Best of Ottawa: From a Food Critic

Yvonne
Best of Ottawa: From a Food Critic

Food Scene

Incredible seafood, delicious oysters, the albacore tuna crudo and kale salad are must-haves.
54 locals recommend
Supply and Demand
1335 Wellington St. W
54 locals recommend
Incredible seafood, delicious oysters, the albacore tuna crudo and kale salad are must-haves.
Delicious brunch and fresh baked goods.
131 locals recommend
Art-Is-In Bakery
250 City Centre Ave
131 locals recommend
Delicious brunch and fresh baked goods.
One of the best coffee shops in the city, ready to keep you caffeinated before a day of sightseeing.
34 locals recommend
The Ministry of Coffee
274 Elgin St
34 locals recommend
One of the best coffee shops in the city, ready to keep you caffeinated before a day of sightseeing.
Maple bacon doughnuts. 'Nuff said.
89 locals recommend
SuzyQ Doughnuts
1015 Wellington St. W
89 locals recommend
Maple bacon doughnuts. 'Nuff said.
Voted one of the top 12 pizza joints in Canada. Delectable thin-crust with homemade tomato sauce make all their pies unforgettable.
14 locals recommend
Anthony's
1218 Wellington St. W
14 locals recommend
Voted one of the top 12 pizza joints in Canada. Delectable thin-crust with homemade tomato sauce make all their pies unforgettable.
Delicious vegetarian food - I swear. I'm a big time carnivore but cannot resist their cauliflower wings. They also have a juice bar if you're looking for a healthy sipper on the run.
36 locals recommend
Pure Kitchen Westboro
357 Richmond Rd
36 locals recommend
Delicious vegetarian food - I swear. I'm a big time carnivore but cannot resist their cauliflower wings. They also have a juice bar if you're looking for a healthy sipper on the run.
Montreal-style bagels. Cash only. Get the BLT and an egg for a delicious breakfast sandwich. Actually, order two.
57 locals recommend
Kettleman's Bagel Co.
912 Bank St
57 locals recommend
Montreal-style bagels. Cash only. Get the BLT and an egg for a delicious breakfast sandwich. Actually, order two.
If want to find a whole new way to appreciate tacos and tequila, go to El Camino. This downtown hotspot has mouth-watering, and affordably priced, tacos of every variety and a whole host of sides that are equally tasty. Their cocktails are great for quenching your thirst and cooling your palate after a dollop of habañero hot sauce. This place doesn't take reservations but they'll take your phone number and text you when your table is ready. If your hunger demands immediate attention, order from the takeout window.
168 locals recommend
El Camino
380 Elgin St
168 locals recommend
If want to find a whole new way to appreciate tacos and tequila, go to El Camino. This downtown hotspot has mouth-watering, and affordably priced, tacos of every variety and a whole host of sides that are equally tasty. Their cocktails are great for quenching your thirst and cooling your palate after a dollop of habañero hot sauce. This place doesn't take reservations but they'll take your phone number and text you when your table is ready. If your hunger demands immediate attention, order from the takeout window.
This trendy diner is serving up all kinds of egg-oriented deliciousness. Get there early to avoid a line, even on weekdays.
77 locals recommend
Wilf & Ada's
510 Bank St
77 locals recommend
This trendy diner is serving up all kinds of egg-oriented deliciousness. Get there early to avoid a line, even on weekdays.
Fantastic Peruvian food expertly prepared by a Chef who formerly worked at Central in Lima - one of the world's best restaurants. Order anything that is accompanied by their aji amarillo sauce - a type of pepper unique to Peru. The price point reflects the quality of the fare, read: $$$.
Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine
Fantastic Peruvian food expertly prepared by a Chef who formerly worked at Central in Lima - one of the world's best restaurants. Order anything that is accompanied by their aji amarillo sauce - a type of pepper unique to Peru. The price point reflects the quality of the fare, read: $$$.
Creative, homestyle brunch options with a range of a la carte sides including cornbread, mac & cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts, etc. This popular spot is one of the few brunch spots open on weekdays but it does NOT accept reservations so get there early or expect a wait.
17 locals recommend
Chesterfield's Gastro Diner
1433 Wellington St. W
17 locals recommend
Creative, homestyle brunch options with a range of a la carte sides including cornbread, mac & cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts, etc. This popular spot is one of the few brunch spots open on weekdays but it does NOT accept reservations so get there early or expect a wait.
A stone's throw from our place, this is one of the tastiest pizza joints in Ottawa. The chicken wings are a must-order and I highly recommend the celebration cake if you're visiting with little ones or just craving a sweet treat for yourself.
Heartbreakers Pizza
A stone's throw from our place, this is one of the tastiest pizza joints in Ottawa. The chicken wings are a must-order and I highly recommend the celebration cake if you're visiting with little ones or just craving a sweet treat for yourself.
Easily the best coffee in Ottawa, local owners trained in Australia where they mastered the art of a well-brewed cup of joe. The Magic or the Flat White are exceptional. The macadamia nut milk is a delicious dairy-free alternative.
Little Victories Coffee Roasters - Elgin
Easily the best coffee in Ottawa, local owners trained in Australia where they mastered the art of a well-brewed cup of joe. The Magic or the Flat White are exceptional. The macadamia nut milk is a delicious dairy-free alternative.
