Ottawa’s fantastic variety of eateries means that there is always something delicious to eat on the menu. The capital city of Canada is known for being a multicultural metropolis, with numerous international famous restaurants in Ottawa waiting to be tried by food lovers. These options range from the traditional and local or something more innovative or exotic. This city has several famous restaurants known for melding foreign recipes, ingredients, cooking techniques, and offering a great culinary experience.
Immigration has played a massive role in influencing the bustling food scene of the country. Ottawa is one such shining example of that trend. From intimate cafes to neighborhood restaurants to oyster bars and fine dining establishments, In this article, we have curated a list of the most popular eateries in Ottawa that you should sink your teeth into as a food lover.
Top 10 Famous Restaurants in Ottawa
Ottawa has a great range of restaurants that define Canadian culture. Individuals can have a decent meal even if they are on a tight budget. Here are the top 10 famous restaurants in Ottawa that are one of a kind and offer more than just a fine dining experience.
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Beckta Dining & Wine
Beckta Dining & Wine restaurant has set the bar for a fine dining experience in Ottawa and maintains its standard even today. Steve Beckta started this restaurant back in 2003. Guests can enjoy a wide array of innovative dishes. From Asian-inspired seafood to Canadian-style meat dishes, this establishment fulfills the needs of every taste bud. The restaurant gives out the late 70s vibe, with a blue patterned carpet and curtains. The orange armchairs and booth are a treat to your eyes. Beckta Dining and Wine has an astounding menu worth every penny you spend. The menu starts with unique and creative dishes, a three-course Prix-fix dinner, and a five-course tasting with optional wine pairing. Guests can also carry their bottle of wine by paying a per bottle corkage fee.
Signature Dish of Beckta Dining & Wine: Ontario AAA striploin.
Location: 150 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1L4, Canada
Average Cost For Two: CAD 160
Opening Timing: Tuesday to Saturday 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Contact Details: +1 613-238-7063
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Gezellig
Gezellig is a restaurant owned by Steve Beckta (Who also owns Beckta Dining & Wine) and Executive Chef Michael Moffatt. The place started as a bank and later turned into a restaurant. The premises of Gezellig has monochromatic walls with colourful artworks. The modest interiors make the ambiance more relaxing and give a soothing vibe. The ingredients of this restaurant are directly sourced from the farmer or the producer. To complement the international cuisine, they have a selection of international wines hand-picked for their rich flavour.
Signature Dish of Gezellig: Braised Ontario Lamb Shank
Location: 337 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 0E7, Canada
Average Cost For Two: CAD 120
Opening Timing: Wednesday to Friday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM / 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Contact Details: +1 613-680-9086
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The Whalesbone Oyster House
The Whalesbone Oyster House is an eatery dedicated to seafood. This restaurant has a bare brick wall finish with Jolly Roger flags, dark wooden furniture, nautical posters, and even an open kitchen. The specialty of this eatery is that its menu keeps changing daily depending on the fisherman’s catch. Oysters are caught by using a sustainable and ethical method under ocean-wise certification. A 1980’s themed DJ booth and a primal pirate ship add a friendly retro vibe to your dining experience.
Signature Dish of Whalesbone Oyster House: There is no signature dish as the menu keeps changing daily, but oysters and lobsters are the most popular dishes here.
Location: 430 Bank St, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1Y8, Canada
Average Cost For Two: CAD 135
Opening Timing: Monday and Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM / 5:00 PM to 10:00, Wednesday and Thursday: 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM and Sunday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Contact Details: +1 613-231-8569
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Town
One of the best hangouts for a food lover, the Town is for those who never settle for anything less than the best. The town is famous for its home-to-home experience, complemented with warm Edison lighting. The simple rustic tables, textured wooden flooring, and leather seating enhance the overall experience. The ambiance of the Town gives a delightful atmosphere of cuisine. Non-veg dishes such as ricotta-stuffed meatballs and pan-seared chicken thigh are a must-try at this restaurant. The menu is strongly Italian; however, the restaurant source all its ingredients from local farms. They serve rose white, red, and sparkling wines to complement the delicious dishes.
Signature Dish of Town: Local Lamb Bolognese
Location: 296 Elgin St Downtown, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1M3, Canada
Average Cost For Two: CAD 60
Opening Timing: Sunday to Thursday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Contact Details: +1 613-695-8696
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NeXT
Consistently rated among the top restaurants in downtown Ottawa by the city’s food critics, NeXT serves a balance of dishes firmly rooted in Canadian culture and influenced by Asia and Europe. The premises of this restaurant has a cream wall finish along with dark tiled flooring and simple wooden tables complimented by dark-themed furnishings. The kitchen is the attraction’s center, giving this eatery a relaxed city vibe with grey tile panels adorned with purple strip lighting. Moreover, the menu is inspired by the food memories of one of the greatest chefs, Michael Blackie.
Signature Dish of NeXT: An eight-course menu of chef’s choice known as the blind share menu. You never know what you’re getting until it finally arrives at your table. But every bite is guaranteed to be delicious and satisfying.
Location: 6400 Hazeldean Road, Ottawa ON K2S 1S4
Average Cost For Two: CAD 95
Opening Timing: Monday to Thursday: 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM, Friday: 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, Saturday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Sunday 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM / 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Contact Details: +1 613-836-8002
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Fraser Café
If you are a person who loves going out to eat, Fraser Café might be the top choice for you. It is one of the famous restaurants in Ottawa, famous for its all-winning approach to using the best ingredients available to create fantastic dishes at reasonable prices. They offer a Canadian seasonal menu. Although the menu is short and straightforward, they overhaul it according to the change in season. The fluorescent plastic chairs and dark-themed walls provide a more calm and relaxed atmosphere.
Signature Dish of Fraser Café: Poached lobster and seared duck breast
Location: 7 Springfield Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1M 1C8 Canada
Average Cost For Two: CAD 72
Opening Timing: Wednesday and Thursday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Sunday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Contact Details: +1 613-749-1444
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Absinthe Café
Absinthe Café is one of the most popular and famous restaurants in Ottawa. The café is inspired by a 19th-century Persian café, from where the “Green Ferry” drink originated and became a pivot to everyone who loved the Bohemian culture of the time. The dark wooden table, black leather seating, and moody lighting give a splendid dining experience. The French specialties and the stained metal wall serve as the focal point of Absinthe. The produce is sourced from eastern Ontario and western Quebec and prepared in an inventive way using classic French techniques, guaranteed to provide you with an exciting dining experience.
Signature Dish of Absinthe: No signature food, as the menu changes regularly.
Location: 1208 Wellington St W, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 2Z7, Canada
Average Cost For Two: CAD 104
Opening Timing: Tuesday to Saturday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Contact Details: +1 613-761-1138
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Sidedoor Contemporary Kitchen & Bar
Sidedoor Contemporary Kitchen & Bar is one of the most popular restaurants in Ottawa that brings people together through delicious food. The street food of Southeast Asia inspires the restaurant. Along with Southeast Asian seafood, the restaurant also offers French dishes. The restaurant provides a soulful family-style dining experience. Operating on the philosophy of, ‘Make Tacos Not War’. Sidedoor has a classic vibe that makes it a hotspot for locals and tourists both. Head over to their bar, which is a very sought- spot for people wanting to try their specialty cocktails.
Signature Dish of Sidedoor Contemporary Kitchen & Bar: Szechuan lamb tacos
Location: 18 B York Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5T5 Canada
Average Cost For Two: CAD 118
Opening Timing: Monday to Friday: 11:45 AM to 2:00 PM / 4:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Contact Details: +1 613-562-9331
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Atelier
When it comes to a fine-dine experience, Atelier is the first name that comes to mind. Quality and freshness can be used as the other words for this restaurant. Previously, for the past 12 years, the restaurant offered a 12-course blind tasting menu. In 2021, Atelier introduced an interactive 44-course blind tasting menu with a concept never seen before. The restaurant has a new theme with the essence of Canadian cuisine, as the ingredients are still being locally-sourced. Chef Mark Lepine is one of North America’s most innovative chefs who keeps surprising his guests at Atelier with dishes that have never been seen before.
Signature Dish of Atelier: 12-course tasting menu
Location: 540 Rochester St, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 4M1, Canada
Average Cost For Two: CAD 270
Opening Timing: Tuesday to Saturday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Contact Details: +1 613-321-3537
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Allium
Allium is one of the oldest and most sought-after Famous restaurants in Ottawa. This eatery was modeled around the concept of providing food lovers with a contemporary and stylish cafe in an intimate setting. The head chef Arup Jana takes traditional Canadian dishes and uses French cooking techniques to bring forth a modern spin. He believes in quality over quantity. Thence, he sources ingredients from local farmers and purveyors. His belief is evident in creating an entirely new menu each month. Allium features urbane grey-washed walls, wooden furniture, and ultra-modern artworks with warm low lighting. The restaurant projects a pleasant atmosphere, perfect for any special occasion.
Signature Dish of Allium: No signature dish as the menu keeps refreshing each month
Location: 87 Holland Avenue, Ottawa K1Y 0Y1, Canada
Average Cost For Two: CAD 80
Opening Timing: Monday to Saturday: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Contact Details: +16137921313
Bring Out Your Forks And Knives
Restaurants in downtown Ottawa are one of a kind. They are famous for providing a delightful gastronomical experience, which scintillates your taste buds and makes you want to go back. As a hub for food lovers, Ottawa offers an assortment of cuisine options such as French, Southeast Asian, Japanese, and European. The locally sourced ingredients and full-course blinding menus are the trademark specialties of these Canadian restaurants.
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