What are the opening hours?

Tuesday 11:30am - 10pm Wednesday 11:30am - 10pm Thursday 11:30am - 10pm Friday 11:30am - 10pm Saturday 11:30am - 10pm

Black Dog Bistro, 5540 Manotick Main Street, Ottawa, ON (2026)

06/17/2026

The Dynamic Duo 💪🍻

Ryan Watson

Favourite Menu Item: Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes and Oysters

Ryan’s journey at The Black Dog Bistro is one for the books - he first joined as a young teen dishwasher, took a short break, and then returned in his 20s as a server. Eight years later, he’s now a full-time bartender and an indispensable part of the team. Staff and guests alike love his loyalty, energy, and easygoing personality.

Known for his impressive gym dedication (and yes, the muscles to prove it), Ryan might look like the strong, silent type - but he’s really a big-hearted teddy bear. With perfectly styled hair and a gentle, warm presence behind the bar, he crafts cocktails with creativity and just the right touch - no wonder costumers keep coming back for “whatever Ryan recommends.”

Ryan’s vibe? Strong pours, soft heart, and Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes done right.

Lyndon Burtt

Favourite Menu Item: Steak Sandwich (anything with Brie & caramelized onions!)

Lyndon is a local firefighter who moonlights at The Black Dog Bistro, bringing his calm, steady presence to both bartending and serving. In his four years with the team, we take him whenever we can - he might be slow with the drinks, but he’s always quick with a joke and a smile, keeping the atmosphere light and fun.

A dedicated newlywed and master of good humour, Lyndon thrives on the social side of the restaurant, connecting with staff and guests alike. His favourite? The Steak Sandwich with brie and caramelized onions - simple, hearty, and just like him, full of charm.

Lyndon’s vibe? Slow sips, fast laughs, and flavours that make every bite (and every shift) enjoyable.

06/12/2026

Karen Yzerman - Senior Management Team

Favourite Menu Item: Cajun Salmon Salad

Originally from Newfoundland, Karen has been part of The Black Dog Bistro family for over eight years- and it’s hard to imagine the place without her.

A full-time force who somehow does it all, she brings energy, heart, and a whole lot of fun to every shift.
She genuinely loves her customers and has a gift for making everyone feel like a regular.

Known for her effortless fashion sense, Karen always shows up polished and put together-proving you can run the floor and look fabulous doing it. A proud dog lover who definitely embodies the Black Dog spirit.

Her favourite, the Cajun Salmon Salad, is bold, fresh, and full of flavour - just her style.

Karen’s philosophy? Great food, great style, and great company - every single time. 🍷🎉

06/10/2026

Nick Trudel - Senior Management Team

Favourite Menu Item: Korean Braised Short Ribs
Nick is the glue that holds The Black Dog Bistro together - a true cornerstone of the team with over 13 years of full-time dedication.

In 2020, he was named Faces Server of the Year, a recognition well-deserved for someone who knows the menu better than anyone else and executes every detail with precision.

A world traveler with a zest for life, Nick also treasures his dog Oscar and is newly engaged, bringing joy and stories from near and far to every shift. Guests and staff alike appreciate his sharp attention to detail, friendly nature, and the effortless wa he keeps the restaurant humming.

Nick’s motto? Master the menu, share great stories, and make every dish - especially the Korean Braised Short Ribs - unforgettable.

06/10/2026

Favourite Menu Item: Reuben

Favourite Cocktail: Whiskey Sour

Melissa “Mel” Jackson is the beloved Daytime Bar Manager at the Black Dog Bistro, known for her warm personality, unwavering patience, and exceptional ability to make every guest feel welcome. Over the years, Mel has cultivated a loyal following of daytime customers who return not only for great food and drinks but for the genuine connections and hospitality she brings to each visit.

A true people person with a talent for creating memorable experiences, Mel is the creative force behind the Bistro’s cocktail menu, continuously developing new features while ensuring timeless classics remain guest favourites. Her cocktail of choice to craft is the Whiskey Sour-a perfectly balanced drink that reflects her appreciation for both tradition and quality.

