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Restaurants

Best Restaurants in Ottawa

The best restaurants in Ottawa, from Atelier tasting menus to legendary shawarma, ByWard Market patios, romantic date spots, and buzzy new openings by neighbourhood.

Finding the best restaurants in Ottawa means embracing a capital city that punches well above its weight, blending diplomatic worldliness with small-city warmth.

In a single day you can grab a garlicky late-night shawarma, sit down to an avant-garde tasting menu at Atelier, and finish with a cinnamon-sugar BeaverTails pastry in the ByWard Market where it was born.

Ottawa's food identity is built on waves of immigration, a strong farm-to-table ethos fed by the Ottawa Valley, and a bilingual proximity to Quebec that keeps French technique and Quebecois comfort food close at hand.

At a glance

The top pick in each category, at a glance.

CategoryOur pick
Best overallAtelierReserve
By CuisineCoconut LagoonReserve
Fine Dining RestaurantsAtelierReserve
Most Romantic RestaurantsBeckta Dining & WineReserve
Rooftop & View RestaurantsCopper Spirits and SightsReserve
Vegetarian & Vegan RestaurantsThe Table RestaurantReserve
Shawarma & Iconic Ottawa EatsShawarma PalaceReserve
New & Trendy Restaurant OpeningsSupply and DemandReserve

Top Picks

🍽️GetYourGuide food & wine tours, taste the best of Ottawa on a food tour. Affiliate slot (stub).

📍 Little Italy

Atelier

Avant-garde$$$$· Special occasion

Chef Marc Lepine's Rochester Street flagship is Ottawa's benchmark for avant-garde dining and a former winner of the Canadian Culinary Championships. There is no a la carte here, only a multi-course tasting menu built on modernist technique, where familiar ingredients arrive transformed by foams, gels, and clever sleight of hand. The intimate room seats just a few dozen guests, so reservations go quickly and are worth planning around. If you want to understand how ambitious Ottawa fine dining can be, this is the essential splurge.

What to order: Ever-changing tasting menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Centretown

Beckta Dining & Wine

Contemporary Canadian$$$$· Refined & elegant

Stephen Beckta's elegant restaurant on Elgin Street helped modernize the capital's fine-dining scene and remains a go-to for celebrations. The seasonal Canadian menu is precise and produce-forward, and the deep, thoughtfully curated wine list is the reason many regulars keep returning. Service is polished without being stiff, striking a warm balance that suits both business dinners and anniversaries. For refined cooking paired with genuine wine expertise, Beckta is among the city's most reliable tables.

What to order: Seasonal tasting menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Downtown / Sparks Street

Riviera

Contemporary Canadian$$$· Glamorous & grand

Set inside a converted Art Deco bank on Sparks Street, Riviera pairs a stunning, high-ceilinged room with confident contemporary Canadian cooking. The menu roams from crudo and house pastas to grilled mains, all plated with care and served amid marble, brass, and terrazzo grandeur. It is one of downtown Ottawa's most beautiful dining rooms and a favourite for date nights and special occasions. Book ahead for weekends and settle in for cocktails at the striking central bar.

What to order: House-made pasta

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Centretown

North & Navy

Italian$$$· Casual & convivial

This Nepean Street favourite channels the cicchetti bars of Venice, offering Northern Italian small plates alongside heartier pastas and mains. Snack through fried olives, polenta, and crostini at the bar, or settle in for handmade tortellini and braised meats in the airy dining room. The wine list leans hard into Italy, and the mood is convivial and unpretentious. It is a consistently excellent choice for grazing your way through a relaxed, flavour-packed evening.

What to order: Venetian cicchetti

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Hintonburg / Wellington West

Supply and Demand

Seafood & pasta$$$· Buzzy & modern

A Wellington West cornerstone, Supply and Demand built its reputation on pristine seafood and superb house-made pasta. The raw bar and daily oysters shine, while dishes like the squid ink spaghetti with clams have become local signatures. The buzzy, brick-walled room fills quickly, reflecting its status as a neighbourhood destination. For anyone exploring Ottawa's dining beyond downtown, it is one of the best reasons to head west.

What to order: Squid ink spaghetti

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Wellington West

Absinthe Café

French bistro$$· Cosy & unfussy

A warm, dependable French bistro on Wellington Street West, Absinthe serves the comforting classics done right. Expect steak frites, duck confit, mussels, and a well-priced wine list in a cosy, unfussy room. The prix fixe options make it an approachable choice for a midweek dinner or a leisurely weekend meal. It is exactly the kind of neighbourhood bistro every city needs, and Ottawa is lucky to have this one.

What to order: Steak frites

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Centretown

Whalesbone

Seafood$$$· Lively oyster bar

Ottawa's champion of sustainable seafood, Whalesbone anchors its Bank Street oyster bar with a daily-changing raw selection and a serious commitment to responsible sourcing. Beyond the oysters, the kitchen turns out whole fish, chowder, and thoughtful seafood plates in a lively, character-filled room. Long a supplier to top local kitchens, it knows its product better than almost anyone in the city. Pull up to the bar, order a dozen, and let the staff guide you.

What to order: Fresh oysters

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Centretown

Fauna

Contemporary Canadian$$$· Stylish & relaxed

Fauna brings polished, contemporary cooking to a stylish Bank Street room in the heart of Centretown. The seasonal menu is designed for sharing, moving through inventive vegetable dishes, house charcuterie, and confident mains rooted in local ingredients. The cocktail and wine programs are thoughtful, and the atmosphere strikes a comfortable balance between refined and relaxed. It is a strong all-rounder for a memorable dinner without a tasting-menu commitment.

