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Sante Restaurant Reviews List
Sante Restaurant
Sante Restaurant offers casual elegance and superb food in the heart of Ottawa, showcasing professional works of art. Lofty windows overlooking Sussex and Rideau, combined with an intimate and relaxed atmosphere create our unique dining milieu. Superb "globally inspired" cuisine with a twist and an artful blend of Asian fusion, classic Mediterranean and fresh Caribbean flavours create a unique taste experience. We offer a constantly evolving and exclusive collection of exquisite wines- Rich Europeans, Napa Valley Reserves with a focus on regional blends. Patrons have a unique opportunity to view as well as purchase art work from our ever changing display showcasing professional local artists.
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52 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 52 reviews
5 stars
(14)
4 stars
(24)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- scenic view(21)
- special occasion(17)
- romantic(16)
- great for lunch(13)
- fit for foodies(11)
- neighborhood gem(7)
Sante Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food and Service were excellent. A bit skimpy on the amount of wine, if you buy only a glass."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: scenic view, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointment
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have previously enjoyed Santé, but not this time. When we arrived at 12:00, staff were vacuuming the carpet. Service was pleasant but not very swift. The broccoli soup was listless, so I asked for salt, twice, at a five-minute interval. The waiter said he was looking for it. He eventually delivered a small dish of salt, with no spoon for serving it. By this time, the soup was cold.
The Pad Thai was not very warm either, and suffered from a lack of seasoning.
There were not many customers, which I think means that the word is getting around that the quality has diminished sadly. I won't go back until I hear an enthusiastic review."
Dined on 5/15/2013
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Review 3 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great atmosphere and great food. Perfect for a romantic dinner."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 4 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nous avons beaucoup apprécié les efforts du serveur pour présenter le menu en Français
L'apéritif chaud servit gratuitement en début de repas a été une belle surprise"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 5 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Unfortunately, i will not
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Unfortunately, i will not be returning to Santé. The table d'hôte at $45 was way over price for the quality of the food. My cream of tomato soup and pad thai were good and tasty, made with fresh ingredient. It was followed by a panna cotta that was anything but a panna cotta and had a weird texture, not the usual solft and creamy texture. Even if my 3 servings would have been satisfactory, i expect a table d'hote at that price point to include dishes that are original, refine and creative. I think the fact that we were the only ones inthe resaurant a on Thursday night speaks volume. If Santé wants to survive, major changes are required."
Dined on 25/04/2013
2013
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Review 6 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Needs refresh
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The good: An attentive and engaging waiter and outstanding Thai dishes (the broccoli soup was interesting).
The Bad: This place needs new management. We waited and waited at the entrance for someone to take note we were there and almost had to seat ourselves before someone noticed. But the worse was the condition of the black table cloths. If you're going to go black, you should change them every day or at the very least, go to Walmart and get a lint brush. My napkin had a stain on it. But the worse we're the stains on the pillar walls. Clearly, these had not been wiped in years. You can get TSP at Canadian Tire for under 5 bucks and a little elbow grease would greatly improve the ambiance."
Dined on 20/04/2013
2012
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Review 7 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food, ambiance and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent food, ambiance and service! One of Ottawa's best kept secret restaurant."
Dined on 15/04/2013
2013
Special Features: scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 8 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Santé's food is undistinguished
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Santé's food is undistinguished and this is annoying in view fo the fact that their prices are in the same range as far better places such as Juniper and Gezellig. I would never willingly go there except for the occasional Saturday fashion show. In fact, after last Saturday's lunch, both myself and my friend had indigestion."
Dined on 06/04/2013
2013
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Review 9 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A treat for your taste buds
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent foods and friendly staffs. They offer little surpises in between dishes. Would recommend to my friends."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Held a luncheon family reunion
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Held a luncheon family reunion on a Saturday. Had the corner table overlooking the Chateau Laurier. The main course was excellent, the service friendly, if a bit slow. The desserts however were too dry. Overall a good experience and I would go back."
Dined on 30/03/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I had read the reviews and had expected a little more, the waitress tried really hard and made us feel well cared for. Excellent Scallop Soup."
Dined on 24/03/2013
2005
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 12 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
CLose to NAC: excellent for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"CLose to NAC: excellent for dining after-work downtown and before evening concert."
Dined on 21/03/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 13 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding Place to Eat
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Absolutely my most favourite restaurant in the downtown core. I am never disappointed with the service, food or atmosphere."
