Review Caffe Mio - Ottawa

My sister and her friends brought me to a restaurant I have been wanting to try for some time. Caffe Mio is a beautiful family owned and operated Italian bistro, open for over 20 years. They are located on West Wellington. The ambiance is very romantic for the perfect date night and intimate for a dinner/drinks with friends. The staff were amazing, attentive and made recommendations to help us navigate the wine menu. The food we ordered looked amazing and tasted delicious, we got some bruschetta to share, I got their beet salad and shared some with my sister (because I love her) and each of us got a different main, I got the Gnocchi and added chicken, and the ladies got Gnocchi, Linguine Con Funghi and the Chicken Parmigiana with cream sauce. I am in love with the soft fluffy gnocchi! It was one of the best I have ever tasted, and my beet salad was delicious, I never thought I would find another beet salad to replace the one we lost at Nordik Spa, and that crispy pancetta was to die for, I would have ordered another! We loved our experience and can't wait to go back! This is a must try!! #supportlocal #ottawafoodiestalker

Great place thoroughly loved it. My wife who is an Italian food fanatic has noted this as her favourite place. Probably go there for her birthday next week.

Brunch there is good with big portions. Went back there for dinner. Ordered the beet salad, the steak, the deep fried artichoke. Everything was great and it came really fast. Service was amazing and overall deserves 5 stars.

My wife who is an Italian food fanatic loves this place. I’m taking her there next week for her birthday. Enough said.

Had a delicious brunch for the first time. Their grilled chicken panini is delicious. The egg drop soup is a delicacy. The owner was very friendly and easy to talk to. Will definitely come back again!

The place is really nice and the food and drink are great, BUT… this is not a cafe, and the name is very misleading. When I came to this place I expected a coffee menu, and to be able to sit down with my computer and do a few hours work in a nice atmosphere, instead, I was greeted by a waitress who checked in on me regularly, and kept offering me food, and I don’t blame her. Because this is not a cafe, this is a sit down restaurant with a misleading name. They don’t even have a coffee menu… as a restaurant I think it’s pretty great, but I don’t like that I expected a cafe and instead was roped into a restaurant experience.

I took my girlfriend to this place for the first time and was totally worth it. The vibes itself was over the moon🙏🏼❤️‍🔥 we went there way too many times since the first date. The chicken parm is absolutely delicious. The staff are lovely and friend. Amazing family operated cafe/restaurant and would suggest this place to many others!

what a delightful experience! Excellent food, charming ambience. The service was attentive and so welcoming after all our enforced restrictions. A true delight! Can't wait to return for patio season.

I came here for dinner with 2 of my girlfriends after hearing some buzz about this cute Italian restaurant. From the moment I stepped in I could see why it’s so popular. The beautiful ambience, candlelight, full tables of happy diners laughing, sharing stories, and more importantly, sharing food. To start we tried a variety of appetizers, including the special, and a salad. The shrimp diavlo is seriously delicious; large succulent shrimp in a spicy tomato/olive sauce served with crostini. Then we tucked into the beet salad; a large portion of beets, perfectly tart goat cheese, crunchy pecans, crisp red onions, and the pancetta was served on the side so our vegetarian friend could enjoy as well. It was the absolute perfect combination of flavour and texture. The bruschetta – classic. I’m generally not a fan of lamb, but when the app special was placed on our table my mouth started watering. A perfectly cooked lamb chop surrounded by shrimp upon a butternut squash puree and maple glaze reduction. Yum, yum, and yum. Next came the entrees. I ordered the beef tenderloin with polenta; it was the most succulent, delicious piece of beef I’ve ever had in Ottawa – and I’ve dined at a lot of restaurants. My friend ordered the veal with roasted potatoes, also delicious, and my other friend ordered a vegetarian pizza. Throughout our meal the server was very attentive, re-filling our water and wine glasses, checking in on how we found the food and asking if we needed anything. At the end we couldn’t decide on dessert so we got 3: tiramisu, a peanut butter gelato surrounded by chocolate, and a butternut squash crème brulee. Let’s just say that even though we were stuffed from dinner, we managed to eat ALL the dessert before ending the night with a Grand Marnier on ice. If I could give this restaurant 10 stars, I would. Top notch service, food, and experience.

small, quaint, great service and the food! Rack of lamb amaaazzzzing! We actually stumbled upon this jewel, just walking trying to find a place we agreed on! After 30+yrs of marriage, we still do not always see eye to eye on food choices! but we both loved this place! thanks guys! Next time we are in Ottawa, we will be back! I can at least save another "food"argument!

Had an excellent meal this evening ...............Linguine Mio (Linguine with prosciutto, spinach & roasted red peppers in olive oil & garlic) .....amazing thx Kristal, Albert and Robert.........

My husband and I ate here for a Saturday night date night. We were both in the mood for Italian, and it did not disappoint. The muscles in a white wine cream sauce were one of my favourite parts. I had a bite of my husband’s Linguine Oceana with a morsel of scallop, and I almost cried, it was so good. Hubby is picky about not liking his pasta overcooked but told me this was perfectly al dente and tasted homemade (it probably was—the server mentioned many menu items with the tag-line “made in-house”). I had a prosciutto-wrapped chicken breast, a wide variety of perfectly-cooked fresh vegetables, and an innovative creamed artichoke in a tomato sauce, topped with crispy sage. So many flavours! The waiter recommended a lovely wine pairing for my meal, and we both enjoyed our desserts, although each liked the other’s better! (A chocolate pecan torte and a peanut butter and caramel bomba). Clayton was an excellent server, laid-back and humourous. The atmosphere was nice, if a little loud at the beginning (the place cleared out some at the end as we had a 8:15PM reservation), but I mean, it was people talking, so I can’t fault the restaurant for that. We will definitely return. <br/>

I came here for dinner with 2 of my girlfriends after hearing some buzz about this cute Italian restaurant. From the moment I stepped in I could see why it’s so popular. The beautiful ambience, candlelight, full tables of happy diners laughing, sharing stories, and more importantly, sharing food.  To start we tried a variety of appetizers, including the special, and a salad. The shrimp diavlo is seriously delicious; large succulent shrimp in a spicy tomato/olive sauce served with crostini. Then we tucked into the beet salad; a large portion of beets, perfectly tart goat cheese, crunchy pecans, crisp red onions, and the pancetta was served on the side so our vegetarian friend could enjoy as well.  It was the absolute perfect combination of flavour and texture.  The bruschetta – classic.  I’m generally not a fan of lamb, but when the app special was placed on our table my mouth started watering. A perfectly cooked lamb chop surrounded by shrimp upon a butternut squash puree and maple glaze reduction.  Yum, yum, and yum.  Next came the entrees. I ordered the beef tenderloin with polenta; it was the most succulent, delicious piece of beef I’ve ever had in Ottawa – and I’ve dined at a lot of restaurants. My friend ordered the veal with roasted potatoes, also delicious, and my other friend ordered a vegetarian pizza.  Throughout our meal the server was very attentive, re-filling our water and wine glasses, checking in on how we found the food and asking if we needed anything. At the end we couldn’t decide on dessert so we got 3: tiramisu, a peanut butter gelato surrounded by chocolate, and a butternut squash crème brulee.  Let’s just say that even though we were stuffed from dinner, we managed to eat ALL the dessert before ending the night with a Grand Marnier on ice.  If I could give this restaurant 10 stars, I would. Top notch service, food, and experience.

Terrible food and service. The food was way too salty, when I spoke to the waitress about it she was very rude and dismissive. The dessert was not fresh it tasted like it was mass produced. 🤢

I was disappointed with this place because I had high expectations. The service was ok but I felt rushed. My pasta dish (shrimp, brocoli and sun-dried tomatoes) was very average. Nothing to write home about and I thought the flavours didn't go well together. Unfortunately, I probably won't go back.

Great experience <br/>I enjoyed the eggplant parmesan with a side of spicy pasta -- perfect. Eggplant was firm and tender (and not the traditional super soft I have become accustomed to receiving in Ottawa) - it stole the show; pasta was decent but not memorable like eggplant. <br/><br/>I'll definitely come back and will recommend this place to friends!

Food (Linguine Mio) was acceptable, nothing particularly special (though a friends gnocchi was amazing); for some inexplicable reason another friends gluten free pasta version of another's same dish didn't even seem related (complete lack of sauce, less toppings, at a premium!).<br/><br/>Restaurant was near full, but not, service was non/existent; when we were acknowledged sometime later with s trite apology service continued to be slow or intermittent and food took far, far too long - without so much as an update, apology, much of anything.<br/><br/>Overall, not worth the effort and will not be returning. Try Vitoria in the Village instead!

Excellent food and very tasty. Pizza, pasta, chicken, veal are were very good. The service was excellent and very friendly. We drop a glass if wine not noticing that the table were not even and without asking they replace the glass of wine. Oh wow we were impressed. The place is clean and very good atmosphere. Strongly recommend

Fantastic place! Our only experience there was a great one. The food was amazing, some of us had the special, others from regular menu and all was excellent. Great service and ambiance as well!