What to order: Seasonal shared plates

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Elgin Street

Town

Italian$$· Warm & energetic

A perennially popular Elgin Street trattoria, Town keeps things simple and satisfying with handmade pasta, wood-fired dishes, and a compact, well-chosen wine list. The narrow, energetic room fills nightly with regulars drawn to honest Italian cooking at a fair price. Daily specials and fresh pastas are the way to go, and the vibe is warm and unpretentious. It is a dependable neighbourhood favourite that consistently delivers.

What to order: Handmade pasta

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Elgin Street

El Camino

Mexican / tacos$$· Dark & buzzing

This dark, buzzing taqueria on Elgin Street helped spark Ottawa's modern taco obsession. The menu of inventive tacos ranges from crispy fish to Korean fried chicken and kimchi, served alongside sharp cocktails and a lively soundtrack. There are no reservations, so put your name down and grab a drink while you wait. Small, loud, and consistently excellent, it is a go-to for a fun, casual night out.

What to order: Fried fish tacos

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 ByWard Market

Play Food & Wine

Small plates$$· Casual & inventive

The ByWard Market sibling of Beckta, Play turns fine-dining sensibility into an approachable menu of small plates meant for sharing. Dishes rotate frequently, spanning charcuterie, seasonal vegetables, pasta, and clever compositions, all paired with an inventive wine and cocktail list. The open kitchen and relaxed room make it ideal for grazing over several courses. It is one of the Market's smartest, most flexible options for a memorable meal.

What to order: Seasonal small plates

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Rideau Street

Shawarma Palace

Middle Eastern$· Fast-casual local icon

Ottawa is famous for its shawarma, and Shawarma Palace on Rideau Street is one of the institutions that earned the city that reputation. The chicken shawarma, stuffed with garlicky toum, pickles, and fries, is a rite of passage, generous and deeply satisfying for just a few dollars. The counter is fast, casual, and open late, drawing everyone from students to office workers. For a taste of the local obsession, this is an essential, budget-friendly stop.

What to order: Chicken shawarma

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 ByWard Market

BeaverTails

Dessert / pastry$· Grab-and-go treat

The fried-dough pastry that shares its name was born in the Ottawa area, and the ByWard Market stand is the classic place to try one. Stretched into the shape of a beaver's tail, the hot pastry is dusted with cinnamon sugar or loaded with chocolate, and the Killaloe Sunrise with lemon is a longtime favourite. It is a walk-and-eat treat, best enjoyed strolling the Market or skating the Rideau Canal in winter. More tradition than meal, it is a genuine local rite.

What to order: The BeaverTail pastry

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Elgin Street

Elgin Street Diner

Diner$· 24-hour classic

Open around the clock, the Elgin Street Diner is a beloved capital institution and a late-night rite of passage. The all-day breakfast is hearty, but the real draw is the poutine, with crisp fries, squeaky curds, and rich gravy served at any hour. The retro diner setting and friendly, no-nonsense service make it a comfort-food refuge for shift workers, students, and night owls alike. Come hungry and cash-friendly for a true Ottawa classic.

What to order: Poutine

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 ByWard Market

Das Lokal

German / European$$· Modern & bright

Tucked into a stylish Dalhousie Street space, Das Lokal offers a modern, seasonal take on German and Central European cooking. Schnitzel, house sausages, spaetzle, and pretzels anchor the menu, updated with local ingredients and a good selection of German wines and beers. The bright, design-forward room feels contemporary rather than kitschy. It is a distinctive addition to the Market and a welcome break from the usual options.

What to order: Schnitzel

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Chinatown / Somerset

Pho Bo Ga La

Vietnamese$· No-frills & warming

Ottawa's Somerset Street Chinatown is packed with Vietnamese kitchens, and Pho Bo Ga La is a longtime favourite for a steaming bowl of pho. The fragrant broth, tender beef, and generous plate of fresh herbs make for a comforting, inexpensive meal any time of year. It is a no-frills, quick, and welcoming spot that draws a steady local crowd. For a warming, budget-friendly bowl, it captures the everyday soul of Ottawa dining.

What to order: Beef pho

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Somerset / Centretown

Union Local 613

Southern$$· Soulful & convivial

A soulful Somerset Street favourite, Union Local 613 celebrates Southern comfort food with fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and cornbread served in a warm, characterful room. The kitchen is thoughtful about sourcing, and the bar pours a strong lineup of cocktails, whiskey, and local beer. There is a hidden speakeasy-style bar below for a nightcap. Convivial and unpretentious, it is a reliably good time for groups and a distinctive taste of the city's independent restaurant culture.

What to order: Fried chicken

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Centretown / Bank Street

Wilf & Ada's

Breakfast & brunch$· Cheerful daytime diner

A cheerful Bank Street breakfast-and-lunch spot, Wilf & Ada's has earned devoted lines for its elevated diner classics. Fluffy pancakes, thoughtful egg dishes, and the hangover-slaying breakfast poutine anchor a short, well-executed menu. The bright, friendly room and open counter give it a genuine neighbourhood feel. Arrive early on weekends, when the wait reflects just how loved this little daytime gem has become.

What to order: Breakfast classics

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

Best Restaurants in Ottawa by Cuisine

Ottawa's immigrant history makes it one of Canada's underrated cuisine cities, where a short walk can carry you from Vietnamese pho on Somerset Street to Lebanese mezze in Centretown and South Indian curries in the east end.

The best restaurants in Ottawa by cuisine reward exploration beyond Parliament Hill: neighbourhood specialists often outshine flashier downtown destinations.

