Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. Canada
  3. Ottawa
  4. Ottawa
  5. The Glebe
Cantina Gia, Ottawa, ON

Cantina Gia

4.4
4.4
682 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Italian
Welcome to Cantina Gia
We look forward to seeing you soon.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 53 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 11:30 am–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (613) 569-0464
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    The Glebe
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 682 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Ottawa

    Italian

  • Ottawa

    Most Booked

  • Ottawa

    Italian

  • Ottawa

    Most Booked

682 Reviews
  1. Anut

    Ottawa

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great brunch Sunday. My husband and I both enjoyed the food. He had the eggs Benedict and I had the smoked salmon. We sat at the counter, which I always enjoy. I like to see everything going on as usual. It was very busy, so you have to wait 20 minutes or so for your meal, but it was very worth waiting for and the service is great!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Mary

    Ottawa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service1ambience5
    delicious food and drinks, wonderful atmosphere (loved how the place is decorated), good value for money (portions were HUGE!) but our server was very unfriendly. However, that won’t stop me from coming back. I’m dying to try the carbonara!

    Is this helpful?

  3. KenY

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    I did not love the food. It was flavorful and fresh but not my preference.

    Is this helpful?

  4. TaiT

    Montreal

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and drinks are SO delicious here! The caccio e pepe was the best one I’ve had outside of Rome. Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Bella15

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience1
    el servicio la antensión pésima, bastante caro, la comida es muy buena.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    As others have commented, the food can be extremely salty (even for someone that typically oversalts their food). Pesto (burrata dish) was extremely salty. The kitchen also scorched the nuts sprinkled over the pesto, which were inedible. Sausage and rapini pasta was extremely salty and also extremely sweet to the point of being inedible. Server was nice, but lacking attention. We sat for 15-20 minutes with uncleared appetizer plates while she seemed to complete side duties and cleared other tables which had left. We were oddly squished between 2 loud tables when there were plenty other tables available. Wine, focaccia, beef carpaccio and calamari were all good. The restaurant is aesthetically nice, but quality and attention was significantly lacking, especially at this price point.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Joanzie

    New Orleans

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    The food was absolutely delicious, service could have been better but overall a really lively cosy spot in the city with excellent food. I highly recommend the Sugo All’amatriciana.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Kelcie

    Ottawa

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always an amazing time! Servers are great and the food is to die for. There was a large group of people in there who were super loud but otherwise an awesome experience. I can’t wait to go back again.

    Is this helpful?

  9. ChantalB

    Ottawa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our second visit! Food was amazing. Mic drop!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Suze

    Ottawa

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience2
    Creative well presented menu items. Noise level way too high to have a decent conversation across the table.

    Is this helpful?

  11. Diane

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    I ordered a carbonara and the pasta was drenched in sauce. My partner ordered pasta with shrimps and they weren’t fresh.

    Is this helpful?

  12. CindyV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    Excellent food. Small space so a bit noisy. Very customer focused.

    Is this helpful?

  13. Peka

    Calgary

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience5
    We visited to celebrate a special occasion, but regrettably, the restaurant fell short of our expectations. The food was excessively salty, and while the service was satisfactory, it didn’t excel. The carbonara, in particular, did not resemble an authentic carbonara. To be honest, I cannot recommend this restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  14. Unhappy

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    We had a horrible experience . Booked an early dinner due babysitter issues . Showed up at 5pm ordered pretty much right away. Appetizer came fairly quickly and wine then it went all downhill . I ordered spaghetti and meatballs ( simple right ! ) and my wife ordered a shrimp and pasta dish . Well we waited over an hour post appetizer before I had to inquire to our waitress what was taking so long. , she informed me the meatballs were taking longer then expected lol . I call BS on this one they served a family of 4 30 min after us and funny enough it looks like they had spaghetti and meatballs lol . We got a horrible service . We ended leaving without a meal but I have to give credit to the staff they boxed up our original order and didn’t charge us . We didn’t want a free meal at all just a good experience on our. 25th wedding anniversary. I am very disappointed with this restaurant. . I don’t care for the free meal at this stage in my life I care about experiences and this was horrible . Sorry Catina Gia I don’t know what happened but when a couple shows up at 5pm and by 6:00pm they haven’t received their food while other tables have come and gone there is an issue . You ruined our evening and I don’t care for the free meal honestly. Hope you improve in the future best of luck .

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    Ottawa

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Food was good. Very large portions. One dish was over salted. Service could have been better; plates were popped down, no Check-in to see how the meal was or if we needed anything. We sat at the bar and it wasn’t busy so we were not hard to miss.

    Is this helpful?

  16. Sylvie

    Montreal

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    Booked a table on the Monday for the Saturday. Only bar seating available for 5 or 8:30. Was extremely disappointed to see 3 empty tables during the entire duration of our dinner. Perhaps waitress could have offered a table when we arrived. Also Carpaccio was served with severely burnt bread and capers. Not acceptable. Luckily, the woman tending the bar overheard and rectified the situation.

    Is this helpful?

  17. Marie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is always spectacular. The fact that our server was incredibly attentive makes this sweet spot an absolute must!

    Is this helpful?

  18. LauraC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Food was delicious and service was great. It’s just so loud in there that it was difficult to have a conversation.

    Is this helpful?

  19. Connie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service was excellent. Pasta is top notch and I’m Italian 😉

    Is this helpful?

  20. ClaireB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Best to order a few plates to share....2 people can easily share the flank steak and potatoes! Focaccia is enough for 4 - great food!