We went here back in June for a family dinner. The service was excellent and the food was good too. We shared pizza as an appetizer and it was great, tasted like it was from a wood oven. My only complaint would be that both my father and I had rose sauces that tasted like tomato sauce because of a lack of cream.

Delicious. DH looked like a dog on a car ride as soon as we walked in, the smell was that good. Meatball special was just what he wanted it to be. Several juicy two-bite meatballs over penne smothered in rose sauce and melted cheese. I had to steal every bite I could. I had the anti pasta plate and it was pretty good too, especially with the fresh bread warm on the table. <br/>Caesar perfectly spicy. House red smooth and easy. Lighting low, music lounge, crowd mostly middle-aged on a Thursday night, packed tight. <br/>$80 for two, tip in. Service was the best we have seen in a long time. Will definitely be back.

Preston Street certainly isn't the only place to enjoy a mouth watering plate of Italian comfort food in Ottawa. Caffé Mio on Wellington West is a perfect example. Yesterday, I enjoyed (and shared!) a fresh plate of greens as a starter with perfectly cooked chicken breast, roasted red peppers, dried fruit and goat cheese all drizzled in what tasted like a raspberry vinaigrette.

Unbelievable service. The waiter was super cool. Went in January - we each had a pizza. It was delicious and fresh.

Caffe Mio for me. Excellent, excellent, excellent (service, food, atmosphere). Go ahead, try it, you won't regret it.

Fantastic Food & Service! M.... Fantastic Food & Service!<br/>My husband and I had a sumptuous meal of beef tenderloin wrapped in pancetta, absolutely to die for !!

Exceptional Food, Great Atmosphere, and Attentive Staff! FTW!. I've been to Caffe Mio a few times before and have consistently gotten the pizza. The Pizza is absolutely delicious. By far in my opinion the best Pizza I've had in the city. The crust is thin, crunchy and delicious. The toppings are fresh, well seasoned, and pair nicely. I've had the Margarita and Mushroom pizza. Both easily a 9/10 - very very good. <br/><br/>However, I just visited for Dinner and it was a BALL PARK HOME RUN. The appetizers - Deep fried zucchini which was really really good. A simple app but the seasoning and dipping sauce....mmmm Main course: I settled for a veal stuffed chop - prosciutto & cheese - over a wild mushroom fried risotto ball. With a demiglaze cherry something sauce. Insanely good. Desert - Hazelnut Creme Brulee, chocolate tartufo, and Limon Sorbet - all made in house, all so very delicious. <br/><br/>If you haven't gone to Caffe Mio, hopefully my salivating review will entice you. Its really that good.

Celiac's Go Here!. Been here several times. Never an issue with getting a decent gluten free meal. Price is reasonable and wine list is good. A great spot for catching up with friends. Patio in the summer. Kind of small--make a reservation if coming with more than 4.

Excellent pasta. Was there for my friend's Birthday dinner. The service is excellent, one of the best in the city. The waitress went above and beyond to be helpful, make suggestions and accommodate. She offered a couple of wine tasting while I waited for my friends to arrive. She was knowledgeable, patient and courteous as my friends were 30 minutes late for our reservation. We had the calamari, beet salad, a pizza, the linguini special and the salmon. Everything except the pizza was phenomenal. The calamari could have been a little crispier and the pizza crust was like boxed pizza. However the salad, pasta and salmon were perfect. The pasta is served el dente and the combination of ingredients was perfect. It was a chili cream sauce with artichokes, sausage, mushrooms and a green leafy type ingredient. The salmon was perfectly cooked and not dry. Would recommend going to this place for the pasta for sure, it’s a decent price and there are many excellent choices.

A truly amazing dining experience. I went there for a date night with my boyfriend and we both love Italian food, and they knocked it out of the park! Our server, the male with longer brown hair was incredible, so friendly and his recommendations were outstanding. We shared the chicken parmigiana and the special pizza which was indescribably good! Atmosphere was lovely and every worker was so kind and attentive! I'd tell anyone and everyone to go here!! Great job Caffe Mio!

The food and service at Caffe Mio is very good. It's not amazing but very good. I'd give it a very solid 7/10.

Realie. Some aspects of the food were ok and they are trying to be creative, but missing the mark... seems like they are cutting corners. Had chicken special wrapped in proscuitto and stuffed with risotto, which was too dry. It was served with deep fried gnocchi... over seasoned and cheap. The whole dish was off, nothing complimented anything. The few grilled vegetables however were good. Server was trying hard to sell... turn off.