Dined on 14/03/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Went to Santé on a Friday
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went to Santé on a Friday night in March and was pleasantly surprised to see the place nearly empty. This was not our first visit at this restaurant. We have always love the food and ambiance here. the service is also professional and attentive. Mind you, there were only two other tables that were occupied in the restaurant, but nonetheless. The food is good and you can't beat the 3rd floor location with it's amazing view of Rideau St and Colonel By through its massive windows.
Prices are reasonable. Would highly recommend for those who enjoy a quiet, romantic restaurant that won't break the bank.
Well done, Santé!"
Dined on 08/03/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic, scenic view
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Review 15 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The problem at this restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The problem at this restaurant is with service (there was one server for too many tables) and the fact that many of the tables were going to the theatre for 8 pm and therefore received more attentive service because they had to leave at a set time. Our server was polite but not consistent or attentive because he was trying to keep the theatre goers happy. That does not help those who were there for a meal with no timetable. There needs to be a consistent "flow" and attention, no matter what.
It didn't help that the coffee machine was not working and we could not get a simple cup of coffee. We were offered Capucino or Expresso."
It didn't help that the coffee machine was not working and we could not get a simple cup of coffee. We were offered Capucino or Expresso."
Dined on 09/03/2013
2009
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Review 16 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Give your review a title (optional)
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The ambiance and the service (great waiter) at the restaurant were wonderful. We had some delicious bread to start. After that, the food was very inconsistent. My husband had the Asian combo for an appetizer and it was very tasty. I had the Thai crab and spinach salad and it was okay. We had the catch of the day (Arctic char) and beef ribeye. The fish itself was good but my husband scraped off the Lemon Dill sauce as he found it overwhelming and it drowned out the flavour of the fish. My ribeye was a huge disappointment as it looked steamed rather than grilled and lacked texture and taste. The vegetables that came with the main dishes were good and the desserts excellent. We would try it once more to see if it is more consistent."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2013
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Review 17 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Very good food yet small portions
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very good food yet small portions as a health oriented restaurant would suggest. For the small size of the portions though, the prices for entrees are somewhat higher than than other Market restaurants."
Dined on 22/02/2013
2009
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Review 18 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Very Poor Attempt at Thai
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food is horrendous. They have slid downhill and now have become a very expensive poor attempt at Thai food. The cooking is not a fusion but mostly Thai style. Save your money and go to a Thai restaurant. (We had 5 people weith five sihes pklus appetizers and all except one main course were poor.)"
Dined on 22/02/2013
2008
Special Features: romantic
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Review 19 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was, as always, terrific,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was, as always, terrific, and the service was good also.... attentive but not pushy, timely, but not rushed.We had a table by the window (although there really aren't any bad seats in the place). We were briefly annoyed by an overloud cellphone conversation at the next table, where a woman was waiting for her dining companions and elected to use the time to make a date with someone else for later in the evening (see... too loud, because I know too much!), but that is not the restaurant's fault. Really a super spot to have dinner if you have tickets at the NAC."
Dined on 15/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great atmosphere, quiet, beautiful
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great atmosphere, quiet, beautiful scenery, great service from Colin and the person who seated us. Would definitely go back. We went for Valentine's Day, the day after and really had a nice time. Thanks."
Dined on 15/02/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 21 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
excellent food and selection,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"excellent food and selection, with quick and proffesional service.
never disapointed!"
never disapointed!"
Dined on 14/02/2013
2013
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Review 22 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
upscale Asian fusion that
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"upscale Asian fusion that is very tasty, fresh, and with excellent service. lovely location watching the snow fall from the large windows at the tableside."
Dined on 11/02/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
First experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Entered at a lull time. Had the indonian beef. Small portion sizes for the price but the flavor was worth the cost. The tea was also amazing, I'm planning to return just for that :) I liked the view of street, it was a odd placing for a restaurant, it felt somewhat constrained. I felt bad seeing how much business the much lower quality food at the rideau center generated. If only people would come and eat this beef! Lives will be changed :)."
Dined on 08/02/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 24 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service was polite and helpful.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Service was polite and helpful. Would have appreciated a larger selection of wines to choose from by the glass. Overall good experience ! Thank you!"
Dined on 30/01/2013
2013
Special Features: scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 25 for Sante Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Tasty food, well presented.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Tasty food, well presented. Relatively small portions as one would expect for a health oriented organization. Very good and attentive service. We go here 4-6 times a year before attending theatre performances as they can serve us efficiently without feeling rushed."
Dined on 25/01/2013
2009
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Sante Restaurant
Based on the average of (27) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate