Our Favourite Restaurants in Ottawa, Ontario
Roll up your sleeves, loosen your belts, and prepare your palate! For we’re about to embark on a culinary journey through Ottawa, the cuisine capital of Canada, where the aroma of delectable dishes fills the air, promising an experience like no other. It’s a city where every corner whispers stories of culinary craftsmanship, and every plate is a canvas coloured with a vibrant array of flavours.
Allow me, your gastronomic guide, to take you on a tour to discover the top 12 restaurants in Ottawa that are landmarks of Canada’s gustatory landscape. In these havens of haute cuisine, you’ll encounter the intoxicating fusion of traditional and modern recipes, the mastery of skilled chefs and the allure of exquisite dining environments. They’re not just restaurants, mind you! They’re culinary theatres where every dish performs a delicious drama on your tongue.
So, are you ready to savour the flavour of Ottawa’s best restaurants?
Header Image Source: Perch Ottawa Facebook Page
Riviera
Housed in a historic former bank building, Riviera is a portrait of art deco splendour, its high ceilings whispering stories of old. Our restaurant embodies a mid-century modern vibe, merging historical prominence with modern sophistication to create an ambiance that’s as mouth watering as our menu.
Address: 62 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5A5
Phone: (613) 233-6262
Restaurant Les Fougères
The heart of Les Fougères lies in its daring menu. Seasonal, fresh ingredients are woven into creations that are as visually stunning as they are tantalizing to the palate. Here, the widely praised duck confit redefines taste, while options like the irresistible pizzas and innovative rhubarb margarita cocktail underscore the restaurant’s fierce commitment to culinary excellence.
Notable dishes such as the braised beef rib and chicken liver mousse have food lovers waxing lyrical. The richness of the foie gras, the subtly divine taste of the goat cheese, and the mouth-watering panna cotta for dessert are all testaments to the restaurant’s culinary prowess.
Address: 783 Quebec Rte 105, Chelsea, Quebec J9B 1P1
Phone: (819) 827-8942
Atelier
True to its name, Atelier is celebrated for its personalised 40-course tasting menu, a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of food and art. Every dish is passionately crafted, meticulously plated, and served as a testament of the restaurant’s commitment to innovative culinary artistry.
Address: 540 Rochester St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4M1
Phone: (613) 321-3537
Beckta Dining & Wine
A heart-stoppingly emotional culinary journey awaits you at Beckta Dining & Wine. This eminent restaurant, nestled within the historical charm of 150 Elgin St, is a canvas for innovation, where every dish is a work of art, and every sip of wine, a melody of exquisite flavours.
There is decadence in each bite. The beet steak will make you swoon in ecstasy while the grilled octopus will keep you coming back for more. Revel in the divine satisfaction of biting into the best biscuits in town and let the cold smoked shrimp seize your taste buds in a captivating dance of flavours. The tasting menu is a popular choice, allowing you to explore a myriad of taste and texture. No complaints here.
Address: 150 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4
Phone: (613) 238-7063
Restaurant E18hteen
Immerse yourself in a gastronomic symphony at Restaurant e18hteen. Renowned for its luxurious dining experience, the restaurant has become the talk of the town, with its tantalising dishes frequented in whispering circles of food connoisseurs.
The ribeye and tenderloin, prepared to the epitome of perfection, have a reputation for melting hearts, and taste buds alike. For seafood lovers, the Grilled Octopus is a must-try, praised for its exquisite flavours. Not to mention, the tartare and duck dishes, each artfully presented and brimming with palate-stirring flavours, will leave you yearning for more.
Address: 18 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5T5
Phone: (613) 244-1188
Play Food & Wine
Play Food & Wine showcases the sheer elegance of small-plate dining, a concept cherished by food enthusiasts who love delving into a plethora of taste experiences in a single visit. Described as ‘perfect’, ‘incredible’, ‘fabulous’, and ‘absolutely amazing’ by dedicated patrons, the eatery has secured a strong reputation for its mouth-watering dishes, robust wine list, and exceptional service.
Feel the warm embrace of preparation and presentation as Play’s diverse selection of delicacies take your palate on a tour de force – from the delicately seared scallops bathed in a mushroom-rich broth to the dreamy, texture-rich ramp gnocchi, each dish a testament to their commitment to culinary excellence.
