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Ottawa’s best restaurants and culinary experiences

Ottawa’s modern culinary scene is a foodie’s paradise, offering a vibrant mix of dining, restaurants, and food shops that celebrate the city’s diverse flavours. From iconic BeaverTails and butter tarts to indulgent poutine and world-class shawarma, Ottawa’s downtown is packed with tasty fare that reflects both classic Canadian cuisine and global influences.

Step into the historic ByWard Market neighbourhood, home to over 100 restaurants, cafes, and food shops, and discover why Ottawa’s best restaurants are drawing food lovers from near and far. Savour global flavours at high-end and casual spots, join guided culinary tours, or explore local farmers’ markets featuring products from 1000+ farms in the national capital region.

With award-winning chefs, innovative menus, and unique food experiences, Ottawa invites visitors to embark on an unforgettable culinary journey.

Foodie favourites in Ottawa

BeaverTails
A uniquely Canadian tradition, hand-made Beavertail pastries are served up with a variety of toppings at special events throughout the year and at the permanent kiosk in the ByWard Market.
North and Navy
Nationally recognized Northern Italian cuisine with seasonal menus inspired by tradition served in a cozy converted home.
Little Victories Coffee Roasters
Little Victories Coffee Roasters
Enjoy exceptional coffee and a welcoming cafe atmosphere at Little Victories Coffee, recognized among the World's 100 Best Coffee Shops. From expertly brewed specialty coffee to fresh pastries and light bites, every visit is worth celebrating.
Omegabon Restaurant
OmegaBon Restaurant
Experience a one-of-a-kind dining adventure where you can enjoy northern-inspired cuisine alongside polar bears and arctic foxes in a stunning natural setting. This immersive restaurant is open to all, no Parc Omega admission required for evening dining.

Explore Ottawa’s restaurants

Sunrice Sushi
Fresh sushi rolls and contemporary Japanese fare.
Social Restaurant and Lounge
Social's progressive Canadian cuisine and our diverse and innovative wine and cocktail menus are on a backdrop of live music and DJs that morph Social into one of Ottawa's most exciting vibrant and creative restaurants.
Koz̈hi
Modern fried chicken restaurant serving crispy chicken, thoughtful sides, craft cocktails and champagne in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Heart & Crown
Relax and treat yourself on one of our many patios which stretch a block.
Pancho Villa Mexican Restaurant
Festive Mexican restaurant with bold flavours.
Aiana
Taste the flavours of Canada at this fine-dining restaurant in downtown Ottawa that highlights local and Canadian-grown ingredients on their menus.

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Dive into Ottawa’s culinary scene with unique food experiences

C'est Bon Ottawa
Join cooking classes to experience the many flavours of Canada’s capital region and learn about local food producers and artisans.
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.
Thursty Pedaler
Help pedal a 15-person bike to three pubs and craft breweries in Ottawa’s vibrant Glebe neighbourhood on a one-of-a-kind tour. Get your heart pumping and enjoy a tasty beverage at each stop!
Signatures Restaurant at Le Cordon Bleu
Located in Sandy Hill in the heart of Ottawa, Signatures Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant that combines French contemporary, innovative cuisine with a modern, refined atmosphere.
Stonehouse Vineyard
Discover handcrafted wines, scenic vineyard views and relaxed tastings in a charming countryside setting just outside Ottawa.
Ottawa Food Tours
Embark on an Ottawa Food Tour to experience the many flavours of Canada’s capital region and learn about local food producers and artisans.
La Vida Local Food + Wine Tours
La Vida Local is an Ottawa-based “epicurean adventure” company that offers guided food and wine bus tours across rural Eastern Ontario and West Quebec.

More to explore in Ottawa's culinary scene

Great patios by Ottawa neighbourhood
Ottawa's patio season is unmatched - check out this guide to the best restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs with outdoor spaces.
8 of the best cafés in Ottawa, Canada
There’s no shortage of cool cafés in Ottawa, each with its own flavour, story, and loyal following.
Family-friendly restaurants and places to eat in Ottawa
Discover Ottawa restaurants, diners, pubs and self-serve options the whole family will love.
Hot brunch spots in Canada’s capital
Browse a few of the tastiest brunch places in the Ottawa.
Where to eat along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa
The Rideau Canal is the perfect setting for memorable dining experiences throughout the year.
The best shawarma places in Ottawa
Check out a local-approved guide to Ottawa's diverse selection of shawarma spots.

Discover locals' picks for the best restaurants

  • Graphic which reads Taste Ottawa / Savourez Ottawa
    Taste Ottawa
    Taste Ottawa is a city-wide food and culinary experience brand designed to showcase the best of Ottawa’s restaurants, cafés, bakeries, food artisans, and neighbourhood dining culture.
  • Logo which reads "CAPITAL EATS"
    Capital Eats

    The best kept secret foodies use to discover the best restaurants, drinks and food events in Ottawa and the Capital Region.

Foodie fun to spice up your trip to Ottawa

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