    Is this helpful?

  21. CamilleG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great environment for a birthday! It was quiet and the food was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    Ottawa

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience5
    Always love coming here, great neighborhood spot, great food great vibe but unfortunately the service seems to be falling off the past few times we’ve been coming. But the food and drinks are still amazing

    Is this helpful?

  23. Sarah

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Enjoyed the food and friendly service. The space is beautiful!

    Is this helpful?

  24. Peter

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Appetizers were very good but the main course pasta was a bit disappointing- too much of it and I found it a bit heavy - maybe just my error in selecting it. Everything else about the restaurant was pretty good.

    Is this helpful?

  25. MonaK

    Ottawa

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The Caesar salad was very good, but the bruschetta was soggy. So apps were a mixed bag. The main course (spaghetti with meatballs) was good, but small - just 3 meatballs in a main seems light. Service was good, atmosphere is nice.

    Is this helpful?

  26. Mackt

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience2
    I made a reservation for 1:30pm on a Saturday thinking we could go for lunch for my friends birthday. When we got there we were given a brunch menu and told there was no option for lunch. I accept that but was frustrated that it doesn’t say anywhere online or when booking that you are booking for the brunch menu only. Their website even says “lunch and dinner, everyday”. It just wasn’t what we were looking for but it was too late to go elsewhere. The music was way too loud and our waitress was very rude and curt with us. I felt very uncomfortable asking her any questions and honestly the food was only okay so I’m not sure I’d go back.

    Is this helpful?

  27. SusanK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    GiGi ‘ s are my fav !! And the eggplant parm sand was terrific ! Loved it Server was spot on👍 Noise was … yup .. energetic but once the crowd thinned out , it was fine Thank you Great place .. and we sure are lucky to live in the neighbourhood

    Is this helpful?

  28. Jenn

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience4
    Servers and hostess are very abrupt. Not a welcoming environment.

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Food is very tasty and the atmosphere is vibrant. Service can be slow and the noise level is high.

    Is this helpful?

  30. BrookeR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great time for lunch. Fantastic food and ambiance. We will be back!!

    Is this helpful?

  31. MarkP

    Ottawa

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    I’ve been to Cantina Gia in the past for lunch and it was excellent, so I decided to try out their dinner menu. Unfortunately, their dinner service pales in comparison the lunch. While the food was acceptable, pretty much every item that we ordered was mediocre at best (with the exception of the salad which was excellent and equivalent to the lunch service). For the prices charges and paid, we were expecting the food to be much better. We recently dined in an Italian venue that was priced at the same level, but the food was far superior. Service was good with the exception of one of the mains not being what we ordered and having to request our actual dish which caused a bit of a delay, but we understand that mistakes happen. Ambiance was very nice, but the noise levels were much higher than I remembered. We didn’t even realize that music was playing until most of the restaurant emptied out. I will keep this on my list for lunch places, but will go elsewhere for dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  32. HelenQ

    Ottawa

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Excellent service and really nice atmosphere. Food was good.

    Is this helpful?

  33. Kinnorey

    Ottawa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    We were 5 ladies, and had a really nice experience Thank for you seating us in the corner family style table next to the bar, lots of space. We ordered the pomodoro, malfadine, mista salad, burrata, half chicken and all 3 desserts panna cotta, tiramisu and torte. Our favourite dish was the chicken, we'll know to order a whole for next time given the abundance of flavour and juiciness. We had hoped there would be a Lambrusco on the wine list, especially with the carefully curated wine shop next door, but to our surprise our server Quinn was a little confused by the request (its possible she didnt know what it was). Good value, great company!

    Is this helpful?

  34. SusanA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Service was pleasant and efficient Food was delicious Table shared appetizer special with tomato, peach and burrata Super fresh and tasty Everyone enjoyed their pasta meals snd topped off with tiramisu Thank yo Cantina Gia for a lovely meal and evening

    Is this helpful?

  35. zacharyc

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A fantastic environment with delicious food and a great selection of cocktails and wine

    Is this helpful?

  36. LizD

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Our pasta was cold when we received it. Flavors were great but 3 pasta dishes were cold...seemed like they possibly forgot to make our shared salad and had the pasta sitting for a while.

    Is this helpful?

  37. GabbyD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely delicious and server was the sweetest!

    Is this helpful?

  38. Kay613

    Ottawa

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    The food was delicious. However, the service was below par. We were not greeted warmly and our waitress, who was very polite and helpful, did not introduce herself and rushed us to make a selection. My entire meal felt rushed and as such, it was not relaxing or enjoyable.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Litsa

    Ottawa

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The most delicious brunch in town! Highly recommend everything on the menu but the blueberry crispelles (stack of pancakes) are OUT of this world.

    Is this helpful?

  40. DanK

    Ottawa

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall2food1service4ambience4
    When we arrived the waitress warned that there were new kitchen staff. We should have left. I ordered a country breakfast, which came with polenta instead of hashbrowns - clearly they chef had never heard of polenta before because what I got was a soupy mess with eggs and sausage floating in it. The waitress was suitably embarrassed and kindly took the dish off our bill, but it will be a while before we return. It's too bad - I've always thought of Gia's as a real gem.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Diner temperature check required
    • Staff temperature check required
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Cantina Gia offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (613) 569-0464.

Cantina Gia is rated 4.4 stars by 682 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 53 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cantina Gia

749 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3V3

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    The Glebe
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 11:30 am–8:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo