Destination Guidebook for Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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| Dining Overview | Top  |
Ottawa is the rapidly growing capital of one of the leading multicultural countries in the world. This diversity is visible in a variety of ways, but perhaps most acutely in the multitude of dining options in town, ranging from Aboriginal dishes to Sri Lankan cuisine. Many restaurants post their menus near the door.
For a local treat, try a Beaver Tail—a flat, fried pastry served with sweet or savory condiments. They are sold—along with hot cider—to skaters along the Rideau Canal in winter and from a kiosk on William Street in the ByWard Market throughout the year.
Breakfast is usually eaten between 7 and 10 am, lunchtime runs 11 am-2:30 pm and dinner is 6-10 pm.
Note: Smoking is prohibited in all of Ottawa's restaurants, and the rule is strictly enforced. Smoking is allowed in most outdoor seating areas in summer. Expect to pay within these guidelines for a meal for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than Can$10; $$ = Can$10-$25; $$$ = Can$26-$50; $$$$ = more than Can$50. | Local & Regional | Top |
This cafe features elegantly casual surroundings with large windows, intimate tables, hardwood floors and an open kitchen. Choose from an innovative menu. The menu changes with the local growing seasons, but high-quality preparation and service are consistent year-round. Start with the pan-seared Quebec foie gras with cider reduction, and then follow with one of the delicious entrees, such as slow-roasted duck breast. Choices also include a range of tasty salads and an extensive list of mainly Canadian wines, many available by the glass. Daily for dinner, Monday-Saturday for lunch, Sunday for brunch. Reservations recommended for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 87 Murray St. (ByWard Market), Ottawa. Phone 613-241-6007. http://www.domuscafe.ca. Well known for its award-winning wine list, with a particular focus on New World wines, the restaurant bills its fare as new Canadian cuisine. If they're available (the menu changes frequently), try the poached scallops with shaved fennel, or the cheddar, herb and five-peppercorn-crusted lamb. Unusual among Ottawa's fine-dining restaurants, Juniper is open until at least 11 pm every day—dinner service stops at 10 pm, but a "small plates" menu is available 5 pm-closing. Monday-Friday for lunch, daily for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 245 Richmond Road (Westboro), Ottawa. Phone 613-728-0220. http://juniperdining.ca. Simply "The Newport" or "Moe's" to locals, this restaurant is an Ottawa institution, and most of the clientele are locals who go for the cheesy, thick-crust pizza. Other classic menu items include the meat-loaf platter and baby beef and onions. Moe's doubles as the headquarters of the Elvis Sighting Society, and the restaurant is crammed with Elvis memorabilia. The red telephone on the wall is the one that Elvis will purportedly use when he calls to confirm that he is indeed alive and well and living in Tweed, Ontario, some two hours southwest of Ottawa. Open daily. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 334 Richmond Road (Westboro), Ottawa. Phone 613-722-9322. http://www.newportrestaurant.com. Fans of Jewish delicatessens won't be disappointed by the bagels, latkes or chopped liver at this local institution. The Montreal-style smoked-meat sandwich and slaw are a Canadian treat. The atmosphere, though busy, is very relaxed. Despite the sparse decor, the large, open restaurant draws local celebrities. Try the Paul Anka, Ginger Rogers or Liberace sandwiches. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, open late Friday and Saturday. $. Most major credit cards. 316 Rideau St. (Sandy Hill), Ottawa. Phone 613-789-9191. As close as you can get to an Irish "local" on this side of the pond, Patty's draws a largely neighborhood crowd—take a couple of newspapers or a small child with you on weekend mornings, and you'll fit right in. Traditional fare includes juicy burgers, crispy fish and chips, and a stuffed potato pancake called a boxty. The menu ranges beyond standard pub grub, though—the spinach salad with smoked salmon is a treat. Extensive selection of beers on tap. Live music on weekends. Daily for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 1186 Bank St. (Old Ottawa South), Ottawa. Phone 613-730-2434. The rich decor spurs the appetite for traditional Thai food—spicy chicken, shrimp curries, and grilled or stir-fried beef and pork. Try the Tom Kha soup and Pla Goong Sam Rot (deep-fried tilapia or steamed shrimp in a spicy and sweet pepper sauce). There are also locations at 256 Preston St. in Little Italy and at 69 Laurier St. in Gatineau. