Play Food & Wine

4.7

304 Reviews

CAN$51 and over

Contemporary Canadian

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 22 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Charming
Great for fine wines

Play food & wine will make serious food fun and accessible to many types of guests by offering an inspiring menu, legendary service, outstanding values and a culinary home for our guests in which they can spend a variety of occasions.

All of our dishes are modest portions designed to share. This allows guests to sample a few different dishes without having to commit to just one main course as in a traditional restaurant. Our menu changes frequently, respecting product availability and seasonality.

We are committed to working with our many great suppliers to source the best and most flavourful ingredients possible. We use local, sustainable and seasonal products whenever possible, and believe in supporting area farmers as much as we can.

Additional information

Location
1 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z5
Phone number
(613) 667-9207
Price
CAN$51 and over
Cuisines
Contemporary Canadian, Canadian, Global, International
Hours of operation
Mon–Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Shane Brown

Experiences

Canada - Coast to Cellar Wine Dinner
CA$175.00 per person
Prepaid
Mar 27, 2025 only
6:00 PM
A special four course tasting menu featuring Canadian products served at a communal table. We can accommodate most allergies with 48 hours notice.

Private dining

roasted sweet potato soupCA$12.00
apple gastrique / allium ash / shishito oil
gem caesarCA$19.00
black tahini caesar / bonito breadcrumb / cured egg yolk / goat cheese / duck prosciutto
seared scallopsCA$35.00
espresso parsnip / smoked salsify / cauliflower yogurt / leek vinaigrette
burrataCA$27.00
roasted beet / cherry agrodolce / pistachio / red watercress
falafelCA$21.00
smoked date / babaganoush / za’atar / zhoug / pickled sunchoke

LARGER PLATES

fennel ash gnocchiCA$26.00
pork bolognese / rapini / ricotta / ramp crumble
cedar pappardelleCA$25.00
lamb merguez / green garlic / peas / radicchio / fried lemon / Iron Horse cheddar / grainy mustard
crispy pork bellyCA$27.00
polenta / mushrooms / carrots / pickled scape / sundried tomato & olive vinaigrette
grilled beef striploinCA$36.00
red eye jus / frites / herb aioli / chili oil
baked mackerelCA$29.00
bulgar / chermoula / walnut muhammara / pickled cauliflower

Sparkling

Blanc de Beckta, Cave Spring, NVCA$14.00

White

Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Palagetto, Tuscany, IT ‘23CA$13.00
Verdejo, Bodegas Comenge, Rueda, ES ‘23CA$13.00
Riesling Kabinett, "R" August Kesseler, Rheingau, DE ‘22CA$15.00
White Blend, "Irréverence" Pearl Morissette, Niagara, CA ‘20CA$17.00
Gewurztraminer, "Raw" Weingut Malat, Kremstal, AU ‘21CA$19.00

Red

Cabernet Franc, "King Street Vyd" 2027 Cellars, Niagara, CA ‘21CA$13.00
Pinot Noir, “Signature” Domaine Queylus, Niagara, CA ‘19CA$15.00
Gamay, "Glou Glou" Jean-Baptiste Duperray, Beaujolais, FR ‘23CA$15.00
Barbera, Vigneti Repetto, Equilatero, IT ‘21CA$16.00
Chianti Classico, Villa Calcinaia, Tuscany, IT ‘20CA$20.00

Cocktails

CANADIAN FASHIONCA$14.00
Our house old-fashioned using Canadian ingredients: Popcorn Maple Syrup & Wild Muskoka Spiced Maple Bitters Pike Creek Rum Barrel Finished 10 Year
Alberta Premium Legacy ReserveCA$15.00
J.P Wiser’s 18 YearCA$24.00
CRIMSON FIELDSCA$18.00
Hibiscus Mezcal | Cacao Tequila | Campari | Lillet Blanc | Grenadine | Lime | Grains of Selim | Angostura | Egg White
DOS COCOACA$19.00
Tequila | Mezcal | Coffee Campari | Cocchi di Torino | Cacao Nib | Cinnamon | Chocolate Bitters
PLAY PISCO SOURCA$18.00
Pisco | Campari | Tio Pepe | Licor 43 | Lime | Egg White
MISTRAL WINDSCA$18.00
Olive & Fennel Liqueur | St. Germain | Dry Curacao | Crystal Lime | Citrus Olive Oil Washed Peychauds
VEIL OF ETNACA$19.00
Vodka | Amaretto | Pistachio | Cinnamon | Ginger | Honey | Whey

