41 Best Restaurants & Places in Ottawa, Canada | 2024 (Top Eats!)
Ranging from small cafeterias and regional cafes to oyster pubs, Ottawa is rich in its providence of fine cuisine and hospitality. The menus there are constantly jammed with tasty dishes, be it a classical or a local one or something ingenious and unique. It might be arduous to determine where to eat cause there are so many great restaurants.
So to assist you in finding a good place to eat, we have listed some of the best Ottawa restaurants to relish your tastebuds.
The Best Ottawa restaurants
1. Absinthe
Why it’s a must visit?
This restaurant has a very modern interior as it was established in 2003 and since then has continued its legacy of providing Europe centred dishes as its main course.
The place serves one of the best food Ottawa and green drinks, which is popularly known as the green fairy and has a very rejuvenating taste to it.
The restaurant is very thematic as it features leather booths, dark lighting, wooden tables, and a very murky ambiance to accentuate one’s dining experience.
Along with its aesthetic ambiance, the place also serves fantastic French food, which is sure to take you to heaven.
Chef’s Choice
Our most recommended dish here is their Absinthe Steak Fries which are marinated and have barbecued AAA steak, along with lush beans, fries, and horseradish aioli.
Their wine collection is also extraordinary and should undoubtedly be paired with the main course.
In the end, one should not forget to try out their signature dessert, which is their famous Crème Brûlée which tastes cosmic beyond measure.
Location and contact
- 1208 Wellington St W, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 2Z7 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-761-1138
- Email:- info@absinthecafe.ca
2. La Bottega Nicastro
Why it’s a must visit?
This diner is considered to be one of the most luxurious servers of exquisite meals like various wines, Italian cuisine, and other dessert options.
This place is also great for snacking on small meals like sandwiches and other Italian dishes.
The restaurant was opened in 1995 and has continued to serve its guests with great food and hospitality.
The place is also great for celebrating special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
Chef’s Choice
As the place specializes in serving sandwiches and other snack options, we recommend trying their special sandwich, which has meat, bun, and goat cheese and stuffed zestful eggplant as your toppings.
The sandwich tastes terrific and is our most highly recommended meal out there.
Also, don’t forget to try their beverage, especially their espresso coffee, along with their signature dish, Tiramisu.
Location and contact
- 64 George St, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5V9 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-789-7575
- Email:- info@labottega.ca
3. Cumberland Pizza
Why it’s a must visit?
The place Cumberland pizza serves great greek inspired pizzas and has a legacy of serving them for the last 45 years in a row.
Any person who decides to step into Ottawa must not miss out on visiting this place as the pizzas here are one of the finest in all of the states and certainly deserves a visit, be it for the local people or the foreigners.
The diner has earned itself a 5 star rating, primarily due to its rapid service and unique varieties of great quality pizzas. It’s also considered to be among the top rated restaurants in the city.
Chef’s Choice
The pizzas taste amazing, and the crust is also super thin and crunchy, making people savor every bite they take.
One can customize their toppings by choosing Mexican or Lebanese seasonings along with their delightful juicy steak.
Their Pesto on Thin Crust is a great option as it’s served with toppings of pesto dressing, feta, and soft mozzarella cheese.
Location and contact
- 152 Nelson St, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7R5 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-789-9999
- Email:- info@cumberlandpizza.com
4. Hunter’s Public House Restaurant
Why it’s a must visit?
This classy suburb restaurant serves one of the most delicate high-quality dishes in town and also has a fantastic array of drinks for one to try.
The atmosphere of this place is also very welcoming, and the complimentary dishes and their servings of snacks make this place quite a great location to hang out with friends.
The place is exceedingly lovely and has a very animated ambiance to it as it not only revolves around adults but also has a children’s playroom area along with real-time performances to keep up the Entertainment.
Chef’s Choice
The place specializes in serving various beverages along with several drinks ranging from local beers, expensive wines, and various forms of liquor.
We highly recommend their Gung Chung Chicken Sammy, which is a chicken hamburger with bbq chicken breasts, pork, hothouse tomatoes, cucumbers, mixed veggies, and Jung Chung mayo as its stuffing.
The serving size is also incredibly huge, and if you want to get the most out of this meal, then you should not forget to order their ice-cold beer as your pairing drink.
Location and contact
- 4750 Bank St Unit 1, Ottawa, Ontario K1T 0K8 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-822-7171
- Email:- contact@hunterspublichouse.ca
5. Gezellig
Why it’s a must visit?
This cafeteria is an upscale dining restaurant serving global cuisine on its menu and has a fantastic variety of options.
The etymology of the restaurant’s name itself gives away its Dutch meaning of being cozy and comfy. In the same way, the place offers visitors a very comfortable and relaxing experience as it centers around that theme only.
The place has a very 90s vibe with high ceilings and blue backgrounds to keep up the pace of being lost in the old age of America’s beauty. Its open patio also makes it a must eat places to relax without any hassle.
Chef’s Choice
As your main dish, you should order the pan-seared Quebec Duck Breast paired with braised cabbage, celeriac puree, spätzle, and cranberry-orange juice for a rejuvenating finish.