Whether you crave shawarma, hand-rolled dim sum, Kerala fish curry, or old-school Italian veal, the capital delivers depth and authenticity across price points.

This roundup highlights standout picks spanning the culinary map, from long-running institutions to modern reinventions, so you can build a week of eating that circles the globe without leaving the city limits.

  • Coconut Lagoon

    South Indian $$$

    Chef Joe Thottungal's celebrated restaurant showcases the coastal cooking of Kerala, with layered curries, seafood, and crisp dosas. A Gold Medal Plates champion and cookbook author, Thottungal turns out some of the most refined Indian food in the city. It is a benchmark that helped Ottawa take regional South Indian cuisine seriously.

    What to order: Kerala fish curry; dosa; thali

    Reserve

  • Fairouz

    Lebanese $$$

    A polished Lebanese restaurant set in a heritage house on Somerset Street West, serving elevated mezze, wood-grilled meats, and generous shareable spreads. It brings contemporary flair to Levantine cooking while honouring family recipes. It is a strong pick for a special-occasion take on Middle Eastern dining beyond the quick-service counter.

    What to order: Mezze; grilled meats; muhammara

    Reserve

  • Shawarma Palace

    Middle Eastern $

    Shawarma is practically Ottawa's civic dish, and this Rideau Street stalwart is one of the most beloved places to get it. Spits of marinated chicken and beef are carved into fresh pita with garlic sauce and pickles. Cheap, fast, and deeply satisfying, it captures the everyday food culture of the capital.

    What to order: Chicken shawarma with garlic sauce

    Reserve

  • Pho Bo Ga La

    Vietnamese $

    A busy, no-frills favourite in the Somerset Street Chinatown and Little Saigon corridor for steaming bowls of pho. The broth is fragrant and the portions generous, and the surrounding blocks offer banh mi, bubble tea, and Asian grocers to explore. It anchors one of the city's best strips for Vietnamese eating.

    What to order: Pho tai; rice plates

    Reserve

  • Golden Palace

    Chinese-Canadian $

    A Carling Avenue institution famous citywide for its deep-fried egg rolls, a cult favourite Ottawans have craved for decades. The retro dining room serves classic Cantonese-Canadian dishes without pretension. It is nostalgic, singular, and a genuine local landmark that outlasts trends.

    What to order: Egg rolls; Cantonese classics

    Reserve

  • Yangtze

    Cantonese $$

    A longtime Chinatown mainstay on Somerset Street West known for dim sum and a sprawling Cantonese menu. Come with a group for har gow, siu mai, and barbecue pork over a leisurely lunch. It is a reliable, convivial anchor of Ottawa's Chinese dining scene and a dependable celebration spot.

    What to order: Dim sum; Cantonese barbecue

    Reserve

  • Giovanni's

    Italian $$$

    An old-school Italian restaurant on Preston Street in Little Italy, serving classic veal, pasta, and hearty red-sauce cooking in a warm, traditional room. It is the kind of long-running neighbourhood institution that anchors the district's Italian heritage. A comforting pick for a leisurely, generous meal.

    What to order: Veal; handmade pasta

    Reserve

  • East India Company

    North Indian $$

    A downtown fixture on Somerset Street serving North Indian curries, tandoori, and a popular lunch buffet since the 1970s. Look for butter chicken, biryani, and buttery naan in a classic, dependable setting. It offers comfort and value in the heart of the city for a satisfying, spice-forward meal.

    What to order: Butter chicken; naan; lunch buffet

    Reserve

  • El Camino

    Mexican $$

    A lively Centretown taqueria from local chef Matthew Carmichael serving inventive tacos in a dark, energetic room. Fish, pork, and vegetable versions come with bright salsas and strong cocktails. It brings a modern, playful spin to Mexican-inspired cooking rooted in genuine technique.

    What to order: Tacos; ceviche; margaritas

    Reserve

  • Ceylonta

    Sri Lankan $

    A long-running Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurant on Somerset Street West, beloved for kottu roti, dosas, and rice and curry. The spicing is bold and the portions are generous, offering a cuisine still relatively rare in the city. It is a favourite for adventurous, value-minded eaters.

    What to order: Kottu roti; dosa; rice and curry

    Reserve

Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Ottawa

Ottawa is not a Michelin city, the guide does not yet cover the capital, but its fine dining scene is quietly ambitious and firmly chef-driven.

The best fine dining restaurants in Ottawa range from avant-garde tasting-menu theatre to produce-driven Canadian cooking built on Ottawa Valley farms and Quebec cheeses.

Many kitchens are led by chefs who have taken national titles at competitions like the Canadian Culinary Championships, and the wine programs here are among the country's most serious.

Expect seasonal menus, thoughtful pairings, and intimate rooms rather than sprawling spectacle. These are the tables for anniversaries, milestone celebrations, and once-in-a-trip splurges.

Book well ahead, arrive curious, and let the kitchen lead; the capital's top rooms reward diners who surrender to the experience.

  • Atelier

    Avant-garde $$$$

    Marc Lepine's avant-garde tasting-menu room in Little Italy is Ottawa's fine-dining benchmark and the work of a two-time Canadian Culinary Championship winner. The multi-course menu leans into molecular technique, playful presentations, and precise seasonal cooking, with no a la carte option. It is the capital's bucket-list splurge for adventurous food lovers.

    What to order: Multi-course tasting menu; molecular gastronomy

    Reserve

  • Beckta Dining & Wine

    Contemporary Canadian $$$$

    Stephen Beckta's flagship occupies a restored heritage building on Elgin Street and pairs contemporary Canadian cooking with one of the country's most acclaimed wine lists. Polished, warm, and consistent, it is the city's go-to for celebrations and special occasions. The chef's tasting menu with wine pairings is the full-dress experience.

