Best Restaurants in Ottawa – The Ultimate Food Guide
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Best Restaurants in Ottawa
In this post you’ll have a detailed guide to the best restaurants in Ottawa. You’ll not only get a detailed description as to why they’re the best, but also some detailed food photos where the food tastes even better than it looks.
Why Ottawa is a Food Lover Paradise
Over the past year or so I’ve had the pleasure of travelling to Ottawa several times. Before I went I’ll be perfectly honest, I didn’t know squat about Ottawa. Except that it was Canada’s capital and also the place my sister and her friend’s went to for Canada Day growing up because they have they have the most badass firework shows.
Now let me just say that I’m a Toronto girl, born and bred. One of the things I’m most proud of my city for is it’s food scene. Because it is on fire. But you know what? So is Ottawa’s. And I must admit it I can feel that heat all the way from my home 4 hours away.
That being said, let me break down the best of the best in Ottawa’s food scene. Because there is a ridiculous amount of delicious eats there and you want to reserve that stomach space wisely.
Best Places to Eat – the Best Restaurants in Ottawa
Feast + Revel
Located inside the Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market Hotel, Feast + Revel has become my must go-to every time I visit Ottawa. Whether you come here for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or late night snacks + cocktails, everything is guaranteed to be delicious every single time. Consistency is super important to me and so is options and there are multiple items for you to choose from. My personal favourites are the breakfast duck confit poutine, avocado toast with a fried egg, and the burger.
Art-Is-In Bakery
Savoury or sweet? It doesn’t matter which you prefer because it is all good at Art-Is-In-Bakery. They are famous for their pizza nights, bread, and cronuts. I personally loved their lemon meringue tart and the avocado toast with poached eggs and fries. But really it is all good.
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand is a place where even the complimentary bread is something to cry tears of joy over. That is how closely attention they pay to detail and how well executed everything is here. You’ll want to come for the pasta, kale salad, and yes those complementary Parker bread rolls topped with generous flakes of sea salt and whipped butter.
Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner
The vibe at Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner is 70s eclectic. With floral print couches, bright orange seats, and a muted blue & orange psychedelic like wallpaper, nothing seems to match, yet everything still goes.
The food here is incredibly tasty, but unexpected at the same time with creative dishes like a jerk chicken eggs benny served on cornbread and a fully loaded avocado (like a fully loaded baked potato but with an avocado instead).
Once you eat here it will be easy to see whey this is one of the best restaurants in Ottawa.
SuzyQ Donuts
Who is Suzy? Because I would like to thank her. T
he donuts at SuzyQ donuts are light, fluffy, chewy, basically the perfect consistency. They also have wonderfully drool-worthy and unique flavours like yuzu twist, earl grey, and cinnamon toast crunch.
Oh and if you happen to be vegan, they also have a wide range of options for you as well. And they’re just as good as any of the non-vegan donuts.
My recommendation would be to come with friends and share so you can try as many as possible.
Moo Shu Ice Cream
No vanilla here. The ice cream at Moo Shu is not only super creamy but will also take you on a journey across the world. Famous for their Asian flavours like Hong Kong milk tea, Black Sesame (which is vegan), and Tang Zhong Milk Bread. It is the most inexpensive and tastiest way to travel without having to actually leave Ottawa.
Their rotating flavours include whatever happens to be in season in the moment, whether that’s gooseberries & elderflowers, or market cherries with chocolate, you will be getting something that has you screaming for more.
Thali
Welcome to flavour explosion where spices and sauces are blended masterfully together.
Thali serves up traditional thali consisting of vegetables, curries, rice, roti, and dessert. You have the choice of the type of protein you would like served with your Thali which includes various seafoods, beef, chicken, and vegetarian or vegan options.
The curries here are also bottomless, but I guarantee even those with the biggest of appetites will most likely find themselves wishing they had worn their stretch pants even after the first round.
Corazon De Maiz
Located right in the heart of Byward Market, Corazon De Maiz is known for their authentic Mexican eats. If I were Mexican and had a Mexican grandmother I imagine this is what the food would taste like. And nobody makes it better than grandma. Especially not this grandma.
Tacos and burritos are solid choices here but the absolute must order is their homemade horchata. Find it in the small refrigerated case directly across from the cash register. I’d honestly drive the 4 hours from Toronto to Ottawa just to have another glass of this stuff.
Fauna
Known for their small plates, although larger mains are also an option, Fauna was recently named as one of Canada’s Top 100. It definitely lives up to they hype too.
The menu is seasonal with a strong emphasis on local Canadian ingredients and the plates come out looking like small pieces of edible art.
Little Anthony’s Pizza
I don’t know about you, but no matter where I am in the world there inevitably come a time when I start to crave pizza. Anthony’s luckily answers the call with their coal fire pizza oven that churns out the most delicious slices. Cravings guaranteed to be satisfied here.
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