This intimate restaurant is one of the most consistent and creative dining destinations in Ottawa. The cocktail list is always without fault and the smaller portions are ideal for ordering an assortment of dishes for the table.
12 locals recommend
Citizen
207 Gilmour St
12 locals recommend
This intimate restaurant is one of the most consistent and creative dining destinations in Ottawa. The cocktail list is always without fault and the smaller portions are ideal for ordering an assortment of dishes for the table.
Tucked in at the back of the French Baker in the ByWard Market is this brightly coloured bistro with a taut menu of gourmet brunch offerings. Brunch is only served on Saturdays and reservations are not accepted.
36 locals recommend
Benny's Bistro
119 Murray St
36 locals recommend
Tucked in at the back of the French Baker in the ByWard Market is this brightly coloured bistro with a taut menu of gourmet brunch offerings. Brunch is only served on Saturdays and reservations are not accepted.
One of the hottest new restaurants in Ottawa, Chef Alex Bimm treats seafood with the reverence most chefs reserve for Wagyu. His approach to fish is singular and stands apart from others in the city.
Le Poisson Bleu
One of the hottest new restaurants in Ottawa, Chef Alex Bimm treats seafood with the reverence most chefs reserve for Wagyu. His approach to fish is singular and stands apart from others in the city.
This Little Italy mainstay is owned by a brother-sister duo. The brother is responsible for the pizza on offer and his sister churns out the most delicious gelato the Capital has to offer - opt for hot Nutella in your cone for a touch of extra decadence.
Farinella
492 Rochester St
This Little Italy mainstay is owned by a brother-sister duo. The brother is responsible for the pizza on offer and his sister churns out the most delicious gelato the Capital has to offer - opt for hot Nutella in your cone for a touch of extra decadence.
Chef Marc Lepine is among the vanguard of molecular gastronomy in Ottawa and his current tasting menu is comprised of 40 one- or two-bite dishes. Atelier is a mainstay on Canada's 100 Best list. If you're visiting Ottawa for a special occasion or culinary adventure, Atelier is your best bet.
18 locals recommend
Atelier
540 Rochester St
18 locals recommend
Chef Marc Lepine is among the vanguard of molecular gastronomy in Ottawa and his current tasting menu is comprised of 40 one- or two-bite dishes. Atelier is a mainstay on Canada's 100 Best list. If you're visiting Ottawa for a special occasion or culinary adventure, Atelier is your best bet.
This ice cream shop is the best in the city and boasts a range of rotating flavours that often feature Asian influence like their Hong Kong Milk Tea, Vietnamese Coffee, and Ramune Soda. My personal favourites are the Local Strawberry and the Lime Leaf & Fresh Mint.
24 locals recommend
Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen
477 Bank St
24 locals recommend
This ice cream shop is the best in the city and boasts a range of rotating flavours that often feature Asian influence like their Hong Kong Milk Tea, Vietnamese Coffee, and Ramune Soda. My personal favourites are the Local Strawberry and the Lime Leaf & Fresh Mint.
The best Indian food in Ottawa, Coconut Lagoon serves upscale Indian dishes in a beautifully renovated restaurant in the East End.
26 locals recommend
Coconut Lagoon
853 St. Laurent Blvd
26 locals recommend
The best Indian food in Ottawa, Coconut Lagoon serves upscale Indian dishes in a beautifully renovated restaurant in the East End.
Great neighbourhood spot with two shady patios. Family-friendly shareable meals like brisket or Friday Fish Fry are great for early dinners or lazy lunches with groups. The cocktail menu and wine list are always on point.
Parlour
Great neighbourhood spot with two shady patios. Family-friendly shareable meals like brisket or Friday Fish Fry are great for early dinners or lazy lunches with groups. The cocktail menu and wine list are always on point.
One of the most dazzling restaurants in Ottawa is a former bank with a sprawling brass bar, French-inspired classics like steak frites, beef tartare, and seafood towers populate the menu. The cocktail list is one of the best with a special section dedicated to Negroni variations.
56 locals recommend
Riviera Ottawa
62 Sparks St.
56 locals recommend
One of the most dazzling restaurants in Ottawa is a former bank with a sprawling brass bar, French-inspired classics like steak frites, beef tartare, and seafood towers populate the menu. The cocktail list is one of the best with a special section dedicated to Negroni variations.
This ByWard Market Vietnamese restaurant has been open for 20 years but now has a fresh perspective since the daughter took over from her parents. The menu features French-Vietnamese fusion which is well-accompanied by a banging playlist and brilliant cocktails
Saigon Restaurant
This ByWard Market Vietnamese restaurant has been open for 20 years but now has a fresh perspective since the daughter took over from her parents. The menu features French-Vietnamese fusion which is well-accompanied by a banging playlist and brilliant cocktails
Order the burger - it's the best in the city, made from 90-day dry-aged ribeye, you can order it rare. This is an upscale restaurant with a casual atmosphere and there are a variety of avant-garde dishes that will leave you sated (but make sure someone orders the burger).
56 locals recommend
Fauna
425 Bank St
56 locals recommend
Order the burger - it's the best in the city, made from 90-day dry-aged ribeye, you can order it rare. This is an upscale restaurant with a casual atmosphere and there are a variety of avant-garde dishes that will leave you sated (but make sure someone orders the burger).

Drinks & Nightlife

One of Ottawa's best-kept secrets, the Moonroom mixes up some of the best cocktails the city has to offer.
62 locals recommend
The Moonroom
442 Preston St
62 locals recommend
One of Ottawa's best-kept secrets, the Moonroom mixes up some of the best cocktails the city has to offer.
This basement bar specializes in pinball and pierogis. Retro arcade games, live music and tasty microbrews make this joint a great option for anyone looking for a late night spot that's off the beaten track. Sundays are free play on the pinball machines!
52 locals recommend
House of TARG
1077 Bank St
52 locals recommend
This basement bar specializes in pinball and pierogis. Retro arcade games, live music and tasty microbrews make this joint a great option for anyone looking for a late night spot that's off the beaten track. Sundays are free play on the pinball machines!
Cool lounge vibe in the heart of Westboro, great cocktails and yummy bites.
21 locals recommend
Trio Bistro and Lounge
307D Richmond Rd
21 locals recommend
Cool lounge vibe in the heart of Westboro, great cocktails and yummy bites.
Always bumpin' on a Friday/Saturday, this enormous Irish pub in the heart of the ByWard Market is always a good bet for live music, Guiness, and a good time.
54 locals recommend
Heart and Crown
67 Clarence St.
54 locals recommend
Always bumpin' on a Friday/Saturday, this enormous Irish pub in the heart of the ByWard Market is always a good bet for live music, Guiness, and a good time.
Trendy dishes and tasty cocktails make this a Little Italy mainstay.
19 locals recommend
two six {ate}
268 Preston St
19 locals recommend
Trendy dishes and tasty cocktails make this a Little Italy mainstay.
The best cocktail bar in Ottawa boasts a list of 18 or more original cocktails created by a trio of local alchemists striving to earn a place in the World's 50 Best Bars. Reservations are strongly recommended in this intimate space.
Stolen Goods Cocktail Bar
The best cocktail bar in Ottawa boasts a list of 18 or more original cocktails created by a trio of local alchemists striving to earn a place in the World's 50 Best Bars. Reservations are strongly recommended in this intimate space.
A weird and wonderful hole-in-the-wall cocktail spot where EVERYTHING is for sale, even the chair you're sitting on. Popular destination for hipsters and all late-night wanderers.
9 locals recommend
Ward 14
139 Preston St
9 locals recommend
A weird and wonderful hole-in-the-wall cocktail spot where EVERYTHING is for sale, even the chair you're sitting on. Popular destination for hipsters and all late-night wanderers.
A short walk from our place, this microbrewery has an established line-up of classic style beers. Tooth and Nail is well-equipped with board games and picnic-style tables, making it an ideal spot to take shelter on a rainy afternoon with kiddos or friends.
41 locals recommend
Tooth and Nail Brewing Company
3 Irving Ave
41 locals recommend
A short walk from our place, this microbrewery has an established line-up of classic style beers. Tooth and Nail is well-equipped with board games and picnic-style tables, making it an ideal spot to take shelter on a rainy afternoon with kiddos or friends.
Popular Centretown microbrewery with great beer and good food.
27 locals recommend
Flora Hall Brewing
37 Flora St
27 locals recommend
Popular Centretown microbrewery with great beer and good food.

