Gooneys Sandwichworks

Literally the best Venezuelan food place in Canada. We found this place by chance while walking and they served us super quickly and the food was 10/10. I swear you won't regret it
Gooneys is the only option

Friendly staff, yummy food, big portions. The only thing is some arepas need salt while some are too salty because of the feta cheese. Otherwise, great option.

Tried the Chorizo Arepa today and it was delicious. Great option for someone who is gluten free. I was nervous about the coriander sauce because I do not like Cilantro/coriander in my food so I ordered it on the side to try and it was insanely delicious, I understand why it’s famous now because it made me like coriander! Definitely will be back often!

I don’t work downtown, when I’m down there on business I always try to pick up an arepas … sooo good. However there is no parking near Gooneys usually I park illegally (yes that’s how good the arepas are) run in and run out. The other day there was a city of Ottawa parking vehicle on Laurier so I thought I’d call ahead arrange to run in just as they were done making the sandwich and run back out, maybe a minute tops. When the woman answered the phone and I explained what was happening a car came up behind me and wanted me to move, flashing his lights, he even got out of his car, this all happened at the same time as I was trying to “ place my order” the guy was inching towards me in his car now, the Gooneys woman said I would have to wait 10 minutes for the sandwich, every time I’ve been there (even busy times it takes 3 minutes to make the sandwich, so why 10? Because I’m illegally parked and just because your in your car you can still get ticketed. I swore (at the guy who was attempting to nudge me) she was still on the phone and heard it. I hung up waited for a few minutes and thought maybe theyyyr really busy when I looked in the restaurant it was pretty much empty. I saw someone on the phone and tried to get her attention, she came to my car (which was nice) but what happened after wasn’t. She said i refuse to serve you because you swore at me, I tried to explain what happened but she said I don’t see a guy, of course you don’t because he basically damaged my car (slightly) and took off. So trying to get a sandwich I’m basically assaulted by this dude whose having a really bad day, and then abused by the staff at Gooneys. I think I even said I’m sorry if you think that was for you but it wasn’t. Why not believe someone who is literally apologizing for something that they didn’t do to you? Then REFUSE to serve me … gee I hope this woman never is in this situation herself, it’s sometimes nasty out there (the mean streets of Ottawa) it must be nice to sit in judgement of others and be so rude. Unfortunately they make the best arepas in town, (the only arepas) but it’s so hard to get to by car and this staff was completely unsympathetic or maybe just mean? Idk, but it will be a long time before I ever go back there. I’ll miss it but I have my pride. Sorry Gooneys you really are the best! And this is for you young lady who spoke to me in my car …, always.

If you want something quick and flavourful, look no further.

Notably, this restaurant can serve meals big and small (sorta, the arepas are huge and filled), for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Very flexible.

Arepas are delicious (especially with extra sauce.) and soup is very good too.

Amazing sandwich. Meat was super tender. I’ve been 3 times and it’s been consistent everytime. Will be back again soon!

The food here is amazing! Highly recommend. The quality is incredible and they always stuff the arepas so full so it’s great value. LOVE that they have so much gluten free food - very safe to eat here if you have gluten allergies or celiac disease!

My first time trying arepas and they were sooo delicious. They may look small but the first thing I noticed when I picked mine up was how heavy it was. Definitely was satisfying and all of their arepas are less than $12 which is amazing value for money. The ingredients were all super fresh tasting and flavourful and don’t get me started on their special sauce, it was incredible! Nice to have a bottle on every table so I could add more! The interior is really nice, spacious and clean plus all the staff were great. Only thing is maybe I was eating it wrong, but I wish the ingredients were more evenly distributed as at the end of my arepa, I was just eating the beef. Still amazing though and definitely want to make this place a lunch staple!

Delicious food and fantastic, consistent quality. Plus, the folks who work there are so kind. Absolutely recommend, especially for breakfast or lunch.

The Pabellon arepa is so delicious, I love the coriander sauce. Nice place and friendly people working in there. For sure I will return. Well done guys!

TLDR:

Arguably the best, unique sandwich shop in Ottawa. A family runned business in the nation's capital, they deliver a perfect arepa experience with the perfect menu and friendly service. They cater, deliver and always welcome walk-ins. A very rare 5 out of 5 stars based on our experience at this cute little restaurant.
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Hey family,

Here’s my honest review of Gooneys Sandwichworks. I made the visit with my partner in May, 2022 and I wanted to share my personal experience with you below:

Location: 1 star.
Located in the Nation’s Capital, Gooney’s finds itself in Downtown Ottawa. When visiting the city you can find it along Laurier Ave W, which is a few minutes walk to the capitol buildings and main tourist attractions. A perfect spot should all the comfy government officials want to sneak in a quick lunch or some of the locals who live in the city.

Staffing: 1 star.
As this is a family runned business the staff is hired by the family so they share the same values. Staff is friendly, courteous and of course professional. They offer suggestions should you ask and are able to handle large lunch crowds with ease.