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 246 Queen St. (Centretown), Ottawa. Phone 613-238-8484. http://www.greenpapaya.ca. This place specializes in Indian recipes, including such favorites as tandoori chicken, bhuna lamb and bhartha chicken with roasted eggplant, peas, onions and tomato puree. The luncheon buffet is popular, and the staff is friendly and helpful. There is a second location at Bell's Corners in Nepean. Outdoor seating. Open Sunday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. $$. Most major credit cards. 39 Clarence St. (ByWard Market), Ottawa. Phone 613-241-1700. http://www.haveli.com. Almost painfully cool, Kinki is a magnet for local hipsters. The Asian fusion menu is heavy on innovative sushi, but those not keen on raw fish can make a meal of such appetizers as roasted duck spring rolls, sesame steak salad or the Osaka surf: pancetta-wrapped scallops with grilled zucchini. The Twisted Brunch (Saturday and Sunday 11 am-3 pm) features teriyaki chicken and a Thai chicken omelet, along with more traditional fare such as French toast. DJ on Friday and Saturday. Open daily for lunch and dinner, plus after-work and late-night sushi. $$. Most major credit cards. 41 York St. (ByWard Market), Ottawa. Phone 613-789-7559. www.kinki.ca. A waterwheel outside lends character to this sushi bar, as do the tatami-matted rooms and quiet music on the lower floor. In addition to fish, this place serves chicken, steak, and a variety of light tempura and other Japanese dishes. Try the chef's special. Japanese desserts are a specialty. There is also a children's combo available. After your meal, visit the Japanese grocery store and gift shop next door. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 208 Slater St. (Centretown), Ottawa. Phone 613-236-9602. http://www.japaninottawa.ca. Szechuan specialty foods and freshly prepared conventional Chinese fare are served in an unadorned dining room. Go there for the great food and friendly service, not the ambience. Try the delicious rendition of Phoenix in a Bird's Nest. Open Tuesday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 1300 Wellington St. (Wellington Village), Ottawa. Phone 613-728-8885. http://www.wontonhouse.com. Serving au terroir, or market-fresh cuisine, this creative dining establishment believes in supporting local growers, using seasonal ingredients and weaving together global culinary influences. The results are simply wonderful, such as the charred corn chowder with foie gras confetti, or the pork trio with blue cheese spaetzle and organic Swiss chard. The creme brulee and the apricot-pistachio torta will strike the final chords of your feast. Daily for dinner. Reservations required. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 226 Nepean St. (Centretown), Ottawa. Phone 613-238-7063. http://www.beckta.com. This lively French bistro has a European ambience, especially during the warm summer months when the terrace is open. Try the duck legs confit with cassoulet or the glazed salmon, and save room for the Belgian chocolate mousse. Complement your meal with wine from an extensive list featuring more than 100 selections, with about 60 available by the glass. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. $$$. Most major credit cards. 49 St. Jacques St., Gatineau. Phone 819-771-2934. http://www.cafejeansebastien.com. Every meal is an adventure at this highly rated restaurant in the Casino du Lac-Leamy. The food is decidedly French, but the chef is known for spinning classic dishes into original creations, and guests may watch the proceedings in the open kitchen. Ask for a window seat overlooking the lake. The entree menu changes daily—a sure sign of the chef's personal touch on each plate that leaves the kitchen. Expect imaginative dishes such as piccatta of Quebec duck foie gras or rack of caribou in nut and juniper-berry crust. Extensive wine list (13,000 bottles, with more than 500 varieties). Wednesday-Sunday for dinner (open Monday and Tuesday for groups only). Reservations recommended. The official dress code is business casual, but the vibe is rather dressy. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 1 Casino Blvd. (on the third level of the Casino du Lac-Leamy), Gatineau. Phone 819-772-6210. Toll-free 800-665-2274. http://www.casino-du-lac-leamy.com. The in-house restaurant for the Ottawa branch of Paris' Le Cordon Bleu cooking school specializes in French classical cuisine with a modern touch. Inside the 1894 Tudor-style mansion, the chefs demonstrate their skills with such dishes as roasted ostrich accompanied by wild mushroom mille-feuille and foie gras sauce. The delicious desserts include mille-feuille of red fruits and sparkling wine jelly in a lavender cream. You can also opt for four- to six-course set menus with accompanying wines. Open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner only. Jacket required. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 453 Laurier Ave. E., Ottawa. Phone 613-236-2499. Toll-free 888-289-6302. http://www.signaturesrestaurant.com. The cuisine at this family establishment is northern Italian with French influences. Features cream-based sauces, unique spice mixtures and a typically lighter focus on meat than southern Italian cuisine. Look for the weekly specials board. Open Tuesday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 1445 Wellington St. (Wellington Village), Ottawa. Phone 613-724-6439. http://www.bellas.ca. A popular establishment for more than 40 years, this is one of Ottawa's most compelling dining spots. Travel six blocks north of Dows Lake to the heart of Little Italy, and you can't miss the inviting black-and-gold patio. The mostly Italian menu is eclectic, but the capelli d'angelo—pasta with fresh basil, garlic and tomatoes—is among our favorite dishes. Try the delectable vitello alla Garibaldi per due, one of the house specialties. The wine list is extensive. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 430 Preston St. (Little Italy), Ottawa. Phone 613-234-8244. http://www.laromaottawa.com. Located in a handsome older building, this friendly pizzeria offers al momento cuisine, including chicken and veal dishes, thin-crust pizzas and fresh pasta. Among the most popular pastas is grazzi (penne with onion proscuitto, vodka and parmigiana). Daily for lunch and dinner. $$$. Most major credit cards. 25 George St. (ByWard Market), Ottawa. Phone 613-241-8656. http://www.mammagrazzis.com. In the heart of Ottawa's Little Italy, this place is known for its fresh pasta, homemade sausage, piquant sauces and subtle spicing. It is equally renowned for the hospitality of Pasquale and Dominic, the two brothers who greet you, seat you, serve you, sit with you and make sure you have the best dining experience possible. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 254 Preston St. (Little Italy), Ottawa. Phone 613-236-1081. http://www.trattoriaitalia.com. This comfortable, rustic restaurant has served up traditional Spanish cuisine since the 1970s. Specialties include paella zarzuela, a rice dish with mussels, clams, shrimp and lobster; and paella valenciana, with veal, chicken and beef. Ask the friendly staff to help you select an appropriate Spanish wine from the extensive list. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 434 Bank St. (Centretown), Ottawa. Phone 613-236-7750. This vegetarian—mostly vegan—restaurant is located in the largest building in the ByWard Market, the Times Square Building, which is topped with a beautiful clock tower. Tinkling chimes, a water fountain and aromatic coffees create a relaxed ambience. Specialty juices and an extensive menu have kept the Peace Garden popular since it opened in 1992. Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. 47 Clarence St. (ByWard Market), Ottawa. Phone 613-562-2434. This Thai restaurant is a perfect destination for mixed parties of vegetarians and carnivores, as the food is so richly seasoned you'll hardly miss the meat. Many dishes, such as the excellent pad thai, feature soy-based "substitute meats," which actually aren't bad. Alternatively, you can ask for extra vegetables instead. The intimate, jewel-like interior makes it feel as though you're eating in your own private palace. Daily for dinner, Monday-Friday for lunch. Closed one Sunday per month (call to check). Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 1300 Bank St. (Old Ottawa South), Ottawa. Phone 613-733-8424. Don't miss The Green Door if you're in the mood for a meatless meal. It's a self-service cafeteria where you pay for your selections by weight. Delectables include grains, legumes, and a variety of soups and salads. The tofu-spinach lasagna is delicious. Open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. 198 Main St. (Ottawa East), Ottawa. Phone 613-234-9597. http://www.thegreendoor.ca. This restaurant specializes in only the healthiest and freshest all-organic foods. Recipes are drawn from a wide variety of cuisines such as Mexican and Chinese. The spicy vegetable stew and mushroom lasagna are house favorites, and the desserts are to die for. Pay by weight. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. 1230 Wellington St. (Wellington Village), Ottawa. Phone 613-729-5973. http://www.thetablerestaurant.com. Versatility is the keynote for the culinary offerings in this busy but subdued restaurant. Housed in a remarkable 1827 stone building in the ByWard Market area, this popular spot attracts locals and visitors alike. Fresh-fish dishes highlight the diverse menu. Try the striploin with caramelized onion brioche and sauteed figs. The open courtyard seating makes for a memorable dining experience. Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for brunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 21 George St. (ByWard Market), Ottawa. Phone 613-241-1516. http://www.courtyardrestaurant.com. An eclectic menu offers everything from traditional sirloin steak to smoked Gruyere-stuffed chicken to Belgian-style mussels. It offers more than 300 fine wines and 100 imported beers. There is live jazz on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday. Open daily. $$$. Most major credit cards. 54 York St., ByWard Market, Ottawa. Phone 613-241-4270. http://www.vineyards.ca. Insomniacs and other after-hours folks congregate there to wait for dawn, ordering up early breakfasts, poutine (french fries and cheddar cheese with a dark barbecuelike sauce poured over it) or late-night dinners. Daily 24 hours. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 374 Elgin St. (at Frank Street), Ottawa. Phone 613-237-9700. http://www.elginstreetdiner.com. Share an appetizer platter and then follow with staggering burgers, sizzling steaks, duck or succulent pastas. Many dishes are a combination of Mediterranean and Asian influences. In summer you can sit outside on the patio in the ByWard Market. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 47 Clarence St. (ByWard Market), Ottawa. Phone 613-241-1343. http://www.empiregrill.com. The ByWard Market and this restaurant are vital parts of life in this eclectic neighborhood. The bright-red corner building beckons like a lighthouse to those seeking the finest in fresh seafood, lobster, crab, oysters, mussels and freshwater fish, all imported daily. Try the upstairs Coasters Seafood Grill for the all-you-can-eat mussels. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 54 York St. (ByWard Market), Ottawa. Phone 613-241-3474 or 613-241-4954. http://www.fishmarket.ca. With its long tables and boisterous atmosphere, the vibe at the Whalesbone is casual but the attitude to food isn't. Naturally enough, oysters from across Canada—as well as the U.S., Ireland and France—hold pride of place, but you can also get imaginative fare such as black cod lacquered with dandelion honey and served with confit orange zest, or caramelized Lunenburg scallops finished with wasabi mustard sauce. Open for dinner daily, lunch on Friday only. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 430 Bank St. (Centretown), Ottawa. Phone 613-231-8569. http://www.thewhalesbone.com. | Steak Houses | Top |
For more than 35 years, Al's has been serving up Ottawa's finest sirloin, filet mignon and prime rib, as well as better-than-average seafood. We recommend the New York strip or the fresh Atlantic salmon. The scene is casual but conservative. There's also a second location in suburban Bells Corners. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 327 Elgin St. (Centretown), Ottawa. Phone 613-233-7111. http://www.alssteakhouse.ca. One of Canada's most durable chains, Hy's Steak House is often filled with politicians and lobbyists. Aged AAA Alberta beef tops the menu, but you can also find popular favorites, including lobster tails and rack of lamb. The extensive wine list captured a prestigious award from Wine Spectator magazine. The dark wood paneling, overstuffed chairs and elegant artwork make for an old-world atmosphere. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 170 Queen St. (Centretown), Ottawa. Phone 613-234-4545. http://www.hyssteakhouse.com. | Other Options | Top |
Specializes in lamb, chicken, veal and seafood dishes, served with Moroccan flair. The couscous is excellent, and homemade bread is served with every meal. Elegant, relaxed atmosphere. $$$. Most major credit cards. 261 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa. Phone 613-232-3737. This unique restaurant offers up modern twists on traditional native dishes. Try the Nunavut caribou, or the mixed salad with lemon and Inuit crowberry tea dressing. Chefs Phoebe Sutherland, a Cree from northern Quebec, and her husband Warren, originally from Jamaica, draw on their diverse heritages—plus a stint working in Arizona—to create a unique dining experience. The restaurant also showcases paintings for sale by native artists. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 108 Murray St., Ottawa. Phone 613-562-3683. http://www.sweetgrassbistro.ca.
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Editor's Choice of Luxury, Deluxe, and Value priced hotels in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada:
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