The 24 Must-Try Restaurants in Ottawa

Just a short drive north of Gatineau, you'll find Les Fougères in Chelsea, a top choice for a romantic dinner. Since 1993, this restaurant has wowed guests with its exquisite French-inspired dishes like veal sweetbread, duck confit, and fresh local seafood. The enchanting forest setting adds to the experience, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the surrounding nature and a curved bar crafted from rammed earth sourced from nearby Morrison’s Quarry.

The menu, name, and decor might appear modest, but the Fraser brothers (Ross and Simon) have won the hearts of Ottawa residents. Their restaurant, located on the edge of upscale Rockcliffe, embodies a slice of multicultural Canada: rooted in Ottawa yet inspired by global flavors. Dinner options feature Korean fried eggplant, chicken satay slaw, and crab ravioli.

If there's one dish you must try in Ottawa, it's the shawarma plate from this iconic Lebanese Mytoury on Rideau. The spits are generously loaded with spiced chicken and beef, making every plate a bountiful feast of meat, rice, salad, hummus, garlic sauce, potatoes, and pita. Unfortunately for vegetarians, the falafel isn't as impressive. While there are other locations in the city, the Rideau spot is known for its freshest ingredients.

Owned by acclaimed sommelier Véronique Rivest, Soif quietly stands out in Gatineau. Situated in a former burger joint across the bridge in Hull, this restaurant features an impressive selection of natural wines. The menu leans French with Canadian influences, including dishes like bison tartare and a local Quebec cheese platter. Soif also provides private wine-tasting experiences.

Award-winning local chef Joe Thottungal’s second restaurant, following the beloved Coconut Lagoon in St. Laurent, focuses on — you guessed it — South Indian thalis. Each copper platter features a delightful assortment that changes daily based on seasonal ingredients. The menu also boasts a tempting array of curries, vindaloos, biryanis, and soups.

Although Ottawa isn’t typically seen as a seafood destination, Whalesbone elevates the city’s culinary scene to rival that of any landlocked area. The expertly prepared, sustainably sourced seafood dishes boast remarkable textures and flavors, leaving you to ponder why Whalesbone doesn’t offer crispy salmon skin as a snack. The Elgin Street location, larger than the cozy Bank Street flagship, also delves into heartier options by dry-aging steaks on-site. The Kent Street location and Elmdale Oyster House are part of the same group.

Husband-and-wife team Marc Dorion and Lori Wojcik own the sister restaurants Town and Citizen, which effectively function as two fine dining venues in one; located just around the corner from each other, they share a kitchen and menu. At both establishments, the couple offers delicious, approachable, European-inspired cuisine supported by a knowledgeable staff. Highlight dishes include seafood bouillabaisse, roast chicken with house-made Boursin, and the standout ricotta-stuffed meatballs, though you can't go wrong with any option. The pandemic-inspired bottle shop inside Town remains popular, featuring trendy wines, beers, and spirits.

Few people envision Ottawa as a hub for Southern cuisine — yet here we are. Union Local 613 serves elevated takes on shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and side ribs. Upstairs, Jabberwocky Supper Club presents upscale monthly menus that include vegan options, while the Staffroom speakeasy, tucked behind a bookcase downstairs, is the go-to spot for discreet cocktails.

Since its debut in 2020, Arlo on Somerset has captured the city’s attention, quickly becoming one of Ottawa’s top dining spots. Co-owner and sommelier Alex McMahon, who trained at Noma, brings some of that restaurant's philosophy to Arlo, emphasizing fresh, local flavors without the fuss. The outcome is a remarkable success, featuring excellent seasonal dishes crafted by chef and co-owner Jamie Stunt, along with one of the finest natural wine lists in town.

The only Burmese restaurant in the area, Rangoon serves up spicy, coconut-infused dishes at affordable prices from its location in Chinatown. Expect generous use of garlic and ginger, along with a tea leaf salad, coconut shrimp, and richly flavored fish noodle soup that make this restaurant stand out. Rangoon offers a unique culinary experience in a city where Thai food predominates, and it's also a great choice for takeout.

While the shop is known for its dairy-based ice cream, Moo Shu on Bank Street has also garnered a loyal following for its delicious and imaginative vegan options, along with its focus on farm-fresh ingredients. Offerings include a unique toasted oak and black olive ganache for the dairy Dinogos, and for those avoiding dairy, options like lychee-rose and raspberry swirl. On weekends, bubble waffle cones are available, along with savory snacks such as frozen vegan dumplings and everything bagel hot dogs.

Stroll along Somerset between Booth and Bronson, and you'll spot many pho signs. A family-owned gem, New Pho Bo Ga La (distinct from Pho Bo Ga L.A) is a reliable option. Their menu features rich and hearty noodle soups, including bún bò huế and Thai tom kha, along with various pho options and plates served over rice or vermicelli. The restaurant stays open late, welcoming diners until 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends.

