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
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Fantastic food and culture festivals to enjoy in Ottawa this summer
Ottawa’s festival scene is vibrant, diverse and above all — fun!
![La Terrasse - Fairmont Château Laurier](/sites/default/files/images/2022/07/La-Terrasse-Fairmont-Chateau-Laurier-RTS_6282-Credit-Ottawa-Tourism.jpg)
Great patios by Ottawa neighbourhood
Check out some of the best restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs with outdoor spaces.
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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.
![Fairouz Restaurant](/sites/default/files/images/2020/02/Dishes-IMG_9377-credit-Fairouz.jpg)
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.
![Byward Market, strawberries](/sites/default/files/images/2020/03/farmers-market-berries-167-credit-Destination-Canada.jpg)
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!
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Best ice cream (and other frozen treats) in Ottawa
Check out some of the best ice cream (and delicious alternatives) that are made with love in Ottawa.
![Tapping into Ottawa Tapping into Ottawa](/sites/default/files/images/2021/02/Tapping-into-Ottawa.jpg)
Tapping into Ottawa
Learn about the breweries and distilleries using local ingredients, community events and fresh perspectives to tell Ottawa's story.
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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!
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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.
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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…
![BeaverTails and pumpkin](/sites/default/files/images/2020/03/BeaverTails-and-pumpkin-credit-BeaverTails.jpg)
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.
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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.
![Zak's Diner](/sites/default/files/images/2020/02/Zak%27s-Diner-Bar-Byward-Market-location-credit-Zak%27s-Diner.jpg)
Family-friendly restaurants and places to eat in Ottawa
See some of the restaurants, diners, pubs and self-serve options the whole family will love.
![Beckta](/sites/default/files/images/2020/02/Beckta-Dining-3-credit-Andrew-Alexander.jpg)
Romantic restaurants in Ottawa for date nights
Romantic restaurants in Ottawa to enjoy on Valentine’s Day or any night this winter.
![SuzyQ Doughnuts](/sites/default/files/images/2020/03/suzy-q-credit-Sofie-S.jpg)
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…
![1 Elgin restaurant, National Arts Centre](/sites/default/files/images/2020/03/Rideau-Canal-dining-1-Elgin-restaurant_018-credit-Destination-Canada.jpg)
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…
![Pure Kitchen](/sites/default/files/images/2020/03/Pure-Kitchen-food---credit-Pure-Kitchen.jpg)
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…
![Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market hotel](/sites/default/files/images/2020/03/Cheers%21-IMG_9878-credit-IG-capturedbycurcio-Andaz-Ottawa-ByWard-Market.jpg)
Great cocktail spots by Ottawa neighbourhood
You can easily find the perfect place to have drinks in Canada’s capital.
![Children enjoying maple taffy at Fultons Pancake House and Sugar Bush](/sites/default/files/images/2020/05/Children-enjoying-maple-taffy-at-Fultons-Pancake-House-and-Sugar-Bush-credit-Ottawa-Tourism.jpg)
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
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Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine
Get sticky at Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine! They're making it even better with more Ribs, more BBQ, more Poutine, a Kid Zone and more Live Music.
![music, guitar music, guitar](/sites/default/files/images/2023/08/music-guitar-AdobeStock_450543161.jpg)
Blackburn Fun Fair
For over five decades, Blackburn has hosted its annual Funfair during the first weekend of June, drawing thousands from both the town and surrounding…
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Broken Stick Weiner and Beer Fest
Broken Stick is celebrating 5 years of brewing beer and that's a reason to party!
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Canadian Culinary Championship
Celebrate Canadian culture and attend this respected culinary competition that will feature many talented Canadian chefs who will showcase their…
![kids, Fall Harvest kids, Fall Harvest](/sites/default/files/images/2023/08/Kid-Fall-AdobeStock_385022582.jpg)
Festival of Flavours
Excellent Events Presents Festival Of Flavours, a favourite "foodies" event, in Vankleek Hill. Come enjoy food and artisanal crafts from local…
![Fulton's Pancake House and Sugar Bush Fulton's Pancake House and Sugar Bush](/sites/default/files/images/2020/02/Fultons-Pancake-House-and-Sugar-Bush-DSC00910-Noriko-N.jpg)
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…
Gastronomic experiences
![Brew Donkey Tours Brew Donkey Tours](/sites/default/files/images/2020/02/BrewDonkey-samples-0038-credit-Marianne-Rothbauer-Photography.jpg)
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 C'est Bon Ottawa](/sites/default/files/images/2023/05/Cest-Bon_Cooking-Class_P012_Credit-OttawaTourism.jpg)
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.
![Distillerie du Square / Gin Distillerie du Square / Gin](/sites/default/files/images/2024/05/gin-AdobeStock_287080074.jpg)
Distillerie du Square
Destination for spirits enthusiasts to discover unique local and nature-inspired spirits in the charming village of Chelsea.
![Farmgate Cider Farmgate Cider](/sites/default/files/images/2023/03/Farmgate-Cider.jpg)
Farmgate Cider
Tour, taste and shop all things cider at this family-owned and operated cidery located just west of Ottawa in Arnprior.
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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 Gibbs Honey](/sites/default/files/images/2022/05/Gibbs-Honey.jpg)
Gibbs Honey
Visit this peaceful farm in rural Ottawa to shop for honey, candles and other products, or attend farm tours and tastings.
Member restaurants
![1 Elgin Restaurant 1 Elgin Restaurant](/sites/default/files/images/2020/02/National-Arts-Centre-1-Elgin-Restaurant-food-credit-Julie-Berthelot.jpg)
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 Absinthe Café](/sites/default/files/images/2020/03/credit-Absinthe-Caf%C3%A9.jpg)
Absinthe Café
Established in 2003, Absinthe, is renowned for its commitment to fine food.
![Aiana Restaurant Collective Aiana Restaurant Collective](/sites/default/files/images/2022/06/Aiana-Restaurant-Collective-2-credit-Aiana-Restaurant-Collective.jpg)
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 Apothecary Lounge](/sites/default/files/images/2021/10/Apothecary-Cocktail-Lounge.jpg)
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.
![Arôme - Casino du Lac Leamy Arôme - Casino du Lac Leamy](/sites/default/files/images/2024/05/Arome-meat-and-seafood-credit-Casino-Lac-Leamy.jpg)
Arôme
Dine in style with a spectacular view of Lac de la Carrière at Hôtel-Casino du Lac Leamy.
![Art house Art house](/sites/default/files/images/2024/06/Art-house-website.jpg)
Art House
Café, bar, art gallery and event venue offering light fare and an intriguing drink menu in a charming central Ottawa heritage house.