The duck here is also one of their most highlighted dishes. It’s cooked with a lot of efficiency and patience to keep its flavor tasty, runny, and mouthful.
Also, don’t forget to couple their main dish with their outstanding and flavourful wine named Frédéric Broca Champs-Pentus Faugères, which is derived initially from France.
We also recommend that you order their dessert as your finishing meal. For that, we suggest their Butterfinger, curated with organic peanut butter, whole milk, dark chocolate, graham cookies, and choco anglaise.
Location and contact
- 337 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 0E7 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-680-9086
- Email:- info@gezelligdining.ca
6. Sansotei Ramen
Why it’s a must visit?
As the title suggests, the restaurant serves authentic Japanese cuisine though it is a Canadian restaurant but specializes in providing cuisine from the regions of Hokkaido and Kyushu.
The place serves exotic food near me and is quite renowned all over Ottawa mostly because it’s not heavy on your wallet, and its dishes are also delicious in taste.
Since its inauguration in 2016, this place has become one of the city’s most famous restaurants spots, specializing in selling noodle soup in the form of Ramen.
Chef’s Choice
As the place itself is named after Ramen, it would be foolish not to try their Tonkotsu Black Ramen, which many people adore.
Besides that, their big bone broth is also surreal in taste as it has a very creamy texture and an enticing aroma to every foodie’s sense.
It’s a luxurious stew seasoned with black garlic oil, two bacon gut discs, soft-boiled egg matches, green onions, and a wood-ear mushroom morsel for crunchiness.
Location and contact
- 153 Bank St, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5N7 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-695-1718
7. Chez Fatima – Gatineau
Why it’s a must visit?
This place is among the most cool places to eat and has gained popularity for serving North Africa’s most refined cuisine along with Moroccan dishes for a sophisticated touch to your taste buds.
If you end up staying in a place near downtown Ottawa then giving this place a visit won’t disappoint you.
Their sleek interior, along with their outstanding Moroccan cuisine, which comes in the form of a buffet, and their other dishes are also unique and are sure to make you drool and take pleasure in every bite you take.
Chef’s Choice
Suppose you want to have a fulfilling meal. In that case, we highly recommend their buffet, which comprises soup, a flavorful salad pub, buns, two vegetarian meals, lamb, fish, chicken tagines, sausages, shrimps, and desserts.
And if you are not a fan of a huge buffet and only want to have a satisfying meal, then you should undoubtedly give their Seafood Pastille a try for an enjoyable feast.
As for your ending meal, you should not miss out on their famous Apple pie dessert that gives a great aftertaste as soon as you finish your main course.
8. Amuse Kitchen & Wine
Why it’s a must visit?
The amuse kitchen and wine restaurant is famous for its classy ambiance, along with a delicious array of dishes ranging from simple meals to mouthwatering seafood and various other menu options.
The most incredible thing about this place is its impressive array of drinks and its local cuisine that serves authentic Canadian food in its every essence.
The interior is also very ingenious, with primary neutral colors and a chic patio for having an extraordinary meal experience.
Chef’s Choice
The daily lunch options are unique and have diverse menu options that range from basic chicken to lambs and their famous Lamb Korma specials.
If you want to heighten up your dining experience a lot more, then make sure to pair those main dishes with their fine drinks and cocktails for a rejuvenating finish.
Also, their wines are pretty refreshing in taste as they are organically made with the help of local ingredients.
Location and contact
- 500 Eagleson Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K2M 1H4 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-880-8883
- Email:- info@amusekitchen.ca
9. Aperitivo
Why it’s a must visit?
This casual and chic restaurant serves international dishes with outstanding variety and excels in selling the finest drinks and cocktails in all of the towns.
The etymology of the restaurant’s name originates from the meaning of serving a starter so as to prepare the palate for a more fulfilling meal.
The place definitely excels in achieving its meaning by delivering fabulous platters and simple snacks along with vibrant cocktails to get the most fantastic eatery experience of a lifetime.
Chef’s Choice
As the food can be shared easily, you must genuinely give their platters a try as they can be shared among the group as their serving portions are huge in size.
Another great bonus about this place is its ever-changing menu, allowing people to experiment with different dishes.
Although the menu changes often, the charcuterie board is never left out of the menu. It contains tasty oysters and cheese that melt in your mouth like butter.
As for the dessert option, we recommend their cornbread which is seasoned with honey to add the most healthy and yummy flavor to your palate.
Location and contact
- 655 Kanata Ave Unit L2 Along the Pedestrian Walkway, Ottawa, Ontario K2T 1H6 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-592-0004
- Email:- info@aperitivo.ca
10. Beckta Dining & Wine
Why it’s a must visit?
The restaurant serves one of the most exuberant dishes in town and has a very local Canadien menu along with a separate wine bar to maintain its welcoming atmosphere.
The place is reasonably famous for its extensive menu, which has cuisines from various regions of the world, be it Asian, Canadian, or the Caribbean.