Set in a former South Asian grocery store with exposed brick walls, Corner Peach combines a restaurant and corner shop, offering craft beers and locally roasted coffee. Co-owned and co-cheffed by Caroline Murphy (formerly at Edgar) and Emma Campbell (of Supply and Demand and Oz Kafe fame), this spot serves up comfort food on quaint vintage plates reminiscent of grandma's kitchen. The menu shifts frequently, featuring delights like French onion soup, crispy fried Brussels sprouts, and braised pork belly.

Originating as a food truck on Preston Street specializing in straightforward tortas, Torta Boyz has evolved into a must-visit restaurant in Chinatown. In addition to their famous sandwiches, be sure to try their loaded fries topped with flavorful sauces, pickled onions, and options like barbacoa, tinga, or cauliflower. While the dishes are perfect for a quick bite, don’t miss out on a mezcal margarita with hibiscus for a delightful finish.

Established in 1988, the Green Door has been a pioneer in vegetarian, vegan, organic, and gluten-free cuisine long before it became trendy. Their menu features homemade dishes like cheddar and broccoli quiche, spanakopita, and red lentil patties, all available at a self-serve buffet. Desserts are a highlight, offering a delightful selection of cakes, pies, and cheesecakes, including gluten-free and vegan options, all available for preorder.

If only every grocery store featured a sandwich counter like Di Rienzo’s. This beloved local spot proudly claims to offer “the best sandwiches in Ottawa,” and it likely earns that title. The secret lies in its simplicity: straightforward Italian subs filled with mortadella, prosciutto, and more, with a touch of Canadian flair (like Havarti cheese), all at remarkably low prices, alongside a few hot and gourmet options. While newer, “creative” sandwich makers might stuff bread with Doritos or pierogies, they can't match the classic charm of Di Rienzo’s.

Ottawa is rich in Montreal-style bagels, thanks to Bagelshop. Since its inception in 1984, this shop has been producing sesame seed-encrusted, ring-shaped bagels that are boiled in honey water and baked in a wood-fired oven. The bagels closely resemble those from St-Viateur Bagel in Montreal, from which they adapted their recipe, but Bagelshop claims to be the sole provider of wood-fired sourdough bagels in Canada, along with delightful sandwiches and babka.

Launching just before the first pandemic lockdowns, Heartbreakers has quickly established itself as an Ottawa favorite for unique pizza flavors and natural wines. Using top-notch local ingredients, their toppings might baffle any traditional Italian grandmother, featuring combinations like chermoula, spicy honey, pea and tarragon cream, and halal lamb. Don't forget to add garlic dipping sauce and sample their wings, seasoned with honey, chili, mint, and basil.

Steve and Jennifer Wall, a husband-and-wife duo, have a keen palate for flavors, prioritizing taste over current trends. Their bright and airy Westboro restaurant features a dynamic menu that includes handmade pasta, raw bar specialties, and impeccably prepared meats. Due to its popularity, making a reservation is highly recommended.

Comfortable as the couch it's named after, this 'not-so-greasy spoon' diner serves up brunch that’s worth the wait. Traditional dishes like eggs Benedict and waffles are given a creative twist, with highlights such as air-fried chicken on challah Benny or Cinnamon Toast Crunch French toast. Unique sides include cauliflower poutine and loaded avocados.

At first glance, Sherwood appears to be just a corner store, but its straightforward sandwiches have won over the community for thirty years. The standout is the pulled chicken sandwich topped with bacon and avocado on egg bread, though you'll also find options like smoked meat, crab, turkey bacon, and more — all for a very affordable price of $9 or less.

This cozy little Mytoury in Old Ottawa South may have a charming pub atmosphere, but its menu offers a delightful surprise in sophistication. The Full Belmont, a hearty English breakfast, features top-notch local ingredients, while the dinner selection takes diners on a culinary journey with dishes like scallop ceviche, patatas bravas, and the renowned Trini doubles.

During the 2013 NHL playoffs between the Senators and Canadiens, former mayor Jim Watson famously wagered a plate of Golden Palace egg rolls on his team—and emerged victorious. This anecdote underscores the egg rolls' status as Ottawa’s signature dish. Since 1960, this Chinese Mytoury has served these delights: a crispy, golden-brown wrapper encasing a savory blend of pork and vegetables, perfect when dipped in spicy mustard or sweet plum sauce. While other menu items may be hit or miss, food lovers travel from all around for these iconic egg rolls.

This unpretentious South Keys gem, run by a Palestinian family, offers some of the finest baked treats in the area, including zesty za’atar-coated breads and delightful halloumi man’oushe flatbreads. For heartier appetites, the menu features generous, spiced dishes centered around chickpeas and fava beans. Takeout and delivery options are also available.