Vespa Wine Bar

177 reviews

178 Main St, Ottawa, ON K1S 1C2, Canada

www.vespawinebar.ca

+16132332124

About

Vespa Wine Bar is a Restaurant located at 178 Main St, Ottawa, ON K1S 1C2, Canada. It has received 177 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday4-11PM
Tuesday5-11PM
Wednesday4-10PM
ThursdayClosed
Friday4-10PM
Saturday4-11PM
Sunday4-11PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Vespa Wine Bar: 178 Main St, Ottawa, ON K1S 1C2, Canada

  • Vespa Wine Bar has 4.6 stars from 177 reviews

  • Restaurant

  • "My wife and I called ahead in case of a requirement to make a reservation"

    "Love the location and the idea of this restaurant"

    "My husband and I really enjoyed this place"

    "We’ve just picked up two pizzas (diavolo & capricciosa)"

    "Chose this place randomly for reuniting"

Reviews

  • JOE DUPUIS

My wife and I called ahead in case of a requirement to make a reservation. We were told it wasnt required on this particular evening but they did mention the kitchen was closing at 9pm. We arrived at 8:30ish and asked if the kitchen was still open, which they replied yes. Our main complaint of the wine bar was the inexperienced wait staff. For a wine bar, your servers should have some real experience before serving guests. This location is in a great spot and it should be packed, but its not.. I feel this is due to the lack of professional level wait staff. I would love to see this great spot take off. The food was good considering half the menu was not avaliable. I am not sure if this was due to lack of ingredients or lack of motivation by the kitchen staff. We could also hear the cook blowing his nose quite loudly. We can only hope he washed his hands before continuing to prepare food. I always want spots like this to do well I would go again to confirm my initial thoughts before striking this spot of our list.
Food: 3
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 4

  • Alicia Beazley

Love the location and the idea of this restaurant. The wine was good. If you’re looking for a cocktail, which we were initially, I do not suggest going here. I would suggest the Belmont or Thr33 Snack Co if you’re looking for a better cocktail flavour range. The cocktail list at Vespa is VERY sweet and there isn’t much ingredient variety between the various cocktails listed. The pizza was okay. The crust was a little bit too salty, but I didn’t mind that. It did look and have the texture of being frozen. Also to note - our pizza did NOT look like some of the photos of the pizza other reviewers have had. May have been an off night. Overall I’m happy that there is an eat in restaurant in the neighbourhood, but it’s not a place I will be returning to unless changes are made. I do miss the tasty sandwiches that we used to be able to get when this was the italian grocery.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30

  • Kendelle A

My husband and I really enjoyed this place. Great wine, great service and the owner was very nice too. We went on a saturday night on easter weekend and it was quaint and quiet. Usually quite bustling on other nights. I have some allergies and although limited options I was able to have a few things and the servers were great at accomodating me and checking ingredients. I would reccomend for anyone wanting to go for a classy dinner with wine. It has a good vibe.
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$50–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Dietary restrictions
I am on paleo diet with some modifications, allergies to grains, can easily do the calabrese sausage, salads and if you are okay with dairy the cheese and fruit platter is great.

  • Mishaal Qamar

We’ve just picked up two pizzas (diavolo & capricciosa). I walked in to order take-out and the manager told me they don’t do take-out on weekends because of the rush and it’s too busy for the chef (makes sense). He offered me a spot available at the bar but I mentioned I’ve got a dog outside and can’t dine in. He was so nice and took my takeout order anyway to accommodate us. I’m so glad because I’m pregnant and had a serious craving so I would have been devastated if I didn’t get it! The pizzas were delicious too so that was great! All around lovely staff and great food! Would highly recommend!

