Looking for the best Ottawa restaurants? Well, you’re in the right place!
Don’t have time to read this? Fret not, I recommend visiting The Belmont and Sidedoor.
Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, has long been known as a multicultural metropolis with thousands of restaurants taking inspiration from different countries in the world.
To make it less tricky and time-consuming for all the hungry foodies here, we’ve come up with a list of the 15 best Ottawa restaurants that you should never miss.
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15. FRASER
Located just across the Rideau River, Fraser is a must-visit place for brunch in Ottawa, where you’ll find incredibly tasty, healthy, and creative meals in a lively, casual atmosphere.
The menu at FRASER has a seasonal rotating menu which means the food featured this season might be replaced in the next so you might want to try your favourites as soon as possible!
I highly recommend their Beef Tartare which not only tastes great but comes in huge portions. Did I mention that it’s also served with a generous serving of chips? Talk about the perfect start to your meal!
For those who love seafood, the Tuna Tataki is my top pick. The dish has a satisfying kick of flavour especially when dipped into the accompanying white ponzu sauce.
Don’t forget to try their Çilbir Turkish Poached Eggs! The rich and smooth poached egg on top of the toasty grilled focaccia will surely make you come back for it repeatedly.
What to order: Beef Tartare, Tuna Tataki, Çilbir Turkish Poached Eggs, Ricotta Dumplings & Squash Butter Broth, Coconut Banana Bombe
Address: 7 Springfield Rd, Ottawa, ON K1M 1C8
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14. Gitanes
How to go to France the fastest way? Go to Gitanes – the authentic French restaurant that can seduce you right away with its luxurious, hedonistic dining experience and romantic ambiance.
The menu at Gitanes is filled with French cuisine from classics like the onion soup and even seafood platters!
Start with the traditional French Onion Soup, a basic but classic dish. With multiple layers of texture and flavour going on, you can taste a bit of the spice from the onion, and different crunch from different veggies.
The Gruyere cheese on top perfectly compliments the soup. The soup is then served with bone marrow which elevates it even further!
Keep going with some Steak Frites, simple but flavoursome as ever with the sauce, which has a slight acidity to cut out any bit of greasiness from the steak.
Craving something more filling? You can’t go wrong with the Roast Duck that’s no less mouth-watering, hearty, and finger-licking good! Not to mention it comes with cherry agrodolce that gives it a tangy contrast.
What to order: French Onion Soup, Steak Frites, Roast Duck, Scallop Crudo, Foie Sundae, Seafood Platter
Address: 361 Elgin St Unit #6, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M7
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13. Stofa Restaurant
Stofa Restaurant is a gem to people in Ottawa when serving fine Canadian cuisine in a warm, comfortable ambiance. Here, you’ll find very stunning and innovative dishes made from basic local ingredients, which bring a home-y yet modern vibe every time you dine in.
It comes as no surprise that Stofa is always full at weekends, so you might want to book a table in advance!
Stofa has a seasonal tasting menu that comes with either a 5-course or a 3-course Table d’Hote where you can choose what starter, mains, and dessert.
I highly recommend you get the Mushroom Chowder en Croute, Quail, and the Souffle.
The mushroom chowder en croute is a heartwarming soup with earthy flavours that will surely get you ready for the next dish to come.
Meanwhile, the quail is marinated and charcoal grilled to perfection making it the perfect dish during cold weather.
On top of that, it has soy-black vinegar gastrique which adds a sweet and sour flavour to the already impressive quail.
End your meal with their seasonal souffle, made with pumpkin and served with candied ginger ice cream and puffed rice.
What to order: Mushroom Chowder en Croute, Quail, and the Souffle
Address: 1356 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3C3
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12. Chez Lucien
How to spend your weekends right? Pay a visit to Chez Lucien! Being one of Ottawa’s most popular spots, this wonderful place can have your heart with its exposed burgundy brick, bustling, rustic ambiance, and more importantly, crazy good burgers and beers!
Plus, the atmosphere can get even better with live jazz at weekends, so pick up your phone and get a table!
People keep coming back for their signature Chez Lucien Burger, which is hearty, creamy, and tastes like heaven in every bite with bacon, roasted mushroom, veggies, and a lot of cream cheese!
If you happen to see anyone eating with a smile on their face, probably they are eating Chez Lucien Burger!