Great time, Great food. The service was great, waitress was very accommodating. The meal arrived at an excellent pace, and very tasty. We were there for an early supper and would recommend it. Will indeed try the lunch menu!

Amazing Birthday Dinner!. I decided to bring my husband to Caffe Mio for dinner because Italian food is his favorite and I wanted to try something new. It was a great decision!! The restaurant is quite small but it makes for a very warm and cozy atmosphere. Although it was packed, our waitress was very attentive and took her time with us when we had questions. We shared the antipasto (the plate was big!), I had the gnocchi (they happily switched out the sauce for me) and my husband had the Linguine Mio (said it reminded him of dishes he had in Italy!!) The cappucino and tiramasu were also delicious!! We'll be back for sure!

Great lunch!. Caffe Mio offers some of the most delicious soups ever, and they make them all on site. Today's was a silky smooth butternut squash and apple, sprinkled with tasty goat cheese at the time of serving, and so welcome on a fairly cold day. Their caprese salad is also a taste treat. Will have to go back soon for one of their terrific cappuccinos, but their good old decaf was indeed good, but certainly not old!

Hit or Miss. I've been to Caffe Mio twice. The first time I was impressed however my partner was not. I had a nice pasta however his was no better than what you might buy in a jar. I recently visited again for a birthday dinner and this time I was the one left unimpressed. I had pizza reminiscent of the grocery store variety. The crust was almost like a cracker, very flat, thin and dry with a very bland sauce. The bruschetta was also quite disappointing; soggy with bland, warm tomatoes. Given my mixed experience I will do my best to avoid Caffe Mio in the future.

Excellent. Went there for the first time today. Had the sausage panini, it was excellent. They made accommodations for my dairy allergy easily, switched out the regular cheese for goat and knew what menu items I would be able to eat without fear. Wines are good, a little pricey (mine was $9 for a glass). Food prices are excellent, sandwich was $10, comes with a salad and I'm stuffed. <br/>You won't be disappointed

Consistently good experience. Cafe Mio has come through for me on a number of occasions. When trying to make a reservation for a group, they will work hard to find you a seating. Service is great. Food is good. The atmosphere of this restaurant is very cozy and is a comfortable experience. We often take guests here as there are a number of price-points on the menu and a variety of food options. There is ample street parking available.

Mixed feelings. This place gives me mixed feelings.... They have a good product, but the delivery is terrible! Not coming here again!

Nice Place. Went there for a work lunch. <br/>I had a panini and a salad. My food was tasty and the price was right for what you got. Service was good, very friendly and helpful. <br/>Others in our group had pizza and pasta, and everyone seemed to enjoy their meal.

To echo other reviewers: consistently quality!. I've always enjoyed my experiences at Caffe Mio, although it's a real shame they're not open for Sunday brunches. The service is professional and attentive, and their food uses delicious, fresh ingredients. Their roasted vegetables and goat cheese salad is very hearty, and would make a great choice for vegetarians looking for a filling, rich meal. The paninis with salads are also a solid lunch option. My only small complaint is that the size of Mio, and the layout of the tables, makes for some noise issues, which doesn't contribute to the ambiance their establishment is working towards.

Great food, Horrible Service!!. Reserved on a Saturday night for a group of 10. Along the way we were broken into 2 groups of 5. No big deal, we can move tables together... Apparently a very big deal! We had separate condescending servers who never offered more drinks and patronized badly. We were yelled at for trying to finally move our tables together. We were refused service if we switched seats, which we did in order to socialize better. If only they could train the servers to be anywhere near as good as the chef at their job. First time I actually left no tip! I won't return, but have told the owner, and hope they correct their service. The food is great, but truly ruined with bad service.

What's the big deal?. With the Citizen's review of Caffe Mio, you'd think it would be amazing. It's just okay to be honest. Yes, the calamari is excellent. But everything else is a 5/10. While the wait staff is okay, to get your reservation in the first place is a nightmare. You cannot change your reservation on the weekend because they are usually "smoked" (in their own words). Even the owner, says he is "perturbed" that one would criticize the frank manner at which the reservation is non negotiatable. Oh well. There is Bella's and you can always go to Preston St. for great Italian food.

Very cute little place, great food at a moderate price. Had the special of the night by the waiters recommendation which wasn't on the menu and it was fantastic. Will be back again!

Love Caffe Mio. I have my fav's- have been coming here for a few months now since we moved into the area- can't believe we didn't know about this place before ... love the calamari and the mussels, the soups never disappoint- different every day, love both the beet and the broccoli salads, the Oceana pasta is delicious, and when it comes to the mains, the lamb is my fav- last week I had a steak and duck special and it was delicious!!!! The prices are very reasonable, you get your money's worth and more. The wine selection is nice and also well priced when compared elsewhere. Love the atmosphere and service. Big thumbs up !!!!