    What to order: Chef's tasting menu; wine pairings

    Reserve

  • Riviera

    Contemporary $$$

    A glamorous room set in a former bank on Sparks Street, all marble, brass, and terrazzo. The kitchen turns out refined contemporary plates and caviar service, backed by one of downtown's best cocktail and wine programs. It is a see-and-be-seen choice for a dressed-up night out.

    What to order: Caviar service; seasonal plates

    Reserve

  • Fauna

    New Canadian $$$

    A stylish Bank Street room in Centretown serving seasonal, produce-forward Canadian plates designed for sharing. The cooking is confident and clean, the in-house bread program excellent, and the mood relaxed but grown-up. A reliable pick for a modern, unfussy fine dinner.

    What to order: Seasonal shared plates; house bread

    Reserve

  • North & Navy

    Northern Italian $$$

    A refined take on northern Italian and Venetian cooking in a bright Centretown space on Nepean Street. Handmade pasta, cicchetti small plates, and a smart Italian wine list make it a perennial local favourite. Elegant yet convivial, it suits both dates and group celebrations.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; cicchetti

    Reserve

  • Supply and Demand

    Seafood $$$

    A beloved Wellington West restaurant known for pristine oysters, a lively raw bar, and house-made pasta. The room buzzes and the cooking stays ingredient-driven and precise. It is a Hintonburg staple for a quality-first dinner with real energy.

    What to order: Oysters; house-made pasta

    Reserve

  • Restaurant E18hteen

    Contemporary Canadian $$$

    A handsome ByWard Market restaurant set in a restored 1870s stone building, serving contemporary Canadian cooking and prime steaks. Exposed brick, a stone-vaulted lounge, and polished service make it a classic special-occasion room in the heart of the market.

    What to order: Dry-aged steak; seasonal a la carte

    Reserve

  • Wilfrid's

    Canadian $$$

    The Fairmont Chateau Laurier's grand dining room, with views toward Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal. Classic Canadian plates, a genteel tea and breakfast tradition, and old-world elegance define the experience. A quintessential capital splurge inside a landmark hotel.

    What to order: Prix fixe; Canadian classics

    Reserve

  • 1 Elgin

    Contemporary Canadian $$$

    The National Arts Centre's contemporary Canadian restaurant champions local producers and pre-show dining beside the Rideau Canal. Bright, seasonal, and thoughtfully sourced, it is the natural choice before a concert or a night at the theatre, offering polish without a full tasting-menu commitment.

    What to order: Local prix fixe; seasonal plates

    Reserve

  • The Whalesbone

    Seafood $$$

    A pioneering sustainable-seafood restaurant with a raw bar of East Coast oysters and daily fish on Bank Street. Loud, characterful, and seriously good, it built its reputation on responsible sourcing long before it was fashionable. A must for oyster lovers in the capital.

    What to order: East Coast oysters; sustainable fish

    Reserve

Most Romantic Restaurants in Ottawa

For date nights, anniversaries, and proposals, the most romantic restaurants in Ottawa pair intimate lighting and gracious service with food worth lingering over.

The city offers everything from candlelit French dining rooms and glamorous heritage-bank spaces to cozy neighbourhood spots with warm rooms and canal-side views.

Romance here is less about stiff formality and more about atmosphere: a moody bar, a shared bottle of wine, and a room that makes time slow down. Whether you want Parliament and Rideau Canal glamour or a tucked-away table in a converted stone mansion, these picks set the mood.

Reserve ahead, request a quiet corner if you can, and plan a leisurely, unhurried evening.

  • Beckta Dining & Wine

    Contemporary Canadian $$$$

    Set in a restored heritage building on Elgin Street, Beckta is Ottawa's benchmark for special-occasion dining. Contemporary Canadian tasting plates, a deep and thoughtful wine list, and polished service make it a reliably romantic choice for anniversaries and proposals.

    What to order: Seasonal tasting menu; wine pairings

    Reserve

  • Riviera

    Modern Canadian $$$

    Housed in a former bank on Sparks Street, Riviera is all art-deco glamour: soaring ceilings, brass, marble, and a striking bar. The modern Canadian menu and moody lighting make it one of downtown's most photogenic and grown-up date spots.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; raw bar

    Reserve

  • North & Navy

    Northern Italian $$$

    An intimate northern Italian room on Nepean Street inspired by Venetian cicchetti bars. Small plates, house-made pasta, and an all-Italian wine list served in a warm, low-lit space make it a comfortable, unpretentious choice for couples.

    What to order: Cicchetti; handmade pasta

    Reserve

  • Atelier

    Tasting Menu $$$$

    A tiny avant-garde dining room on Rochester Street serving a long, playful tasting menu with no printed choices to make. The multi-course experimental cooking and hushed, focused setting turn dinner into a shared adventure for two.

    What to order: Multi-course avant-garde tasting

    Reserve

  • Signatures Restaurant

    French $$$$

    The dining room of Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa, set inside a historic mansion on Laurier Avenue. Classic French technique, elegant plating, and a refined, hushed setting make it a special-occasion destination for a genuinely romantic evening.

    What to order: Classic French tasting; wine list

    Reserve

  • Play Food & Wine

    New Canadian $$$

    A cozy small-plates spot in the ByWard Market ideal for lingering over wine and sharing. The relaxed-but-refined mood and seasonal, shareable dishes make it a comfortable choice for couples who want good food without fuss.