Beer

Broadhead Light LagerCA$10.00
Beyond The Pale Clean CutCA$10.00
Beyond The Pale California CommonCA$10.00
Collective Arts Beyond Reason Micro Pale AleCA$10.00
Collective Arts Local Press Apple CiderCA$10.00
Broadhead Amber AleCA$10.00
Dominion City Sunsplit IPACA$12.00

Spirit Free

Flora FizzCA$13.00
Citron Calm Tea | Hibiscus | Raspberry Vinegar | Crystal Lime | Egg White | Soda
N/A BelliniCA$15.00
Cipriani White Peach | Silver Swallow
Silver Swallow Sparkling Wine (5oz)CA$8.00
Collective Arts N/A IPA (355ml)CA$7.00
Collective Arts N/A Guava Gose (355ml)CA$8.00
Perth Pay N/A Lager (473ml)CA$9.00
Sparkling Water (750ml)CA$8.00
Juice (Orange / Apple / Cranberry)CA$4.00
PopCA$3.00
Fever-Tree Tonic / Fever-Tree SodaCA$5.00

What 304 people are saying

Play Food & Wine reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Ottawa
Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Play Food & Wine in Ottawa offers an inventive dining experience with "creative food combinations that taste amazing" and "excellent service." Guests appreciate the "fantastic wine pairings" and the welcoming atmosphere. While some mention minor drawbacks, the restaurant's appealing small plates and attentive staff make it a "gem" worth revisiting.

304 Reviews

C
Chris
Toronto5 reviews
2.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
This was once my go-to place for lunch and dinner. The food was inedible on my latest visit and the visit before.
Play Food & WineResponded 3 days ago
I'm so sorry that you were dissapointed in the food recently Chris. I'd love to understand more and find a way to rebuild your trust in us if you would be open to sharing your feedback with me directly. I would welcome the chance to turn around this unfortunate situation for you. With many thanks, Steve Beckta
Is this helpful?
V
Viktoria
Ottawa1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A little expensive..... Also the charcuterie board used to have more choices and not just salty but also sweet
Is this helpful?
k
ken
Ottawa1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our second time visiting Play, and we were lucky enough to get the same server, Paul, who was amazing at providing recommendations and insight into the menu options. The food and flavours are to die for, they have a unique way of mixing flavours in each dish! We will definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
C
Caitlyne
Ottawa1 review
5.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding food and impeccable service! Love the cosy and intimate ambiance/vibe. Never disappoints!
Is this helpful?
L
Linda
Ottawa3 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was a great evening, the food and foodwas great. Exceptional services from our server and we even got a drink created for my daughter which hit the spot.
Is this helpful?
R
Randolph
Toronto8 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I hosted an productive business lunch at Play today. The food was excellent. The service was friendly and attentive without being intrusive. We appreciated being seated at a table in the corner for a private conversation. I might have turned down the music a bit but we managed the conversation nevertheless.
1 person found this helpful
A
Alyssa
Montreal1 review
4.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was super yummy and selection was good, service and ambience was amazing. Would definitely recommend and come back.
Is this helpful?
N
Nick
Ottawa2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went for Valentine’s Day, had a great experience at the bar. Kate took care of us and gave us great advice on sharing plates!
Is this helpful?
D
Dan
Ottawa1 review
4.0
Dined on February 14, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Our server was excellent. The food was decent but was expecting a little better. Was again, very impressed with the service.
Is this helpful?
M
Maia
Toronto2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
A great combo of taste, coziness, great atmosphere, and trying something unusual. It felt both trendy and timeless. Enjoyed my visit very much.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Play Food & Wine offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (613) 667-9207.

