Ottawa's Atelier an 'experience you can't find anywhere else in the world'

Ottawa's Atelier wins the prestigious 2022 CAA/AAA Four Diamond Award, distinguishing itself as one of the top 7% of hotels and restaurants reviewed in North America and the Caribbean.  

Atelier is one of only three restaurants to win this year in Ottawa. To view the complete list of winners, visit aaa.com/diamonds.   

In celebration of this incredible achievement, Jeff Walker, President and CEO of CAA North & East Ontario, met with Atelier's Executive Chef and Owner, Marc Lepine.  

Jeff Walker: Could you tell us about Atelier?

Marc Lepine: We set it up purposely to be a different kind of place. Partly, I just want to not be like everyone else and do something different. Also, we want to give people a reason to go to a restaurant. For me, that means having foods that you wouldn't be able to make at home. You've probably never even heard of or seen the dishes that you get prepared because you don't have the equipment. 

JW: What is on the menu?

ML: It's an experience you can't find anywhere else in the world. 

We serve 44 different plates to every guest every night. That is the only menu we have 44-course menu [in Ottawa]. It is a full-on gastronomic experience. You get to try everything from snail caviar to sea urchin - a whole list of really cool ingredients.  

So, it's an adventure; it's very interactive. You're finishing dishes yourself tableside. We bring you a little liquid nitrogen, and you get to make these frozen noodles with it. You're choosing some courses along the way, so it's a fun, dynamic experience. 

JW: How far ahead should you reserve?

ML: Weekends are generally about a month or so out. Sometimes during the week, you have to give yourself a week or two, but you can always get lucky and get a table.  

JW: The Silver Room is something unique at Atelier. What is it used for?

ML: It's a nice little private room for eight or so people. It's awesome. You close the doors and be as loud as you want. 

JW: Who visits Atelier?

ML: Foodies really seek it out. We had a table last night [with a person] who travelled from L.A. to eat at Atelier. They heard about this place in Ottawa that's doing 44-course venue, and they booked a flight and said, ''we gotta go try that.'' 

The interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.