Beat the winter blues by trying out some of the best comfort food restaurants in the Ottawa area! Satisfy your pizza, pasta, Thai and Korean food cravings as you eat your way through Canada’s capital city this season.
DreamLand Café
Found in the heart of Ottawa’s Little Italy neighbourhood on Preston Street is DreamLand Café. In 2017, two sisters, Coco and Marlo, started their fresh pasta restaurant by re-creating their classic Italian family recipes with a unique twist.
DreamLand Café is just that, a dreamy restaurant with splashes of tropical wallpaper, a large outdoor mural and whimsical décor. With not one but three different types of mac n’ cheese pastas, including truffle mushroom, 4 cheese and a loaded dish, you’ll keep coming back for more. The ambiance coupled with the mouthwatering meals and ever-changing bar menu will make this restaurant your new comfort food go-to spot.
The Belmont
Check out the Belmont in Old Ottawa South for a guaranteed good time. Boasting a decadent brunch and dinner menu, as well as an ever-changing cocktail list, this restaurant knows how to keep things exciting.
With inventive dishes inspired by various cuisines and a seasonal menu, the Belmont plays with flavours that set their meals stand apart. Come here for lavish comfort food like piri piri chicken, roast pork belly, brussels sprouts and so much more. Everything on the menu will leave you full and happy.
Green Papaya
Satisfy your Thai comfort food cravings at Green Papaya. With four locations around the city, there’s a cozy Green Papaya restaurant for you! Each restaurant is perfectly decorated for an unbeatable dine in dinner experience. Devour authentic Thai food like satay, tom yum, pad Thai and a host of other dishes.
The Manx
It doesn’t get cozier than The Manx Pub. This unassuming spot located in the basement of a building on Elgin Street is perfect for all your comfort food cravings. With rustic décor, dim lighting and not a TV in sight, this pub puts an emphasis on enjoying the company you’re with.
As for the food, you can expect delicious classics like quesadillas and heuvos rancheros. You’ll also find more unique menu items like banana bread French toast, lamb curry wrap and tofu tacos.
Whether you’re looking for a casual spot to enjoy a pint with friends, savour a delicious meal or soak in the unique charm of Ottawa’s pub culture, the Manx is a staple in the Ottawa community.
Giulia
You can’t think of “comfort food” without thinking about pizza! Giulia, located on both Elgin Street and in the ByWard Market, makes some of the best in the city. Choose between red pie and white pie, small plates and pasta at this woodfired pizza place.
Whether you choose a classic pie or opt for one of their more creative options, you likely won’t have any left on your plate to bring home — it’s just that good!
Alirang Korean Restaurant
Alirang Korean Restaurant has two locations, one located just outside of the ByWard Market on Rideau Street and another in Ottawa’s west end on Merivale. Stay warm inside the cozy restaurant as you indulge in your favourite dishes or discover some new ones.
Enjoy appetizers like kimchijeon (kimchi pancake), spring rolls and croquette (deep fried potatoes). Feast on main dishes like bulgogi (marinated beef tenderloin slices) and japchaebap (stir fried vermicelli noodles). Or dive into a hot pot stew. This is Korean comfort food at its finest.
Nan’s Parlour
This self-proclaimed granny chic cocktail bar looks exactly like… you guessed it, your grandma’s living room! Complete with vintage wallpaper and décor, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time in the best way possible.
Located in the vibrant ByWard Market neighbourhood, the cocktails at Nan’s Parlour are extremely creative and unique. You can’t go wrong with choices like Nan’s Secret Garden, Oh Honey! or one of their Home-Made Boozy Iced Teas. As for food, the menu consists of comfort food meals like pierogies, tacos, coconut habanero chicken sliders and more!