Arts & Culture

Beautiful museum, both inside and out with lots of interactive exhibits for kids. The dinosaur section is sure to be a hit with any Jurassic Park lovers in your crew.
468 locals recommend
Canadian Museum of Nature
240 McLeod St
468 locals recommend
Beautiful museum, both inside and out with lots of interactive exhibits for kids. The dinosaur section is sure to be a hit with any Jurassic Park lovers in your crew.
552 locals recommend
National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex Dr
552 locals recommend
545 locals recommend
Canadian Museum of History
100 Rue Laurier
545 locals recommend
With a diverse program of dance, theatre and orchestra, the NAC is the destination for arts and culture in Ottawa.
346 locals recommend
National Arts Centre
1 Elgin St
346 locals recommend
With a diverse program of dance, theatre and orchestra, the NAC is the destination for arts and culture in Ottawa.
39 locals recommend
Great Canadian Theatre Company
1233 Wellington St. W
39 locals recommend
Well-curated art gallery in a recently renovated space with a rich variety of exhibits which always include works from locally grown talent.
57 locals recommend
Ottawa Art Gallery
50 Mackenzie King Bridge
57 locals recommend
Well-curated art gallery in a recently renovated space with a rich variety of exhibits which always include works from locally grown talent.

Entertainment & Activities

Check out an Ottawa Fury FC or Ottawa Redblacks game and enjoy the people watching in the newly refurbished Lansdowne Park.
105 locals recommend
TD Place
1015 Bank St
105 locals recommend
Check out an Ottawa Fury FC or Ottawa Redblacks game and enjoy the people watching in the newly refurbished Lansdowne Park.
Be prepared to sweat if you decide to partake in a hot yoga class at Pure. They have classes for all levels with varying intensity. Classes fill fast so be sure to reserve your spot online ahead of time.
7 locals recommend
Pure Yoga Ottawa
279 Richmond Rd
7 locals recommend
Be prepared to sweat if you decide to partake in a hot yoga class at Pure. They have classes for all levels with varying intensity. Classes fill fast so be sure to reserve your spot online ahead of time.
You and your friends will quite literally be bouncing off the walls if you decide to book Shy Zone for an event/party, drop-in for Open Jump or Ultimate Dodgeball. Trust me, it's harder than it looks and you might feel it the next day.
11 locals recommend
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
2935 Conroy Rd
11 locals recommend
You and your friends will quite literally be bouncing off the walls if you decide to book Shy Zone for an event/party, drop-in for Open Jump or Ultimate Dodgeball. Trust me, it's harder than it looks and you might feel it the next day.
It's like paintball but with bow and arrow. Don't worry: you don't need to be Katniss Everdeen to survive these games. The arrows are foam-tipped so there's no real risk of injury - likely, your pride will be the only thing that ends up bruised. May the odds be ever in your favour. Book in advance.
Archery Games | Ottawa
1860 Bank St
It's like paintball but with bow and arrow. Don't worry: you don't need to be Katniss Everdeen to survive these games. The arrows are foam-tipped so there's no real risk of injury - likely, your pride will be the only thing that ends up bruised. May the odds be ever in your favour. Book in advance.
You can take in a movie, get 3 hours of free parking, and, if you spring for the VIP experience, get served popcorn, pizza or cocktails to your seat!
116 locals recommend
Cineplex Cinemas Lansdowne VIP
325 Marché Way
116 locals recommend
You can take in a movie, get 3 hours of free parking, and, if you spring for the VIP experience, get served popcorn, pizza or cocktails to your seat!
Literally one of the most beautiful places on earth. Nestled in the heart of Gatineau Park, Nordik Spa is North America's largest outdoor spa. Seamlessly integrated with the surrounding forest, this is a relaxation haven replete with cold pools, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, giant hammocks, loungers and delicious food and drink. Book ahead if you'd like to schedule a massage or other spa service. Not to be missed if you 4 or more hours for a little "me time."
312 locals recommend
Nordik Spa-Nature | Chelsea
16 Chemin Nordik
312 locals recommend
Literally one of the most beautiful places on earth. Nestled in the heart of Gatineau Park, Nordik Spa is North America's largest outdoor spa. Seamlessly integrated with the surrounding forest, this is a relaxation haven replete with cold pools, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, giant hammocks, loungers and delicious food and drink. Book ahead if you'd like to schedule a massage or other spa service. Not to be missed if you 4 or more hours for a little "me time."
Great place to people watch and soak up some sun or join in a game of beach volleyball.
75 locals recommend
Britannia Park and Beach
2805 Carling Ave
75 locals recommend
Great place to people watch and soak up some sun or join in a game of beach volleyball.
Try your luck at escaping one of the themed rooms at Escape Manor with up to 5 of your favourite friends, a short 15-minute walk from our place.
8 locals recommend
Escape Manor - Hintonburg
982 Wellington St. W
8 locals recommend
Try your luck at escaping one of the themed rooms at Escape Manor with up to 5 of your favourite friends, a short 15-minute walk from our place.
5-pin or bust. This bowling alley has just the right amount of grime and grit to transport you back to your childhood birthday parties. Cheap drinks might improve your game.
12 locals recommend
West Park Lanes
1205 Wellington St. W
12 locals recommend
5-pin or bust. This bowling alley has just the right amount of grime and grit to transport you back to your childhood birthday parties. Cheap drinks might improve your game.

Shopping

Cute women's boutique with a nice selection of feminine staples and a permanent vintage pop-up on the second floor.
11 locals recommend
Viens Avec Moi
1338 Wellington St. W
11 locals recommend
Cute women's boutique with a nice selection of feminine staples and a permanent vintage pop-up on the second floor.
Upscale men's and women's clothing store with a great selection of international and Canadian brands.
schad, Women's Clothing, ByWard Market, Ottawa, ON
459 Sussex Dr
Upscale men's and women's clothing store with a great selection of international and Canadian brands.
The Rideau Centre has something for everyone. If price is no object, check out Nordstrom, Harry Rosen, Kate Spade, Tiffany & Co., Stuart Weitzman, Coach, Ted Baker, and more high-end brands on the 3rd floor.
589 locals recommend
Rideau Centre
589 locals recommend
The Rideau Centre has something for everyone. If price is no object, check out Nordstrom, Harry Rosen, Kate Spade, Tiffany & Co., Stuart Weitzman, Coach, Ted Baker, and more high-end brands on the 3rd floor.
A well-curated selection of womenswear including brands like Loeffler Randall and A.L.C. The owners will make you feel right at home.
Vincent
A well-curated selection of womenswear including brands like Loeffler Randall and A.L.C. The owners will make you feel right at home.
A very cool destination for casual menswear and an impressive wall of sneakers.
7 locals recommend
Stomping Ground
728 Bank St
7 locals recommend
A very cool destination for casual menswear and an impressive wall of sneakers.
This consignment store is packed with approachable luxury and designer finds including brands ranging from Zara to Louboutin.
The Recollective Second Hand
This consignment store is packed with approachable luxury and designer finds including brands ranging from Zara to Louboutin.
Adorable vintage shop with a selection of 1950s-1990s clothing and homewares.
Bellwethers Vintage
9 Florence St
Adorable vintage shop with a selection of 1950s-1990s clothing and homewares.

Sightseeing

891 locals recommend
Parliament Hill
Wellington Street
891 locals recommend
585 locals recommend
ByWard Market
585 locals recommend

Parks & Nature

Lots to see and do in Gatineau Park regardless of the time of year. Beautiful hiking trails with spectacular views overlooking the Park.
522 locals recommend
Gatineau Park
33 Chem. Scott
522 locals recommend
Lots to see and do in Gatineau Park regardless of the time of year. Beautiful hiking trails with spectacular views overlooking the Park.
Arboretum, Ottawa, ON K2C, Canada
Beautiful park with views of Parliament and the Ottawa River.
90 locals recommend
Major's Hill Park
Mackenzie Avenue
90 locals recommend
Beautiful park with views of Parliament and the Ottawa River.