  • Sarshar Dadashzadeh

Chose this place randomly for reuniting. Tried the Meg's recommendation item on their menu, the red wine called Frescobaldi Tenuta - Blend Tuscany. It was as dry as I wanted and the taste was really desired. The ambience was awesome, enjoyed my beloved Italian music and the environment. A very nice, clean, classy and cozy place. However I wasn't in a classy style that night ! Will definitely come again if I visit Ottawa in the future. Grazie
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$40–50
Parking
On street
Wheelchair accessibility
No stairs

  • Alp Oran

Excellent value for what you get for both their sandwiches and pizzas. The Godfather sandwich is fantastic (from the bread to the ingredients)... one of the best deals in the area... and their pizzas are really tasty... the dough (with gluten) is light and fluffy. I made my own combo with pepperoni, pickled eggplant, and black olives and its delicious. Its hard to pick which of the two is better but the sandwiches are better value (you can buy 2 for less than the cost of a pizza) and they are not small sandwiches.

  • One ManGang

We live close-by and decided to give it a try after walking past numerous times. What a pleasant surprise! The wait staff were outstanding (pleasant and efficient), the food was really good (we had the fungi pizza and rose ricotta) the atmosphere was relaxing and cozy. We will be back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes

  • Jeff Vezina

Great wine and pizza. Had the burrata salad and the Peach and Ricotta pizza. Both were good, but the spices of the burrata salad were alittle over powering of the cheese, and the toppings of the pizza weren't quite to the crust. Service was excellent and proactive. The dining room is casual and smart. Really great space.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

  • Tom Daff

I really enjoyed the pizza here. Very tasty food and nice fresh ingredients. The server did a great job looking after us, but I felt the place was a bit over capacity, or under staffed, so maybe better to visit midweek rather than a weekend.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Vegetarian options
Options for vegetarians

  • Patti Provost

Lost our reservation but made up for it. Allan was very attentive and found a way to fit us in. Our pizzas were tasty / fresh. The dessert lemoncello custard yummy. We will definitely eat here again. Allan should Be commended for his costumer service , he turned the reservation lost and an order forgotten into a wonderful evening .
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30

  • Hank Hill

I went to Vespa for dinner with my wife and another couple. The service was great. Very attentive and knowledgeable. The food was delicious. We had pastas and pizzas. Both winners for sure. The atmosphere was comfortable and cozy. We will definitely return again.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Jenny Trinh

It's a lovely spot with a great wine selection, excellent pizza with interesting toppings (the dough/crust were almost flakey pastry-like, so good!) and friendly service. A really nice atmosphere. When I called to make a reservation, they even asked me where specifically I wanted to sit. I will definitely be back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–40

  • Charles Taillefer

Probably the best pizza in Ottawa. It’s a perfect rendition of a Napolitain pizza. The atmosphere adds to the experience. Thanks Emma for the great service and good cocktails. Will definitely be back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pizza Margherita, Antipasti

  • Doris Smith

Server had too many tables to look after, so we waited 90 minutes from the time we sat down to when our main course arrived, (even with a reservation). Pasta could have been hotter. Love the fact that this place is in our neighborhood, so we can walk to it, one of only a few. Will try again on a week night, not Friday night.
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

  • Miranda Boyer

Dinner was amazing. I shared 4 dishes with 3 friends. And we left perfectly stuffed. The bruschetta was tasty. The burrata was out of this world. Pickled celery, who knew? Peach and ricotta pizza was excellent. The oreccheiette was great too. Owner was lovely and attentive. Great little spot in OOE.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–50

  • C. J.

Great food and attentive service. Enjoyed a magerita pizza and some wine. We had a nice table in the back. It was busy and a bit crowded, but we still were able to hear ourselves. A bit on the high end for prices, but a fun atmosphere.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

  • Akash Kachhiyapatel

New theam for restaurants and interior of restaurants is good. Staff Service was good and friendly. The quality of food was good however restaurant is lack in terms of value of money.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pizza Margherita

  • Bob Neufeld

Excellent local osteria with authentic Italian dishes. The pasta carbonara was just as good as what I experienced in Italy wth an egg sauce and pecorino cheese. The Vespa pizza with goats cheese and pear was unique and delicious. It’s also in my neighbourhood. I’ll be back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–50

  • Ed Hemphill

Great spot for pizza. Stopped with a group returning from a bike ride. They were out of almost all their beer selections that evening, so hopefully, that was a one-off.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Vespa

  • Patrick Dean

Small, vibrant, friendly and ambitious owner led Italian store. Has takeaway food (very good), and a small but varied selection of groceries and dry goods. They have recently started importing tostinicaffè #tostinicaffe which is super good and can finally give you that real Italian caffè that is so hard to find. Recommended.