With tangerine cells and chairs, a drab pattern rug, and curtains that evenly harmonize, the interior has a lovely vintage vibe.
Chef’s Choice
A lot of people who visit this restaurant get confused with the variety of cuisines that it offers. So if you are in this limbo, then you should definitely go with their chef’s specials to get the most exciting dish to try.
Also, don’t forget to pair your dishes with their great drinks that are highly popular, especially for their fantastic wine collections.
As for the main course, we suggest their Ontario AAA striploin that tastes heavenly beyond measure and is stuffed with veggies like green peas, leeks, and ripe tomatoes.
Location and contact
- 150 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1L4 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-238-7063
- Email:- info@beckta.com
11. Fraser
Why it’s a must visit?
Initially established in 2008, this restaurant is famous for its global variety of dishes and incredible taste.
The place is exceptionally aesthetic and has a very calming atmosphere, with great hanging portraits on the walls and a casual feel to it, making it a great place to hang out with your friends.
One of the most fascinating aspects about this restaurant is its organic raw ingredients which get employed in the dishes to give the most lingering aftertaste ever.
Along with that, its food is also reasonably priced, making it an excellent addition for anyone looking for a budget eating experience.
The entire menu is Canadian, making it quite prominent among locals and foreigners alike.
Chef’s Choice
The place serves the finest brunch options in the city and is known for its savoring taste.
As every dish is fantastic in taste, it’s hard to decide which one to choose when you have such a wide variety of options.
But we suggest you get their Mortadella Loafer dish, which captions mortadella, mushrooms, red onions, pickled fennels, arugula, preserved limes, and sunflower seed pestos.
Location and contact
- 7 Springfield Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1M 1C8 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-749-1444
- Email:- info@frasercafe.ca
Also See – Restaurants open for Thanksgiving dinner in Ottawa, Canada
12. Shinka Sushi Bar
Why it’s a must visit?
This place was inaugurated in the year of 2017 and excels in the area of serving authentic Japanese cuisine with its signature rolls and sushi dishes.
The area is very posh, and the food prices are very reasonable, making it an excellent option for any foodie to experience.
Another incredible thing about this place is its welcoming atmosphere and stylish decor, which catches the eye of any visitor taking a step in it.
Also, they have various vegetarian options for vegans and vegetarian people to try.
Chef’s Choice
As it’s called a bar, it would be stupid not to order their intoxicating Sake, which will give you eternal bliss in a single sip.
The sushi joints here are excellent, and a must try here as they are impeccable in taste and are one of the best in Ottawa.
Get their Osaka, which gets readied with rosy tuna, salmon, crab stick, and avocados, along with the Unagi seasoned with pan-seared foie gras for a bursting flavor.
Both the dishes are worth their price.
Location and contact
- 150 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5J4 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-565-8998
- Email:- shinkasushibar@gmail.com
13. Atelier
Why it’s a must visit?
This restaurant is one of the most upscale diners in the city and is famous for its molecular dishes, which are extremely incredible to devour.
It was established in the year 2008 and is very luxurious in its interior with a classy background view.
There were 12 courses before, but now they have shifted to 44 courses. Each meal takes around 4 hours to prepare, so you have to reserve your table way before coming to the place.
One of the great aspects of this place is its ambiguous menu which has unusual names to intrigue your curiosity in finding out what each dish entails.
Chef’s Choice
There is apparently no visible menu available; it only depends on what you order among the 44 courses available there.
Though this might look like a daunting task to you, it’s exhilarating as the dish is exceptionally mouthwatering and will give you the taste of a lifetime.
Also, don’t forget to pair your dish with their fantastic collection of wines to get the most out of your dining experience.
Location and contact
- 540 Rochester St, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 4M1 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-321-3537
14. The Green Door
Why it’s a must visit?
This place is a heaven for vegans and conscious eaters alike.
It was inaugurated during the late 90s and excelled in the area of serving gluten-free food and tons of vegetarian options.
The place is also one of Ottawa’s oldest and most renowned places.
It has a rotating menu and serves a seasonal buffet in the form of unique salads, hot foods, and various other dishes.
Chef’s Choice
Their specials like tofu-broccoli stir-fry and avocado salads are great options to consider for a delicious meal.
Other than that, their Pesto Noodles and Mushroom Spinach Lasagna leave everyone in awe, as they are incredibly flavorful.
They also have a vast range of vegan desserts ranging from Lemon Blueberry Squares to Chocolate Mint Cheesecake.
Location and contact
- 198 Main St, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 1C6 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-234-9597
- Email:- info@thegreendoor.ca
15. Aroma Meze
Why it’s a must visit?
Aroma Meze is a very casual restaurant that specializes in serving global food options along with personal Greek and Mediterranean wines in its entirety.
The place gives visitors a very immersing experience with its accurate depiction of Greek culture by serving basic food in the most culturally appropriate manner for its guests.
It’s also a great place to visit with your family and to experience an exotic sensation through different platters and unique exposure.
Chef’s Choice
It’s better to try at least six or eight of their dishes as their whole menu is curated in response to serving at least two people in different portions.
