About
Mermaid's Seafood Restaurant, located at 1725 Walkley Rd in Ottawa, is a hidden gem for seafood lovers seeking freshness and flavor in a welcoming environment. Despite its modest and unpretentious ambiance, the restaurant excels in offering a diverse menu anchored by impeccably fresh seafood. From the first bite, it’s clear that the dishes here are crafted with care and a deep respect for the ingredients.
The menu, priced by the pound, invites diners to explore and savor a variety of options. Highlights include grilled hot Mexican shrimp and fried sea bream, both praised for their vibrant taste and freshness. The middle eastern-inspired grilled tilapia showcases a harmonious balance of spices and perfectly grilled fish, making it memorable. The mussels stand out as particularly impressive, large and tender, bathed in a flavorful sauce that elevates their natural brininess without overpowering it.
Accompaniments like crispy fries, fresh salads, and flavorful rice complement the seafood perfectly, adding texture and balance. The salad, often overshadowed in seafood restaurants, is notably fresh and delicious here, providing a light counterpoint to the rich seafood dishes. Potato wedges and sautéed shrimp are additional crowd-pleasers, offering heartier flavors that satisfy robust appetites.
Service at Mermaid’s Seafood Restaurant adds another layer to the experience. Customers frequently commend the attentive and friendly staff, who create a warm atmosphere. Thoughtful touches—like celebrating special occasions with personalized gestures—turn a simple meal into a memorable event. The spacious, clean dining area and ample free parking make it an accessible spot for families and casual diners alike.
While some may find the pricing on the higher side and the menu format a bit confusing at first, the quality and taste of the food justify a return visit. The absence of certain items like scallops is a small drawback, yet it hardly diminishes the overall appeal. For those willing to explore a flavorful, seafood-centered menu and enjoy attentive hospitality, Mermaid’s Seafood Restaurant stands out as a beacon of quality and freshness in Ottawa’s dining scene.
“ Went in for dinner on a cold winter night. For our first time there it was a bit confusing to understand the menu, all the prices were by the pound and we weren't sure how much we should order for two. There were lots of options to decide from, we settled on grilled hot Mexican shrimp and fried sea bream fish. Food was amazing, everything was super fresh!Service was a pleasant, very friendly staff but some more attention to detail would be nice. Food was served before we got plates or cutleries and our drinks were forgotten till part way through our meal. Staff were very friendly though. Overall we were impressed, will definitely be back to explore their menu! ”
“ Great spot with great food!! Went with my son and service was fantastic. We had the mussels, fries, rice and hummus. The mussels were HUGE and served on the half shell with a really nice sauce. Usually when I have large mussels they don’t have great flavor. These were delicious!! My only critique is they were out of scallops. I guess that means I’ll just have to go back. Oh and the bill was $50ish dollars which was extremely reasonable for the amount of food and quality. Great people, great food and overall an awesome spot. See you again soon!! ”
“ A modest restaurant with a most ordinary ambience. The furnishings too, are most ordinary. Though the items are a bit pricey, the food is really delicious, and the plating is fairly tasteful. The place is very clean, and the service is fairly good. It is located strategically in Herongate Mall, and the premises has ample free parking. ”
“ Delicious middle eastern flavored fish freshly prepared. The grilled tilapia was excellent. Don’t let the empty restaurant steer you away. The food is really good and reasonably priced. ”
“ Great food, we tried the salad was awesome, potatoe wedges was great, sautéed shrimps are a must, fried shrimp, calamari and the grilled sea bass with vegetables All were good but what was awesome was the service! Our server was amazing and she was very accommodating in every way! We were celebrating a birthday and she surprised us with a song in the background! The place in spacious and clean their tea was a great ending for a heavy dinner ”