Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants of 2023 have just been announced and eight spectacular Ottawa restaurants have made the coveted list.
Ottawa’s culinary scene
Canada’s capital region is full of rich dining and drinking experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Award-winning restaurants feature fresh products from over a thousand local farms. Tours take you to unique eateries, breweries, wineries and distilleries in various neighbourhoods. Year-round farmers markets, culinary classes and special events highlight everything from poutine to maple syrup to multicultural flavours. And as the North American headquarters of the prestigious Le Cordon Culinary Arts Institute, the city is home to many top chefs. Go on a culinary journey through Ottawa!
Food and drink highlights
Fantastic food and culture festivals to enjoy in Ottawa this summer
Ottawa’s festival scene is vibrant, diverse and above all — fun! Fantastic food, culture and entertainment combine at these Ottawa area festivals coming your way this summer.
Great patios by Ottawa neighbourhood
Looking for the ultimate patio spot in Ottawa? Check out some of the best restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs with outdoor spaces, by neighbourhood.
Hot brunch spots in Canada’s capital
Browse a few of the tastiest brunch places in the Ottawa area that serve classic egg breakfasts, inventive dishes, mimosas, Caesars and much more.
Halal food options in Ottawa
Looking for halal restaurants in Canada’s capital? Check out some of the city’s delicious options ranging from burgers and shawarma to elevated mezze.
Shop local at Ottawa farmers' markets
Looking to buy seasonal produce, handmade items and unique local specialities? Visit one of the many daily or weekly farmers' markets in Canada's capital!
Best ice cream (and other frozen treats) in Ottawa
Looking for a cool treat on a hot summer day or year round? Check out some of the best ice cream (and delicious alternatives) that are made with love in Ottawa.
Tapping into Ottawa
Learn about the breweries and distilleries using local ingredients, community events and fresh perspectives to tell Ottawa's story.
Eat and shop local at these businesses that give back
Looking to make a difference in the community while you shop and dine? Choose these Ottawa-based social enterprises and community-minded businesses!
Must-try international cuisine in Ottawa
Craving international flavours such as Indian, Asian, Mexican and Thai? Learn about some of the best takeout options near you, including menu highlights.
Six coffee roasters in Ottawa to satisfy your caffeine cravings
Ottawa loves to support its local businesses and coffee shops are no exception. Local, independent coffee roasters provide a unique experience and…
Best fall flavours in Ottawa
Enjoy sweet and savoury goodies including harvest-inspired beer, baked goods, cold treats and warm drinks while basking in Ottawa’s autumn beauty.
Delicious and sweet holiday treats to try in Ottawa
This holiday season, you’ll find all of the warm drinks, decadent baked goods and decorated sweets you and your loved-ones are craving in Canada’s capital.
Family-friendly restaurants and places to eat in Ottawa
Looking for a kid-friendly place to eat in Ottawa? See some of the restaurants, diners, pubs and self-serve options the whole family will love.
Must try summer craft beers in Ottawa
With summer finally here you’re going to want a few good thirst-quenching craft beers on hand and we’ve got just the list of new releases from Ottawa…
Romantic restaurants in Ottawa for date nights
Romantic restaurants in Ottawa to enjoy on Valentine’s Day or any night this winter.
Ottawa is filled with doughnuts worth drooling over
Canada has more doughnut shops per capita than any other country, and as Canada’s capital, Ottawa certainly represents! Whether you like traditional…
Where to eat along the Rideau Canal in the Ottawa area
The Rideau Canal – one of Ottawa’s most popular attractions – is the perfect setting for memorable dining experiences throughout the year. Within the…
Delicious vegetarian and vegan food in the Ottawa area
The culinary scene in Canada’s capital is brimming with delicious cuisine, including popular vegetarian and vegan eateries. From healthy and raw, to…
Great cocktails spots by Ottawa neighbourhood
Whether you’re on a date, meeting friends or flying solo, you can easily find the perfect place to have drinks in Canada’s capital.
Maple syrup fun in the Ottawa region
Experience maple magic from late winter into spring! Visit local sugar bushes, see how syrup is produced, eat sweet treats and enjoy the atmosphere!
Culinary event highlights
Byward Oktoberfest
Get ready to celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest with friends and family. Showcasing the traditions of Oktoberfest with dance, music, food and of…
Canadian Culinary Championship
Celebrate Canadian culture and attend this respected culinary competition that will feature many talented Canadian chefs who will showcase their…
Fall in Love with Maple
Who says maple syrup is just for spring? It’s easy to fall in love with maple all year long. This fall we invite you to discover what’s so amazing…
Festival of the Maples
The grand finale to a month-long maple celebration featuring vendors, competitions, and lots of maple syrup products.
Fulton's maple season
Watch maple syrup being made and enjoy the results! Activities include sleigh rides, maple taffy and other food products, walking trails, campfires…
Gatineau Beerfest
Here's your chance to find your favourite among some 350 craft beers created by more than 30 Québec and Ontario Brewers.
Gastronomic experiences
Brew Donkey Tours
Meet brewers and sample lots of craft beers on a full-day or half-day tour of Ottawa-area breweries, brewpubs and bars with Brew Donkey Tours.
C'est Bon Ottawa
Join food tours and cooking classes to experience the many flavours of Canada’s capital region and learn about local food producers and artisans.
Farmgate Cider
Tour, taste and shop all things cider at this family-owned and operated cidery located just west of Ottawa in Arnprior.
Gees Bees Honey Company
Visit a working honey farm and taste the variety of honey produced by honeybees in our region! Learn how honey is made and the importance of bees and pollinators!
Gibbs Honey
Visit this peaceful farm in rural Ottawa to shop for honey, candles and other products, or attend farm tours and tastings.
KIN Vineyards
This family estate winery, nestled at the edge of the charming village of Carp, offers vineyard tours, tastings, and curated food pairings.
Member restaurants
1 Elgin Restaurant
Crafting high quality meals, with artistry and the best in local and nationally sourced ingredients, 1 Elgin provides an elegant space to experience exceptional Canadian cuisine and premium wines before a performance or as a refreshing interlude during the work day for lunch.
Absinthe Café
Established in 2003, Absinthe, is renowned for its commitment to fine food.
Aiana
Taste the flavours of Canada at this fine-dining restaurant in downtown Ottawa that highlights local and Canadian-grown ingredients on their menus.
Apothecary Lounge
Sip artisanal cocktails, craft beers and exclusive wines—and enjoy shareable small plates—in this Prohibition-style bar in the ByWard Market area.
Aulde Dubliner & Pour House
An authentic two-storey, Irish-style pub with a handcrafted cast iron mezzanine patio over viewing the gateway to the ByWard Market.
Banco Bistro
Located on the third level of the Casino Lac-Leamy, this outstanding restaurant offers an à la carte menu bursting with flavours and surprising choices.
