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Dark Fork Ottawa is redefining the local food scene with its immersive dining in the dark - an experience you won’t want to miss.
Ottawa's newest restaurant is Dark Fork Ottawa. A dine-in-the-dark concept where you eat in total darkness. Pitch black. And when I say 'dark,' I mean you can’t see your hand an inch from your face. That’s how you know it’s dark, 'cause your hand... it’s usually right there. But now? It’s a mystery.
We attended the Grand Opening of Dark Fork in Ottawa's Byward Market and it was unlike anything we've ever experienced before.
They say there’s only about 20 of these restaurants in the world. Montreal, New York, Tokyo… And now Ottawa. The concept started back in 2006, and has become quite a popular, immersive dining experience.
The idea is, if you take away your sense of sight, your other senses kick in. Taste, smell, and maybe for some... panic. As much as we enjoyed dining at Dark Fork, we can definitely say it's probably not for everyone.
By removing your sense of sight, you amplify your other senses and enjoy the flavours and textures in a new way. You become more aware and in tune with your other senses and less distracted with your surroundings and your phone.
At Dark Fork Ottawa, you order your meal before entering the dark. Our server and guide was this guy named Dave. We like Dave. He had a joyful voice, which is good, 'cause when you’re dining in total darkness, sometimes you need a joyful voice just to remember that you exist. Dave’s there to help, like if you need a bathroom break or another glass of wine. Sometimes he talks, and you get startled cause didn’t even know he was there... but I think Dave kind of enjoys that.
Any grand opening for a restaurant is tough, but opening one where the staff serves and cleans the tables in complete darkness? That’s next level.
Props to the staff and to Dave for making it happen, especially on opening night. Dave, my friend, you were our light in the darkness.
The menu is at Dark Fork is quite fun. You order your main dish before heading into the dark zone, but the appetizer and dessert? Total mystery. You won’t know what you’re eating until it’s in your mouth. And honestly, that’s half the fun. It’s like playing 'Guess Who' with your taste buds. They even have a 'surprise' main and mocktail. Your other senses really have to work to figure out what you're eating and that's probably part of the reason this concept works - you're suddenly more aware and conscious of what you're eating.
From the menu at Dark Fork, you choose between a 2 course meal (appetizer and main) or 3 course meal (appetizer, main, dessert). The appetizer and dessert is a surprise but the main you choose between dishes like Steak, Fish of the day, Chicken, Pasta or a surprise! Most things are cut up for you... 'cause using a steak knife in the dark poses some problems.
While we don't know what the plates looked like, it tasted amazing! Clearly the chefs were not cooking in the dark.
As an Ottawa content creator, this was a tough one to shoot for. First, because, you know, total darkness. That makes taking photos a little tricky. Also, no cameras or phones allowed, which really messes up my 'phone eats first' motto. But mostly, we didn’t want to spoil the surprise for anyone. You gotta experience Dark Fork Ottawa for yourself. Or not. You won’t see it coming either way.
A few things you should know before dining at Dark Fork Ottawa:
Reservations are recommended and can be made at https://darkfork.ca
You order and pay in a fully lit room but you dine in COMPLETE darkness
The waiters and guides are visually impaired. No night vision glasses seen at least not on opening night.
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you will be asked when ordering before entering the dark dining area. They are pretty good about it!
If you need something, another drink, a bathroom break; your guide is your friend and will take care of you. You just don't know where they are sometimes so you gotta yell their name.
No phones or cameras allowed. If you're the type that can't sit for 90 minutes without looking at your phone this is not for you.
Beware when entering the dark room. There's 3 steps you'll need to walk down. Your guide will walk with you but still a bit tricky in complete darkness.
You'll probably end up eating a bit with your hands. Dining in the dark was more challenging than we thought!
We walked away with a new respect for people who are blind or visually impaired. Spending 90 minutes dining in the dark really opened our eyes. Dark Fork employs visually impaired Canadians, through the National Institute of the Blind, and honestly, they’re the real heroes here.
It’s great to see Ottawa stepping up its dining game with fun, diverse, and inclusive experiences like this. If you want more cool stuff like Dark Fork in Ottawa, GO SUPPORT THEM!
And if you need a guide through the food scene, we'll be your Dave :)
-My Ottawa Eats
