Red Dot Cafe

The Red Dot Café used to be a staple for our family but recently I found that the quality of the food has declined along with the service yet the price has increased. Folks save your money and that drive to the Black Dog.

Great service… great food… always!
Snowmobile parking and free Chili if you sled in on a Tuesday and buy a beverage!

Although my star rating hasn’t changed, I thought it was important to note that although it’s been two years since my last review here, it’s still a phenomenal place. Not only is the service consistently above average, but the food is outstanding. I still can’t believe this place is such a well kept secret outside the city.
We brought my mama, Diane B here for Mother’s Day this year, and I dealt with Sue, the manager, while making reservations. They normally don’t take reservations for parties under eight, but since it was a special occasion she booked us in for a Mother’s Day dinner at 7 p.m.
Our service was exceptional from the hostess and server to speaking with Sue at the end of the evening. I started off with an amazing roasted red pepper, tomato and curry soup that was tangy, rich a positively bursting with flavour. My sister and Dad both ordered it and loved it as well. I split a plate of sweet potato fries with my sis, which were perfectly crispy and yum, and for my main I ordered my go-​to — the taco salad which is so fresh and delicious I can’t help but order it almost every time.
The crowing glory at this place is always the dessert. They always have a few classics like their Sticky Toffee Cake, and Apple Crisp, but this time I opted for the Peanut Butter Pie — divine. I also sampled by sister’s chocolate mousse cake and my dad’s snickers pie. I think the snickers was definitely the best one, but they were also amazing — you can’t go wrong here. They do have a few gluten-​free dessert options as well, which is nice!
It’s well worth the trip outside the city to try this place. They have an outside seating area which is lovely during the summer.

Okay, so this isn’t 5-​star by New York standards, but this is a wonderful family restaurant. It’s not off the beaten track if you live in Osgoode or elsewhere in Ottawa South. I love the friendly warm atmosphere, the great staff and, of course, the food. In addition to normal restaurant items, you can choose from home made pies and even liver and onions. I don’t know any other restaurant to serve that without the liver smell but with great taste. It’s worth a visit especially the second weekend in July when the Medieval Festival takes place in the village. But really, it’s good any time.

Granted, the Red Dot Café is a bit out of the way for people in Ottawa, but if you ever pass by the rural location when driving to a hockey game or another event in the valley, you might want to give it a try.
The Red Dot has two sides: the family restaurant side, and the bar side. The bar side is a good size and can fit close to 50 people comfortably. If you ever have to wait for a table, just go to the bar for a drink while you wait. They will even add the drinks to your table’s bill to make life easier for you. As far as a bar goes, it has a nice clean atmosphere and a good selection of beers.
The restaurant also has a clean and friendly atmosphere, and just like the bar, it is a good size. It’s a busy place on weekends, so call ahead if you don’t have time to wait. The food is good depending on what you order. The menu is a bit too big, so not everything can be the house specialty. Although it is a road house, i would stay away form the steaks, they are nothing special. The seafood tends to be great, along with the classics like club sandwiches.
Next time you’re off the beaten path and run into the Red Dot, give it a try.