Play Food & Wine is rated 4.7 stars by 304 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 22 times today

Experiences are available.

1 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z5

Additional information

Phone number
(613) 667-9207
Price
CAN$51 and over
Cuisines
Contemporary Canadian, Canadian, Global, International
Hours of operation
Mon–Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Shane Brown

Play Food & Wine

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Canada - Coast to Cellar Wine Dinner

Semi-Private Dining

Private Dining Room

Custom inquiry

FOR THE TABLE

fritesCA$9.00

Le Coprin mushroomsCA$12.00

chips & dipCA$12.00

warm marinated olivesCA$11.00

crispy Brussels sproutsCA$11.00

fried mushroom dumplingsCA$10.00

grilled sourdoughCA$5.00

CHEESE & CHARCUTERIE

featured charcuterieCA$21.00

artisanal cheeseCA$23.00

mixed cheese & charcuterieCA$42.00

RAW

veal carpaccioCA$23.00

rainbow trout crudoCA$21.00

SMALL PLATES

roasted sweet potato soupCA$12.00

gem caesarCA$19.00

seared scallopsCA$35.00

burrataCA$27.00

falafelCA$21.00

LARGER PLATES

fennel ash gnocchiCA$26.00

cedar pappardelleCA$25.00

crispy pork bellyCA$27.00

grilled beef striploinCA$36.00

baked mackerelCA$29.00

Sparkling

Blanc de Beckta, Cave Spring, NVCA$14.00

White

Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Palagetto, Tuscany, IT ‘23CA$13.00

Verdejo, Bodegas Comenge, Rueda, ES ‘23CA$13.00

Riesling Kabinett, "R" August Kesseler, Rheingau, DE ‘22CA$15.00

White Blend, "Irréverence" Pearl Morissette, Niagara, CA ‘20CA$17.00

Gewurztraminer, "Raw" Weingut Malat, Kremstal, AU ‘21CA$19.00

Red

Cabernet Franc, "King Street Vyd" 2027 Cellars, Niagara, CA ‘21CA$13.00

Pinot Noir, “Signature” Domaine Queylus, Niagara, CA ‘19CA$15.00

Gamay, "Glou Glou" Jean-Baptiste Duperray, Beaujolais, FR ‘23CA$15.00

Barbera, Vigneti Repetto, Equilatero, IT ‘21CA$16.00

Chianti Classico, Villa Calcinaia, Tuscany, IT ‘20CA$20.00

Cocktails

CANADIAN FASHIONCA$14.00

Alberta Premium Legacy ReserveCA$15.00

J.P Wiser’s 18 YearCA$24.00

CRIMSON FIELDSCA$18.00

DOS COCOACA$19.00

PLAY PISCO SOURCA$18.00

MISTRAL WINDSCA$18.00

VEIL OF ETNACA$19.00

Beer

Broadhead Light LagerCA$10.00

Beyond The Pale Clean CutCA$10.00

Beyond The Pale California CommonCA$10.00

Collective Arts Beyond Reason Micro Pale AleCA$10.00

Collective Arts Local Press Apple CiderCA$10.00

Broadhead Amber AleCA$10.00

Dominion City Sunsplit IPACA$12.00

Spirit Free

Flora FizzCA$13.00

N/A BelliniCA$15.00

Silver Swallow Sparkling Wine (5oz)CA$8.00

Collective Arts N/A IPA (355ml)CA$7.00

Collective Arts N/A Guava Gose (355ml)CA$8.00

Perth Pay N/A Lager (473ml)CA$9.00

Sparkling Water (750ml)CA$8.00

Juice (Orange / Apple / Cranberry)CA$4.00

PopCA$3.00

Fever-Tree Tonic / Fever-Tree SodaCA$5.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary