A Guide to Find The Best Restaurants in Ottawa, Canada’s Capital

Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is a true delight for food lovers. Was that too much alliteration? Maybe, but you can never have too much of the delicious food offered at the best restaurants in Ottawa. While poutine and BeaverTails might be the first dishes you think of when it comes to Ottawa, there's so much more to discover in the city's vibrant food scene.

Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, Ottawa offers a wealth of dining experiences that cater to every palate and budget. From trendy hotspots to hidden gems, this guide will take you on a flavorful journey through the best restaurants in Ottawa, where you can indulge in everything from gourmet fare to comfort food with a twist.

Best Restaurants in Ottawa

Best Restaurants in Ottawa That Travelers Should Come

Riviera: Where Elegance Meets Comfort

Riviera is the highest-ranking Ottawa restaurant on the list of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants, coming in at an impressive #28. Located in a historic former bank building on Sparks Street, Riviera is a must-visit for those seeking a refined dining experience with a dash of glamor. The high ceilings, art deco-inspired interiors, and stunning chandeliers set the stage for a meal that's as much about ambiance as it is about the food.

Riviera's menu is a modern take on classic Canadian cuisine, with dishes that are both familiar and innovative. Start with the beef tartare, a crowd favorite, before moving on to the main course. The roast chicken with wild mushrooms and truffle jus is a standout, but seafood lovers won't want to miss the pan-seared scallops with cauliflower puree. Pair your meal with a selection from their impressive wine list, and you’ve got yourself an evening to remember.

While Riviera leans toward the pricier side, it’s worth every penny for the experience. If you're looking for good restaurants in Ottawa that deliver on both food and atmosphere, Riviera is a top contender.

Riviera restaurants

Atelier: Enjoy a Fine Dining Meal

Atelier is a fine dining restaurant and one of the best restaurants in Ottawa. Without a doubt, it offers the most memorable dining experience in Ottawa. Located behind a modest, unassuming facade, this upscale restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Marc Lepine, one of Canada’s most acclaimed chefs. Atelier specializes in molecular gastronomy, where science meets art on the plate. The restaurant’s tasting menu, which often features more than a dozen meticulously crafted courses, pushes the boundaries of traditional cooking, presenting diners with dishes that are both visually stunning and deliciously complex.

Each dish on the tasting menu is a carefully crafted work of art, combining creativity and technique to surprise and delight the senses. The intimate setting and impeccable service add to the overall experience, making Atelier a must-visit for those seeking an extraordinary culinary adventure in Ottawa.

Fauna: A Celebration of Local Ingredients

In Ottawa's trendy Centretown neighborhood, Fauna has carved out a reputation as one of the city’s great restaurants, offering a menu that highlights the best of local and seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is cozy yet sophisticated, making it perfect for both casual outings and special occasions.

Fauna’s menu is designed for sharing, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes. Start with the crispy pork belly, served with a tangy apple puree, or the charred octopus, which is perfectly tender and bursting with flavor. For the main course, the duck breast with roasted beets and blackberry jus is a showstopper, while vegetarians will appreciate the creativity of the roasted cauliflower with green curry.

To top it all off, Fauna offers an extensive cocktail list, with drinks that are as carefully crafted as the food. If you’re looking for top restaurants in Ottawa that champion local flavors, Fauna is a must-visit.

Fauna restaurants

El Camino: Tacos and Tequila in the Heart of Ottawa

El Camino is one of the best affordable restaurants in Ottawa that serves up delicious tacos and other Mexican-inspired foods.  When it comes to casual dining, few places do it better than El Camino. Located on Elgin Street, this lively spot is famous for its tacos and tequila, making it a go-to for locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere is lively and unpretentious, with a buzzing energy that makes it perfect for a night out with friends.

The menu at El Camino is simple but satisfying. The fish tacos, made with crispy battered cod and topped with a tangy slaw, are a must-try, as are the beef barbacoa tacos, which are rich and flavorful. Vegetarians will love the crispy avocado tacos, which are just as satisfying as their meatier counterparts.

But El Camino isn’t just about tacos. The corn fritters, served with a spicy aioli, are the perfect starter, and the churros with chocolate dipping sauce make for a sweet ending to your meal. Wash it all down with one of their signature margaritas, and you’ll see why El Camino is one of the best affordable restaurants in Ottawa.

El Camino restaurant

Supply and Demand: A Modern Take on Italian Classics

If you're in the mood for Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist, look no further than Supply and Demand - one of the best restaurants in Ottawa. Located in the Wellington West neighborhood, this chic eatery is known for its creative pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and sleek, minimalist decor.

The menu changes seasonally, but you can always expect a mix of classic Italian flavors and modern techniques. The house-made pasta is the star of the show, with dishes like squid ink linguine with clams and chili, or ricotta gnocchi with brown butter and sage. The grilled octopus, served with a bright citrus salad, is another standout, as is the roasted chicken with polenta and wild mushrooms.

Supply and Demand also offers a carefully curated selection of wines, with an emphasis on natural and organic options. The knowledgeable staff is always happy to make recommendations, ensuring that your meal is perfectly paired from start to finish. It’s no wonder that this restaurant is consistently ranked among the great restaurants in Ottawa.

Food in Supply and Demand Restaurant

North and Navy: Italian Elegance with a Canadian Twist

North and Navy draws inspiration from the similarities between the climates of Eastern Ontario and Northeast Italy, creating traditional Italian dishes with a focus on local ingredients. Embrace the Italian vibe by starting with an aperitivo at the bar before diving into a robust meal. The name itself, "North and Navy," reflects this fusion of cultures—combining the robust flavors of Northern Italian cuisine with the fresh, high-quality ingredients that Canada has to offer.

The menu at North and Navy is a celebration of simplicity and quality. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and locally sourced meats are the stars of the show, with dishes that emphasize bold flavors and seasonal ingredients. The Venetian cicchetti (small plates) are a great way to start your meal, offering a variety of bites that showcase the chef’s skill and creativity. Main courses range from rich, slow-cooked meats to delicate fish dishes, all prepared with an eye for detail and a respect for tradition.

A Northern Italian kitchen inspired by the Bacari of Venice

Restaurant Les Fougères

Les Fougeres is an elegant restaurant that has received various honors and media attention over its almost 25-year history. Charles Part and Jennifer Warren-Part, famous restaurateurs, chefs, and cookbook writers, co-own the business, which has a superb culinary staff led by chef de cuisine Yannick LaSalle and seasoned maître d'hôtel sommelier Louis Parisien.

Les Fougeres is one of the best restaurants in Ottawa

Yangtze Dining Lounge

Yangtze Dining Lounge delivers exquisite Cantonese dim sum and Szechuan food in the heart of Ottawa's Chinatown.

Fried rice, vegetable soup, stuffed eggplant, General Tao chicken, and braised duck are among their most popular meals. Take advantage of the All-Day Dim Sum menu at any time to enjoy exquisite dishes such as shrimp har gow, pork shumai, and filled bean cake.

Conclusion

All the best restaurants in Ottawa are a vibrant reflection of the city’s diverse and dynamic character. With exceptional options ranging from the cutting-edge cuisine at Atelier to the inviting comfort of El Camino, the city offers something for every palate. Each dining experience, whether it's a special occasion or a casual meal, showcases the city's commitment to quality and creativity. Dive into Ottawa’s culinary landscape and discover that this city is a true foodie haven, full of delicious surprises and unforgettable meals. 

All travelers need to have a Canada ETA before they can legally enter Canada. Getting a Canada ETA is quick, simple, and takes less than 30 minutes.