Located at 431 Gilmour Street, Savana Cafe is a hidden gem of the Ottawa food scene. Surrounded by homes, but just off of Bank Street – Savana Cafe is in the perfect location for lunch if you happen to work downtown or dinner. Here is what I found:
Price – Great prices. Lunch runs about $12 while dinner is anywhere from $17 – $23. For the quality and freshness of the ingredients you are getting here it is hard to beat those prices. Local when possible and always flavourfull – worth every penny.
Ambiance – Colourful and vibrant. Savana is a perfect place to go with friends for a lively meal. It has a lovely patio and a charm all its own. The art work is interesting and the several smaller dining rooms make it feel intimate.
Menu Options – A smaller menu for sure, but still hits every note. Vegetarians will have no trouble finding something delish, and neither will anyone else. Everything sounds amazing and the food does not disappoint.
Food – Such flavour! Fresh ingredients and amazing seasonings. It was like a party for my mouth. I had the smoked paprika chicken wrap with garlic aioli and was blown away by how tasty it was. So good I wish I was eating it right now.
Overall – I loved my visit to Savana Cafe and I hope to return very soon. Of course the amazing company I had helps! 4.5 out of 5 stars.




7 comments
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May 7, 2010 at 10:20 am
Artsy_Jenny
This is my most favourite restaurant! And I am so glad that you enjoyed it as much as I do. They have the best Pad thai in the city, and also some of the best desserts. Their Italian Cream had me hooked from the second it touched my lips. The ambiance, the music, the colourful walls and artwork are simply background to the wonderful and friendly staff. And you need to try the Sangria, and the other very yummy cocktails all with a cuban/morroccan theme. I’m never ever disappointed and I’ve been there a million times.
May 7, 2010 at 10:36 am
simplyfreshottawa
It’s great! I really loved it.
May 7, 2010 at 11:08 am
Liisa
Oh good! I had forgotten about this past fav or mine. Glad it’s still great. Hope to go back soon.
May 7, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Don
Savana Cafe is revered for its pad thai, which has changed with back of house turnover of the years. Last summer, I had a chat with people from savana Cafe at the Ottawa Farmer’s Market (Landesdowne). I was told the restaurant had again changed chefs, which was corroborated with a Anne DesBrisay review shortly thereafter.
Glad to hear everything is shaping up nicely!
Many people have told me Savana is the only restaurant in that melds together ethnic flavours well, almost the exception to “fusion failure.” Guiltily, I have never been.
But, I came across what is purported to be Savana’s original pad thai recipe on Ottawa Foodies. Judging from the ingredients and technique, it does not look difficult to make: http://www.ottawafoodies.com/forum/861?post_id=7108#post_7108
May 7, 2010 at 12:48 pm
simplyfreshottawa
Jenn P is going to love you forever for that posting! AKA @Arsty_Jenny
June 30, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Adriann
My favourite part of the restaurant was also the company! And the pulled pork…. and of course this unreal photo of me. You’re welcome, blogosphere. You’re welcome…
December 30, 2010 at 10:34 am
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