15 perfect restaurants in Ottawa, Canada
Welcome to Ottawa, the land of beavers, maple syrup, and surprisingly delicious cuisine! If you're looking for a dining experience that'll make your taste buds dance a jig, we've got you covered. This humorous guide will lead you through the city's streets, unveiling the 15 best restaurants that’ll leave you stuffed, satisfied, and grinning like a true Canuck. So, grab your bib and let's embark on a culinary adventure filled with poutine, bacon, and many apologies to your waistline!
Save destination1. Whalesbone
231 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L6, Canada
Nestled in the heart of Canada's capital, Ottawa, lies the legendary Whalesbone; a seafood haven you won't soon forget, unless, of course, you suffer from severe memory loss or have an irrational fear of oysters. Prepare to be blown away by their vast selection of marine delights, served in a hip and eco-friendly setting that screams, "I'm a trendy urbanite who also cares about the environment, and I want to eat seafood whilst appearing effortlessly cool!" As you step into Whalesbone, you'll find yourself transported to a nautical wonderland; except instead of pirates, you're surrounded by bearded hipsters, effortlessly pulling off the sailor look without ever having stepped foot on a boat. Brace yourself, because the menu here is like a Tinder profile of aquatic creatures looking for love - but in a delicious, non-romantic way. From succulent lobster rolls that will make your mouth water uncontrollably, to sensational seafood platters that will leave you questioning your decision to not pursue a career as a mermaid, this place has it all! And let's not forget about the oysters; abundant, pristine, and shucked by what can only be described as a team of highly trained shucking wizards. These plump, juicy mollusks are so fresh, it's like they traveled through time and space, directly from the briny depths of their oyster homeland. So grab a seat, buckle up, and prepare to embark on a seafood journey that will have you exclaiming, "Holy mackerel, this place is flipping fantastic!"
Learn more2. Play Food & Wine
1 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7, Canada
Nestled in the heart of Ottawa, Play Food & Wine beckons food enthusiasts with a whimsical name reminiscent of childhood games, but with a grown-up twist. This gastronomic haven offers an eclectic fusion of flavors that will have your taste buds doing acrobatics of joy. The witty and creative menu showcases culinary masterpieces that are sure to leave you begging for an encore. Grab a fork and get ready for a playful adventure that will tantalize your senses and have you saying, "I'll have what Play Food & Wine is dishing out!"
Learn more3. North & Navy
226 Nepean St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0B8, Canada
Nestled in Ottawa's bustling Byward Market, North & Navy is a hidden gem that serves up top-notch Italian cuisine with a side of craziness. The moment you step foot into this cozy joint, you'll be greeted with warm smiles, quirky decor, and enough pasta to make your nonna proud. From their heavenly homemade gnocchi that could easily win in a wrestling match against any other pasta dish to their mysterious cocktails that will leave you guessing what exactly went into them (and possibly contemplating joining a circus), North & Navy promises an unforgettable dining experience that will make you say, "Mamma mia!"
Learn more4. Courtyard Restaurant
21 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8W5, Canada
Tucked away in the heart of Ottawa, the Courtyard Restaurant is a hidden gem that combines culinary excellence with a touch of cheekiness. Step inside and be greeted by a whimsical atmosphere, where antique chandeliers mingle with modern art, as if trapped in an awkward time warp. Prepare to be passionately serenaded by the symphony of clinking cutlery and the relentless back-and-forth of enthusiastic diners discussing politics louder than they should.
Learn more5. Thyme & Again
1255 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A6, Canada
Welcome to Thyme & Again, the culinary gem nestled in the heart of Ottawa. This charming eatery offers a delightful refuge for hungry souls, serving up scrumptious delicacies that will transport your taste buds to a world of gastronomic ecstasy. Whether you're seeking a hearty brunch to cure your morning-after regrets or a leisurely lunch to escape your never-ending job, Thyme & Again will have you drooling with their mouthwatering creations and smiling at their witty menu descriptions.
Learn more6. Riviera
62 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5A5, Canada
Nestled along the scenic Rideau Canal, Riviera in Ottawa is the epitome of elegance and sophistication, but fear not, you won't need to polish your monocle to fit in! This enchanting restaurant boasts breathtaking views, tantalizing taste buds, and waitstaff that can recite Shakespearean poetry while juggling flaming torches—it's quite the spectacle. So, dust off your finest beret, because a culinary adventure awaits at Riviera, where even the pigeons outside dine with impeccable manners.
Learn more7. Ahora
307 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E8, Canada
Welcome to Ahora in Ottawa, a Mexican restaurant that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico City, or at least, that's what the owner Antonio claims after a few tequila shots! With its colorful sombrero decorations and lively atmosphere, Ahora will make you feel less like you're in snowy Canada and more like you’re sipping margaritas on a sunny beach. Don't forget to try their signature dish, the "Burrito Grande" - it's so big that some say it has its own gravitational pull!
Learn more8. Atelier
540 Rochester St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4M1, Canada
Welcome to Atelier, Ottawa's culinary gem that will make your taste buds dance and your wallet cry a little. This avant-garde restaurant is where gastronomic adventure meets financial reconsideration. Prepare yourself for a wild ride as Chef Marc Lepine takes you on a journey through outrageous flavor combinations and perplexingly tiny portions that could make a Zen master's stomach grumble.
Learn more9. Métropolitain Brasserie
700 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 1K4, Canada
Welcome to Métropolitain Brasserie, a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Ottawa, where the perfect blend of sophistication and French charm awaits. Indulge in their delectable menu featuring scrumptious classics like coq au vin and steak frites that will have your taste buds doing a little happy dance. The elegant yet lively ambiance will make you feel like you've been whisked away to Paris, or at the very least, a place where the ratio of croissants to people is incredibly favorable.
Learn more10. Beckta Dining & Wine
150 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4, Canada
Nestled in the heart of Ottawa, Beckta Dining & Wine is a culinary haven that blends elegance with quirky charm. As you step into this gastronomic wonderland, prepare to have your taste buds whisked away on a whimsical adventure curated by the genius minds of Chef Stephen Beckta and his team. Brace yourself for a delightful symphony of flavors, artfully plated dishes that are guaranteed to make your Instagram followers drool, and an ambiance that screams, "Bring on the fancy pants!"
Learn more11. Supply and Demand
1335 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B7, Canada
Welcome to Ottawa, where the rhythm of Supply and Demand dances with the finesse of a skilled tango duo. Prepare yourself for a captivating journey through a city that effortlessly intertwines the wants and needs of both locals and tourists alike. From bustling farmers markets, where the supply of fresh goodies tempts even the pickiest of taste buds, to quirky boutiques where demand meets the supply of one-of-a-kind treasures, Ottawa has a delightfully balanced harmony waiting to be discovered.
Learn more12. Fraser Café
7 Springfield Rd, Ottawa, ON K1M 1C8, Canada
Nestled in the heart of Ottawa, Fraser Café is like that quirky friend who insists on wearing mismatched socks but always manages to make it work. With its charmingly rustic decor and laid-back atmosphere, it welcomes both locals and visitors alike. The café's mouthwatering menu boasts a fusion of culinary delights, and their specialty soups are so good, they could convince a picky toddler to eat broccoli without bribery.
Learn more13. Wilf & Ada's
510 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Z4, Canada
Tucked away in the heart of Ottawa, Wilf & Ada's is a delightful breakfast spot where even the grumpiest morning person can find solace. As you walk in, the smell of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee engulfs you like a warm hug from a quirky aunt. Sink into their cozy vintage booth, which may have witnessed more breakfast debates than a political forum, and prepare to have your taste buds tickled with their scrumptious offerings.
Learn more14. Fairouz
15 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5P9, Canada
Welcome to Ottawa, the charming capital of Canada, where you'll find the delightful neighborhood of Fairouz. This bustling district is a treasure trove of culinary adventures, with Fairouz shining as a culinary diamond in the capital's gastronomic crown. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience as you're whisked away to the Middle East with their delectable dishes infused with flairs of Lebanese hospitality.
Learn more15. Town
Ottawa, ON, Canada
Welcome to Town in Ottawa, where the quaintness of a small town collides with the charm of Canada's capital city. Prepare to be delightfully confused as you wander through the city's maze-like streets, seemingly designed by someone who enjoyed bending straight lines. Take a break at one of the countless coffee shops, where you can sip your latte while watching the constant battle between hipsters and businessmen over who can sport the best beard.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Ottawa by plane is to fly into Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) from major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
Car
The best way to get to Ottawa by car is via Highway 401, which connects Ottawa to major cities such as Toronto and Montreal.
Train
The best way to get to Ottawa by train is via Via Rail Canada from major Canadian cities such as Toronto and Montreal.
Boat
While Ottawa doesn't have direct access by boat, travelers can take a cruise down the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which connects Ottawa to other cities in Ontario including Kingston and Brockville.
Bus
The best way to get to Ottawa by bus is to take Greyhound or Megabus from cities such as Toronto, Montreal, or New York City.