Though this might seem a little confusing to you, the staff can also adjust your serving portions if more than two or three people are eating with you.
Their Fish Tacos, Eggplant Roulade, and Lamb Sliders are great choices to consider as they are absolute in taste with a balanced aroma and zest.
Location and contact
- 239 Nepean St, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0B7 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-232-1377
- Email:- Info@aromameze.com
16. Cosmos Souvlaki
Why it’s a must visit?
This place is considered a classic greek restaurant and serves authentic cuisine with a curious taste.
The place serves high-quality food, and the ingredients are also organic, making it a healthy choice to feast on if you also want to taste exotic greek cuisine.
Also, the friendly staff and its rapid service make it a perfect place to dine if you are out of options.
Chef’s Choice
For a flavorful feast, you must order their greek salad for a rejuvenating start along with a healthy dietary option.
The salad comes with robust big potatoes stuffed with a generous amount of veggies and spicy seasoning.
The fries given aside with the salad are also impeccable in taste, and as it is a complimentary dish, they are worth the money.
Location and contact
- 196 Greenbank Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K2H 8P3 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-596-4040
- Email:- email@cozmossouvlaki.com
17. The Brig Pub
Why it’s a must visit?
This restaurant was ascertained in the year 2016 and has continued its wonderful deliverance of exquisite cuisine by offering high-quality dishes that melt in your mouth like cotton candy.
The place is very cozy and has a very open patio for a relaxing ambiance, along with its fantastic array of drinks and various forms of liquor for a great dining experience.
As the decor of the place is very modern, it invites a lot of youngsters who like to relax on the patio of this restaurant and sip on the drinks.
Chef’s Choice
We highly recommend their Short Ribs Linguine with short ribs ragout, parmesan, linguine, and garlic bread.
Suppose you don’t want to feast on a heavy meal. In that case, you can go for the lighter ones like their famous Falafel Wrap containing chickpea falafels, avocados, pickled beets, sun-dried tomatoes, and ripe garlic shawarma dressing generously delivered with your preferred fries and salads.
In the end, don’t forget to pair the above dishes with their drinks, especially their beers, which will heighten up your feast’s taste a lot more.
Location and contact
- 23 York St, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5S7 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-562-6666
18. Play Food & Wine
Why it’s a must visit?
The place has a unique ambiance as it features an open kitchen so that you can see your food being made in your sight. It also has a fantastic variety of drinks, especially its wine collection that will leave you in awe forever.
The place is famous mainly for its renowned chef Michael Moffatt who is a genius when it comes to serving scrumptious dishes.
All the ingredients used here are organic and locally derived from the town’s farmlands and therefore are very healthy as well as delicious.
Chef’s Choice
The drinks here are also incredible ranging from sparkling wine originally derived from Niagara falls and also wines from Oregon.
The menu here is also seasonal and keeps changing, which offers visitors a variety of options to choose from and experiment with a lot of dishes.
Their recommended portion of food is three plates for one person and can be adjusted according to the number of people there to dine.
Their Charcuterie Plate, along with Bison Tataki and royal trumpet aioli, is a good choice to consider.
Other than that, don’t forget to taste their special Lamb Meatball served with yogurt and seasoned parsnip pure.
Their Soy Marinated Hanger Steak is also juicy and crunchy in taste and is certainly a great meal option.
Location and contact
- 1 York St Sussex Dr., Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5S7 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-667-9207
- Email:- info@playfood.ca
19. Restaurant Les Fougères
Why it’s a must visit?
This place has a legendary history of being a server of local cuisine for more than 30 years and has gained a lot of reputation for its local dishes and welcoming ambiance, which has a very botanical feel to it.
The patio is very expensive and has a cabin-like feel to it with wood furniture and vast space.
It’s also located near the Woodlands, which gives it its unique ambiance of nature’s beauty.
Chef’s Choice
The place is famous for its French dishes, especially its seafood options that provide people with a very exotic experience in a Canadian fashion.
The seafood ingredients here are naturally fetched and organic, as the waterfront is an excellent source for providing people with the most authentic French seafood experience ever!
So if you ever decide to visit this place, you must try their Duck Confit, which is their most special dish and is moreover their most savory meal, with a delicate mixture of soft duck meat and crunchy duck coat which tastes cosmic.
Location and contact
- 783 Route 105, Chelsea, Quebec J9B 1P1 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 819-827-8942
- Email:- info@fougeres.com
20. Edgar
Why it’s a must visit?
The Edgar restaurant is charming in its own sense of providing not only great meal options but also excelling in the area of baked goods as well.
The place serves terrific salads and various lunch options, especially the baked ones, to have a delightful luncheon experience.
Chef Marysol Foucault is adored here by the locals as he is a genius when it comes to creating great lunch options to feast on, especially when it comes to brunch specialties.
Don’t let the austere atmosphere of the place fool you as the food quality is unmatchable to the ambiance of the area and therefore confirms the theory of don’t judge a book by its cover.
Chef’s Choice
If you are ready for brunch, don’t forget to try their unique Dutch Baby, a great platter of delicate dishes.