    What to order: Shareable small plates; wine pairings

    Reserve

  • Fraser Café

    Contemporary Canadian $$$

    A warm neighbourhood room in New Edinburgh near Beechwood serving inventive contemporary Canadian plates. Attentive service and a relaxed, intimate vibe make it a favourite for low-key but memorable date nights.

    What to order: Seasonal plates; local ingredients

    Reserve

  • Supply and Demand

    Seafood & Pasta $$$

    A buzzy Wellington West room known for pristine seafood and house-made pasta. The raw bar, oysters, and lively yet warm atmosphere make it a stylish, flavour-forward pick for a comfortable, celebratory evening together.

    What to order: Oysters; house-made pasta

    Reserve

  • Wilfrid's

    Canadian $$$

    Inside the Fairmont Château Laurier, Wilfrid's offers views toward Parliament and the Rideau Canal from an elegant, classic room. The grand setting and refined Canadian menu suit couples wanting timeless, occasion-worthy glamour downtown.

    What to order: Refined Canadian fare; canal views

    Reserve

  • Absinthe Café

    French Bistro $$

    A charming French bistro in Wellington West with a handsome bar and warm, welcoming room. Comfortable, stylish, and unhurried, it works for a relaxed evening out over steak frites, wine, and classic bistro plates.

    What to order: Steak frites; bistro classics

    Reserve

Best Rooftop & View Restaurants in Ottawa

Few cities frame a meal quite like Ottawa, where Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River, the Rideau Canal, and the Gatineau Hills across the water create memorable backdrops from spring through fall.

The best rooftop and view restaurants in Ottawa range from sky-high cocktail lounges above the ByWard Market to canal-side patios and lakeside pavilions built for golden hour.

Warm-weather months are peak season, when terraces fill quickly and reservations or an early arrival become essential. Many trade as much on the setting and the drinks as on the food, so calibrate expectations accordingly.

Whether you want a cocktail on a revolving rooftop or a laid-back patio at the water's edge, these spots deliver the capital's most photogenic dining.

  • Copper Spirits and Sights

    Canadian $$$

    Perched on the 16th floor of the Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market hotel, Copper is the city's marquee rooftop, with panoramic views over the Market, Parliament Hill, and the Gatineau Hills. The terrace is a prime golden-hour spot for cocktails and shareable plates in the heart of downtown.

    What to order: Cocktails; shareable plates; views

    Reserve

  • Merlot Rooftop Bistro

    Canadian $$$

    High atop the Ottawa Marriott, this revolving restaurant slowly turns to reveal 360-degree panoramas of Parliament, the Ottawa River, and the surrounding skyline. Come for the vantage point and a drink; few tables in the city offer a wider sweep.

    What to order: Cocktails with panoramic views

    Reserve

  • Lago Bar Grill Italiano

    Italian $$$

    Set in the Dow's Lake Pavilion, Lago opens onto a broad patio at the edge of Dow's Lake and the Rideau Canal. It is one of the city's most scenic warm-weather spots for a long lunch or sunset cocktails over the water.

    What to order: Cocktails; lakeside patio

    Reserve

  • The Canal Ritz

    Italian $$

    Housed in a converted boathouse right on the Rideau Canal, this longtime favourite serves pasta and pizza on a patio at the water's edge. Watching boats and paddlers drift past makes it a relaxed, quintessentially Ottawa summer perch.

    What to order: Pasta; canal-side patio

    Reserve

  • The Grand Pizzeria & Bar

    Italian $$

    A ByWard Market mainstay with a lively rooftop patio above the bustle of the streets below. The elevated terrace, wood-fired pizza, and cocktails make it a dependable choice for a warm evening out.

    What to order: Pizza; rooftop patio

    Reserve

  • Metropolitain Brasserie

    French $$$

    A classic French brasserie on Sussex Drive with a patio looking toward the National Gallery and Major's Hill Park. Strong food and a polished raw bar set it apart from view-only rooftops, making it a top all-around pick.

    What to order: Oysters; patio views

    Reserve

  • Tavern on the Falls

    Canadian $$

    A seasonal terrace beside Rideau Falls, where the river tumbles toward the Ottawa River just steps away. The setting over the cascades is dramatic and well suited to a laid-back drink on a summer afternoon.

    What to order: Cocktails; falls-side patio

    Reserve

  • The Clarendon Tavern

    American $$

    A ByWard Market institution with a sprawling rooftop patio that draws a lively after-work crowd. Its comfortable, energetic vibe makes it a solid choice for cocktails and pub bites above the Market streets.

    What to order: Cocktails; bar bites; rooftop

    Reserve

  • 1 Elgin

    Canadian $$$

    The National Arts Centre's dining room overlooks the Rideau Canal and Confederation Square, with a canal-facing terrace in season. It pairs contemporary Canadian plates with one of downtown's most central waterfront views.

    What to order: Canadian plates; canal views

    Reserve

  • The Lookout Bar

    American $$

    A ByWard Market rooftop with a spirited, DJ-driven scene and open-air views over the neighbourhood. Popular for nightlife and cocktails, it delivers energetic vibes and photogenic vantage points above the Market.

    What to order: Cocktails; DJ scene; rooftop views

    Reserve

Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Ottawa

Ottawa's plant-based scene has grown from a niche into a genuine strength, with dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants alongside omnivore kitchens that treat vegetables as headliners.

The best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Ottawa span comfort-food cafes, produce-driven bakeries, and globally inspired spots serving everything from raw vegan bowls to plant-based Ethiopian and South Indian.

Many of the city's cooks source from the ByWard Market and nearby Ontario and Quebec farms, so vegetable dishes here are anything but an afterthought.

