Choosing a restaurant in Ottawa, Canada, can be difficult for some because locals are always so nice about the restaurants.
Luckily, I’m brutally honest as a foodie and love exploring restaurants myself without bias.
I hold an iron fist when choosing a great restaurant that suits my family’s preference and budget, so if you’re looking for the real deal, this article is for you.
You can expect details on each restaurant, from its ambiance and atmosphere to its service and affordability.
Best Restaurants In Ottawa Compared
From neighborhood restaurants to tiny bistros, this list exemplifies our top picks of the best restaurants in Ottawa for your family for any occasion.
Editor’s Choice
Absinthe
Absinthe is a bustling contemporary cafe that opened in 2003 and serves a changing menu of seasonal, gourmet European fare and beverages.
- Taste & Variety: 4.5/5
- Service: 4.5/5
- Atmosphere: 4/5
- Affordability: 4/5
- Accessibility: 5/5
#2nd Best Choice
La Bottega Nicastro
La Bottega Nicastro is a counter-service and specialty food restaurant with a premium espresso bar that serves homemade lunch, wine, Italian beer, and take-out deli sandwiches.
- Taste & Variety: 4.5/5
- Service: 4.5/5
- Atmosphere: 4/5
- Affordability: 4.5/5
- Accessibility: 5/5
#3rd Best Choice
Cumberland Pizza
Cumberland Pizza has been serving pizza and traditional Greek cuisine to dine-in and delivery customers for over 45 years.
- Taste & Variety: 4.5/5
- Service: 4.5/5
- Atmosphere: 4.5/5
- Affordability: 4.5/5
- Accessibility: 4.5/5
Here are the top 30 Ottawa restaurants open right now.
1. Absinthe (Editor’s Choice)
1208 Wellington St. W
Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Z7, Canada
(613) 761-1138
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Absinthe is a bustling contemporary cafe that opened in 2003 and serves a changing menu of seasonal, gourmet European fare and beverages.
Ratings Criteria
- Taste & Variety: 4.5/5
- Service: 4.5/5
- Atmosphere: 4/5
- Affordability: 4/5
- Accessibility: 5/5
Pros
- Lively atmosphere
- Globally-inspired menu
Cons
- Crowded during the weekends
Why It Made The List
The Absinthe Café is inspired by 19th-century Parisian cafes where the ‘green fairy’ became a legendary green drink, and it lives up to its moniker in terms of both décor and food.
The black leather booths, dark hardwood tables, and low, melancholy lighting blend flawlessly with the restaurant’s theme.
Couple it with contemporary comfort cuisine and French delicacies, and you get one of the best dinner places in Ottawa.
Popular Dishes to Try
We recommend the well-loved Absinthe Steak Frites which is a marinated and grilled AAA steak, with green beans, frites, and horseradish aioli.
Choose from the extensive list of wine and cocktails, and finish your meal with an incredible dessert, like the much-raved Crème Brûlée.
2. La Bottega Nicastro
64 George St
Ottawa, ON K1N 5V9, Canada
(613) 789-7575
Visit Website
Open in Google Maps
La Bottega Nicastro is a counter-service and specialty food restaurant with a premium espresso bar that serves homemade lunch, wine, Italian beer, and take-out deli sandwiches.
Ratings Criteria
- Taste & Variety: 4.5/5
- Service: 4.5/5
- Atmosphere: 4/5
- Affordability: 4.5/5
- Accessibility: 5/5
Pros
- Convenient location close to local attractions
- Big portions
Cons
- Small space
Why It Made The List
For casual spots to eat lunch in Ottawa, La Bottega Nicastro’s one of the most popular restaurants to try for its delicious quick bites.
This Italian grocer in the center of the Byward Market has been the local go-to for wonderful food, awesome staff, vast deli selection, and an impressive wine collection since it opened in 1995.
It can even cater to special occasions, so take note if you have an event coming up.
Popular Dishes to Try
There are a lot of delectable options on the sandwich bar so we recommend choosing your favorite meat, bread, and cheese, and adding the Spicy Eggplant for your toppings.
It’s the customer’s favorite, and it’ll add that kick if you’re craving for a more interesting sandwich.
Don’t forget to pair it with your choice of coffee from the Illy Coffee Bar, or wine from the La Bottega Wine Shop, and end your meal with another menu favorite, which is the scrumptious Tiramisu.
3. Cumberland Pizza
152 Nelson St
Ottawa, ON K1N 7R5, Canada
(613) 789-9999
Open in Google Maps
Cumberland Pizza has been serving pizza and traditional Greek cuisine to dine-in and delivery customers for over 45 years.
Ratings Criteria
- Taste & Variety: 4.5/5
- Service: 4.5/5
- Atmosphere: 4.5/5
- Affordability: 4.5/5
- Accessibility: 4.5/5
Pros
- Various pizza toppings to choose from
- Family-friendly space
Cons
- Waiting time is longer than other pizza joints
Why It Made The List
If you’re a visitor to Ottawa, Cumberland is a must-see since it serves the best and most delectable pizza in the city, and regulars can attest to that.
While the crusts are good, Cumberland’s ingredients are what set them apart, since they use only the freshest and best quality ingredients available.
They’re also worth revisiting because of the 5-star service and the friendliest staff, making them one of the top Ottawa restaurants.
Popular Dishes to Try
You can choose two of your favorites from a list of delicious toppings from Mexican to Lebanese to steak, and request a half-and-half.
To get the most out of your order, sample the famous Pesto on Thin Crust, which is a simple option with pesto sauce, feta, and mozzarella cheese.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Also See:
Restaurants in Montreal, Canada
Best Restaurants in Quebec City
4. Hunter’s Public House Restaurant
4750 Bank St Unit 1
Ottawa, ON K1T 0K8 Canada
(613) 822-7171
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Hunter’s Public House Restaurant, located in Findlay Creek Centre, is a modern suburban pub that serves high-quality food and beverages in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
Why It Made The List
Hunter’s Public House Restaurant is a spectacular alternative if you want a more lively restaurant for grander occasions.
This mom-and-pop eatery is one of the good restaurants in Ottawa for both Ottawa eats and drinks.
Not only do they have a big selection of whisky and local craft beer, but they also offer superb pub fare with a menu that includes beer-infused snacks, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and main courses.
They also boast the nicest patio for both summer and winter, a spacious, high-ceilinged, brightly lit, and kid-friendly dining area, trivia nights, games, and live music for an upbeat atmosphere.
Popular Dishes to Try
We recommend the crowd favorite Gung Chung Chicken Sammy, which is a chicken burger with grilled chicken breast, bacon, hothouse tomato, cucumber, mixed greens, gung chung mayo (mayo, ginger, onion) on Ace Bakery butter-toasted bun.
It comes in a large portion, is incredibly tasty, and it’s ideal for pairing with an ice-cold beer.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport
5. Gezellig
337 Richmond Rd
Ottawa, ON K2A 0E7, Canada
(613) 680-9086
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Gezellig, a trendy, affluent café in a former bank about 5 minutes from the Best Western Plus Hotel, serves sustainably minded and globally inspired cuisine.
Why It Made The List
The word “gezellig” means cozy and convivial in Dutch, and it refers to a place where people love spending time with their friends and family.
This restaurant, led by Stephen Beckta, who is also the proprietor of Beckta Dining & Wine, and renowned Executive Chef Michael Moffatt, is the best representation of its name.
High ceilings, blue walls, and colorful paintings create a very pleasant and calm atmosphere in this one-of-a-kind place that keeps its bright and airy nature, which is set inside a converted bank from the 1950s.
Popular Dishes to Try
For the main course, the pan-seared Quebec Duck Breast served with braised cabbage, spätzle, celeriac puree, and cranberry-orange compote is a must-try.
The duck is cooked to your liking, and all the sides complement the duck nicely; a bit of everything in one mouthful, and the flavor is incredible.
Pair it with the perfect wine accompaniment, which is a glass of Frédéric Brouca Champs-Pentus Faugères from France.
To end the wonderful meal, sample the best dessert on the menu, which is the Butterfinger made with peanut butter, white, milk and dark chocolate, graham cookie, and chocolate anglaise.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Ottawa City Centre
6. Sansotei Ramen
153 Bank St
Ottawa, ON K1P 5N7, Canada
(613) 695-1718
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Sansotei is a trendy Canadian restaurant that specializes in authentic Tonkotsu Ramen inspired by Japan’s Kyushu and Hokkaido regions.
Why It Made The List
There’s a reason Sansotei Ramen always has a queue out the door: you can get massive amounts of delicious food for a low price.
Although pho is widely available in Ottawa, this restaurant leads the noodle soup market, with residents flocking since it opened in 2016.
Sansotei’s two Ottawa locations create their pig bone broth daily, and you can order thick or thin noodles in six different flavors, ranging from traditional tonkotsu to the newer addition of tomato, which is almost creamy in texture but not at all heavy.
Popular Dishes to Try
You will be missing out if you don’t try the Tonkotsu Black Ramen that everyone loves.
It’s a rich broth topped with black garlic oil, two pork belly discs, soft-boiled egg halves, and green onion and wood-ear mushroom morsels for crunch.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Lac-Leamy
7. Chez Fatima – Gatineau
125 Prom. du Portage
Gatineau, QC J8X 2K2, Canada
(819) 771-7568
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Chez Fatima in Gatineau, located 5 minutes from the Ottawa Marriott Hotel, is a pleasant, relaxing restaurant that serves unique North African and Moroccan food.
Why It Made The List
If you’re staying at nearby hotels in downtown Ottawa or “Centretown”, then you have to check out Chez Fatima.
Discover the subtle flavors of Moroccan cuisine in an à la carte menu or buffet, with outstanding service, casual-chic decor, and phenomenal value for portions at this family-owned and run restaurant.
Popular Dishes to Try
If you’re hungry, we recommend the buffet, which includes soup, a delicious salad bar, bread, two vegetable dishes, lamb, fish, chicken tagines, sausage, shrimp, and dessert.
However, the Seafood Pastille and Apple Pie from the menu are worth trying, too.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ottawa Marriott Hotel
Also See:
Best Restaurants in Toronto, Canada
Restaurants: Niagara Falls, Ontario
8. Amuse Kitchen & Wine
500 Eagleson Rd
Ottawa, Ontario K2M 1H4 Canada
(613) 880-8883
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Amuse Kitchen & Wine, located about 7 minutes from the Glo Best Western Kanata, is a casual, modern stop that serves eclectic shareable meals, seafood, and meats, as well as wine, beer, and drinks.
Why It Made The List
If you’re anywhere near Kanata and looking for local restaurants to check out, you’ll love Amuse Kitchen & Wine’s which boasts sophisticated and original cuisine, as well as its bold wine list and delectable drinks.
They’re all served up in an engaging, unusual, and creative eating environment with modern and chic interiors – all exposed brick, hard furniture, and neutral tones.
Popular Dishes to Try
Make sure to check out their daily lunch specials, but the standouts for dinner include the Chicken, Lamb, and Orange Lamb Korma mains.
Explore the drinks menu and pair them with your favorite wine or cocktail for a marvelous dinner.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: GLō Best Western Kanata Ottawa West
9. Aperitivo
655 Kanata Ave Unit L2
Ottawa, Ontario K2T 1H6 Canada
(613) 592-0004
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
The cozy, trendy gastropub Aperitivo, located inside Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre, provides globally inspired small meals and craft cocktails.
Why It Made The List
Aperitivo is a term used in both Spain and Italy to describe a drink or snack served before dinner to “open” the palate.
With superb shared platters, top-notch cocktails, and well-informed servers all collaborating to create a pleasant ambiance, this is just where you’d want to experience “aperitivo”.
Popular Dishes to Try
Since the idea is sharing plates, go crazy and order as many as you want, especially if you’re with a group.
The menus are always evolving, but there’s always the charcuterie board and you can add oysters and cheese to it, and if you find the cornbread with honeyed butter on the menu, it is a must-try!
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites By Hilton Ottawa Kanata
10. Beckta Dining & Wine
150 Elgin St
Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4, Canada
(613) 238-7063
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Beckta Dining & Wine is a high-end restaurant with a refined seasonal New Canadian menu and a separate wine bar.
Why It Made The List
Beckta Dining & Wine was one of the first restaurants to establish the standard for fine dining in Ottawa, and it hasn’t let up since.
This restaurant is noted for its extensive menu, which includes everything from Asian-inspired seafood to Canadian and Caribbean cuisine.
With orange booths and armchairs, a blue patterned carpet, and drapes that strangely match both, the décor has a pretty retro 1970s vibe about it.
Popular Dishes to Try
If you visit Beckta’s stunning restored historic building, you’ll have a choice between their à la carte menu and a five-course, interactive chef’s tasting menu.
For a gourmet restaurant, all menus and wine pairings are exceptional value for money, however, if you really want to save money, you can bring your own wine and pay a corkage fee per bottle.
We recommend their signature dish, the Ontario AAA striploin which is served with roasted celeriac purée, string beans, baby leeks, and spent grain duxelles, with a Dijon vinaigrette and an heirloom tomato demi-glace.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Gatineau/Manoir du Casino
11. FRASER
7 Springfield Rd
Ottawa, ON K1M 1C8, Canada
(613) 749-1444
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
FRASER Cafe has been a refined establishment for locally sourced, globally influenced food amid stone elements and community tables since it originally debuted in 2008.
Why It Made The List
For the best lunch in Ottawa, visit Fraser Café, a neighborhood hangout with exposed metal, colorful furnishings, portraits on the brick walls, and a laid-back vibe ideal for lingering with friends.
Fraser Café has a tried-and-true dining philosophy: use the best ingredients available to make delicious food at a fair price.
The mostly Canadian seasonal menu, which blends the familiar with the experimental, makes this one of the greatest brunch locations in the city.
Popular Dishes to Try
If you’re having trouble deciding what to have for supper, go for something simple like The Mortadella Loafer, which features mortadella, mushroom, red onion, pickled fennel, arugula, preserved lemon, and sunflower seed pesto.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre
12. Shinka Sushi Bar
150 Laurier Ave W
Ottawa, ON K1P 5J4, Canada
(613) 565-8998
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Shinka Sushi Bar, which first opened its doors in 2017, is a small Japanese restaurant with a clubby ambiance that serves unique sushi rolls as well as hot and cold sake.
Why It Made The List
If you’re searching for an all-you-can-eat sushi place in Ottawa, you’re in luck because Shinka is one of the best for a foodie to enjoy.
The options here are a step up from what you’d get at an all-you-can-eat sushi joint, promising upmarket delights at posh rates.
Enjoy them in a stylish lounge with a comfortable and welcoming ambiance, and vegetarian alternatives are available to meet your dietary requirements.
Popular Dishes to Try
Order the Osaka, which is prepared with red tuna, salmon, crabstick, and avocado, or the Unagi topped with pan-seared foie gras for a luxurious splurge, as both are well worth their pricey costs.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East
13. Atelier
540 Rochester St
Ottawa, ON K1S 4M1, Canada
(613) 321-3537
Visit Website
Open in Google Maps
Atelier, which opened in 2008, is a high-end, minimalist nook with a creative 12-course tasting menu centered on molecular cuisine.
Why It Made The List
Atelier is one of the best restaurants Ottawa has to offer, as they serve an incredible 12-course dinner.
However, as of January 2021, they have completely redesigned the concept and are now serving a 44-course interactive tasting menu which will take you about 4 hours to finish.
Atelier puts a lot of effort into generating tension and keeping you guessing until each dish arrives, much like how a birthday party goes.
The menu contains meals with unique names which seem interesting and thrilling but give you a very little clue of what they are.
Instead, you have to wait until your plate is in front of you before you know what you’re getting.
For this concept, it’s one of the best birthday restaurants in Ottawa for you to spend your day at.
Popular Dishes to Try
There’s no à la carte menu, so you’ll solely visit for the 44-course interactive tasting menu experience.
We promise that it’s well worth the splurge, with wine pairing options available for an additional charge.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Conference Centre Gatineau-Ottawa
14. The Green Door
198 Main St
Ottawa, ON K1S 1C6, Canada
(613) 234-9597
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
The Green Door, which opened in 1988, offers organic vegetarian meals and gluten-free desserts in a lively atmosphere.
Why It Made The List
Visit Ottawa’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, which offers a variety of gluten-free and vegan selections that are ideal for health-conscious people or foodies who want to take a break from being a carnivore.
It is a large self-serve buffet with a rotating seasonal selection of hot foods, salads, and desserts that you pay for by weight.
Popular Dishes to Try
For purely vegetarian options, you’ll find some of the best food in Ottawa right here.
Favorites like tofu-broccoli stir-fry and avocado salad are usually available, but also try the Pesto Noodles, Mushroom Spinach Lasagna, and lots of vegan desserts from Chocolate Mint Cheesecake to Lemon Blueberry Squares.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Lord Elgin Hotel
15. Aroma Meze
239 Nepean St
Ottawa, ON K2P 0B7, Canada
(613) 421-0504
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Aroma Meze is a cozy, laid-back tapas restaurant that serves worldwide wines alongside a selection of Greek and Mediterranean small plates.
Why It Made The List
Aroma Meze aspires to share the traditional Greek manner of eating food, which transforms regular meals into celebrations of the plates in front of them as well as the people with them.
Here, diners pile generous helpings of flavorful food onto their plates, and the lengthy reaches, clashing forks, and bumps and spills create a family-bonding atmosphere that leaves no place for a quiet lunch.
Popular Dishes to Try
The restaurant recommends choosing between 6-8 dishes for the table, assuming you’re with a partner, as they portioned each dish for two.
However, if you have a party of over two people or an odd number, you can ask your server to adjust the quantities.
From the garden, sea, and earth, the menu is brimming with delectable choices, so make sure to sample what catches your eye, including the Eggplant Roulade, Fish Tacos, and Lamb Sliders.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Novotel Ottawa City Centre Hotel
16. Cozmos Souvlaki
196 Greenbank Rd
Ottawa, Ontario K2H 8P3 Canada
(613) 596-4040
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Cozmos Souvlaki is a minimalist takeaway restaurant that serves Greek classics such as pitas, salads, and souvlaki.
Why It Made The List
Craving for Greek dishes without the hassles of dining in and longer wait times?
Come by Cozmos Souvlaki for simple, good food made from high-quality ingredients served in hefty portions, coupled with consistent and impressive takeout service, and friendly staff.
Popular Dishes to Try
We recommend the Greek salad, as well as the souvlakia (lamb or chicken skewers), which are always moist and come in large portions, and redskin potatoes, which are far superior to standard fries.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Place Ottawa West
17. The Brig Pub
23 York St
Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7, Canada
(613) 562-6666
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
The Brig Pub, which first opened its doors in 2016, is a cozy watering place with a patio that serves craft beers, drinks, and elevated pub fare in a relaxed atmosphere.
Why It Made The List
One of the best places to eat in Ottawa is The Brig Pub in Byward Market, which is a gastropub offering a stylish and inviting interior with a plant-filled patio where you may relax while sipping your favorite drink.
It’s perfect for the hip millennial crowd to eat, drink, and hang out with friends, or busy bees in dire need of some downtime.
Popular Dishes to Try
Have a sumptuous dinner first before diving into drinks by sampling their Short Rib Linguine with short rib ragout, linguine, parmesan, and garlic bread.
You can also try some of their handhelds for a lighter meal, like the Falafel Wrap comprising chickpea falafel, avocado, pickled beets, sun-dried tomato, sweet garlic shawarma sauce, and served with your choice of fries or salad.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Andaz Ottawa Byward Market-a concept by Hyatt
18. Play Food & Wine
1 York St
Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7, Canada
(613) 667-9207
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Play Food & Wine is an upscale-casual restaurant featuring an open kitchen, small plates, and a large selection of wines by the glass.
Why It Made The List
Play Food & Wine is a modern, small-plates restaurant run by Stephen Beckta (Owner of Beckta Dining & Wine) and chef Michael Moffatt with dishes made from ingredients that are local, sustainable and seasonal.
They also have a great range of wines by the glass, from sparkling wine from around Niagara Falls to white wines from Oregon to complement the changing menu of small plates.
Popular Dishes to Try
For a full meal, most dinner guests order three small plates per head.
A Charcuterie Plate, Bison Tataki with royal trumpet aioli, Lamb Meatball with yogurt and parsnip puree, and Soy Marinated Hanger Steak are just a few of the delicious meals on the menu.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sheraton Ottawa Hotel
Related: Things to Do in Ottawa, Canada
19. Restaurant Les Fougères
783 Route 105, Chelsea
QC J9B 1P1, Canada
(819) 827-8942
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
For almost 30 years, Les Fougeres has been offering local, seasonal cuisine in an airy atmosphere with blond woods, a bar, and a patio.
Why It Made The List
If you’re in the mood for good food and a road trip, take a 20-minute drive to Les Fougères, which is an all-encompassing eating experience that overlooks the luscious splendor of Quebec woodlands.
The restaurant’s philosophy emphasizes the use of clean ingredients, which made them receive numerous regional and national honors since their inception in 1993.
With French-inspired dishes like lamb loin, duck confit, and fresh seafood from neighboring waterways, it’s a uniquely Canadian experience.
Popular Dishes to Try
If you’re going to order one, it has to be the Duck Confit, which is the richest dish, but it’s also the most flavorful, with a nice blend of delicate duck meat and crispy duck skin that’s absolutely divine.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel V
20. Town
296 Elgin St
Ottawa, ON K2P 1M3, Canada
(613) 695-8696
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Town is a modern, seasonal restaurant offering Italian fare with old-country wine.
Why It Made The List
Town brings a little bit of fine dining with the coziness of a rustic bar, and it’s a local staple for a reason.
Indulge in a gourmet, seasonal menu of modern Italian dishes made to look just as amazing as it tastes.
They also offer incredible drinks and a fantastic kids’ menu, so this eclectic space is for everybody.
Popular Dishes to Try
Their Ricotta Stuffed Meatballs are the food of the gods, and you don’t want to miss it.
You get the robust, tender meatballs cooked in a special Italian tomato sauce, holding a bomb of explosive ricotta cheese.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton Gatineau-Ottawa
21. Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner
1433 Wellington St. W #111
Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X2, Canada
(613) 680-8990
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
In a relaxed atmosphere with quirky elements, Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner delivers upgraded health-conscious brunch cuisine.
Why It Made The List
Wake up to an exciting morning in Chesterfield’s for an absolutely delightful breakfast or brunch.
It’s one of the top brunch spots favored by both locals and travelers, with its flavorful dishes inspired by different cuisines, the concept of choosing the sides separately from the entrees, its hipster vibes, and of course, great staff.
Popular Dishes to Try
The Chicken and Waffle is already a brunch staple, but it’s even better with a runny egg on top.
The Jerk Benny, which includes jerk chicken, cornmeal, avocado, two poached eggs, mango salsa, and jerk sauce, is another fascinating option.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin Ottawa
22. Supply and Demand
1335 Wellington St.
Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B7, Canada
(613) 680-2949
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Supply and Demand is a stylish venue with an open kitchen, raw bar, and a rotating menu of inventive, locally produced cuisine in Ottawa Shambhala.
Why It Made The List
Supply and Demand has some of the coolest interior and decorations with tiled floors and elegant light fixtures, but the restaurant’s food is the main star.
If you’re searching for some top-notch surf and turf, Supply and Demand is the place to go.
You can also make your dining experience even more memorable by attending a pasta class where you’ll prepare and eat the pasta you just cooked, complete with wine pairings!
Popular Dishes to Try
Start with the small plate of the delicious Fried Brussels Sprouts with cashew cheese, soffritto, and puffed quinoa.
Follow up with a Squid Ink Rigatoni with tuna and prosciutto meatballs, chilies, mint and bread crumb, or the seafood lover’s dream of Fogo Island Cod Filet With mussel butter, cauliflower, and potatoes.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Le Germain Hotel Ottawa
23. Heartbreakers Pizza
465 Parkdale Ave
Ottawa, ON K1Y 1H5, Canada
(613) 724-1144
Visit Website
Open in Google Maps
Heartbreakers Pizza is a laid-back neighborhood hangout with a wine shop and a patio that serves appetizers, pizzas, and drinks.
Why It Made The List
Who doesn’t love pizza and wine, which puts a fancy spin on an otherwise average dinner?
This trendy pizza and wine joint serves you pizzas made with high-quality local ingredients, as well as other delectable easy options like wings, salads, and desserts.
Popular Dishes to Try
Begin with the famous Chicken Wings With Spice & Honey, which is made of oven-roasted, spice-rubbed wings, finished with honey, Calabrian chilis, jalapeño, mint, and basil.
For the pizzas, choose a classic, or try The Van Damme, which is topped with allium cream, aged mozzarella, Brussels sprouts, roasted onion petals, and finished with lemon bread crumbs and basil.
Don’t forget to peruse the extensive drinks menu for the perfect pairing, from white, red, and rosé wine to champagne to beer, and end the night with a scrumptious Banoffee Trifle with dulce de leche, banana, white chocolate whipped cream, and graham cracker streusel.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Ottawa Downtown East, an IHG Hotel
24. Soif
88 Rue Montcalm
Gatineau, QC J8X 2L7, Canada
(819) 600-7643
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
At this sophisticated bar with a romantic ambiance, Soif serves fine worldwide wines and exquisite small appetizers.
Why It Made The List
Soif, a hidden gem nestled in a former burger business in Hull, is owned by one of the world’s finest sommeliers yet remains strangely beneath the radar in the Ottawa-Gatineau area.
Véronique Rivest, the owner and one of the top sommeliers in the world, offers a natural-leaning wine selection, and you can count on her and her staff to patiently take you through the world’s wine choices.
As for the food, they focus on a mix of French and Latin American, with a few references to Canada thrown in for good measure.
Popular Dishes to Try
If in doubt, start with all-year favorites such as the bison tartare and raw oysters, then sample the small plate of grilled toast with ricotta topped with oyster mushroom conserva.
Pair your meal with Edmunds St. John’s Bone-Jolly Gamay Noir, an almost translucent, lightest red ever with a spicy bite.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Alt Hotel Ottawa
25. Di Rienzo
111 Beech St
Ottawa, ON K1S 4P1, Canada
(613) 729-4037
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Di Rienzo’s Grocery is a traditional Italian deli located near Little Italy that sells a variety of items, including the Di Rienzo Famous Sandwiches and fresh pasta dishes.
Why It Made The List
Di Rienzo’s a grocery and sandwich shop in one and often referenced as serving the best sandwiches in Ottawa, from simple Italian subs to some with Canadian twists.
Sandwiches are served at low prices, with a small number of hot and more spectacular selections in this convenient and accessible location.
Popular Dishes to Try
Watch out for daily sandwich and pasta specials as they feature some mouthwatering options like chicken spezzatino and cannelloni.
You can also have a custom-made sandwich, or choose from the pre-existing list, like a turkey sandwich with hot capicollo, herbed havarti, tomatoes, lettuce, and mayo.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: ByWard Blue Inn
26. Rangoon
634 Somerset St W
Ottawa, ON K1R 5K4, Canada
(613) 680-8821
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Rangoon, which opened in 2010, is a simple eatery that provides authentic Burmese fare such as curry, coconut chicken, and fish noodle soup.
Why It Made The List
Rangoon is Ottawa’s only Burmese restaurant, so if you’re interested in learning more about the exotic cuisine, this is a must-visit.
Rangoon’s chef-owner, Ngun Tial, prepares delectable and even unique meals with Indian and Southwestern Chinese elements, and you’ll surely enjoy this if you’re seeking a newer dining experience far from the norm.
Popular Dishes to Try
Order the coconut chicken for the main course, which is a crowd-pleaser and ideal for first-timers.
Because it was dry-brined for several hours before cooking, it has a superior texture and flavor.
Tial’s house-made and rich cassava and coconut cream cake, a sweet meal-ender popular in Southeast Asia, is a good choice for dessert.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Les Suites Victoria, Ascend Hotel Collection
27. NeXT
6400 Hazledean Rd stittsville
Ottawa, ON K2S 1S4, Canada
(613) 836-8002
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
NeXT, which opened in 2013, serves globally inspired meals matched with one-of-a-kind drinks and a wide range of wines in a modern setting.
Why It Made The List
If you’re hungry and looking for restaurants near you to check out, Chef Blackie provides a variety of brunch boards as well as multi-course blind tasting meals for a fair price.
NeXT puts up a perfect combination of cuisine with strong Canadian roots inspired by Asia and Europe and is consistently regarded as one of the best rated restaurants in Ottawa.
With cream walls, dark tiled flooring, precisely spaced tables, and loads of modern black furniture, this highly regarded restaurant has a chic, clean-cut atmosphere.
The open kitchen features a sleek gray tile panel with gentle purple strip lights, giving the restaurant an instant city vibe.
Popular Dishes to Try
The signature dish is always a no-fail choice, which is a steak tartare with Kozlik’s mustard, shallots, chives, and baguette thins.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Wingate by Wyndham Kanata West Ottawa
28. Sidedoor
18b York St
Ottawa, ON K1N 5T5, Canada
(613) 562-9331
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Sidedoor is a small, modern eatery that serves international-inspired dishes, tapas, and tacos, as well as wine and patio seating.
Why It Made The List
Sidedoor, one of the best restaurants downtown with the motto “Make Tacos Not War,” draws people together via excellent cuisine that is best enjoyed family-style and is inspired by Southeast Asian street food.
Dine comfortably in a cozy stone-walled heritage room, or if you’re searching for a drink, stop by their bar, which is a popular hangout for locals and the perfect venue for a specialty cocktail.
Popular Dishes to Try
Try the Braised Beef with Panaeng Curry and Roasted Peanuts for an entree, or the Mapu Tofu with Toban, Shitake, Sichuan, and Crispy Shallots for an entrée.
Don’t forget to taste the enticing little doughnuts before you go.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cartier Place Suite Hotel
29. Petit Bill’s Bistro
1293 Wellington St. W
Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B1, Canada
(613) 729-2500
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Petit Bill’s Bistro is a rustic and modern fine dining restaurant and bar offering Newfoundland-influenced French plates and cocktails.
Why It Made The List
Petit Bill’s Bistro is a sustainable and organic choice for your family for any casual or elegant occasion.
Their plates look good enough to be on your Instagram, and the flavors are always fresh and modern.
Indulge in succulent steaks and delicious homemade desserts, or have a drink or two for happy hour.
Popular Dishes to Try
Their seafood chowder always steals hearts with rich, fresh, and delicious seafood goodness.
Their steaks are also the bomb, especially when paired with spinach and a drink of Clocktower pumpkin ale.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites By Hilton Ottawa Downtown
30. Union 613
315 Somerset St W
Ottawa, ON K2P 0J8, Canada
(613) 231-1010
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps
Union 613 is a hip, old-school hotspot with communal seating and a menu of Southern-inspired food and cocktails.
Why It Made The List
Union 613 is one of the best restaurants in Ottawa with its communal seating and a unique Southern comfort food menu including uncommon, yet locally produced, ingredients.
There’s also a bar with a wide range of specialty drinks, some of which are prepared with the restaurant’s own house-made soda and presented in trendy mason jars.