The Dutch PP has the perfect blend of various lunch options like cheese, syrup, pancakes, and apples.
The aroma of the bowl and its flavourful taste will give you a rejuvenating start to your day so that you don’t tire yourself out quickly.
21. Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner
Why it’s a must visit?
The place is known for its healthy food choices, which is a boon for health-conscious eaters who like to feast on organically made food.
Along with its high-quality food, it also features a very relaxing ambiance to put one at ease as soon as they enter the place.
The place is perfect for having brunch as it has a variety of dishes that are great for you to start your day.
It also has a romantic feel to it. It is pretty famous among local people and foreigners alike as it resonates well with hipsters who like to taste a different variety of cuisines along with a dapper environment.
Chef’s Choice
Their Chicken and Waffle is their unique brunch option to the point of it being a necessity, and it’s much finer with soupy eggs as its topping.
Their Jerk Benny, which comprises jerk chicken pieces, cornmeal, avocados, two poached eggs, mango salsa, and jerk dressing, are fantastic options too.
This place is undoubtedly terrific for its array of lunch and breakfast options and therefore deserves to be mentioned in the list.
Location and contact
- 1433 Wellington St West, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 2X2 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-680-8990
22. Supply and Demand
Why it’s a must visit?
The supply and demand restaurant is an extraordinary place to feast as it features a rotating menu along with seasonal dishes that are mouthwatering in their taste.
It has an open kitchen which makes the entire presentation of food a lot more interesting to viewers, and its interior is also exquisite to make the place as comfortable as possible.
Another great thing about this place is it you can take teaching sessions that helps you master various dishes like pastas at a reasonable price.
Chef’s Choice
Though the ambiance is one of a kind, it’s the food that has won its place in one of the best restaurants near me in the city.
As a starter, you should order their Fried Brussels Sprouts adorned with cashew cheese, soffritto, and seasoned puffed quinoa.
Then continue your feast with their main course, Squid Ink Rigatoni seasoned with tuna and prosciutto meatballs with various chilies, mints, and bread crumbs.
Also, try their famous seafood option – Fogo Island Cod Filet served against mussel butter, cauliflower, and potatoes.
Location and contact
- 1335 Wellington St W, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 3B6 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-680-2949
23. Heartbreakers Pizza
Why it’s a must visit?
Heartbreakers Pizza is a relaxed regional hangout spot with wine marts and a porch that provides starters, pizzas, and beverages.
The place is renowned for its amazing pizzas made with local organic ingredients and also adds a fancy touch to it by serving different forms of wines.
The options here are fantastic, ranging from salads to dessert and a lot more.
Chef’s Choice
As said above, you can try their chicken wings created from the scorching heat, spice-rubbed wings wrapped up with honey, Calabrian chilis, mint, jalapeño, and basil.
As for the pizzas, grab their special The Van Damme pizza, seasoned with allium cream, fresh mozzarella, Brussels sprouts, seared onion petals, and finalized with lime bread specks and basil.
Make sure you pair it with their signature wines ranging from white to red, rosé wine and champagne to beers, and finish off the meal with their tasty Banoffee Truffle with dulce de leche which has bananas dressing along in white chocolate whipped cream and their famous graham cracker streusel.
Location and contact
- 465 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 1H5, Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-724-1144
24. Soif
Why it’s a must visit?
The restaurant is considered one of the most luxurious among other diners as it features treasured dishes and has a very romantic ambiance, making it an excellent place for intimate dinners and personal conversations.
The owner of the restaurant is quite a famous wine collector, and therefore this restaurant also serves one of the most exquisite wines you can ever find in the city.
The magnificent small appetizer meal is enough to satisfy your cravings as soon as you take a bite.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant focuses on mainly producing French and American cuisine but also blends itself with Canadian cuisine to give people the most extraordinary eatery experience.
If you get into a limbo, begin with their specials which are bison tartare and raw oysters, for a great start.
After that, experiment with the fresh fish on barbecued toast with the seasonings of ricotta with oyster mushroom conserva.
Also, don’t forget to couple your banquet with Edmunds St. John’s Bone-Jolly Gamay Noir, which is virtually see-through, with the faintest red color in its unique composition.
Location and contact
- 88 Montcalm Street, Gatineau, Quebec J8X 2L7 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 819-600-7643
25. Di Rienzo
Why it’s a must visit?
This cafe is considered to be a classic for serving authentic Italian native food like their unique pasta and famous sandwiches.
Though the place is a grocery store, it specializes in serving one of the best sandwiches you can ever find in the city with an authentic Italian taste.
On top of that, the sandwiches are very inexpensive and highly delicious to eat, giving rise to their popularity.
The location is also near some of the city’s most important regions, making it a very convenient place to visit.
Chef’s Choice
As said above, their sandwiches should never be missed if you visit the store as they are the highlighted dish there.
Another great choice you will be given is their daily pasta, which has a very smooth and creamy texture, making it a perfect meal option.
Their chicken spezzatino and cannelloni are also dishes to die for as they taste heavenly beyond measure.
