffed scallops. Wow. And the suggested wine pairing was on point. Well done. We will certainly return with our friends.

Great place all around. Food and service were excellent. Started with the cucumber wrapped tuna, which went well with the wine recommended by our waitress. I had the duck tagliatelle (ingredients were good and tasty but the pasta was on the dry side) and my partner had the duck confit (his entire meal was amazing). Will definitely go back (must try the lobster poutine) and highly recommend it.

Yummilicious!!!. Went to Petit Bill's for a date night with my wife and was not disappointed. From the time we entered until we left, the staff was great. It was like we'd been going there for years. The food was amazing, great portions and we finished it off with desserts that were unique and delicious. We would and will totally go back and bring our friends to Petit Bill's...... 4 Sure!!!

This has become a favorite restaurant. My husband always has the steak frite. I usually try something new. We are never disappointed. Food is always good. I have developed a special spot in my heart for their crème brûlée. It varies every day according to the chef inspiration. Service is exceptional. We are always greeted warmly and made to feel like welcomed guest. Highly recommended.

Petite Bills Big Mussels. Awww shucks, I certainly have a soft spot in my belly for this adorable, lil bistro. We were brought some complementary fresh french bread to start with their butter of the day "Maple Chipolte"! BUTTER OF THE DAY?!?! I was whipped right then and there. Legend Dairy!<br/><br/>I ordered the Mussels et Frites Espanoles (Fresh PEI Mussels with Chorizo, Sambal and Roasted Garlic) $16. My boyfriend ordered the Parisienne Mussels (PEI Mussels with Green peppercorn, Leek and Cream) and bulked up to the Newfie Fries (Frites, Bread Crumbs, Homemade Dressing & Au Jus) $20.<br/><br/>The portion was on steroids but I musseled through with my teeny tiny fork till every last one was gone! Made sure to mop up every last drop of the spicy chili broth with my fries... KO! I tried my boyfriends order - the french contender, and they were really good as well but my south of the border mussels definately won the fight! His Newfie Fries do deserve an honorable mention though, they took the match hands down.<br/><br/>The owner came out and chatted with us while our forks tussled over the last bite of Bread Pudding (with Cranberry-Raisins, White Chocolate and Creme Anglais) $8. And he was just as sweet as our dessert and was nice enough to explain the origin of "screeching In". In Newfoundland its a custom to drink a shot of screech (40% proof rum) and kiss a codfish on the mouth to prove your an honorary Newfoundlander. This dutch girl will stick with puckering up for the guy across the table.<br/><br/>In a half shell, Petite Bills is a must try, and my personal favourite place in Ottawa.

Mmmmm. Lobster poutine YUMMY! Love the sauce fantastic! Hubby had the mini-burgers with Gorgonzola mayo super good too!<br/>Service was really good...

One a whim, a pleasant discovery.. Stopped by on a whim to try out the fare and found it to be a rather enjoyable meal. Portions on the specials a bit smaller than expected (I had the lamb, my wife the scallops), but both were very well done. Possibly the small patio on the street a bit loud from the passing traffic, but again, it would depend upon wich day you were there and the time. Next time, probably indoors, but definitely a next time.

Upon entering the petit bills bistro we were greeted by a jovial older man carrying the spirit of his family in this little Newfie inspired restaurant with apparent French undertones. The lobster poutine was decadent and full flavored and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. The seared bacon wrapped scallops drenched in a maple glaze was so delicious and highly recommended. The beef and chorizo sliders were also meticulously prepared and tasted heavenly. Viva petit bills !!!

7.5/10. I was at Petit Bill's recently and enjoyed the newly renovated restaurant. Unfortunately the restaurant was a bit loud that evening as it was packed with large groups. The coq au vin was maybe not necessarily there specialty but the rest of the table seemed satisfied with their food, mainly ranging from Bills mini burgers / cod / duck / salad. The service was good and quick. I would definitely lean towards seafood if I ever go again.

Great experience, was recommended by word of mouth and I will do the same. The only minor drawback was my tenderloin was slightly overlooked (I like rare and it was closer to medium) but it was such a flavourful cut of meat that it wasn't worth sending back. Will definitely return!

Dinner was a great experience. Atmosphere was comfortable and the service attentive. I'm excited to come back. Only negative; wine list wasn't up to par with the food.

Love the sliders. I love coming here for lunch with friends and almost always have the sliders. They are really good and just the right size.<br/>The fries that come with are tasty.<br/><br/>I like that locally raised beef is used and that keeps me coming back.

Poor quality control. I had the gralvax salad (cured salmon) for lunch. The micro green were wilted and the salad leave were yellow. For the price of $16, I expect something decent. But was disappointed.

Great Service - Great Food. I have been to Petit Bills 3 times and each time I have not been disappointed. The service was exceptional and Terry was a fantastic host. I was completely blown away by the Lobster poutine and the Lobster and Crab pasta. The sliders were good, but not much too them as far as flavour goes and the Coq au Vin was good as well, but not stellar. I will definitely continue to be a repeat customer.

