Ottawa’s Finest Seafood Restaurant: Le Poisson Bleu

The halibut half tail

Oysters

The shrimp toast

Dry aged steelhead trout crudo

“Alex’s Salad"

Branded glasses

As someone who grew up on the East Coast (Newfoundland, to be exact), I’m always looking for a little piece of home in Ottawa; Le Poisson Bleu delivers just that. Offering not only some of the freshest seafood in the city, but also the warm, friendly atmosphere reminiscent of Eastern Canada.

Location: Le Poisson Bleu, 610 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON

Craving: Savoury

Single Drinks: $6 - $19

Appetizers: $6 - $24

Mains: $36 - $76

Customer service: 5/5

Specialty: All things seafood.

Approaching Le Poisson Bleu, the simple exterior—marked by a basic white and blue sign above the doors and a chalkboard sign detailing their hours and specials—does little to prepare you for the dining experience inside. Open only for dinner during weekdays and brunch on weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this place is well worth the limited hours.

Fine-dining with comfort and homey vibes (Miranda Caley/PTGO)

Once you step inside the tall glass doors of Le Poisson Bleu, you’re greeted with a totally different vibe. Navy blue dominates the decor, softened by warm-toned browns and brass accents. Carnations on each table and family photos dangling on the back walls enhance the warm, fuzzy feeling of the upscale ambiance.

This was my first time entering a fine-dining establishment, so I wasn’t sure what to expect—but I definitely wasn’t anticipating homey and comfort.

The first thing that caught my eye was the bar stacked with spirits—an impressive lineup! Their drink menu is extensive with white, pink, orange, and red wines; cocktails, beer, cider, and non-alcoholic options.

Expertly Crafted Seafood with Delicate, Artful Flavours

When it comes to food, Le Poisson Bleu’s short n’ sweet menu proves that quality trumps quantity. I’m a firm believer that a place with a short menu is bound to be delicious.

We started with steak cut fries accompanied with homemade tomato sauce and “Alex’s Salad,” aptly named after the restaurant’s owner Alexander Bimm, which featured Terramor Farm greens, almonds, and parmesan. Although it sounds simple, these plates set the tone for what was to come.

A white and blue sign

An impressive lineup!

The back area

family photos on the wall

Brown tables and chairs contrast against a blue and white wall with an image of a fish

A navy blue bar wall with a glass in the middle

The white and blue sign at the corner entrance

An open kitchen concept with a navy blue wall

Alexander explained growing up he considered restaurants as a place to go to when you didn’t feel like cooking. It wasn’t until he reached his 20s and worked in fine dining as a cook when he realized they are much more than that. Now, his restaurant is filled with the helping hands of family and friends, and you can certainly taste that love in the dishes.

Next, we tried the country-fried offcuts halibut tail, oysters, and Argentinian shrimp toast, all of which were incredible. 

The halibut half tail was crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, with a perfect seasoning that allowed the fish’s natural flavours to shine. The oysters were briny and fresh, with various sauce options. The shrimp toast was probably one of our favourite dishes, with a savoury crispy crust and a soft buttery middle.

Highlighting Freshness and Sustainable Seafood

The mains at Le Poisson Bleu are pricey — however, I believe the quality definitely makes up for it. With each bite, you can tell how much care and passion is poured into each dish.

Halibut and fresh cut fries (Sissi De Flaviis/PTGO)

We later learned the chefs age each whole fish similar to how a butcher would a fine cut of meat.

Sustainability is also part of the seafood served at Le Poisson Bleu. It is ethically obtained, prepared, and served in its ever-evolving menu.

Creativity is also at the forefront of the restaurant, which we discovered after chatting with Alexander about their different dishes such as their charcuterie boards. It’s a menu item the chefs have been working on since opening two years ago, adding an extra layer of innovation for seafood lovers.

Final Thoughts

I’ll echo something Alexander told us: it’s difficult to suggest specific dishes to the general customer because seafood is an intimate experience.

However, speaking from our own perspective, we highly recommend the halibut tail and Argentinian shrimp toast. They were the stars of our night out!

Alexander Bimm, Le Poisson Bleu's owner (Miranda Caley/PTGO)

If you’re looking for Ottawa’s finest seafood restaurant, we cannot recommend Le Poisson Bleu enough. There’s plenty of street parking available, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the food is divine.

Yes, it’s on the pricier side. But the quality of the food and the intimate, homey atmosphere make it worth every penny.