Another great thing about this diner is that you get the liberty to customize your own sandwiches with your preferred veggies just like they do in the subway but with much better quality. If you’re not confident in your abilities, then you can choose from their existing options, which have different ingredients like milk, tomatoes, lettuce, and a lot more.
Location and contact
- 111 Beech St, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 3J9 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-729-4037
- Email:- dirienzodeli@gmail.com
26. Rangoon
Why it’s a must visit?
The restaurant has one of the most exotic menus in the city as it features a Burmese menu along with unique options like coconut chicken, curry, and various forms of soup.
Suppose you are a fan of Chinese cuisine, especially from its Southern part. In that case, paying a visit to this restaurant won’t disappoint you as its dishes, which are savory in taste, are prepared by the renowned chef and owner Ngun Tial, who specializes in this field.
Besides that, this place is a great location to experiment with Chinese cuisine as its range of options will give you a lot of liberty to choose.
Chef’s Choice
If it’s your first time visiting this place, their coconut chicken will disappoint you as it has the most flavourful taste ever!
The coconut chicken dish requires a lot of patience as it’s cooked for at least four hours, and it’s one of the reasons why the dish is so yummy and juicy in taste.
As for the desserts, we highly recommend their southern specialse – Tial’s home, rich cassava and coconut cream patty, and their sweet meal-ender.
Location and contact
- 634 Somerset St W, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 5K4 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-680-8821
- Email:- info@rangoonrestaurant.ca
27. Next
Why it’s a must visit?
The next restaurant, due to its recent opening in the year 2010, has a very modern setting which makes it an excellent place for youngsters to visit and for adults to enjoy
The place also has a beautiful wine collection, which offers people lots of choices to relish.
The diner is excellent for having brunch, and it also features a lot of sample eating so that people can follow up with the dishes that satisfy their tastebuds.
As the restaurant features global cuisine, it carefully manages to blend a balanced flavor of authentic Canadian ingredients along with an Asian and Europe touch.
The restaurant has a very cyberpunk vibe as it features neon lights and an open kitchen setting, which contrasts nicely with the modern chic furniture.
Chef’s Choice
Nothing can beat their signature dish, their steak tartare, which has a balanced, juicy flavor and a significant crisp effect.
Also, try the main dish with their Kozlik’s mustard, along with chives, shallots, and baguette thins.
In the end, if you forget to pair the dishes with their fabulous drinks, you miss out on their great beverages.
Location and contact
- 6400 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, Ottawa, Ontario K2S 1S4 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-836-8002
- Email:- michael@nextfood.ca
28. Sidedoor
Why it’s a must visit?
The eatery Sidedoor is a wonderful option if you’re into international cuisine and love taking a bite out of everyday meals like tacos, tapas, and a lot more.
The open patio and its modern setting make it a great place to have dinner with the most relaxing ambiance.
Another fantastic thing about this restaurant is its family-welcoming aura, which enraptures adults and children alike.
It also has a motto saying, “Make Tacos Not War,” emphasizing its unique disposition of selling simple meals and snacks.
Chef’s Choice
Though it’s a very modern restaurant with a lot of contemporary options, its central theme is inspired by South Asian cuisine; especially its Street Food corner.
As for your main course, order their Braised Buffalo meat served with generous Panaeng Curry and toasted Peanuts as your central dish,
Also, get their Mapu Tofu along with Toban, Sichuan, Shitake, and Crunchy Shallots as complementary dishes.
Location and contact
- 18 B York Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5T5 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-562-9331
- Email:- events@sidedoorrestaurant.com
29. The Whalesbone Oyster House
Why it’s a must visit?
The name itself of the restaurant gives away its specialty in serving seafood dishes, especially their signature oysters, which have won the hearts of thousands of people.
It’s a lively place with a vibrant emphasis on providing delicious cuisine and was opened in the year 2005.
It’s also considered to be among the top restaurants dealing in seafood dishes.
One of the most surprising facts about this place is its rotating menu which changes according to what the fishers have caught.
Not only is the food something to be excited about, but it also has a retro vibe, with 80s-inspired DJ music and a bright setting.
Chef’s Choice
It’s evident that the restaurant serves one of the best oyster dishes; therefore, we suggest you try their oysters too.
Other than that, their lobster risotto is something to die for as it is cosmic and is exceptionally delicious to devour.
As for the dessert, we recommend their banana cream pie which makes up for an excellent wrap-up dessert to enjoy.
30. Union 613
Why it’s a must visit?
The union 613 restaurants Ottawa are adorably famous, with hipsters flocking to eat its Southern-inspired dishes.
The place has a very communal setting and features local ingredients as its main recipe options, making it quite famous among the locals.
The restaurant also excels in serving one of the most exquisite drinks in all of the town, as most of their drinks are homemade, especially their loved sodas.
It also has a very eccentric ambiance as it features dark furniture along with wooden murals to accentuate one’s dining in experience.
Chef’s Choice
Don’t be fooled by the modest dish name written on the menu, and make sure that you try their union southern fried chicken that might look simple to you but is one of their most delicate dishes and probably one of the best-fried chicken you’ll ever find in the city.