Whether you are fully vegan, vegetarian, or simply eating lighter, these picks prove that meat-free dining in Ottawa can be creative, satisfying, and celebratory rather than restrictive.

  • The Table Restaurant

    Vegetarian Buffet $$

    A pioneering pay-by-weight vegetarian buffet in Wellington West, serving from-scratch salads, hot dishes, and soups since the late 1970s. A longtime institution from the city's early meat-free days, it remains a beloved go-to for wholesome, generous plant-based eating.

    What to order: Pay-by-weight veg buffet; house soups

    Reserve

  • Pure Kitchen

    Vegetarian $$

    A plant-based restaurant with locations in Westboro, Centretown, and Barrhaven serving bowls, burgers, and hearty comfort food alongside kombucha on tap. Casual and welcoming, it is a reliable stop for satisfying vegan and vegetarian versions of familiar favorites.

    What to order: Buddha bowls; plant-based burgers

    Reserve

  • Simply Raw Express

    Vegan Raw $$

    A vegan, raw, and gluten-free spot on Bank Street serving smoothie bowls, wraps, and cold-pressed juices. Its health-focused, organic approach makes it a light, energizing choice for those seeking clean plant-based meals.

    What to order: Raw wraps; smoothie bowls

    Reserve

  • Little Jo Berry's

    Vegan Cafe $

    A vegan cafe and bakery serving plant-based comfort food, hearty sandwiches, and baked goods. Inventive treats and a warm vibe make it a strong choice for those craving satisfying, flavorful meat-free bites.

    What to order: Vegan comfort food; baked goods

    Reserve

  • ZaZaZa Pizza

    Pizza $$

    A Hintonburg pizzeria known for thin-crust pies with plentiful vegan cheese and plant-based topping options. Casual, friendly, and buzzing, it offers a crowd-pleasing meat-free take on a shared favorite.

    What to order: Thin-crust vegan pizza

    Reserve

  • Lalibela Ethiopian

    Ethiopian $$

    A Bank Street Ethiopian restaurant with an excellent range of vegetarian and vegan combination platters served on injera. The spiced lentils, greens, and vegetable stews make it a naturally plant-friendly, communal dining experience.

    What to order: Veggie combo on injera; spiced lentils

    Reserve

  • Wild Oat Bakery Cafe

    Vegetarian Cafe $$

    A Glebe natural-foods bakery and cafe with a largely vegetarian menu and plenty of vegan options. Casual and neighbourly, it offers fresh baked goods, hearty sandwiches, and produce-driven plates for a relaxed daytime meal.

    What to order: Veg sandwiches; house baked goods

    Reserve

  • Auntie Loo's Treats

    Vegan Bakery $

    An all-vegan bakery serving plant-based cakes, cookies, and pastries with no compromise on indulgence. Its long-running, dedicated approach makes it a meaningful stop for sweet meat-free treats beyond the usual restaurant fare.

    What to order: Vegan cakes; cookies

    Reserve

  • Mad Radish

    Vegetarian $$

    An Ottawa-born fast-casual spot serving vibrant salads and grain bowls with abundant vegetarian and vegan choices. Its fresh, produce-focused menu makes it a comfortable, reliable everyday destination for lighter plant-forward eating.

    What to order: Seasonal salads; grain bowls

    Reserve

  • Coconut Lagoon

    South Indian $$$

    While not exclusively vegetarian, Joe Thottungal's South Indian restaurant offers standout vegetable-forward Kerala dishes worth seeking out. Its creative produce cookery and dosas make it a great option for flexitarians dining with meat-eaters on St. Laurent.

    What to order: Vegetable-forward Kerala plates; dosa

    Reserve

Best Shawarma & Iconic Ottawa Eats

You cannot claim to know the best restaurants in Ottawa without diving into the city's iconic hometown foods: shawarma, BeaverTails, poutine, and maple-glazed everything.

Shawarma is the headline act, and Ottawa is often called Canada's shawarma capital, with garlicky, spit-roasted chicken and beef wraps found on nearly every downtown corner and endlessly debated by locals.

Beyond shawarma, the fried-dough BeaverTails pastry was born in this region, and a late-night poutine is an essential rite of passage. These dishes are affordable, unpretentious, and deeply tied to Ottawa's neighbourhood, market, and student culture.

Come hungry, embrace the mess, and taste the foods that define the capital's everyday culinary identity.

  • Shawarma Palace

    Shawarma $

    A Rideau Street institution and a benchmark for many Ottawa shawarma loyalists, known for tender garlicky chicken, generous portions, and heaps of pickled turnip and toum. Fast, cheap, and consistent, it is a go-to fix that captures the city's obsession.

    What to order: Garlic chicken shawarma wrap

    Reserve

  • 3 Brothers Shawarma

    Shawarma $

    A beloved local chain famous for well-seasoned chicken and beef, crisp fries stuffed right in the wrap, and a punchy garlic sauce. Reliable and value-packed, it is a staple stop for students and downtown workers alike.

    What to order: Chicken shawarma with fries inside

    Reserve

  • BeaverTails

    Dessert $

    The ByWard Market home of Ottawa's signature fried-dough pastry, stretched into a paddle shape and dusted with cinnamon sugar or piled with chocolate and banana. Born in the region, it is nostalgia and dessert rolled into one iconic bite.

    What to order: Cinnamon-sugar BeaverTail

    Reserve

  • Le Moulin de Provence

    Bakery $

    A French bakery in the ByWard Market famous for its maple-leaf shortbread, nicknamed the Obama Cookie after the president bought one in 2009. Beyond the cookie, its croissants and pastries make it a charming market stop.