Address: 1 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7
Phone: (613) 667-9207
Social: Instagram
Alice
Embrace the whimsy and artistry of Alice‘s highly celebrated tasting menu, crafted by the talented, award-winning Chef Kim. The diverse plate selection showcases the season’s finest produce, ensuring not only a fresh and vibrant dining experience but also a journey that changes with the turning of the seasons themselves.
Alice is a haven for those who seek a different perspective on dining. From the exquisite fermented juices that offer a unique twist to the standard wine offerings, to the non-alcoholic options that don’t skimp on flavour, there is something to quench everyone’s thirst.
Address: 40 Adeline St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3L3
Phone: (613) 733-0707
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand is famed for its oysters, craved by many and the cornerstone of its reputation. They’re a testament to the freshness and quality this establishment delights in delivering. Yet, the exquisitely curated menu goes beyond the sea’s bounty. Supply and Demand’s pasta, radiantly infused with unique elements like squid ink, pea and goat cheese, has honed a following of its own. The bucatini, rigatoni, and ravioli bear an artistic flair, merging taste, texture, and aroma into a symphony of culinary wonder.
Address: 1335 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B7
Phone: (613) 680-2949
Social: Instagram
Arlo
Prepare to be transported into an atmosphere of raw artistry and elegance at Arlo Wine & Restaurant, Ottawa’s illustrious dining gem nestled in the heart of Somerset West. The moment you step through our doors, your senses are met with an intimate blend of warmth and sophistication, setting the stage for a culinary journey bound to ignite your passion for exquisite dining.
Address: 340 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0J9
Phone: (613) 421-1424
Gitanes
Gitanes sets itself apart by offering an atmosphere of warmth and classic elegance, where each detail has been meticulously selected to craft an environment that is as delightful as the fare. The interior, with its distinct charm, is complemented by an inviting patio, ideal for those seeking a breath of fresh air with their meal.
Renowned for its exquisite food, the Gitanes menu is a culinary masterpiece. Signature favourites include French onion soup, steak frites, and crab spaghetti. The soup, a star in its own right, is celebrated for its rich flavour, harmonious textures, and the layer of cheese that is said to add a level of richness like no other. The steak frites is a classic, simplified to perfection and balanced with a sauce that masterfully cuts through the fattiness. And the crab spaghetti, a dish that has made many patrons come back for more, is a testament to the delicate craft that Gitanes’ culinary team has mastered.
Address: 361 Elgin St Unit #6, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M7
Phone: (613) 562-0699
Perch
Perch is a testament to culinary creativity, capturing the essence of excellence and entrancing the city’s savvy food scene. Its intimate setting, with only 25 seats, exudes an enchanting ambiance, providing a world-class dining experience that is both cozy yet filled with grandeur.
With dishes that leave patrons spellbound, Perch’s tasting menus pave the way for a culinary journey beyond words. Each course, meticulously crafted by the skillful hands of the kitchen team, led by the renowned Chef Justin Champagne-Lagarde, is a melody of flavours that tells a story, invoking a sense of intrigue and wonder.
Address: 300 Preston St #1, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R6
Phone: (613) 515-0535
North & Navy
Featuring a thoughtful menu that embraces Italian cuisine in all its glory, the dishes here are best enjoyed family-style, becoming an incredible feast of shared flavours, laughter and love. From mouthwatering pastas to excellent seafood dishes, North & Navy has mastered the art of Italian fine dining. The lobster risotto is delightful, breaking waves of exquisite tastes upon the palette. Their signature affogato and tiramisu end your meal on a high note, the taste lingering in your mouth long after you’ve left the premises.
Address: 226 Nepean St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0B8
Phone: (613) 232-6289
FAQs
- Are all these restaurants centrally located in Ottawa? Yes, all of these gems are located within the heart of Ottawa, making them easily accessible.
- Do they cater to dietary restrictions? Most of these restaurants have options for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free dishes, but it’s always safe to check their specific menus or call ahead.
- Are these restaurants budget-friendly? While some of these eateries may lean on the pricier side, it’s important to remember the unique experience and exceptional quality they offer.
Eating in Ottawa
Ottawa, the cuisine capital of Canada, is a city that caters to every kind of culinary crusader – the daring food explorers, the lovers of classic comfort, and everyone in between. The pulsating heart of its dining scene lies within these top 12 restaurants, culinary retreats that promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
So here’s an invite, dine in at these edible elites – taste and tell, for Ottawa’s best restaurants are waiting for you to author your own delicious narratives. After all, aren’t stories best told over a scrumptious dinner spread?
