Ottawa has no shortage of delicious food, but if you’re looking for a place to eat that will leave you speechless, you need to check out the city’s best restaurants. Ottawa has been ranked among the top 10 places to live in Canada and among the top 100 places to live in North America.
The capital city has a lot to offer its residents and visitors, and its thriving restaurant scene is no exception.
Whether you like burgers, french fries, sushi, or vegetarian food, there is something for everyone in Ottawa.
Here are 10 of the best restaurants in Ottawa.
1. Sushi Nara
Chef Haruomi Sushi has been delighting Ottawa gastronomes since 1981. The restaurant, located at 512 Richmond Road, offers an innovative sushi menu that changes seasonally.
You can always find a great selection of nigiri, handrolls, and other sushi items, but if you’re looking for new and exciting dishes, try some of the restaurant’s specialties.
The miso cod is wonderful, and the spicy tuna roll is one of the best in the city. Other than sushi, Sushi Nara also offers a variety of other Japanese dishes, including teriyaki and bento boxes.
2. Ghibellina
Ghibellina is one of Ottawa’s most iconic restaurants. The restaurant is located at 120 Clarence Street and was one of the first Italian restaurants in the city. It was also one of the first to bring authentic Italian food to Ottawa, which is why it has maintained such a loyal following.
In fact, the city’s mayor, Jim Watson, doesn’t eat anywhere else. The atmosphere at Ghibellina is what really sets it apart. The restaurant is small, family-friendly, and packed with memorabilia that illustrates its rich history. It would be a great place to bring a date or to celebrate a special occasion.
3. Stupa
Stupa is a relatively new restaurant, but it has quickly become one of the capital’s favorites. Located at 705 Somerset Street West, the intimate space is decorated with interesting artifacts that give it an exotic feel.
The menu at Stupa is packed with delicious and innovative dishes, many of which are gluten-free. The restaurant’s specialty is Indian street food, which is why you’ll often see special events advertised on its chalkboard menu. You can enjoy items such as samosas, naan bread, pakoras, and more.
4. Killer Putin
Killer Putin is one of Ottawa’s most popular late-night spots. It is located at 613 Somerset Street West and offers a unique late-night menu. The dinner menu has more conventional items such as poutine, sandwiches, and salads, while the late-night menu consists of mostly sushi and small plates.
The restaurant’s specialty is Russian food, and its highlights include sablefish, borscht, and blini. However, don’t let the name fool you, killer vulgar is a great place to go for dinner or drinks any time of day.
5. Canuck Union Pub
The Canuck Union Pub is one of Ottawa’s oldest pubs and has been serving up classic pub food for over 20 years. The restaurant is located at 721 Somerset Street West and is a great place to go for lunch or dinner.
The pub has a casual, neighborhood vibe, which makes it a great place to enjoy a cold beverage with friends. The menu items are all quite affordable, so there’s no need to worry about what you’re going to order. You can get crispy calamari, hamburger flatbread, salmon bagel, and more.
6. Bei Jing Thai Restaurant
Located at 1128 Somerset Street West, Bei Jing Thai Restaurant is one of Ottawa’s best Thai restaurants. It’s also one of the most affordable, with most dishes costing less than $20.
If you’re craving Thai food, but you don’t want to break the bank, Bei Jing is a great choice. The restaurant has great reviews and offers a wonderful assortment of authentic Thai dishes, which you can enjoy in a casual, unassuming atmosphere.
7. Edulis
Outsider cuisine is always a triumph, and that’s certainly true of Edulis. The restaurant is located at 721 Richmond Road and specializes in fusion cuisine.
It offers delightful dishes such as baked St. John’s wort with scallops and venison osso buco. The menu is small, so you’ll have to book ahead, but the ambiance is worth it.
You’ll feel like you’re dining in someone’s living room, and the service is super friendly.
8. The Ambassador’s Bistro
The Ambassador’s Bistro is a quaint and charming bistro located at 524 Preston Street. The restaurant has been serving delicious bistro fare in Ottawa since 1988. The menu is made up of mostly French dishes, but you’ll also find some Italian, Indian, and other favourites.
The award-winning bistro offers wonderful French fare, but you can also get a burger or pasta if you’re in the mood for something more casual.
9. Le Bacaro
Le Bacaro is a great place to go for Italian food. It is located at 575 Preston Street and offers a wide range of traditional and modern Italian dishes. The restaurant’s specialty is seafood, and you can always expect to find some fresh fish on the menu.
Le Bacaro is also a great place to go if you’re looking for authentic Italian food. The restaurant has been serving up classic Italian dishes since the 1980s, making it one of Ottawa’s oldest restaurants.
10. The Nook
The Nook is a delightful bistro located at 265 Lees Avenue in Centretown. The restaurant is a great place to go for lunch or dinner, and you can enjoy your meal in a casual, friendly atmosphere.
The Nook’s menu is made up of primarily French and Mediterranean food, but you can also find burgers, salads, and other lighter fare.
The restaurant is also very reasonably priced, so it’s a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
11. Biercraft Restaurant and Bar
Biercraft is located at 652 Somerset Street West and is one of Ottawa’s best craft beer bars. The restaurant has an extensive variety of beers from all over the world, and you’re sure to find a few favorites on the menu.
The beer menu changes frequently, but you can always count on finding something delicious, such as the pork chop nachos or the wings with cajun seasoning. Biercraft is also a great place to watch sports, with more than 15 TVs throughout the restaurant.
Conclusion
There are many delicious dishes available in Ottawa, but these 10 are among the best. Whether you’re looking for authentic Japanese food, a cozy bistro, or a craft beer bar, Ottawa has it all. If you’re planning a trip to this vibrant city, make sure to check these restaurants off your list.