When it comes to dining, Mel’s favourite menu item is the Bistro’s famous Reuben, a hearty and flavourful classic that keeps guests coming back time and time again.
Patient, caring, and endlessly dedicated, Mel’s positive energy can be felt throughout the restaurant. Whether she’s greeting regulars by name, mentoring team members, or dreaming up the next cocktail feature, she brings professionalism, creativity, and heart to everything she does. Her commitment to outstanding service and genuine hospitality makes her an invaluable part of the Black Dog Bistro family and a favourite among guests and staff alike.

Motto: “Great cocktails, genuine connections, and service from the heart.” ♥️ 🍸

06/04/2026

Shelley Robinson - Senior Management Team

Shelley is the welcoming spirit of the Black Dog Bistro, known for her warmth, charm, and gift for connecting with everyone who walks through the door. With over 30 years of friendship with the owners, she has witnessed the Bistro’s journey from its earliest days and continues to champion their vision with enthusiasm and admiration. While more of a PR and guest-relations dynamo than a manager, shelley brings energy, personality, and care to every interaction, ensuring that every guest feels like part of the family. A local Grade 1 teacher, Shelley naturally brings her joy, patience, and playful energy to the Bistro, and her students delight in spotting her when she’s there. Her go-to menu favorites-Mediterranean Chicken Pita and the hearty Steak Sandwich-reflect her love of bold, satisfying flavors. With her deep knowledge of the Bistro community, and genuine desire to make everyone feel happy and included, Shelley embodies the warmth, energy, and welcoming spirit that make the Black Dog Bistro a beloved local destination.

Shelley’s Vibe: “Connecting hearts, sharing smiles, and making every visit feel like home. 🍷🌸💕

06/02/2026

Nick DiBello - Sous Chef

Favourite Menu Item: Beef Filet

Nick DeBello is the kind of person who feels most at home either in the kitchen or outdoors - and somehow he brings the same energy and passion to both. As Sous Chef at The Black Dog, Nick works incredibly long hours alongside the kitchen team, helping keep service running smoothly while consistently delivering the quality guests have come to expect.

A true cooking enthusiast, Nick has a genuine love for great food and takes pride in everything that comes out of the kitchen. While he appreciates just about everything cooked at The Black Dog, the Beef Filet remains a personal favourite - classic, hearty, and expertly done.

Outside of work, Nick is all about the outdoors. Whether he’s skidooing, dirt biking, fishing, or spending time on his property, he’s happiest staying active and enjoying nature. An animal lover through and through he also keeps chickens and spends plenty of time with his dog, Ernie, who’s every bit as loved as a member of the family.

Nick’s philosophy? Work hard, enjoy the outdoors, love your animals, and always make time for a great meal - the Black Dog way.

05/29/2026

Peter Collins - Head Chef

Favourite Menu Item: Lamb Shank

Peter Collins is the driving force behind The Black Dog kitchen and has been part of the company for an incredible 27 years. A Cordon Bleu certified chef, Peter brings talent, discipline, and decades of experience to every plate that leaves the kitchen.
As Head Chef, he works closely with the owners to create and develop the menu, constantly balancing creativity with the consistency guests have come to love.

Known for working unbelievably long hours and leading by example, Peter is the definition of dedication. In the kitchen, it’s simple - when Chef speaks, everyone answers, “Yes Chef,” and for good reason. He runs a tight ship, and it works.
Despite the intensity of a busy service, Peter’s passion for great food and high standards is what keeps the kitchen performing at its best day after day.

His favourite menu item, the Lamb Shank, reflects his style perfectly - refined, rich in flavour, and crafted with patience and precision.

Chef Peter’s philosophy? Excellence comes from discipline, teamwork, and never cutting corners - the Black Dog way.

