10 Best Restaurants in Ottawa

Ottawa's dining scene is as impressive as its rich cultural history and stunning landmarks. The city offers everything from cozy oyster bars to sleek fine-dining restaurants, serving refined plates and casual bites alike. Whether you enjoy innovative tasting menus or locally sourced Canadian cuisine, Ottawa’s food scene has something for everyone.

This list highlights the best Ottawa restaurants and their standout dishes, including spots famous for molecular gastronomy and seasonal New Canadian fare. Each restaurant is perfect for special occasions and delivers memorable dining experiences.

Atelier elevates modern gastronomy with its renowned 12-course tasting menu. Head chef Marc Lepine, internationally recognized, changes the menu nightly to feature fresh, seasonal ingredients. The inventive flavor pairings, elegant presentation, and element of surprise make this one of Ottawa’s most memorable dining experiences. Guests won’t know the dishes until they are served, adding to the excitement.

Address: 540 Rochester St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4M1, Canada

Fraser Café is a longstanding favorite in Rockcliffe and a classic Ottawa dining spot. With exposed brick walls, warm lighting, and neutral tones, it offers a relaxed, casual vibe. The menu blends bold Canadian flavors with global influences, featuring dishes like barbecue beef striploin and Arctic char with wild rice and kimchi broth. Reservations are recommended, as it’s popular among locals.

Address: 7 Springfield Rd, Ottawa, ON K1M 1C8, Canada

Located inside the Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market Hotel, Feast + Revel offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night snacks, and cocktails. The menu includes diverse options such as avocado toast with a fried egg, duck confit poutine, and classic burgers. It’s a versatile dining option for any time of day.

Address: 325 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7G1, Canada

Play Food & Wine specializes in small, shareable plates made from sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include toasted fennel gnocchi with brown butter turnip purée and bison tataki with juniper and chili oil. Dessert options such as the dark chocolate and peanut butter tart with banana jam or roasted peanut toffee are not to be missed. The restaurant also offers an excellent selection of French wines.

Address: 1 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7, Canada

The Whalesbone is Ottawa’s top destination for fresh seafood, especially oysters, which are delivered daily. It is Ocean Wise certified, appealing to eco-conscious diners. The Elgin Street location is the liveliest, with unique decor, interesting signage, and weekend DJs creating an energetic atmosphere. Menu offerings change daily depending on the catch.

Address: 231 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L6, Canada

Gezellig—Dutch for “cozy and convivial”—lives up to its name. Located in a renovated 1950s bank on Richmond Road, the bistro offers bright, open spaces and polished wood furnishings. The restaurant emphasizes sustainability, sourcing ingredients responsibly. Popular dishes include rillettes with pickled mushrooms and peppercorn bread, and the braised Ontario lamb shank with grilled onion gremolata and fenugreek cream curry.

Address: 337 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 0E7, Canada

Absinthe blends classic Canadian comfort dishes with French-inspired cuisine. The menu includes beef tartare, hanger steak, butterflied duck breast, and smoked bacon burgers. The 19th-century Parisian café ambiance, black leather booths, and antique decor enhance the dining experience. The signature cocktail, the “Green Fairy,” is served from a unique metal bar.

Address: 1208 Wellington St W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Z7, Canada

Riviera offers refined Canadian cuisine in an elegant former bank building on Sparks Street. Dishes include creamy carbonara, lobster spaghetti, striploin steak, and chip-crusted halibut with dill pickling. The restaurant is stylish, with high ceilings, vintage accents, and an open kitchen that enhances the upscale atmosphere.

Address: 62 Sparks St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5A5, Canada

NeXT, created by award-winning chef Michael Blackie, is a standout for Eurasian fusion cuisine. Its bite-sized, shareable dishes often feature subtle Canadian twists. The Blind Sharing package—nine curated dishes for two—is a favorite for dine-in and takeout. The restaurant offers a sophisticated atmosphere with excellent wine pairings.

Address: 6400 Hazeldean Rd, Ottawa, ON K2S 1S4, Canada

Town is an intimate bistro serving Italian-inspired fusion cuisine. Signature dishes include ricotta-stuffed meatballs with polenta and lamb Bolognese, paired with Italian wines. Ingredients are primarily locally sourced, and the warm ambiance, with leather booths and Edison lighting, creates a cozy dining experience. Don’t miss the buttermilk panna cotta for dessert.

Address: 296 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M3, Canada

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