  • Beck Baker

Cute little store, authenticity owned. I am not Italian, but I’m sure the residents here in Ottawa who are would appreciate it. Got some great imported biscotti, their sandwiches were quite good as well. It’s a brand new place, so with a bit more time I think they would stack up to a place like Nicastro’s.

  • Gnomze

I discovered this little gem during the pandemic as even before the patios were reopen it was possible to get pizza for takeout! They have lots of toppings, my fave is a combination of their house made bruschetta with sweet/spicy meat and a balsamic glaze on top. Ready in 15 minutes and delicious!

  • S Skublics

Lovely meal. Good gluten free options, both pasta and pizza. Staff knowledgeable about gluten risks. Pleasant atmosphere but it was very busy so a bit loud for us.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

  • Jamie

Cozy local restaurant. Staff are super friendly and nice vibe! Pizza was so yummy! Good selection of wine!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–60
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Vespa

  • Veronic M

Amazing service!! They make you feel like home. The sandwiches were amazing, the gelato on point, the affogato was heaven! The fresh pasta is just on point. The owner is down to earth and very friendly! I can’t wait to go back and get more yummy food!!!!

  • vishaal chaman

A very clean, modern, and friendly atmosphere. The coffee was delicious, and pizza was fantastic. Perfect on a sunny day where you can sit on the patio and really enjoy Main Street. Good selection of fresh baked bread, and other fine Italian goods!

  • C G

One of the better gluten-free pizzas I've had in Ottawa. A bit crispy on the ends, but the thicker areas of it were delicious. The wine was fantastic, as was the service. Will be back again for sure!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

  • Domenic C

Amazing experience, beautiful little spot with incredible food and outstanding service. The pizza is easily the best in Ottawa, authentic Italian style thin crust with delicious and high quality toppings. Engaging and helpful service, our

  • Amanda Fox

This place is fantastic! We wandered in here during a walk around the neighborhood and were pleasantly surprised by everything inside. We took a few different kinds of fresh ravioli to go - AMAZING! We also had the "Friend of Ours" Panini

  • Trudy Lothian

I believe I had THE BEST espresso I have ever had - definitely within Ottawa and I think beyond Ottawa too. It was truly perfect. This is a great little gem in an area of Ottawa that needed just such a gem. Had a delicious sandwich too.

  • Slnick

Stopped in at Vespa pizza and wine bar last night for dinner as we had read reviews and were curious to experience it. We were greeted at the door by the owner who was very approachable and welcoming. Our server, Elenor was also very

  • Eric Hassenzahl

We had a great anniversary meal at Vespa. Service was great, the chef was friendly. Somehow it quickly added up to over $200 for the two of us, so be ready for a heavy cheque!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

  • Mayra Barbosa

It’s a great place to Have a wine, pizza and good conversation, I’ve there few times with friends, they always give a good recommendation for wine that I really appreciated. Cozy and relaxing atmosphere!

  • Joseph S

Mmmm the focaccia here is amazing!! The deserts are also fantastic. They've got a small grocery section, and fresh pasta. Hoping they eventually expand to have some produce. The coffee is also great!

  • David Soegiarto

Really good pizza, great selection of snack, amazing coffee, and gelato goes very well with kids! Amazing service to boot! Really want to try their deli/cheese selection next time...

  • Jacqui Pike

I rarely do reviews, however, I feel I absolutely HAVE to do a review on Vespa Wine Bar! After a very stressful week, my partner and I decided to get out and try some

  • Anthony

What kind of place is this? I tried to order take out 1 HOUR before their listed closing time and they said the kitchen is closed...ok will try again tomorrow night.

  • Sharon O'Brien

Amazing! Al, the head chef was our server and he was awesome. Very accommodating and fun. Kind service. Feels like family ❤️ We will be back. OFTEN! More

  • Al

Nice location on one of the best neighborhood in Ottawa. Lots of different fresh Italian products. The ice cream is tasty.

  • Walter Schofield

Great service and great pizza
Service
Dine in…
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