The capital of Canada, Ottawa, is rich in history and vibrant with culturally valid reasons to feel pride, but perhaps one of the city’s best-kept secrets lies in its food. From fine dining inspired by cuisine from across the world to homegrown culinary treasures, restaurants in Ottawa have something rather unique for every palate. This article explores the best restaurants in Ottawa where memorable flavors, diverse menus, and high-quality dining experiences await.
Riviera – Best Restaurant in Ottawa Downtown
Situated in one of Ottawa’s most beautifully restored bank buildings along Sparks Street, Riviera is one of the city’s most iconic restaurants. Art Deco in style, Riviera boasts an immense dining room with incredibly high ceilings.
Furthermore, upscale Canadian food at Riviera has a house-made pasta dish that can satisfy the adventurous and traditional tastes of every guest.
Address: 62 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON
Must-Order: Duck Confit
Specialty: Fine dining, Canadian cuisine
Why We Love It: Luxurious atmosphere combines itself with an inventive menu, perfect for special occasions or a top-notch night out.
North & Navy – Italian Restaurant Ottawa
For a taste of authentic Italian in Ottawa, North & Navy will take you across the ocean to the flavors of Northern Italy. Inspired by freshness and simplicity, staples of Italian cooking, the menu sparkles with handmade pasta dishes, seafood risotto, and also perfectly seared meats. Rustic yet elegant decor provides an intimate dining experience perfect for date nights and family gatherings alike.
Address: 226 Nepean St., Ottawa, ON
Signature Dish: Housemade Agnolotti
Genre: Italian, Seafood, Pasta
Why We Love It: Emphasizing on fresh and local ingredients, North & Navy ranks as one of the top Italian restaurants in Ottawa for truly authentic flavors and cozy ambiance.
Also Check, Indian Restaurant in Ottawa
Aiana Restaurant Collective – Fine Dining Ottawa
Aiana Restaurant Collective has brought sophistication into the heart of downtown Ottawa. Focused on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients, this fine dining gem has celebrated the richness of Canadian cuisine. Dishes are prepared with the freshest ingredients according to the seasonally changing menus. Eat your way through a fusion of modern-classical flavors with dishes such as Confit Rabbit and Sturgeon with Seaweed.
Location: 50 O’Connor St., Ottawa, ON
Must-Try Dish: Confit Rabbit fine dining, Local Canadian ingredients
Why we love it: The commitment to freshness, locality, and sustainability with the creative menu placed Aiana in the top contenders in fine dining Ottawa has on offer.
Coconut Lagoon – Indian Restaurant Ottawa
A unique gourmet experience, Coconut Lagoon is one of the best Indian restaurants in Ottawa. It populates Southern India amidst Kerala cuisine with flavors in Ottawa. So the menu specialties include Fish Moilee, a coconut milk-based curry, and crispy Masala Dosa, a lentil-and-rice crepe.
Moreover, this award-winning restaurant crafts a unique spice blend, offering guests vibrant, authentic Indian flavors.
Address: 853 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON
Must-try dish: Fish Moilee
Specialty: South Indian, Kerala-inspired
Why We love it: Harnessed by the unique regional flavors of Kerala, Coconut Lagoon’s menu is rather unlike that of your normal Indian restaurants and is one of the ultimate destinations for food explorers.
Fauna – Unique Dining Experience in Ottawa
Located in Ottawa’s Centretown, Fauna boasts bold flavors and artfully presented dishes. This restaurant showcases seasonal ingredients that are locally sourced, thus offering a menu that is unique, different, and changes quite often. Popular choices include the Duck Breast with Seasonal Vegetables and Beef Tartare. Inside, there’s a rustic, warm air, while service is exceptional to make one feel welcome for a nice, relaxed meal.
Location: 425 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
Must-Try Dish: Beef Tartare
Specialty: Seasonal ingredients, Canadian-inspired
Why We Love It: Fauna is one of the best restaurants in Ottawa for creative seasonal dining with its cozy inviting ambiance and fresh regionally-minded flavors.
Also Check, Indian Restaurant in Ottawa
Sansotei Ramen – For Authentic Japanese in Ottawa
For lovers of Japanese food, Sansotei Ramen will be a memorable experience with real Japanese ramen. Sansotei offers a rich, flavorful broth and also fresh noodles in a relaxed, comfortable dining setting—perfect for a casual meal. With dishes like Tonkotsu Black and Miso Ramen, each spoonful is savory, bringing a taste of Japan to every bite.
Address: 153 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
Must Try Dish: Tonkotsu Black Ramen
Specialty: Ramen, Japanese cuisine
Why We Love It: Boasting an appealing casual atmosphere and ramen done just right, Sansotei is the go-to place for Japanese comfort food in Ottawa.
Restaurant e18hteen – Upscale Steak and Seafood in Ottawa
Restaurant e18hteen is Ottawa’s classic fine dining, coupling an elegant atmosphere with skillfully prepared steak and seafood dishes. So this restaurant is located in one of the historic stone buildings of Ottawa; the added luxury of its setting really upscales the feel of this restaurant. From its famous Aged Ribeye to the Grilled Atlantic Lobster, a wine selection accompanies whatever meal.
Must-Try Dish: Aged Ribeye
Specialty: Steak, Seafood, Fine dining
Why We Love It: Prime cuts combined with fresh seafood and great service make e18hteen an unforgettable gastronomical journey for any steak aficionado.
Conclusion
From fancy fine dining to everyday eateries that serve up flavors, the food scene of Ottawa has it all, no matter what anyone’s taste may be. Whether you are looking for Italian, Indian, Japanese, or classic Canadian cuisine, the best restaurants in Ottawa have it all. Each restaurant brings its unique style, complementing the best of local and global flavors. Take a cue with this guide, as much as possible, from these Ottawa restaurants as you make rounds through Canada’s capital.
