Hull continues to play a central role in Outaouais’ Cocktail Scene.
Caméline
51 Rue Saint-Jacques, Gatineau
Tuesday to Saturday: 5 PM – 10 PM
Closed Sunday & Monday
For diners who value character-filled settings, skilled kitchens, and great beverage programs, Gatineau has long offered fewer reliable options than its neighbour across the river. When such places emerge, they feel more impactful, both because they are scarce and because pricing often allows for a fuller evening: an extra cocktail, a second course, and less negotiation between appetite and budget.
That imbalance has begun to shift, especially in the Hull sector. In the past three years, places like Mousse Buvette and La Petite Primerose have recalibrated local expectations. Caméline fits this cohort as one of its most complete expressions yet.
Caméline opened in 2023 at 51 rue Saint-Jacques, taking over the former home of Rustiek. The restaurant is led by chef Simon Laroche, manager Alexandre Régimbal, and designer Audrey Labelle. The result is a dining room that feels both charming and refined, and a concept (Italian-inspired cooking supported by a solid beverage program) that suits the neighbourhood. Recognition followed quickly, including a place on EnRoute’s 2024 long list of best new restaurants.
Caméline occupies a red-brick building in Vieux-Hull. The space is intimate and inviting: white walls and moss-green trim frame the room, with greenery suspended overhead. Terracotta tiles cover the floor, and glossy white tiled tables, each set with dried flowers and tea candles, add warmth and brightness. By day, sunlight fills the room; by night, the glow of pendant lights and candles creates a romantic atmosphere.
The cocktail program is compact but well-crafted, with five signature cocktails and three no-ABV options. Some libations lean into Italian territory with Aperol and Campari components, while others branch outward with broader influences. Prices sit between 15$ and 17$, noticeably below Ottawa norms.
I sampled four of the five signature cocktails, each arriving in well-chosen glassware and elegantly garnished.
Dahlia (17$): Similar to a “Naked & Famous” cocktail, it’s bright, bitter, slightly sweet, with mezcal’s smokiness woven through. My personal favourite cocktail on the current menu.
Capucine 15$: This salted rim cocktail is ideal for spicy margarita lovers. It’s spicy, with botanical notes and a delicate, refreshing cucumber taste.
Fleur de lune 15$: This is an elevated Gin and Tonic. It has strong notes of basil and bitterness from the quinine (tonic). The libation is beautifully presented in a heavy highball glass and garnished with 3 sliced green grapes.
Jacinthe (17$): This delicious cocktail is fruity, with notes of grapes and honey. This contrasts with the freshly-milled black pepper floating on the surface. The flavour from the cucumber and dill ingredients listed is very subtle.
Caméline’s menu changes regularly and includes one of the few credible raw bar offerings in Gatineau, including Beef Tartare (26$) and Scallop Crudo (27$).
Agnolotti au Short Ribs de Boeuf (34$): This dish was properly seasoned, savoury, cheesy, and deeply comforting. Simply delicious.
Gnocchi (32$): Light, tender, sauced with nice chunks of cooked tomato and covered in freshly-grated parmesan. Simple, satisfying, and delectable.
