I stopped in for dinner with my fiancé. We had a bottle of wine and three appetizers, which was enough for the two of us. The ambiance was nice and the presentation of the food was great. It was a bit pricey but worth it for a special night. The menu could use more vegetarian options but there is still a good variety.
Overview
If you’re wandering around Centretown and craving something that feels both refined and welcoming, Trofí Restaurant at 343 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0J8, Canada is the kind of spot that quietly wins you over. I’ve visited more than once-first for a casual dinner with friends, then later for a work meeting-and each time the experience felt thoughtfully put together, from the service to the final bite of dessert.
The location is easy to find, right in the heart of Ottawa’s Somerset corridor. It’s surrounded by a mix of residential buildings and small businesses, so it draws a crowd that feels genuinely local. During my first visit, I noticed how many tables were filled with regulars who seemed to know the servers by name. That alone says a lot about consistency. According to Restaurants Canada, repeat customers are one of the strongest indicators of long-term restaurant success, and you can sense that kind of loyalty here.
The menu leans toward contemporary Canadian cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Think seasonal vegetables, responsibly sourced meats, and seafood that tastes fresh rather than overworked. On my last visit, I tried a grilled salmon dish paired with herbed couscous and roasted root vegetables. The salmon had that perfect crisp skin-achieved through high-heat pan-searing before finishing in the oven, a technique many culinary institutes, including Le Cordon Bleu, recommend for retaining moisture while enhancing texture. The result? Flaky, tender fish with just enough char to add depth.
What stands out most is the kitchen’s attention to detail. Sauces aren’t just decorative streaks on a plate; they’re balanced, layered, and clearly built from scratch. In one case, a red wine reduction had that glossy finish that only comes from patient simmering and careful straining. It’s a small thing, but for anyone who’s spent time cooking professionally or even seriously at home, you recognize the difference immediately.
Service here feels natural rather than scripted. During a busy Friday evening, our server walked us through the specials without rushing and gave honest recommendations when we hesitated between two entrées. That transparency builds trust. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency sets strict standards for food safety and quality across the country, and while diners don’t see those processes directly, restaurants that maintain consistent operations behind the scenes usually reflect that discipline in the dining room. Plates arrived at the right temperature, and water glasses never stayed empty for long.
Reviews online often mention the ambiance, and I’d agree. The lighting is warm but not dim to the point of squinting at the menu. The layout allows for conversation without shouting over neighboring tables. It’s the kind of place that works equally well for date night, a small celebration, or a relaxed solo dinner at the bar.
Another strong point is the thoughtful beverage selection. The wine list includes both local Ontario bottles and international picks, and the staff can actually explain why a certain white pairs better with shellfish or creamy pasta. That level of product knowledge shows training and care. It’s not just about selling a drink; it’s about enhancing the meal.
Prices fall into the mid-to-upscale range for Ottawa dining, which feels fair given the quality of ingredients and preparation. While menus can evolve with the seasons-something I appreciate, since it keeps the experience fresh-it’s always wise to check current offerings before visiting. Availability of specific dishes may vary depending on supply, especially for seafood and specialty items.
Overall, what makes this place memorable isn’t just one standout dish but the combination of consistency, technique, and atmosphere. From the curated menu to the attentive service and prime Centretown location, it’s clear that care goes into every detail. When a restaurant manages to balance comfort with craftsmanship, you end up planning your next visit before you’ve even paid the bill.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ GroupsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 579 reviews
Second time visiting Trofi - an overall enjoyable experience. Total was $190 (including tax and tip) for 2 people for 2 drinks, 2 mains, 1 app. FOOD: The grilled halloumi dish ($24) was pretty good, on a pure taste basis. The salad was tasty (and included figs and the pomegranate seeds) but was overdressed. The dish was pretty overpriced tho, when comparing to comparable restaurants (Ayla’s Social Kitchen, Beckta). There weren’t many halloumi slices and they were thin. The lamb souvlaki and beef souvlaki ($42) were on the pricier side but pretty good. It is a very well-balanced meal (tzatziki, salad, fantastic rice, grilled pita) with great presentation (see photo for reference). DRINKS: The espresso martini ($18) and lavender fizz ($17) were both fantastic. SERVICE: Nick was an attentive server and definitely went above and beyond to cater to our needs. Super grateful for him. AMBIENCE: it’s a pretty restaurant NOTE: They accept amex OVERALL: Overall, I think a solid choice for a date night with solid (but not necessarily mind-blowing food).
Amazing food, our waitress was fantastic, great vibe and atmosphere, they have a patio, two of our three dishes were presented lit on fire. It was my second time here and both times were excellent. We had a birthday this second time, unfortunately they don't have/or do anything special for birthdays. Initially thought the apps were a bit pricey but the portions were huge. Paid parking lot right on one of the nearby corners.
The food is quite good and there is a very nice atmosphere. It is more on the expensive side however. The portions are good, but I still think it’s not worth the price. The place is cosy and not too big so it can become very noisy on busy nights. Still a nice date night or girls night spot!
My family made late night reservations at Trofi on a Saturday night to celebrate my husband and daughter’s birthdays. Lauren was our server and gave the best recommendations on items to order off the menu which were all 10/10! For appetizers we had the royale hummus with lamb on top and calamari from the happy hour menu. When I te you the flavours were popping! Our tastebuds were dancing with each delectable bite. For our mains, my daughter ordered the lamb chops and my husband and I shared the chicken souvlaki dinner with a shrimp skewer added to the side. The presentation of each meals were literal perfection and everything was cooked delightfully. Food was prepared with love. We were visiting from Brampton Ontario and will most definitely be coming back every time we drive up to Ottawa to visit our daughter. The ambiance was giving grown and sexy. Music had us grooving in our seats. Trofi is the hot spot to get great food and vibe out on your birthday with your family! Thank you Lauren for taking great care of us and providing stellar service.
What a great place. Amazing food for a night out with friends or a romantic night with your partner. Hasn’t disappointed me yet. Everything comes in warm and ready to eat. The feta with fries is amazing and chicken skewers are top. I do miss their turnip salad but they removed that unfortunately.
The food was amazing and our waitress was fantastic. The place has a great vibe and atmosphere, plus a patio. Two of the three dishes we ordered even came out flaming, which was a fun touch. This was my second visit, and both times were excellent. We were celebrating a birthday on this visit, but unfortunately they don’t offer anything special for birthdays. At first, I thought the appetizers were a bit pricey, but the portions turned out to be very generous. There’s also a paid parking lot conveniently located on a nearby corner.
We had an absolutely delicious dinner at Trofi last night. We started with the 3 dip platter and then shared the grill for 4 which was easily enough for 5 or even 6 people if we'd had 1 more app. No room for dessert. The spicy strawberry Margaritas were to die for. Not too sweet and the spice level was perfect. Our server was excellent, she made some great recommendations and was very attentive without being intrusive. A couple things to keep in mind, it's pricy but very worth it. Our bill for 4 was $550. 3 people having 2 drinks each, no dessert. It was amazing but good for you to know. Second is the downstairs is very aesthetic but the upstairs is less so, needs a few upgrades/art work and new chairs to match the downstairs vibe better. Would definitely go back though !!