    What to order: Maple-leaf Obama Cookie

    Reserve

  • The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro

    Burgers $$

    An Ottawa-born burger bistro offering dozens of over-the-top topping combinations on beef, chicken, or veggie patties, served with hand-cut fries. Playful and generous, it is a homegrown favourite that started in the Glebe.

    What to order: Build-your-own gourmet burger

    Reserve

  • Elgin Street Diner

    Diner $

    A 24-hour diner and Centretown institution famous for its poutine, all-day breakfast, and no-judgment late-night crowd. Open at every hour, it is the quintessential Ottawa spot for cheese curds and gravy after midnight.

    What to order: Classic poutine

    Reserve

  • Zak's Diner

    Diner $$

    A retro 1950s-style diner in the heart of the ByWard Market, serving milkshakes, all-day breakfast, and hearty comfort plates. Bright, nostalgic, and fun, it is a dependable market classic for families and visitors.

    What to order: Milkshakes; all-day breakfast

    Reserve

  • Colonnade Pizza

    Pizza $$

    A longtime Ottawa institution serving the local cracker-thin, edge-to-edge style pizza it claims to have pioneered in the 1960s. Crispy, cheesy, and heavy on the oregano, it represents Ottawa's own everyday pizza tradition.

    What to order: Thin-crust Ottawa-style pizza

    Reserve

  • La Bottega Nicastro

    Italian Deli $

    A bustling Italian deli and grocery in the ByWard Market, beloved for made-to-order panini stacked with cured meats and cheeses. Grab a sandwich at the counter for a fast, authentic, and unpretentious market lunch.

    What to order: Made-to-order Italian panini

    Reserve

  • Suzy Q Doughnuts

    Doughnuts $

    A Hintonburg favourite turning out small-batch artisanal doughnuts in flavours like maple bacon and Homer, made fresh daily. Quirky and locally adored, it is Ottawa's go-to for a sweet, only-here treat.

    What to order: Maple bacon doughnut

    Reserve

Best Restaurants in Ottawa by Neighborhood

Ottawa is a city of distinct neighbourhoods, and the best restaurants in Ottawa are spread among them rather than clustered in a single dining district.

The ByWard Market and Elgin Street anchor the downtown core, while Wellington West, Hintonburg, and Westboro reward those who explore the independent, chef-driven west end.

Little Italy along Preston Street and Chinatown on Somerset West offer vibrant, affordable eating, and leafy corners like the Glebe, New Edinburgh, and Old Ottawa South round out the map.

Using neighbourhoods to plan your meals lets you pair dining with sightseeing, walkable strolls, and a genuine sense of local life. This roundup spotlights a signature restaurant in several key areas to help you eat your way across the capital.

  • ByWard Market, Sidedoor

    Global $$$

    A lively contemporary kitchen tucked off Dalhousie Street in the heart of Ottawa's oldest market district. Chef-driven tacos and globally minded share plates make it a natural pick before or after wandering the Market's stalls and patios.

    What to order: Duck confit tacos; short rib

    Reserve

  • Elgin Street, Beckta

    Canadian $$$$

    Stephen Beckta's refined dining room helped define fine dining in the capital, with polished Canadian cooking and one of the city's best wine programs. Elgin Street is Ottawa's classic downtown strip, and Beckta is its special-occasion anchor.

    What to order: Tasting menu; local produce

    Reserve

  • Centretown, North & Navy

    Italian $$$

    A warm, buzzing room on Nepean Street serving Venetian cicchetti and handmade pasta. Casual up front and serious in the kitchen, it captures Centretown's mix of downtown energy and neighbourhood ease.

    What to order: Cicchetti; house pasta

    Reserve

  • Little Italy, Atelier

    Tasting Menu $$$$

    Marc Lepine's ambitious tasting-menu restaurant on Rochester Street sits just off Preston, the heart of Ottawa's Little Italy. Inventive, multi-course, and reservation-only, it is the reason to plan an evening around the neighbourhood's trattorias and espresso bars.

    What to order: Twelve-course tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Chinatown, Shanghai Restaurant

    Cantonese $$

    A beloved fixture on Somerset West, famous for Chinese-Canadian classics and weekend karaoke. A stroll through the Chinatown arch and its bakeries and pho shops makes for a rewarding, affordable culinary outing.

    What to order: General Tao; dumplings

    Reserve

  • Wellington West, Supply and Demand

    Seafood $$$

    A seafood and pasta favourite that helped put Wellington West on the culinary map. Oysters, house-made noodles, and an easygoing room make it the ideal introduction to the west end's independent food scene.

    What to order: Oysters; handmade pasta

    Reserve

  • The Glebe, Von's Bistro

    Bistro $$$

    A cozy Bank Street bistro known for seasonal cooking and a popular brunch. Pair a meal with a walk around Lansdowne Park and the Rideau Canal to make the most of the Glebe's leafy, walkable streets.

    What to order: Steak frites; brunch

    Reserve

  • Westboro, Petit Bill's Bistro

    Seafood $$

    A friendly Richmond Road spot celebrated for oysters and fresh fish. Westboro pairs boutique shopping with beach access on the Ottawa River, and this bistro is a relaxed, reliable anchor for the afternoon.

    What to order: Oysters; fish and chips

    Reserve

  • New Edinburgh, Fraser Cafe

    New Canadian $$$

    A chef-driven neighbourhood restaurant on Springfield Road serving seasonal, market-focused small plates. Quiet and residential, New Edinburgh sits near Rideau Hall, making Fraser Cafe a delightful reason to explore this understated corner.