Nice atmosphere. Lobster poutine was great. Interesting mix of French and Maritime cuisine.

Great food, great service.. Loved it. Awesome service, great atmosphere, and great food. Will definitely be coming back!

I went in for the chowder particularly because I heard rave reviews- was awesome.... havent tasted such great chowder since my visit to NS- lives up to its expectations and quiet filling!...

Delicious. Came for the lobster poutine, stayed and came back for the rest of the tasty items on the menu. Lovely people, talent and location make eating there enjoyable!

Will definitely be back. The food at Petit Bills is wonderful, and if you like seafood that is perfectly cooked, this place will be sure to please. The menu is heavy on seafood, especially fish, but the owners being from the Atlantic, you don't find any of these trendy seafood dishes that creap up everywhere where heavy spices and sauces mask bland or poorly cooked seafood. There are also a good many meat options for those who do not like seafood. <br/><br/>So far, I've eaten the seafood chowder (WOW!), crab cakes (melt in your mouth delicious), mussels, (plump and not a second overcooked), salad (nice, smokey dressing), fries (possibly the best in town), and duck spring rolls (the gooseberry reduction adds wonderful depth and zing).<br/><br/>With great food, wonderful, warm and attentive service, and reasonable prices given the generous portions, I will be back many times to come and I hope that others will too. This is one restaurant that I would like to see continue thriving.

April 25, 2011 Lunch. This was the most wonderful lunch. Service was perfect and very fast. Seafood chowder was amazing and the best we ever had! Lobster poutine (in Marscapone sauce) and spaghetti in goat cheese sauce with pulled duck were incredible. Found the menu exciting...so much so that I am going with another friend again this week. A must experience.

Just ok.. The menu is a little different with rabbit stew, pheasant, duck and elk. The service was alright, atmosphere was decent (a little aged even for me), the problem was that the food just wasn't that good. I had the Lamb Shank for $32, for that price it should be rack of lamb in my opinion. The size of the lamb shank and overall potion size was disappointing and it just didn't taste that good. My spouse had the Arctic Char which was quite bland and I also had some of the Smoked Elk Bolognese which was basic pasta and ground elk meat (one of the worst pasta dishes I've ever had). I think they need to concentrate less on the unusual and more on the taste of their dishes.

Yum... Went to Petit Bill's the other day.. had reservations(a must).<br/><br/>First impressions- Nice cozy restaurant, like the decor. The art on the walls were quite interesting. <br/><br/>Food<br/>Lobster Poutine - Heard about it.. had to try it. To simply put it was a bit disappointed. The sauce was rich and creamy but combined with the frites I personally did not enjoy the combination. I almost think its popular because of the "gourmet" poutine or the "oooh lobster" factor. I dont really get it? It's just some lobster.<br/><br/>Tuna - Well done, a bit of a kick to it enjoyed it. The spinach, chick pea and bacon hash was a bit bland and dry. If you dont like chick peas its not for you. <br/><br/>Creme Brule- Chocolate and Banana, i dont know if it was the Bananas but the texture of it wasnt as smooth as I would like a creme brule but it had taste pretty good.

Service here is always a disaster. Would be nice if staff understood and could answer questions about food on the menu, instead of getting by on being giggly.

Don't Miss the Chance to Try..... On a recent visit, the quality of the service was lacking, but not the quality of food. On our latest visit - a quick and impromptu supper following a Book Launch event at the Cube Gallery - the service was impeccable and the food truly tasty - that is, much more in line with our usual experience at PB's.<br/><br/>I went with a favourite (lobster poutine), and my dinner companion the burger. We were very satisfied, so don't miss the chance to try this 'full of personality' bistro for yourself.<br/><br/><br/>-----24 Jan, 2011-----<br/><br/>Petit Bill's - Service went a bit Sideways. We made a third visit to PBB's last Friday as a party of 4 for dinner and were not disappointed with the food - but neither were we wowed. For instance, the table d'hôte choice of elk steak served with a soft boiled egg should have been awesome, but somehow the locally raised elk was tough. How can that be? <br/><br/>What was really unfortunate, was the fact that the service seems to have slipped a notch. We waited a long time for main courses to arrive. This despite the fact none of us had put in any special orders. The waitress brought coffee, and never returned to take our dessert orders, as promised. We would have ordered, thus upping the tab by a notch. Missed opportunity on their part, for sure. <br/><br/>We like this charming Bistro a great deal and hope that the diminished service is not suggesting a down slide for this quaint (and delicious) spot.

Liked but didn't love. I had lunch with friends here, and none of us were blown away. i'd say the food was good, but nothing was impressive. i don't think i'd really bother going back. <br/><br/>nice friendly service tho!

