Le Carafe - Gatineau

Recently changes ownership and menu. I gave it a shot and was very pleased with the quality of service and food. This is a small restaurant where most meets are food local farms. The service is excellent and prices are very cheap.

It is rare for me to write a negative review, but in this case, the restaurant was not busy (only 2 other tables with 2 and 4 people). We were a party of five and it took over an hour for our food to be served. We ordered four daily specials and a salad, nothing extravagant. The portions were extremely small, with my main course Greek salad being the size of a side salad. Despite requesting no onions, they were still included. When I politely mentioned to the waitress about the small portion size, she blamed it on the new chef, which is no excuse for serving incorrect portion sizes. Overall, it was a disastrous meal and we will not be returning.

We were staying at a nearby hotel and wanted breakfast. We were hoping for a quaint, French little cafe but not too pricey. This place ticked all the boxes. I had a bacon and cheddar omelet served with a fresh assortment of fruit, and nicely done fried potatoes. Everything was very fresh, the service was attentive, the decor was upscale and super-clean. As Americans we obnoxiously expect the world to speak our language. The menu was in French as we were in French-speaking Gatineau, and the waitress went out of her way to explain everything to us. It was just an all-around pleasant experience that I would recommend. The omelet was great, not too dry as omelettes can be, the potatoes were home made, not frozen. It had a cute bar area and espresso machine in an intimate atmosphere. I was in a party of three and all enjoyed it.

Le Carafé is a hidden gem nestled between two popular restaurants (Brasseurs du Temps and Soif bar à vin of Véronique Rivest), but it stands out on its own. The cozy atmosphere, attentive servers, and delicious yet affordable food make it a great find. My friend and I were looking for a quieter spot than the busy biggies and were delighted to discover Le Carafé. The menu offers tapas to share, with a good selection of wine and beer. We enjoyed plates of merguez, mushroom risotto, sweet potato ravioli with sage butter, and duck tartare, each paired with a glass of wine. The bill came to around $60 before taxes, with generous portions. They even cater to gluten intolerant diners with gluten-free bread. This hidden gem deserves more recognition for its excellent offerings.

The restaurant has a very inviting and comfortable atmosphere. The staff is friendly and welcoming. The menu offers a variety of Spanish dishes served tapas-style. The wine selection is impressive. I definitely plan on returning.