For 28 years, families gathered along the Rideau River to savour Sambuca shrimp and watch boats drift by. On Oct. 10, 2025, Kelly’s Landing closed its doors, leaving a void in Manotick’s waterfront dining scene.
Opened in 1997, the restaurant quickly became a local institution, renowned for its warm hospitality, scenic river views and Maple Pecan Crusted Salmon.
Patrons took to social media to exchange memories and best wishes.
Monika Boreham reminisced about the early days when Kelly’s Landing was the town’s go-to corner store, offering candies, ice cream, and even cigarettes, along with a dockside spot to watch boats drift by.
“Good luck in your future endeavours. I hope whoever buys the place keeps it as is or expands if possible,” she wrote under a Facebook post announcing the restaurant’s departure.
Kevin Cahill, who worked at Kelly’s Landing during his summer before university, expressed feeling bittersweet.
“This announcement makes me sad that 1997 was so long ago, but my heart is happy to know you kept this gem for so long and impacted the community the way you did.”
Longtime visitors like Angie D’Aoust and Kellie Adams lamented losing their favorite dishes, from Sambuca shrimp to the restaurant’s famous shrimp pasta.
Many others, like John Kluver and Shelley Lynn Goodfellow Robinson, applauded owners Dan and Sonja for their years of dedication and the sense of community they nurtured.
“Your place has been such a special spot—full of great memories, laughter, and heart,” Robinson wrote.
Questions about the future of the property and brand were common, with patrons like Cheryl Gamble and Sara McDonnell-Saliba expressing hope that the restaurant could continue under new ownership. Others reflected on the personal significance of the restaurant.
Diane Kelly noted that Kelly’s Landing held a special place for everyone who grew up enjoying the ice cream shop and boating along the Rideau River.
From casual lunches to annual family traditions, Kelly’s Landing has been more than just a restaurant—it was a gathering place for generations.
While the doors may be closing, the memories and legacy of Kelly’s Landing will remain in Manotick’s heart for years to come.
Dan and Sonja now embark on a well-earned retirement, leaving behind a community full of gratitude and nostalgia. As one patron summed up, “thanks for the memories.”