05/28/2026

Kristin Janz-Owner and Vice President of Black Dog Bistro

Favourite Menu Items: Almond Crusted Salmon

Kristin Janz, affectionately known as KJ, is the dynamic co-owner and Vice President of the Black Dog Bistro, carrying forward the rich legacy of the renowned mother-daughter team who founded the restaurant. A long-time Manotick resident, KJ brings boundless energy, creativity, and fresh ideas that continue to evolve the Bistro into a modern culinary destination while honoring its roots.

A true foodie with a passion for fashion and travel, KJ infuses every aspect of the Bistro with her sense of style, innovation, and attention to detail. Her personal vorite menu creation is the Almond Crusted Salmon Filet-seared to perfection and finished with a decadent Amaretto butter-a dish that perfectly embodies her flair for bold, sophisticated flavors.

Generous, thoughtful, and endlessly enthusiastic, KJ strives to ensure everyone around her experiences the same joy and warmth she brings to every endeavor.

Her vision, energy, and dedication to both the team and the community make her a driving force behind the Black Dog Bistro’s continued success, blending tradition with new ideas and a spirit of inclusivity that leaves a lasting impression on every guest.

Motto: “Fresh ideas, full hearts, unforgettable flavors.” 🌟

05/22/2026

Favourite Menu Item: BBQ Ribs

Affectionately known to everyone as “Mr. Jim,” Jim Goode is the quiet force behind so much of what makes The Black Dog kitchen run so smoothly. Having worked with the owners since the early ‘90s, Jim brings decades of experience, loyalty, and heart to the team - and his fingerprints are on countless parts of the menu guests love.

From making our sauces to braising beef and keeping the kitchen organized and prepared, Jim is the behind-the-scenes backbone of the operation. A former head chef at the owners’ other restaurant, he now enjoys focusing on the prep, planning. and kitchen flow that keep everything moving seamlessly. His incredible attention to detail and instinct for what the kitchen needs make him absolutely invaluable.

Beyond the food, Mr. Jim is known for his storytelling, quick humour, and his legendary gossip sessions with Dottie that keep the kitchen entertained and laughing. He’s the kind of person who makes work feel like family.
flavour, and impossible not to love.

His favourite menu item, the BBQ ribs, suits him perfectly - classic, dependable. full of flavour and impossible not to love.

Mr. Jim’s philosophy? Great kitchens run on preparation, loyalty, laughter, and a little good gossip- The Black Dog way.👨‍🍳🥩💙

05/21/2026

Dot Janz is a pillar of the Manotick-Osgoode community and a true legend in the local culinary scene. From her early days creating warmth and charm at the Red Dot Café to owning and guiding the Black Dog Bistro, Dot has spent decades shaping extraordinary dining experiences with her vision, heart, and unwavering dedication. While she may not cook every dish herself, Dot is the creative force behind the menu, helping design flavors that delight and inspire, and she is the genius behind the Bistro’s famous Coconut Cream Pie-a recipe so beloved it has become an enduring symbol of her culinary touch. Her impact extends far beyond the kitchen. Dot has been a mentor to hundreds, offering guidance, encouragement, and inspiration te those entering the hospitality world. She has sponsored, donated to, and hosted countless charities and fundraisers, always finding ways to give back, uplift others, and strengthen her community. A longtime supporter of local initiatives and 4H programs, Dot exemplifies what it means to lead with generosity and purpose. At the Black Dog Bistro, every dish, event, and connection reflects Dot’s philosophy: that food, creativity, and community can come together to create experiences that nourish both body and spirit. Her favorite menu item, the tender AAA Canadian filet mignon, paired with carefully curated sides, mirrors her commitment to quality, care. and attention to detail-a testament to a career built not just on food, but on fostering people and community.

Motto: “Great food, greater hearts, legendary impact.” 👩🏼‍🍳🔨🍰

Black Dog Bistro

06/17/2026

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Tuesday	11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday	11:30am - 10pm
Thursday	11:30am - 10pm
Friday	11:30am - 10pm
Saturday	11:30am - 10pm