Alright food, place smells like Glade.. Not really sure why nobody else has mentioned this, but the food might taste better if my olfactory glands weren't being assaulted by the potpourri/Glade/whatever smell. Of the 4 times I've been for lunch the food is pretty much comfort food with an East coast twist. It all tasted fine, the fries they serve with many of their dishes could be crispier, but the whole experience would be elevated if the place didn't have such an odor.

The best kept secret in the city. Great staff, wonderful menu. Amazing lobster poutine! A must try. Great for any time of day or any ocassion. Whenever I am asked to suggest an awesome place, petit bills is my first pick.

My first visit to Petit Bill's. 2 friends had soup of the day (coconut sweet potato), bluefin tuna, & moules et frites, all of which they enjoyed. My starter of cod fritters sounded delicious but did not live up to its promise: the fritters were doughy and undercooked in the centers: this item was deleted from my bill without a need to ask on my part. My walleye burger on art-is-in bread with frites on the side was great: the fish was cooked perfectly & accented with a slightly spicy mayo. Pleasant dining room with works by local artists for sale on their walls.

Perhaps slightly overpriced?. This is one of those restaurants where I wish I could leave a neutral rating instead of an "I like it" or "I don't". The service at this restaurant is excellent. There seems to be something missing though. I think if there prices were a little lower I would leave them glowing reviews, but they are in a higher price bracket, and as such need to be held by higher standards. My husband and I ate here for lunch. He decided on the burger, which for 14$ (before tax and tip) he was expecting an excellent burger. It turns out it is just a plain burger. The fries are excellent. People at the restaurant seemed to be really enjoying the seafood. <br/>Nice interior, but could use a touch of paint. <br/>I have no plans to return to this restaurant, but the food and service are good.

This is one of Ottawa favourites! I've been here a handful of times (6+) and I'm always impressed. Their lobster poutine, inspired from a Calgary Bistro menu item, is out if this world and keeps bringing me back. The steal salad is also delicious! Food paired with good atmosphere and great service makes this a "must-stop". Enjoy!

Like it. I love the seafood chowder and the Newfy pound cake. The service is good and the atmosphere friendly. I can think of no better place to go on friday night for a tasty meal. Good selection of wine. <br/><br/>The lobster poutine is my wife's favourite.

Ratings can be very deceptive. Food was not good. Party of three where unanimouse, we did not enjoy our meals and it was quite pricey. No secret as to what there secret ingreadient is, everthing is flavoured with butter & is way too rich. A coranary waiting to happen. Not a do over.

Try the lobster poutine - so incredible! I've been to PBB's three times now and I always get the soup of the day and the poutine (along with a glass of wine). This is more than enough to fill me to the brim!

Not a Fan. While I agree that the service is pretty good (what else would you expect from a gang of newfoundlanders) I am not impressed with the food. Portions are big and heavy and suffer from same. I am a big steak/frites fan and theirs was the worst I have ever had. Usually you get sliced boneless steak - here you get a big slab of greasy tbone with soggy frites - not right.<br/><br/>I find this restaurant to fall in the category of those that could do with a less is better approach. The menu is impressive but the end result fails to fulfill the expectation the menu creates.

...we ate at Petit Bills and it was fine, just fine. I had the fish and chips, with some hesitancy since I find this simple dish to often be a disappointment, other than on the east coast. The fish was surprisingly good, the batter not too heavy, bringing out just a hint of sweetness.

We had a great time, but quickly learned that drinking neat bourbon all night is wayyy out of our league. We started with two delicious maple bacon manhattans, and then five small courses, each paired with a bourbon or whiskey. Overall

The bread pudding is a must order, texturally perfect, dense, buttery served with a sweet white chocolate crème anglaise. The best bread pudding that I ever had.

The menu is heavy on the seafood, but it is good. The chowder and the lobster poutine seem to be their "signature" dishes, and both are excellent

Every now and again, a decision made on the spur of the moment can lead to an unexpected discovery. Lately, we seem to find ourselves more and more often in Westboro. Perhaps it is because we have become more ‘outdoorsy’ over the years and the best outfit

...Jenn and I had great fun and enjoyed our dishes. We shared the cod tongues and pickerel cheeks appetizers.

They are well known for their lobster poutine , so I couldn't come here without trying it. It was a large bowl of shoe string fries, covered with lobster chunks and a rich shelffish butter & mascarpone cheese sauce. I find the cheese sauce overpowers everything, causing the lobster taste to be lost because of it. I'm glad I tried it but I much prefer a regular poutine over this. In a regular poutine, you've got 2 very distinct tastes (cheese and gravy) complementing one another, whereas in the lobster poutine, everything just blends together with no distinct tastes. Lobster Poutine J is a huge lobster fan so she ordered the lobster roll

My last review of this restaurant wasn't great. Of the 5 or 6 times i'd been here the food had gone from great to good to ok. One thing that remained consistent was the service. Always impeccable and there to please. They will make sure you leave happy