The chicken is boneless, which makes it quite tasty to eat, and aa it’s served along with complimentary snacks like wonder bread and sweet pickles.
To heighten your dining experience, make sure you couple your drinks with their fascinating fried green tomatoes and Hominy Grits.
Location and contact
- 315 Somerset St W, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0J8 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-231-1010
- Email:- info@union613.ca
31. Riviera Ottawa
Why it’s a must visit?
Riviera Ottawa is an open area restaurant and bar which is famous for its mouthwatering dishes and a luxurious ambiance to get swayed away.
It also enjoys its reputation of being one of the most stellar professional staff providers who are courteous and very rapid in their service.
As the chefs are talented, the food here is also flavourful as it’s mastered perfectly.
It’s a great place to celebrate special occasions, especially events like birthdays and anniversaries.
Chef’s Choice
The steak here is incredibly primarily famous because it features very juicy meat along with various side dishes that come along with it.
Another great option to try here is there their lobster pasta which has a unique taste as it’s raw in texture but melts in your mouth like butter.
Dishes like burrata are also surreal in taste and are sure to give you a gastronomical experience.
Location and contact
- 62 Sparks St Ottawa, Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5A8 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-233-6262
32. Fauna
Why it’s a must visit?
One of the biggest reasons why you should visit this restaurant is its impeccable ambiance that, as its name suggests, flourishes with fauna with incredible window views and greenery surrounding it.
It’s also a very intimate place to have dinner and is ideal for a date or couples who want to have a good time as they feast on delicious foods.
The place also features talented chefs and great mixologists to know the science of blending varied spices to create an innovative dish.
Chef’s Choice
According to its raving reviews, its steak is considered to be one of their best dishes as it’s juicy and has bursting flavors of spices and curry in the most balanced sense.
If you want to try some seafood, we recommend trying their oyster dishes as they are absolutely flavorsome and have unique dressings and various sauces to spice up your banquet.
Also, the side dishes here with seasonings of mushrooms and various other veggies make it worth the money that one spends here.
Location and contact
- 425 Bank St, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1Y7 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-563-2862
- Email:- info@faunaottawa.com
33. Ariana Restaurant Collective
Why it’s a must visit?
If you are in the mood to be Paris Hilton, this restaurant will surely fulfill all your fantasies as its luxurious and extravagant interior will make you stare at it with endless awe.
Though the food here is pricey, it indeed is worth the money because the decor, as well as its fantastic array of scrumptious dishes, will make up for it.
The restaurant has also gained its reputation for having one of the most professional staff you can ever find in the city. They are courteous and generous in helping you with many problems, like choosing which dish to try to help you with any food-related query.
Chef’s Choice
The place specializes in serving seafood options, and some of our highly recommended dishes here are – foie gras, Canadian caviar, abalone, sea urchin, and wagyu beef.
The scallops here are also outstanding in taste as they overflow with joyful zest and have a surreal taste.
As for the dessert, all of their specialties in chocolate options are great, be at your chocolate pudding, chocolate pancakes, or chocolate waffles.
At last, make sure that you pair your dishes with their unique cocktails that will give you a rejuvenating wrap-up to your meals.
Location and contact
- 50 O’Connor St, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L2 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-680-8100
- Email:- info@aiana.ca
34. Fairouz Café
Why it’s must visit?
If you are a fan of middle eastern cuisine, then you should run to this restaurant as it specializes in this area.
This cafe specializes in providing various deserts and non-veg options that every carnivore will love.
The size portions of their dishes are also tremendous and make up for excellent leftovers to take home.
All the dishes here are authentic and therefore provide people a unique eatery experience.
Chef’s Choice
Their lamb chops here are impressive and are pulpy with bursting flavors of spices and zestful aroma to entice every awaited foodie.
Their Baba Ghanoush dish is perfect for any veggie lover as it has dipped eggplant with seasoning of creamy sauce adorned with fresh herbs.
Also, if you are in the mood for snacks, then their Phoenician fries will take you straight to heaven as they are crispy and have unique seasonings of sauces to satisfy your tastebuds.
For the main dish, we recommend that you try their Fattoush Salad which is not extremely heavy and is light with a balanced amount of chicken pieces to feast.
Location and contact
- 15 Clarence St Byward Market, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0J8 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-422-7700
- Email:- info@fairouz.ca
35. Coconut Lagoon
Why it’s a must visit?
Coconut Lagoon has earned its reputation for serving authentic South Indian food, which has a fantastic range of unique dishes like dosas, idli sambar, and much more.
This place certainly deserves mention in this list if you are craving some Indian food, especially from its southern part.
People have shared their appreciation all over the world for its comfortable ambiance and casual furniture that makes people feel at home.
Chef’s Choice
Before heading to the main dish, make sure that you try their terrific appetizers and pair them with their special drinks to have a more enjoyable experience.
For the main course, we recommend their aloo and palak tikka.
Their beef koorka masala is also a great choice to consider.