Food: 1 star.
The shining star of this business. The food is just simply incredible. They have all day breakfast and a very simple, affordable menu. I ordered the Reina Pepiada and it was perfect. Made fresh, and served within a few minutes. The owner and staff have absolutely nailed these sandwiches and the ingredients they use are fresh and delicious. Without going on and on about the food you just have to try it.

Service: 1 star.
It can be busy during the lunch rush. When we visited there were a few customers waiting for their orders but the staff handled the rush with ease. Tables are clean, washrooms are available and drinks are self-serve. If it’s a beautiful day you can even take your sandwich to go and head over to the parks close by.

Wow factor: 1 star
The food. Period. It’s just so goooooooood.

If you’re planning a visit to Ottawa in the new year, I strongly recommend checking this restaurant out. I give this restaurant a rare 5 out of 5 stars.

Until next time…

The best! I’ve been coming here since they opened and they have never once dropped in quality or taste. Their arepas are amazing, but don’t sleep on their sandwiches! Their chicken salad is so tasty and portion size is substantial. I will be a customer here for a long time:)

One of the best lunch spots downtown - and dinner too, since they stay open after 5! The arepa is a perfect marriage of crunchy toasted masa bread on the outside, fresh protein and veggie toppings on the inside, and a finish of delicious coriander sauce. The staff are really friendly, too. I like the rotation of Colombian and Venezuelan sodas. Can’t ask for much more!

I ordered "Gooney's Grill" and it was amazing! The employees were friendly and fast. The food was inexpensive and fresh!

A great restaurant offering an excellent quality arepa for a reasonable price.

Order:
Llanera Arepa ($10.00 each) x1
- Plenty of juicy beef inside
- The avocado and tomato were great but there wasn't enough of them
- The bun was a bit dry and I'd recommend adding extra sauce

Vegetarian Arepa ($9.00 each) x1
- The filling was made up of mostly beans
- The sauce and feta complimented the beans well and added more flavor
- The greens were lacking in the arepa

Atmosphere and Site:
- A few tables inside with a cozy atmosphere
- The outside of the restaurant doesn't grab your attention, making it so that it could be missed as you walk by

Service:
- The staff were friendly and able to explain the menu items
- The food came out quickly

The arepas were amazing, even my kids who can be picky loved them including their cilantro sauce.

Great sandwiches, very friendly staff. Only downside is it's more pricey, but definitely worth it

Excelente! Super service. Amazing food and totally reasonable prices in this economy. Let's go arepas

Their arepas are amazing. Filled with toppings, they have an amazing home-made sauce.
There are varieties on flavors, they also have alfajores which I love. My go to is la reina pepiada, as I am a big avocado fan.
Prices are very reasonable with an average of $10 per arepa, they also have sandwiches, bowls and burritos.
My go to when I am craving some Colombian flavors, they sell Venezuelan arepas but I don’t see the difference!

You guys have legit hot sauce that’s really spicy. But I hope I didn’t find out by you mistakenly putting that in my sandwich while I asked for bbq sauce. My mouth is burning

Amazingly delicious sandwiches, I love the vegetarian ones! I’ve actually never been to the place itself, only ordered delivery. One of the best lunch choices in the city!

Great place to go get your lunch downtown Ottawa. Close to the parliament and the sandwiches were great

Whether you are familiarized with the Venezuelan “arepas” or not, this little restaurant will not disappoint you! Arepas are delicious and portions are very generous. Service is friendly and fast! I will certainly visit them every time I come to Ottawa!

Moved to Ottawa a few months ago and this is my go to place. I typically get the Cadillac… just awesome. Great friendly place!

Great Venezuelan food experience
Taste and flavour like back home
Good size of the meals
Excellent atmosphere and amazing staff

I love gettings the bowls from Gooney's! So much good food, fantastic flavour combinations. The Gooney's Grill bowl is my go-to!

Went with my family today and was amazing, me encanta la comida venezolana las arepas demasiadas ricas.

Have ordered delivery from here a couple of times, and am always thrilled with the freshness, quality of ingredients, and the care taken to prepare. Pricing is very good, would encourage those able to tip well to do so as it would be great to see them able to keep their prices and delicious sandwiches affordable and accessible to all folks in a very mixed income neighborhood. Much thanks to the staff for their hard work and dedication!

First time eating here so I'll have to update my review when I've had more. But based on what I ate, the beef burrito, it quite loaded with toppings and meat; it just lacked some flavor.

5-Stars deserved because the staff is so sweet.

Great arepas too! I've recommended this place to many of my friends and peers. The corn bread they fill in to make arepas is gluten-free, for those who are gluten-sensitive. I prefer this restaurant over getting a sandwich from the large-chain cafes nearby.

Some of the best sandwiches in town. Been going here for 15 years and have never had a meal that wasn't delicious. Arepas are also great!

Ordered a steak sandwich and portion of beef was small. Taste was alright but I don't think I will be eating here again.