Exploring the Best Food and Restaurants in Ottawa: A Guide (2024)
As the capital city of Canada, Ottawa is home to a diverse and exciting food scene that showcases the best of Canadian and international cuisine. This lively city has something for every taste and budget, from upscale fine dining establishments to cozy and casual cafes.
In this guide, we will explore some of the best food and restaurants in Ottawa, highlighting their unique cuisine, atmosphere, and standout dishes. Whether you’re a foodie looking for the latest culinary trends or a delicious meal to enjoy with friends and family, our guide has something for everyone.
Exploring the Best Food and Restaurants in Ottawa: A Guide
Whether it be classic French bistros or trendy ramen joints, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
1. Atelier
Atelier is a highly acclaimed and innovative fine dining restaurant in the heart of Ottawa. The restaurant features the best food in Ottawa, which incorporates molecular gastronomy techniques and unexpected flavor combinations.
One of the standout dishes at Atelier is the “potato chip,” made with compressed and dehydrated potato, topped with crème fraîche and caviar. Other dishes might include edible soil made with mushroom powder and black garlic or a dessert made with liquid nitrogen.
Address: 540 Rochester St, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 4M1 Canada
Website: https://www.atelierrestaurant.ca/
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
2. Riviera
Included in the top restaurants in Ottawa, Riviera is a highly acclaimed restaurant located in Ottawa’s Byward Market. The restaurant is known for its inventive approach to modern French cuisine and its elegant decor and sophisticated atmosphere.
One of the standout dishes on the menu is the grilled octopus, served with white beans, chorizo, and pickled fennel. Other popular dishes include seared foie gras, mushroom risotto, and the steak frites. The ambiance at Riviera is lavish, warm, inviting and offers a refreshing experience.
Address: 62 Sparks St Ottawa, Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5A8 Canada
Website: https://dineriviera.com/
Operating hours: Monday to Wednesday – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Thursday to Saturday – 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
3. Sansotie Ramen
Sansotei Ramen is a popular Japanese restaurant in the heart of Ottawa, with several locations throughout Canada. It also serves a range of small plates and appetizers, such as gyoza, takoyaki, and edamame. The restaurant also offers a selection of Japanese beer, sake, and non-alcoholic beverages.
The menu at Sansotei Ramen features a range of ramen dishes, including tonkotsu ramen, miso ramen, shoyu ramen, and vegetarian options. Each dish is made with a rich and flavorful broth that is simmered for hours, with tender noodles and various toppings, such as braised pork belly, marinated egg, and nori.
Address: 153 Bank St, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5N7 Canada
Website: https://www.sansotei.com/
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday- 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
4. Thali
Thali is an Indian restaurant located in Ottawa’s Little Italy neighborhood. The restaurant offers a range of dishes that showcase the flavors and ingredients of Indian cuisine, focusing on traditional thali-style meals, which is among the best food in Ottawa.
Thali is known for its flavorful and aromatic curries, as well as its tandoori-style dishes and freshly baked naan bread. One of the standout dishes on the menu is chicken tikka masala, which is cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with fragrant spices. Other popular dishes include the lamb rogan josh, the chana masala, and the paneer tikka.
Address: 136 O’Connor St, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2G7 Canada
Website: https://thaliottawa.ca/
Operating hours: Sunday to Saturday- 11:00 am to 3:00 pm & 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm
5. Fauna
Fauna is a highly recommended restaurant in the heart of Ottawa’s Centretown neighborhood. The menu at Fauna frequently changes to reflect the availability of seasonal ingredients but always features a range of small plates and larger entrees that showcase the best of modern Canadian cuisine.
One of the standout dishes on the menu is beef tartare, served with pickled mushrooms and quail egg. Other popular dishes include smoked duck breast, grilled octopus, and roasted cauliflower. Fauna also offers an extensive wine list, emphasizing natural and biodynamic wines from Ontario and other world regions.
