Clover

I have to say — I don’t get it. Compared to the many, many five star reviews, I can only conclude that either this place is severely overhyped, or I came in on an off night (Wednesday evening). I had the grassfed beef burger of the day, which was topped with tomato-​apple jam and some sort of aioli, along with potato wedges and the soup of the day (a tortilla soup of some variety).
For $ 25, I had a meal that was utterly fine, but not memorable in the slightest. The burger was tender and tasty, but by the time it got to my table the bun was totally soaked and falling apart. The wedges were — fine. There wasn’t much seasoning that I could detect, it was just, well, a bunch of unremarkable potato wedges. The soup was completely underwhelming (to the point that I can’t remember what was in it a day later) and tasted not much better than something I could have made myself out of a can with a few other ingredients tossed in.
Overall, it wasn’t a BAD meal. Just nothing special or even particularly tasty. I like the restaurant’s plywood ambience, and the service was fine — my waiter was a bit awkward, had trouble with the day’s specials and so on — but nothing bad, per se. I like the idea of «humble food» that’s aggressively local, but for what I paid, I’d rather it be delicious and loud rather than humble and mediocre.
I can’t say I’m in a rush to return based on the meal I had. (Eight dollar pints, too, which is a bit steep). Would much rather spend a little more at a place like Town and get an absolutely incredible meal, or a little less at, well, anywhere else, and get a meal that’d probably be more consistently delicious.

Clover is amazing. The ingredients are well-​sourced and wonderfully prepared. The staff are friendly and always welcoming. My favourite dish is the grassfed beef. Believe it or not, the kale is the best part!

I’m newly vegan and this foray into dining out in a strange town was a bit nerve-​wracking. I was with a group of eight that stopped here for lunch on our way to DFO (nearby). I was thrilled to see that they had so many options that could accommodate vegans and vegetarians. Hurray, I was not going hungry or disappointed today!
It’s a small place with the design being that unfinished hipster-​type minimalist feel. Not really my cup of tea, but I was there to eat not live, so who really cares.
Service was really great. Water filled promptly, orders taken quickly, suggestions given when asked. Super friendly. Good stuff, Clover.
I ordered the pressed sandwich with a soup as a side. The sandwich was tofu, pickled onions, arugula pesto on a roll and pressed panini style. Soup of the day was a Moroccan squash with marinated lentils. I could not turn down that soup. It sounded amazing and did NOT disappoint. They also have a selection of locally produced (Culture) kombucha and I ordered the cranberry orange spice — so good, like Christmas on the palate. I was surprised how filling this meal was. I had maybe three bites left and I honestly couldn’t just eat it.
If you’re in the neighbourhood, definitely give this place a try. There is more than veg stuff on the menu. A colleague ordered a roast beef sandwich that looked delicious and he was pretty happy with it. And another ordered the chicken wrap and he was also very happy with it.
So do it, head to Clover and enjoy it.

We received a bowl of very delicious popcorn before our meal like you would get bread. The menu is small but everything we tried was amazing. The squash main was extremely delicious and probably the best thing I’ve eaten in Ottawa. It came with a side of kale, which was the best tasting kale I have every had. I can’t wait to go back!

The food here is always exceptional. You can really tell the whole staff really cares about your experience. They are always eager to hear how the food is perceived. I have been here a ½ dozen times (only for dinner) and Kristen, one of the servers, is always extraordinarily friendly and inviting. This place is really a gem on the Ottawa foodie scene, far too under appreciated. The bowl of interestingly flavoured popcorn is a nice touch.

DELICIOUS! I had the black bean sandwich and the salad. One of the most delicious lunches I’ve ever had. Great service, great food. I am very impressed. Will be back, hopefully for dinner! Also, having Dominion City is ALWAYS a plus for me!

The chickpeas sauté is absolutely sublime. It is fresh, tasteful and different. Great creation. I loved it.

What a great find. We went on a Saturday for lunch and it was really good. The sandwich and soup combo was delicious and the dessert was very delicious. We haven’t tried the dinner menu, but plan on doing so soon.

Great little restaurant! Sadly, pretty empty. You should go! The service was excellent. The food delicious. Try the cod! A good wine selection. Desserts are great. Strongly recommended. Ottawa needs more places like this.

I dropped by Clover on my lunch break for some take out and was really impressed by the service I received. I was greeted right away; before I even stepped foot in the restaurant. I was invited to sit at the bar and was served a glass of water as I waited for my order. Wonderful atmosphere. I decided on a zucchini panini and corn chowder soup. My order was prepared very quickly and I was on my way back to work to enjoy my lunch (5 minute walk).
I was very impressed with the corn chowder soup the server recommended but was very disappointed with the panini. It tasted very bland and was extremely soggy. This is coming from someone who is usually not difficult. It was not worth the 15 $ I paid in the hopes of trying something that was a little more ”high” end. Unfortunately, this item was a total miss. I may return to try other menu items… the corn chowder saved the meal.

I had a corn and potato chowder which was very delicious and filling and a legumes salad which was very tasty, fresh and exciting! Refreshing change to the downtown lunch scene, I opted for takeout and it was quickly prepared for me and everyone was super friendly to help me figure out what I should have :)
I will return soon to take in the beautiful ambience that they have created inside the restaurant :) I am kind of excited about trying their banana dessert too…

Lovely little restaurant recently opened and focused on ‘humble food’, using locally sourced, organic and /​or seasonal ingredients. They offer a simple menu along with a few drink options (beer, wine). The décor is a nice match to their theme, featuring near-​vintage wood high school chairs and simple plywood table tops, with seasonal tble toppers and cloth napkins. Charming!
The co-​owner, who we met on the street and enthusiastically suggested we check out her restaurant was wonderful as well.
Had the mushroom Panini, which came with a beautifully presented and tasty salad. I enjoyed both.
Service was attentive and pleasant.
We enjoyed our visit at lunch.
Note: check the hours before heading over, currently the are limited.
Would I return: Yes
Would I recommend: Yes. We wish them well, as they develop their business.