Dark wood ceilings, creative murals, and a set of banjos on one wall are just a few of the features of this eccentric venue.
Popular Dishes to Try
Do not overlook the Union Southern Fried Chicken which sounds simple and average, because it’s one of the best-sellers on the menu.
It’s a perfectly cooked boneless chicken served with sweet pickles and wonder bread.
Pair it with Fried Green Tomatoes and some Hominy Grits for the perfect southern comfort dish.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Downtown
Dining Guide
Comparing Restaurants: Which One Is Right For You?
Each of the three restaurants offers a unique ambiance and menus to match any preference, and they’ve indeed reached mine.
Absinthe has the joy and myrrh of a home where you can eat a lot, drink plenty, and laugh out loud.
With its budget-friendly menu of French, Canadian, and other globally-inspired eats, it’s no wonder this restaurant snags first place in every local’s heart.
La Bottega Nicastro has a more elevated feel, perfect for special occasions when you want to enjoy an excellent Italian meal.
I love the cute grocery section in front before you get to the back, where the food is.
And, of course, we can’t say no to a good pizza slice; to that, I say check out Cumberland Pizza.
All three restaurants have a wonderful family-friendly atmosphere with menus that can cater to the strictest diets.
How I Picked The Restaurants
As a parent, it’s essential for me to know which restaurants I can easily drag the kids to when we’re exploring the town.
I talked to the locals to get their input on the best deals in town.
And as a seasoned foodie, I couldn’t help but visit these suggestions myself to do a little “vibe check.”
Our Restaurant Rating Method
I rate these restaurants based on the following criteria.
- Taste & Variety: I use this to evaluate the variety and food quality served at every restaurant. Does the restaurant serve tasty dishes with unique flavors? Does the restaurant’s menu cater to different dietary preferences, like vegetarian and gluten-free? I ask myself these questions to evaluate the taste and variety criterion.
- Service: This is used to evaluate the quality of service provided by the restaurant’s staff. Are their servers knowledgeable about their food? Are they friendly, prompt, and courteous? These are important questions I ask myself whenever I rate the service of every restaurant.
- Atmosphere: This evaluates the overall ambiance of the restaurant. Is the restaurant comfortable and inviting? Does the restaurant’s atmosphere match the type of cuisine they serve? I consider these factors when evaluating the restaurant’s atmosphere.
- Affordability: I use this to assess the value of money provided by the restaurant. Are the food portions ideal for the price? Are the guests going to be satisfied with what they pay for? I ask myself these questions in order to rate the restaurant’s affordability.
- Accessibility: This measures how accessible the place is for the guests. Is the restaurant in a convenient location that is easy to get to? Is it easily accessible by public transportation? Does it have enough parking space? Is it wheelchair accessible? I use these questions to assess the accessibility of every restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Must Eat In Ottawa?
When in Ottawa, you must try a few local and regional specialties. First, indulge in a BeaverTail, a classic Canadian pastry shaped like a beaver’s tail and topped with a variety of sweet options. Then, sample the region’s renowned Poutine, a comforting dish of fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. Another local favorite is the Peameal Bacon Sandwich, also known as the ‘Ottawa Valley Sandwich’.
What Are The Best Restaurants In Ottawa That Deliver?
Cumberland Pizza is one of the best restaurants in Ottawa that delivers for any occasion.
Conclusion
Each restaurant has something to offer, despite their shortcomings or limitations.
They are, after all, the best restaurants in Ottawa.
My favorite is Absinthe because its vibrant atmosphere makes it the perfect choice for any occasion.
The menu is affordable, the portions are big, and they even have fantastic games for the little ones.
The only downside is that it’s often crowded during the weekends, which results in a longer waiting time.
La Bottega Nicastro has an amazing pasta or sandwich with your name on it, and it’s got quite a few young fans as well.
I wouldn’t recommend this restaurant if you’re coming in with a big group of people because of the small space, but it’s worth the visit for its value.
Finally, Cumberland Pizza has yet to disappoint when I run out of dinner ideas.
Pizza has never disappointed kids, although some pizza perfectionists might criticize this spot for its “scarce” toppings.
You can’t go wrong with any of these three restaurants if you’re looking to get the value of your money and time.
Editor’s Choice
Absinthe
Absinthe is a bustling contemporary cafe that opened in 2003 and serves a changing menu of seasonal, gourmet European fare and beverages.
- Taste & Variety: 4.5/5
- Service: 4.5/5
- Atmosphere: 4/5
- Affordability: 4/5
- Accessibility: 5/5