Address: 425 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y7, Canada
Website: http://www.faunaottawa.ca/
Operating hours: Friday and Saturday- 5:30 to late (9:45 pm – last seating for dinner), Sunday to Tuesday- 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm (8:15 pm- last seating for dinner), Wednesday to Thursday- 5:30 pm to 12:00 am (8:45 pm- last seating for dinner)
6. El Camino
One of the top restaurants in Ottawa, El Camino is located in the heart of Ottawa’s trendy Elgin Street neighborhood. The restaurant is known for its inventive and flavorful take on Mexican cuisine, as well as its vast selection of tequila and mezcal.
One of the standout dishes on the menu is the crispy fish taco, which features crispy battered fish, cabbage slaw, and chipotle mayo. Other popular dishes include beef barbacoa tacos, the elote (grilled corn), and churros for dessert.
Address: 380 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M9, Canada
Website: https://eatelcamino.com/
Operating hours: Monday- Closed, Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday- 5:30 pm – 12 am, Friday and Saturday- 5:30 pm to late
7. Fairouz
Fairouz is a renowned restaurant in Ottawa that serves contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine, focusing on Lebanese flavors and traditions. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city, in the neighborhood of Centretown. The restaurant’s chef, Walid El-Tawel, draws on his Lebanese roots and extensive culinary experience to create traditional and modern dishes.
One of the standout dishes on Fairouz’s menu is the meze platter, which features a selection of small plates perfect for sharing. The platter includes a range of dips and spreads, like hummus and baba ganoush, as well as grilled meats and vegetables.
Address: Byward Market, 15 Clarence Street, Ottawa, O, Canada
Website: https://www.fairouz.ca/
Operating hours: Sunday to Saturday: 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
8. The Whalesbone
The Whalesbone is a popular seafood restaurant known for its fresh and sustainable seafood, the restaurant has become a staple in the city’s food scene. From oysters to fish and chips, the restaurant focuses on quality ingredients and preparation in every dish.
One of the most popular dishes at The Whalesbone is the lobster roll. This dish is a must-try for seafood lovers, served on a buttery bun with a generous portion of lobster meat. Other standout dishes on the menu include the smoked trout salad, the fish tacos, and the seafood chowder.
Address: 231 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Website: https://thewhalesbone.com/
Operating hours: Opens at 4 pm
9. Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand is a popular restaurant in Ottawa’s ByWard Market. Led by award-winning chef Steve Wall, the restaurant offers a diverse menu of contemporary North American cuisine that specializes in using local and seasonal ingredients.
One of the most popular dishes at Supply and Demand is the homemade pasta, prepared fresh daily and served with various sauces and toppings. The restaurant’s charcuterie board is also a standout, featuring a selection of cured meats, cheeses, and house-made pickles.
Address: 1335 Wellington St W, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 3B6 Canada
Website: https://www.supplyanddemandfoods.ca/
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday- 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Sunday- Closed
10. Gitanes
Gitanes is a cozy and charming French bistro known for its rustic fashion, traditional French cuisine, and carefully curated selection of wines and cocktails. The menu at Gitanes features a range of classic French dishes emphasizing locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors.
From the escargots de Bourgogne to the coq au vin, each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail. Standout dishes include beef tartare, roasted duck breast, and braised short ribs. The cocktail menu features a range of classic and creative drinks, highlighting French spirits and ingredients.
Address: 361 Elgin St, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1M7 Canada
Website: https://www.gitanes.co/
Operating hours: Tuesday to Thursday- 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday- 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm
11. Rangoon
The only Burmese restaurant in Ottawa, it offers a menu of authentic Burmese dishes that are made using traditional techniques and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
One of the standout dishes on the menu is the tea leaf salad, a traditional Burmese dish made with fermented tea leaves, peanuts, sesame seeds, and various other ingredients. Other popular dishes include Burmese curry, chicken samosas, and coconut noodle soup.
Address: 634 Somerset St W, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 5K4 Canada
Website: https://rangoonrestaurant.ca/
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday- 3:00 pm to 09:00 pm
Conclusion
And there you have it – our guide to the best food and restaurants in Ottawa! We hope our recommendations have inspired you to explore the diverse and exciting food culture in this beautiful city. So, the next time you’re in the city, be sure to try out some of the standout dishes and drinks at the restaurants we’ve highlighted in this guide, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. Bon appétit!