Though their burger range is wide, their sandwiches are worth trying indeed, especially the Grilled Chicken Sandwich with sun-dried tomato, goat cheese, juicy, tender chicken breast, and topped with mayo.
I also recommend you try their Brunch Poutine. This comes with golden fries topped with cheese curds and velvety gravy with a fried egg on top.
What to order: Chez Lucien Burger, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Brunch Poutine, Frida and Diego Burger
Address: 137 Murray St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5M7
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11. Fauna
If you’re looking for a fancy restaurant in Centretown, search no more because Fauna is definitely the place! Having gained its reputation in Ottawa’s culinary world, Fauna is where you’ll find a flair of flavours from France, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, and Japan!
With all the huge windows looking out into Bank Street, a cozy red brick wall, elegant ambiance, and impressive food & wine menu, Fauna is promised to satisfy all tastes, desires, and feelings!
Did you know? It’s suggested to choose between 3-4 dishes for an accomplished dining experience, so don’t hesitate to go for their Kanpachi Tataki, Elk Tartare, Soft Shell Crab, Pappardelle, 1/2 Dozen Raw Oysters!
The Kanpachi Tataki has burnt miso, mandarin togarashi, pear, roe, and pink peppercorn gastrique which results in a unique flavour profile that I really like.
And then move on with some Pappardelle, which is a rich pasta with savoury dry-aged beef, or the Elk Tartare is no less tasty with a smooth dish with raw meat, where the meat is chopped, elegantly seasoned, and served with kale chips.
And if you still have time for dessert, go for their Pumpkin Spice Squash Cake, it’s a must-try!
What to order: Kanpachi Tataki, Elk Tartare, Soft Shell Crab, Pappardelle, 1/2 Dozen Raw Oysters, Pumpkin Spice Squash Cake
Address: 425 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y7
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10. Sansotei Ramen
Craving a bowl of ramen? Here comes the most authentic Tonkotsu Ramen spot in the town – Sansotei Ramen! With 11 different choices of ramen and many different side dishes, you’re sure to find your favorite taste without being let down at Sansotei!
Having a bowl of traditional Tonkotsu Ramen is a must when visiting Sansotei. With intensely flavoured pork broth, soft-chewy ramen noodles, chashu pork belly, and silky medium boiled egg. Such comfort in a bowl!
Another variation of the tonkutso ramen is the Tonkutso Black, an ample velvety broth with a strong garlic flavour that is one of my go-to ramens.
Give your taste bud a little kick? Go for Spicy Tan Tan Ramen with a spicy, creamy noodle broth that is mellow yet you can still feel the kick of the spice.
A spicy ground pork mixture gets stir-fried with Sichuan spicy bean sauce for topping along with greens. You can’t say no to this!
What to order: Tonkotsu Ramen, Tonkotsu Black, Spicy Tan Tan Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Negi Shoga Gyoza
Address: 153 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5N7
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9. Play Food & Wine
Located in the Byward Market, Play Food & Wine is a modern, open-concept restaurant that offers seasonal small plates and a rotating selection of wines and cheese to pair with.
You’ll be able to explore as many different dishes as possible without having to commit to just one main course in a traditional restaurant with their small-plate format.
Come by, sip wine, and enjoy the fare in their cozy dining room or the bustling kitchen bar now!
I recommend ordering two to three small plates for a filling meal, so don’t hesitate to get the Seared Scallops or the Mushroom Croquette for your next-time visit.
While the scallops has a surprising, subtle, umami flavour, it’s elevated further with the lime leaf vichyssoise, a rich and creamy savoy soup.
For those who want a healthier dish the mushroom croquette is perfect, earthy, crunchy, and filling served with beef hummus.
What to order: Seared Scallops, Mushroom Croquette, Smoked Pork Ribs, Poached Honey Crisp Apple
Address: 1 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7
8. Mati
Since 2017, Mati, a Greek-Mediterranean restaurant with a menu that focuses on charcoal-grilled fare and raw seafood, has been garnering lots of buzz.
Mati has the bearing of contemporary space with a sublime design featuring white quartz, black granite, textured walnut, and gold accents that discerning diners have come to expect.
Once setting foot here, the Seafood Tower is decidedly on-trend and a must-try.