Wonderful restaurant!. My daughter and I went for dinner at Caffe Mio this past Friday evening thanks to a Living Social gift certificate. The restaurant is fairly small but very cosy and the staff were friendly and very helpful. We started with the Caesar sald and the Caprese salad, ingredients were very fresh and very tasty. My daughter had the Margerita pizza and I had the Capellini Pescatore (shrimp and baby clams), both were so, so good! Portions were generous, we took the rest home for lunch the next day. We will definitely be back to visit this establishment!

Huge portions, delicious food, amazing tartuffo, tiramisù and latte. Nice relaxing sometimes lounge music. A must try restaurant!

My family and I had, possibly, the best dinner we have ever had! Everything from the food to the service was exquisite. Our server David had the most warm attentive service I've ever received in a restaurant. The limoncello tartufo dessert was mouthwatering. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for wonderful experience.

Very good!. Good service, warm ambiance. The portions are quite large, the food is fresh. I enjoy the Caesars salad, as weeks as the beet salad, which they split for us. I had half a pizza to bring home and it was delicious the next day as well. I found the pasta mio had way too much garlic, but otherwise was cooked well.

One of my favs but not for the person on a budget.

Always great!. Never disappointed! I've gone a few times and always enjoyed my meal. They have the best calamari that I've tried.

Amazing. I've been there twice and the food has always been great. The gnocchi was fabulous and I loved the carrot cake (unlike any other).<br/>Had a great time with my girlfriends there.

Great Pasta. Everyone enjoyed their pasta dinner here for our dinner pre Ottawa Marathon 2011. I think it might become a new pre marathon tradition!

Still delicious. Food was wonderful. Started with the mussels (white wine cream with sausage & tomato - who knew!) to share & then my lady had the salmon....cooked to perfection (nobody likes an overcooked piece of fish) & I opted for the beef tenderloin. Delicious!<br/>We've dined @ Caffe Mio many times and have always enjoyed our experience. One question though... What happened to our favourite server??? <br/>Not quite the same but we thoroughly enjoyed the food.

Wonderful food. Great service! Don't get sucked in by the hours listed on urbanspoon. They are NOT open for lunch on Sunday.

If you are looking for a great little place to have lunch on a terrace and watch passers by on a quiet but entertaining Wellington Street in Westboro, try Caffé Mio.<br/>A small Italian caffé with tasty, simple fare.<br/>Maybe it helped that the weather was perfect, and I was with great company and conversation. We shared the Pollo salad, and Caprese Cotto thin crust pizza. We top it all off with a delicious Lavazza Capuccino and herbal tea for my friend.<br/>The Pollo salad was really fresh and had lots to offer: dried cranberreries, apricots, roasted red peppers, chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, goat cheese and walnuts. Mmmm<br/>The Caprese Cotto had a tasty thin herbal crust, with prosciutto, tomatoes, bocconcini. It was a paired nicely with the salad.<br/><br/>See more at theovalley.blogspot.com

Good food, good prices, cute place. This is a great place on a casual date night. pretty decent food at nice prices and service ahs always been great with nice prices as well.

So Consistent!!. I have been to Caffee Mio 4 times now. Every single time I have gone, all meals, whether appetizers or mains, are awesome for everyone. Not one was just 'okay'. That just seems incredible to me. We took MIL there for her 80th birthday last year in July we knew that it would be so reliable. There were 6 of us and about 11 dishes. Everyone was 'Wow this is great!'. I just love having a place like that in our neighbourhood as a go to place when we need to please a group. No problems recommending it!!!

Always ask what the specials are!. Had a giant chunk of halibut on some lemon rice with steamed veggies. it was unbelievably delicious (though a bit pricier than anticipated at $25).<br/><br/>As befitting an italian place, their espresso was excellent.

Mio Myo!. I visited Caffe Mio for lunch and thought it was fabulous! If you are in the mood for fresh italian cuisine this is the place to go. It featured a great atmosphere and friendly staff but the food was definitely the pièce de résistance! Fresh, flavorful and defiantly different. They had so many wonderful salads and paninis it made it hard to choose just one! The barista coffee was fabulous too! It was a great value for money and I will definitely visit again. Thanks!

Caffé Mio has become a bit of a 'go to' place for us when we are looking to go out for dinner, and want to still be pretty close to home and most importantly, know that where we do go, every dish will be really good. Thursday was a bit of a train wreck in