Foodie Friday: Maison Charron offers delicious dishes and waterfront views
- Johnathan Callingham
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
By Hannah Manning on August 8, 2025
Maison Charron opened in June in a heritage building in Jacques-Cartier Park with stunning views of the Ottawa River, Kìwekì Point, the Alexandra Bridge, and Parliament. The seasonal menu features sharable starters, pizza, dessert, and signature cocktails. During both of my recent visits, there’s been live music on the beautiful patio and plenty of seating to enjoy the view of Jacques-Cartier Park and beyond.
As I’m working my way through the menu, I’ve already got a few favourites: the spicy roasted olives with feta and lemon with a heap of sourdough to start and a couple of pizzas for the table to share. The Cacio e Pepe Carbonara pizza with green peppercorn cream, guanciale and cured egg yolk is flavourful and creative. You can’t go wrong ordering a classic Margherita pizza and Maison Charron has it figured out with great balance, fresh flavours, and creamy fior de latte.
One a hot summer day, the heirloom tomato gazpacho with pistachio pesto was chef’s kiss.
While accessible by car (with free parking on-site), the patio is a great destination when exploring Ottawa-Gatineau by foot or bike. Located across the Alexandra Bridge, the dog-friendly patio is the perfect spot to stop for a cocktail or bite to eat while out on a summer’s day.
One of the most interesting things about Maison Charron is its use of a heritage building, one of the oldest buildings in the National Capital Region according to the patio’s website. Built around 1827, the building has been home to a number of different groups before opening as Maison Charron in June 2025. To learn more about the building, its history, and the new patio we reached David Godsoe, Executive Chef & Director of Food and Beverage with Eighteen Hospitality.
Apt613: Congratulations on Maison Charron! What has the reception been like since opening in June?
David Godsoe: The reception has been incredible. Right from day one, it’s been a steady climb, with each week busier than the last. We’ve had to make several operational adjustments just to keep up with demand—a great problem to have when launching a new concept!
Learning about the building’s nearly 200-year-old history has been fascinating. In our bar area, for example, you’ll find what was once the original kitchen—complete with a wood-fired oven and a stone sink that still drains outside the building. It’s a direct link to the past and something our guests love discovering.
Is there anything else Apt613 readers should know?
Maison Charron is an ideal spot for families and pet lovers. Our outdoor space is stroller-friendly and dog-friendly and being right in the middle of the park makes it easy to pop by for a bite after a walk or picnic. Whether you’re here for a quick lunch or a long, leisurely evening, we’ve created a space that’s welcoming, relaxed, and rooted in the beauty of the surroundings.
Maison Charron is located at 164 Laurier Street in Gatineau and is open from 12-10pm daily. There is parking on site and the patio is accessible via walking and cycling paths through Jacques-Cartier Park. The patio is accessible and family and dog friendly. Visit their website or Instagram @maison.charron for the latest updates.
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