Nothing can be better than a double-decker shellfish extravaganza, east coast oysters, lobster tacos, lobster tail, shrimp, jumbo black tiger shrimp, and an array of sauces and mignonettes. Your palate will be craving more after every piece!
On to the charcoal, I highly recommend you get the 50oz Wet Aged AAA Canadian Angus Beef-Tomahawk.
The steaks as the name implies are wet-aged for 28 days, fired on a wood-burning grill, and finally served with a chimi demi-glaze, herb butter, flavored salts, and accompanied by fingerling potatoes.
Smokey, meaty, and juicy bite after bite!
What to order: Seafood Tower, 50oz Wet Aged AAA Canadian Angus Beef-Tomahawk, Roasted Truffle Chicken, Gnocchi, Tuna Tartare
Address: 428 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N2
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7. Brassica
Being a popular contemporary Canadian bistro in town, Brassica welcomes you with plates of bright, vibrant flavours that enhance the beauty of local products.
Come by and immerse yourself in such a nice, cozy atmosphere, surrounded by the dimming light that is way more romantic at night!
For the best of both worlds, get the Herbed Stuffed Chicken and Pork Belly to have both juicy chicken and savoury pork.
Consider trying out their Leg Duck Confit with meltingly tender meat and skin crisp to golden perfection!
Tired of meat? I suggest getting the Smoked Tofu Wellington. This is, without a doubt, one of my favourite dishes at Brassica.
Instead of beef, they use mushrooms and other veggies resulting in an earthy and slightly savory dish.
What to order: Herbed Stuffed Chicken and Pork Belly, Leg Duck Confit, Smoked Tofu Wellington, Crisp Carrot Cake
Address: 309 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Z 6X6
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6. Aroma Meze
How to enjoy Greek food with style? Drop by Aroma Meze and you will find your answer! Offering a Mediterranean small plate style of eating, you are supposed to order from 3 to 5 dishes for an accomplished meal at Aroma Meze.
Besides Greek staples such as spanakopitakia, octapodaki, and saganaki, there are some unusual offerings such as pulled lamb tacos and moshari ginger to try. Stunning!
Try out the Eggplant Roulade, eggplant wrapped with spinach and feta, topped with mozzarella, and balsamic reduction, which has a creamy, cheesy texture, and light taste.
Also consider getting the Smoked Salmon Crisps and Octapodaki.
While the salmon is light and balanced in both flavor and texture, the octopus is way bolder with hints of smoke, and herbs that can pair perfectly with a bottle of red wine.
Another dish I recommend getting is their Kotopulo Avgolemono. These are flavourful chicken meatballs with a silky and lemony sauce.
What to order: Eggplant Roulade, Smoked Salmon Crisps, Octapodaki, Kotopulo Avgolemono, Pulled Lamb Tacos, Shrimp Gnocchi
Address: 239 Nepean St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0B7
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5. North & Navy
If you are looking for good Italian cuisine in Ottawa, North & Navy on Nepean St is where you want to head to!
Serving dishes influenced by the Italian classics, especially from Venice and Northern Italy, North & Navy also serve finely crafted bar snacks, pasta, and salads that are sure to please your Italian cravings!
I highly recommend getting the Polpette and Charred Eggplant & Yogurt.
The Polpette are homemade meatballs in a slightly sweet tomato sauce that can even be an entree because it’s just so good.
On the other hand, the charred eggplant is a salty crispy to cut eggplants yet is perfectly balanced by the yogurt.
For your main, my favourite is the Butternut Squash Mezzaluna. It has a melt in your mouth pasta and not to mention a sweet, light, and velvety sauce.
What to order: Polpette, Charred Eggplant & Yogurt, Butternut Squash Mezzaluna, Tiramisu
Address: 226 Nepean St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0B8
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4. Sidedoor
Shout out to all the street food lovers, this is where you belong to! Inspired by the street food of Southeast Asia, here at Sidedoor, you’re going to experience the same spirit of street food but with a whole new level of aromas and tastes.
Step inside the cozy stone-walled space and let Sidedoor seduces you with their tacos, dumplings, seafood platter, and more!
If you’re into spicy, don’t miss the Green Papaya Salad, which is fresh, crunchy, and a little tart with an air of sweetness.
I’m sure this famous Thai dish can blow your taste buds away! The salad can pair perfectly with Vietnamese Pancakes, which are crispy, fatty, and stuffed with deliciousness.
