Our Ottawa restaurant guide spotlights the city’s tastiest tables through candid dining reviews. As seasoned local food experts, we provide an insider’s look at hot new openings plus established gems defining Ottawa’s dynamic food scene.
In addition to exploring the culinary delights of Ottawa, we recognize that great food pairs perfectly with engaging pastimes, including online casinos. Whether you’re enjoying a thrilling game or just unwinding at home, having tasty snacks on hand can enhance the experience. Figure out how to keep your energy up with delicious takeout choices that are ideal for a fun evening of play.
Best Restaurants in Ottawa
Wilf & Ada’s
Cuisine: Breakfast, Brunch
Location: 510 Bank St
Price Range: $$-$$$
If you’re seeking a scrumptious morning or midday meal in the downtown area, look no further than this contemporary Canadian hot spot on Bank Street, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Couples, friends and solo diners consistently rave about the quality of scratch-made dishes like the Blackstone Benny, Buttermilk French Toast and Hungry Human Breakfast. Beyond delectable food, Wilf & Ada’s earns consistent praise for its relaxing ambience and friendly counter service.
Datsun
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Location: 380 Elgin St
Price Range: $$-$$$
In the mood for trendy Asian small plates and noodles? This late-night Elgin Street spot brings vibrant flavours through dishes like crispy cauliflower wings, pork belly buns and coconut laksa. The industrial-chic venue pairs perfectly with unique cocktails and draft beers. While offering something for all tastebuds, Datsun wins particular praise for its vegetarian and gluten-free options. Late-night dining has never been so diverse and delicious. Come share the relaxed buzz until the last call.
Fairouz Café
Cuisine: Lebanese, Mediterranean
Location: 15 Clarence St, Byward Market
Price Range: $$-$$$
Tucked away in the Byward Market, this intimate restaurant crafts modern magic with Middle Eastern cuisine and flavours. Savour sharing-style mezze sampling or opt for heartier main plates. Then, complete your visit by grabbing sweets and wine from their specialty boutique. Dining here makes for a transportive culinary adventure thanks to dishes like braised lamb, falafel and vegetable couscous. Add to that Fairouz’s uniquely chic ambience, and it becomes clear why this spot garners rave reviews for date nights, girls’ nights, or just wanting to get away over dinner.
The Pomeroy House
Cuisine: Upscale American, Seafood
Location: Strongsville, OH
Price Range: $$$$
Travel down to this Cleveland-area landmark venue to discover their take on contemporary American classics with standouts like dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood and hand-crafted cocktails. Foodies adore both the refined fare and exceptional service – whether opting for the stately main dining room, relaxed pub, or seasonal patio. The historical architecture combines seamlessly with current cuisine through choices like braised short rib, seared scallops and prime NY striploin. Little wonder The Pomeroy House brings home awards year after year.
The Rowan
Cuisine: Canadian Gastropub
Location: 915 Bank St
Price Range: $$-$$$
Nestled in Ottawa’s cozy Glebe neighbourhood along Bank Street, this casual-chic spot brings creative Canadian sharing plates perfect for pairing with local brews and wines. Featuring market-fresh fare made in-house, popular picks span salads, pastas, flatbreads and more. Gather with friends to graze the evening away by mixing and matching dishes like arancini, cauliflower, house ricotta gnocchi and smoked tofu. While reasonably priced, generous portions promise you’ll leave satisfied. So come sip, savour and unwind at this homegrown hot spot.
Already Closed, but Once Popular
Even as fresh dining spots keep opening in Ottawa, some former favourites closed down after gaining loyal fans. We provide a quick overview of these beloved but now-shuttered restaurants that still hold special places in local foodies’ hearts.
Two Six {Ate}
This Preston Street joint, open from 2016 to 2022, served seasonal Canadian sharing plates. Chef Steve Harris focused on sustainable local ingredients while attracting devoted fans via unique menu items like grilled octopus, dry-aged duck and rotating pasta specials. The tiny 40-seater earned great reviews and 4 Tripadvisor stars before reluctantly closing after just 6 years.
MēNa
From 2018–2022, MēNa in Hintonburg highlighted tasty Middle Eastern flavours through Syrian, Lebanese and North African-inspired picks like muhammara dip, shawarma and maftoul. Chef Jamie Rilett’s cozy spot drew crowds seeking cuisine beyond standard hummus and falafel. However, the doors were permanently closed after pandemic issues.
Lindenhof
This German eatery operated from 1985 to 2020 in the Byward Market. Lindenhof served hearty classic fare like schnitzels, sausages and pork hocks in a welcoming log cabin setting. Generations fondly remember gathering here over the years for countless special events. COVID-19 eventually shuttered this 35-year neighbourhood staple.
While fresh dining spots keep popping up, we fondly recall these closed destinations and the chef-crafted food that once delighted their diners.
Important Culinary Events
Canada’s Table
In 2017, chef Stephen Beckta organized this specially created thousand-person dinner along Parliament Hill to memorably celebrate local cooking talent and Canada’s 150th birthday. We relished tasting inventive plates from 20 of the country’s top chefs repping regions nationwide. Here’s hoping we experience such an epic local food celebration again!
Gold Medal Plates (Canada’s Great Kitchen Party)
Thanks to this long-running cooking competition and fundraiser held yearly across Canada, Ottawa foodies can sample tasty creations from 10 of our city’s best chefs each fall. The evening also features musical acts and brings our town’s talent to center stage for an exciting showcase. We eagerly await the 2024 event as local toques battle to advance and represent Ottawa at the Canadian finals.
Canadian Culinary Championships
Speaking of the whole country’s top talent, we’re thrilled Ottawa will host the 2024 Canadian Culinary Championships! Taking place each winter, this high-stakes cook-off sees the 11 regional winners of Canada’s Great Kitchen Party events face-off, with everything on the line. They’ll compete in mystery wine pairing and pressure-packed challenges during this Olympic-style showdown. We can’t wait to witness this electrifying national culinary battle right here at home!
Taste the Best of Ottawa!
Hungry yet? We hope this overview has sparked inspiration to taste both established gems and new restaurants and dining rooms cooking up magnificent fare across our capital. Ottawa’s food and gastronomy scene truly has something to suit every preference and budget. Trust us to provide candid restaurant reviews as your local culinary guides. Then, head out with confidence to explore sizzling kitchens citywide. Delicious dining adventures await, so dig in, Ottawa.