Restaurants in Ottawa
Over the past few years, Ottawa has emerged from the gastronomic shadow of Montreal to establish a world-class foodie scene in its own right. A wave of new restaurant openings is delighting locals and slowly winning the capital a place on the culinary map. From taco joints and funky neighbourhood bistros to fine dining establishments, there’s something for every taste and budget.
The Ottawa restaurants below have been hand-picked by our guide author and are grouped into three pricing categories:
Expensive (over C$50)
Moderate (C$30 to C$50)
Cheap (up to C$30)
These Ottawa restaurant prices are for a three-course meal for one, including half a bottle of house wine or equivalent, tax and service. A taxation charge of 13% will be added to your bill in most restaurants. It is also customary to tip 15-18% of the pre-tax meal price.
The Wellington Gastropub
This smart gastropub is a major hit with locals and has expanded its menu in recent years to broaden its appeal. Sample dishes include slow roasted pork belly, scallops with gnocchi and 60-hour beef shortrib. A perennial favourite, though, is the signature dessert – a whole pint of ice cream to take home and share.
Riviera
This hotly anticipated new restaurant opened in July 2016 and has more than lived up to the hype. It’s an elegant, art deco-style diner that combines an a la carte menu with a relaxed vibe – you could turn up in jeans and not feel out of place. The inventive, flavourful dishes are hard to categorise under a particular cuisine but tend to revolve around pasta, fish and vegetables.
Le Cordon Bleu Signatures Restaurant
This charming French country-style restaurant serves the finest classic French cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute Master Chefs. Intimate nooks, impeccable service, perfect wine and food pairings, and an experience in exquisite taste and food artistry are unforgettable.
Bar Laurel
Another recent addition to Ottawa’s foodie scene, this Basque-influenced eatery is named after the famous Calle del Laurel in Rioja. Its offering of charcoal-cooked vegetables, slow roasted meats and sherry-based cocktails has proved a hit with the locals. Prices range from C$4 for small tapas dishes to C$75 for a giant family-style sharing plate.
Courtyard Restaurant
This is an elegant, yet casual restaurant in a heritage stone building in the ByWard Market area. It is an excellent choice for Sunday brunch, with delectable French cuisine, mimosa cocktails and wicked desserts.
The Manx
Since 1993, The Manx claims to have been at the centre of Ottawa’s arts scene, showcasing the works of local artists, hosting DJ nights and proving to be popular haunt for lovers of good food and beer, with its fine selection of craft beer. Alcohol aside, the food is also worth sampling, whether it's spicy crab cakes or a salmon burger. Good pub fare.
The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro
This place serves what are quite likely the world's best gourmet burgers, made with locally sourced fresh ingredients, imaginative combinations of delicate flavours and sustenance fit for a rugby team. There are seven outlets across Ottawa – and they’ll deliver straight to your living room as well.
Smoke's Poutinerie
Smoke's Poutinerie specialises in the Quebec classic poutine dish, consisting of fries, curd and gravy. This heavyweight dish comes with the option of extra fresh toppings so you can create your own; from pork, chicken and beef to vegetarian options. Many locals claim this place serves the best poutine in town. Check it out for yourself to see what all the fuss is about.
Ahora
With plenty of tasty mains for under C$10 from tacos to quesadillas to burritos, this Mexican eaterie is great for thrifty tourists wishing to fill up on good, hearty food. Inspired by a traditional cantina, it offers colourful, lively decor with a free salsa bar to spice up your dish - now that's great value.
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