Looking for something new? Try the bursting-with-flavours Tempura Fried Bajan Fish Tacos, or the mouth-watering Spicy Braised Beef Chuck Tacos.
Believe me, once you try the tacos at Sidedoor, you’ll never want to try them elsewhere!
What to order: Green Papaya Salad, Vietnamese Pancake,Tempura Fried Bajan Fish Tacos, Spicy Braised Beef Chuck Tacos, Black Garlic Honey Roasted Half Chicken, Vegan Coconut Fritter.
Address: 18b York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5T5
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3. Riviera Ottawa
Housed in a heritage bank building, Riviera is considered the most stylish of Ottawa’s restaurants when taking inspiration from the art deco retro vibe, surrounded by magnificent interiors and dimming lights, which is perfect for a fancy date night.
Serving cuisine that emphasizes local flavours, Riviera is a big favorite of Ottawans without a doubt.
Settle down with Lobster Spaghetti, Braised Lamb Shank, and Steak Frites. Those are some of the most recommended when you’re coming to Riviera.
The spaghetti comes up with delicious lobster meat that tastes like heaven when goes very well with the garlic-based sauce; while the Braised Lamb Shank is meltingly tender and cooked perfectly in a rich red wine sauce.
Want something healthier? I personally recommend the Ricotta Gnudi w/ Maitake and Mushrooms on Toast.
The ricotta gnudi are gnocchi-like dumplings where it’s made of ricotta cheese instead of potato, giving you a more light and pillowy dish.
On the other hand mushrooms on toast is an earthy and savoury starter topped with shaved black truffles and eggs.
What to order: Lobster Spaghetti, Braised Lamb Shank, Steak Frites, Lamb Cavatelli, Ricotta Gnudi w/ Maitake, Mushrooms on Toast
Address: 62 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5A5
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2. Restaurant e18hteen
Having been the locals’ favourite since 2001, Restaurant E18hteen is a contemporary fine dining restaurant that offers traditional French cuisine with seasonal Canadian influences, along with a sophisticated and extensive wine selection!
Pay a visit to this beautiful, hidden restaurant in a heritage stone building in the ByWard Market neighborhood and get seduced.
It’s always a great idea to have their Alaskan Black Cod, 7oz Angus Reserve Tenderloin, and Acorn Squash Gnocchi Parisienne.
Trust me, they’ll never let you down. The black cod fillets come up pretty tender, moist, and surprisingly tasty combined with the rouille maple glaze.
The 7oz Angus Reserve Tenderloin is finely seasoned and cooked to perfection. Beefy, mouth-watering, and juicy—what more could you ask for?
Last but not the least, their Acorn Squash Gnocchi Parisienne is top-notch, to be honest. Combining delicious potato gnocchi with squash coconut karma, truffly and many more, you can tell this dish is incredibly tasty with just one look.
What to order: Alaskan Black Cod, Steak Tartare, 7oz Angus Reserve Tenderloin, Acorn Squash Gnocchi Parisienne
Address: 18 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5T5
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1. The Belmont
Located in Old Ottawa South, The Belmont has been a popular place for the locals to hang out with a cottage-chic vibe, casual food, and comfortable settings.
Expect to try some of the most basic but classic dishes, from brunch to dinner. Despite the simplicity, The Belmont knows how to surprise us by creatively recreating dishes with local ingredients.
When in doubt, get their famous Trini Doubles which come with Bara bread, chickpea curry, and housemade Peppa sauce! I suggest adding some roasted pork to truly see the flavour explode.
Or you can try the Piri Piri Chicken which has a spicy kick! But don’t worry, it has a creamy yogurt sauce that balances the spices out.
In case you’re coming for brunch, remember to get their unique Turkish Eggs! This dish features two poached eggs on top of sourdough bread, drizzled with garlic sumac yogurt and chili oil.
Don’t hesitate to grab a glass of fresh beer to swallow them all down!
What to order: Trini Doubles, Piri Piri Chicken, Turkish Eggs, Steak & Eggs, Croque Madame,
Address: 1169 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3X7
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Among thousands of choices, we hope you can still spot some favorites and will have a great eating experience on the next trip to Ottawa. Prepare yourself for the next ride to Montreal, and keep updated with the best Montreal restaurants to dine at!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.