    What to order: Seasonal small plates

    Reserve

  • Old Ottawa South, The Wild Oat

    Cafe $$

    A long-running bakery and cafe on Bank Street with house-baked bread and generous vegetarian-friendly fare. It captures the easygoing, community feel of Old Ottawa South near the canal and Windsor Park.

    What to order: House bread; veggie fare

    Reserve

Best New & Trendy Restaurant Openings in Ottawa

Ottawa's dining scene has matured fast, and the best new and trendy restaurant openings in Ottawa keep the capital punching above its weight nationally.

Recent momentum has centered on Wellington West's steady growth, ambitious downtown and Centretown debuts, and chefs branching out from acclaimed flagships to launch second, more casual concepts.

Buzzy spots book up quickly, so flexibility with dates and early or late seatings helps a lot. Because the freshest rooms evolve quickly, it is always worth checking current local coverage before you go.

These picks highlight recently opened and consistently talked-about restaurants that capture where Ottawa dining is heading right now.

  • Supply and Demand

    Seafood & Pasta $$$

    A Wellington West favorite from chef Steve Wall built around pristine seafood and house-made pasta. Its raw bar, daily oyster selection, and lively neighborhood room have made it one of the city's most reliably praised destinations.

    What to order: Fresh oysters; handmade pasta

    Reserve

  • North & Navy

    Italian $$$

    A Venetian-inspired Italian restaurant on Nepean Street pairing cicchetti-style small plates with polished handmade pastas. Its warm, contemporary space and generous shared dishes keep it a downtown standby for special nights.

    What to order: Cicchetti; handmade pasta

    Reserve

  • Riviera

    Modern Canadian $$$

    A glamorous modern Canadian restaurant set inside a former bank on Sparks Street, all Art Deco lines and buzzy energy. Its raw bar and refined mains made it an instant see-and-be-seen destination in the core.

    What to order: Raw bar; refined seasonal mains

    Reserve

  • Fauna

    New Canadian $$$

    A stylish Centretown restaurant on Bank Street known for creative, produce-driven shared plates and an easy, convivial vibe. Its rotating seasonal menu keeps it firmly in the conversation as a modern local favorite.

    What to order: Seasonal shared plates

    Reserve

  • Atelier

    Avant-Garde Tasting $$$$

    Chef Marc Lepine's avant-garde tasting-menu room in Little Italy delivers an immersive, multi-course experience with playful molecular techniques. Its intersection of science and cuisine makes it one of the city's most distinctive dining rooms.

    What to order: Multi-course molecular tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Métropolitain Brasserie

    French Brasserie $$$

    A classic French brasserie on Sussex Drive near the ByWard Market, bringing Parisian energy and traditional bistro dishes to the capital. Its bustling room and daily oyster bar make it a lively see-and-be-seen spot.

    What to order: Oysters; steak frites

    Reserve

  • Datsun

    Pan-Asian $$

    The casual Wellington West spinoff from the Supply and Demand team, serving pan-Asian street food in a relaxed, walk-in-friendly room. Its noodles and steamed buns reflect a move toward loose, comforting cooking outside downtown.

    What to order: Noodles; steamed buns

    Reserve

  • Town

    Italian $$$

    An Elgin Street Italian restaurant from chef Marc Doiron built on handmade pastas and a cozy, unpretentious room. It represents the neighborhood-trattoria approach that continues to draw a steady crowd.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; wood-fired mains

    Reserve

  • El Camino

    Tacos $$

    A no-reservations taco bar on Elgin Street from chef Jonathan Korecki, tucked behind an unmarked door with a globally inspired menu. Its inventive tacos and buzzy counter energy keep it packed most nights.

    What to order: Globally inspired tacos

    Reserve

  • Union Local 613

    Southern $$

    A Somerset Street West restaurant channeling Southern US comfort food with fried chicken, cocktails, and a hidden speakeasy below. Its generous plates and easygoing energy keep it popular for groups.

    What to order: Fried chicken; shrimp and grits

    Reserve

Frequently Asked Questions

What food is Ottawa most famous for?

Ottawa is most famous for shawarma, so much so that it is often called Canada's shawarma capital. The city is also the birthplace of BeaverTails, the fried-dough pastry, and locals love poutine, maple treats, and fresh Ottawa Valley produce.

Where can I get the best shawarma in Ottawa?

Top shawarma spots include Shawarma Palace on Rideau Street, Shawarma's King, and 3 Brothers Shawarma. Each has devoted fans for its garlic sauce and pickled turnips. Try more than one.

Do I need reservations for top Ottawa restaurants?

Yes. Tasting-menu spots like Atelier and popular tables such as Riviera, North & Navy, and Supply and Demand fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Book ahead online, or sit at the bar for a walk-in seat.

Which Ottawa neighbourhoods are best for dining?

The ByWard Market is the busiest hub. Wellington West and Hintonburg have chef-driven spots, Westboro is polished, Little Italy along Preston Street offers pasta and patios, Chinatown on Somerset has affordable Asian cuisine, and Elgin Street draws a lively crowd.

How expensive is fine dining in Ottawa?

Ottawa's top tasting menus are a splurge, typically $$$$ per person before wine. Neighbourhood bistros, shawarma joints, and market stalls offer great value. Check current menus.

Are there good vegetarian and vegan options in Ottawa?

Yes. Plant-based favourites include Pure Kitchen, with several locations, and The Green Door on Main Street for a vegetarian buffet. Many fine-dining kitchens accommodate vegan menus with notice, and Somerset Street offers vegetable-forward Asian options.