As early as 10 years ago, Ottawa’s Merlot Rooftop Grill was the ‘place-to-go’ for special occasions.
The restaurant could be found on the top floor of the Marriot Hotel, downtown Ottawa, on Kent Street. The popular restaurant first opened its doors in 1972, as La Ronde. It was a popular spot for business lunches, corporate events, and special occasions, and sold out every year for New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day and Canada Day.
The restaurant offered a view of the Ottawa River, Gatineau Hills and downtown like no other.
A couple in the mid-1970s enjoying lunch and a view at La Ronde Restaurant, part of the Holiday Inn. Photo via Lost Ottawa
In 2010, after 38 years in business, the restaurant announced its closing. In its place, the hotel opened Summit event space, offering the rotating room for private bookings, corporate events and weddings. Despite its closure, many locals remember the establishment as one of the top destinations in downtown Ottawa in the 70s and 80s.
The Ottawa Marriot today, with the top floor rotating room used as a private event space. Via Marriot.