As for the dessert, their Gulab Jamun and coconut ice cream will make you relish your sweet tooth in the nicest way possible.
Location and contact
- 853 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, Ontario K1K 3B1 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-742-4444
- Email:- coconutlagoonottawa@gmail.com
36. North & Navy
Why it’s a must visit?
The restaurant North & Navy has gained a lot of reputation all around the world for its first-class service and impressive wine collection that offers people the most fantastic gastronomic experience.
The restaurant’s food is beyond amazing, which has impeccable taste and has swayed a lot of people for that sole reason.
It’s a 5-star restaurant because it not only features mouthwatering dishes but also has a courteous staff to assist you with any problem.
Chef’s Choice
The signature dish of this place is their homemade pasta which has a very runny texture along with a creamy taste to satisfy your cravings.
Their ravioli is beyond amazing as it has a perfect blend of zestful spices and careful dressing.
And also, make sure that you pair the above dishes with their wines which are also pretty famous, especially their mulled wine.
Location and contact
- 226 Nepean St, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0B8 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-232-6289
37. Town
Why it’s a must visit?
The town restaurant has built up its legacy of being one of the most loved restaurants in the city as it sells a fantastic array of dishes with a very flavourful taste.
It also features very great stuff available at your every query and are sure to give you comfortable service.
The cafe specializes in serving Italian cuisine, especially their dessert, which shares a remarkable range.
Chef’s Choice
If you ever decide to visit this Italian restaurant, then make sure that you go there mainly for lunch, as they have the most mouthwatering pancakes that will leave you drooling for hours on end.
Another great thing about their hotcakes is that they get seasoned with a fantastic dressing of their special syrup, especially their maple syrup, which accentuates the taste of the pancakes.
As for the non-veg options, their lamb, chicken meals, and duck breast are good options to consider.
Location and contact
- 296 Elgin St Downtown, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1M3 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-695-8696
- Email:- info@townlovesyou.ca
38. Stofa Restaurant
Why it’s a must visit?
If you want the most exquisite date experience with your partner, heading to this restaurant will surely not disappoint you as its breathtaking ambiance and mouthwatering food will make your day the best day of your life.
This place is so famous that it has become a regular hangout spot for local and foreign people alike. One of the biggest reasons why it’s so frequented is its reasonable price which is not heavy on your wallet.
Also, as this place is pretty popular, you must make reservations beforehand as it tends to be filled with people.
Chef’s Choice
One of the best things you can try here is their famous steak which is juicy and crispy in the perfect balance.
Other options you can try there are fabulous appetizers which come in the form of salads, and you also get the liberty to customize them by choosing whether to add non-veg options or not.
And at last, the place has one of the most famous bartenders, and they make the best drinks and mixes available. So make sure you try all their cocktails if you have the stomach for it, as they all deserve to be savored.
Location and contact
- 1356 Wellington St W, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 3C3 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-722-6555
- Email:- info@stofarestaurant.com
39. Chez Lucien
Why it’s a must visit?
The cafeteria excels in the area of serving basic meals but with an extra taste to them.
Its location near the market also makes it a very convenient place to dine as one can shop and relieve their exhaustion at this place by feasting on their snack options.
Its modest and simple ambiance indeed doesn’t define the quality of food it serves. One can even call this place a cute restaurant as it’s small but has its own charm.
Chef’s Choice
The perfect order you can give is their stuffed hamburgers, which are immeasurable in taste and will satisfy your cravings until you are full.
Another great option here is their famous fries which have gained a lot of popularity primarily because they are hot, spicy, and crispy in the most flavourful way possible.
Also, if you want to have a good time appetizing the above options, make sure that you order some drinks or sodas to help you relish your dish a lot more.
Location and contact
- 137 Murray St, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5M7 Canada
- Phone:- +1 613-241-3533
40. Mati
Why it’s a must visit?
Mati is a restaurant specializing in Mediterranean dishes and oozes a soothing ambiance to sway its visitors.
The ambiance is so beautiful that it invites a lot of special occasions to be celebrated, especially events like New Year’s Eve, birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, et cetera.
They specialize in seafood options, and the spectacular view will match your taste buds with whichever fantasy you want to try in the form of a meal.
Chef’s Choice
Their seafood Tower, seafood pasta, and their signature lobster with grilled cheese are fascinating options here that you can give a try.
The drinks here are gorgeous and should definitely be paired with their main course dishes as they level up your dining experience to a much larger level.
Also, the restaurant is exceptionally environmentally conscious as it uses sustainable products to create cuisines, especially in the area of seafood options. It deserves the hallmark of being one of the finest seafood providers in the town.
Location and contact
- 428 Preston St, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 4N2 Canada
- Website
- Phone:- +1 613-680-3860
- Email:- info@matiottawa.ca
Final Thoughts
Above, we listed some of the best places to eat in Ottawa with some of the most frequented and renowned Ottawa restaurants.
We hope you were able to locate yourself within and answer the queries you possessed in the beginning regarding which one to choose. So we wish you a good trip and a Bon appetite for your favorite place to eat!
