About Us
From day one, we have wanted this little restaurant to be a space where everyone can feel comfortable and welcomed. Classic French cuisine is the root of this ethos - consistent, familiar and even nostalgic flavours from the tried and true feel good classics, yet slightly elevated with a touch of whimsy. Our menus are composed entirely to showcase the best local products in Lanark County & the Ottawa Valley and are tailored monthly to best celebrate the tastes of the season. Whether you are up for a curated culinary experience with our 4 & 7 Course tasting menus (Fri & Sat evenings), or prefer to choose your own adventure with our 3-course Table D’hote menu (Wed & Thurs evenings), or are in search of an upscale lunch à la carte menu (Thur - Sat); we have you covered! Our front of house team is second to none for providing some of the best small town, friendly, warm and courteous service around. Like a good friend's house, this is a great place to feel cared for.
About our Tasting Menus
Our tasting menus are designed to take your tastebuds through an incredible journey with the absolute best flavours of the current season. Our inspiration is driven by some of the best products Lanark County and the Ottawa Valley have to offer. The entire meal is designed to be more than just food to fill your gut; it's an experience. We focus on the details. A LOT of details. Even some details that you may not notice but still, details that you will most certainly experience. Still, nothing about the meal is pretentious. You won't be uncomfortable choosing which fork to use, lectured on how to eat a certain dish or scolded for licking the plate (bonus points awarded for actually licking the plate). We try to keep our ingredients recognizable and familiar with a touch of wonder. That being said, if there is something you absolutely detest, or more importantly can't eat due to dietary intolerances or the unfortunate circumstance that you may die upon contact, please let us know in advance (when you make the reservation) and we won't feed you those things. We are pretty good at finding solutions to most dietary restrictions and prefer our customers leave the restaurant alive.
All About Family
black tartan kitchen is more than just a business - it's a labor of love that wouldn't be possible without the unwavering support of my family. From the countless hours spent designing menus, marketing, bookkeeping, dishwashing, or straight up putting up with me, my family is and always has been there to help out. I honestly don’t know how some folks can run a business without such an incredible family by their side, and I’m deeply grateful for their love, enthusiasm, and belief in this venture. Their contributions and support have elevated black tartan from a place to eat, to an extension of our home, where guests are welcomed like family, and every dish carries the warmth of that hospitality.
About the Restaurant
When booking a reservation with us, you will be presented with the option to choose between two separate dining areas. Tucked away behind the classic brick facade and half moon windows of our 1920's building is our cozy & comfortable dining room, adorned with re-touched, vintage photographs of historic downtown Carleton Place. A recent renovation of our kitchen space has also created a covered interlock patio, complete with a lovely garden, heaters, warm lighting and featuring a gorgeous, edgy and colourful mural by the insanely talented artist: Francis Pratt. You can even sneak a glimpse into our beautiful new kitchen from here.
About our Amazing Team
With a blend of professionalism, warmth, and genuine care, our entire team goes above and beyond to ensure every guest feels welcome. Our kitchen crew’s dedication to crafting exceptional dishes pairs beautifully with the warm, small town hospitality and courteous service provided by our front-of-house team. Together, they create a seamless dining experience where attention to detail and personalized service make every visit feel special. We still cook for our community, not our egos, and love the relationships we have built over each and every return visit. We are a family run business and consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have such a lovely, tight knit group of professionals working alongside us. Ultimately, when you dine with us, you dine with family.
Supper Club
We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to be surrounded by such talented farmers, artisans and downright good people producing the food that reaches your table. We want to share these relationships with you and make mention of these fine folks every chance we get.
Our Supper Club dinner series offers a unique farm-to-table experience to celebrate just that. Hosted on the last Wednesday or Thursday of every month, each event features a local farmer, artisan or producer who shares their story and insights with our guests while we serve a carefully curated 4-course meal, highlighting their products. This intimate evening not only showcases the finest seasonal ingredients but also celebrates the hardworking hands behind the food. These events are often in high demand so be sure to book early and join us for an evening of great conversation, flavorful dishes, and a deeper connection to the community and land that nourish us.
Special Events
We offer the perfect venue for celebrating life's special moments, big and small. From intimate weddings and heartfelt anniversaries to milestone birthdays, proposals, promposals, rehearsal dinners, office parties, and retirements, our cozy space is ideal for hosting a variety of events. Whether you’re planning a private gathering or a festive occasion, we work closely with you to create a personalized experience, complete with exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a charming ambiance that makes every event unforgettable.