A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Ottawa

No trip to Canada’s capital is complete without sampling the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Just minutes from the Ottawa train station, you’ll find a delicious mix of top-rated fine dining, beloved local haunts, trendy hidden gems, and global culinary traditions. It’s a true taste of Ottawa; reflecting the diverse communities that call the city home.

Recommended by food lovers — these are Ottawa’s best restaurants to try.

Ottawa’s fine dining restaurants

Credit: Ottawa Tourism

Trendy Ottawa restaurant: Tredici

Check out Ottawa’s hottest new restaurant: Tredici, a Gothic Italian speakeasy tucked away in the ByWard Market. To find it, look for Guillotine Street Food on Clarence Street —behind it lies an intimate, dark, and cozy hideaway that delivers an experience like no other. With unpretentious charm, upscale touches, and stunning presentation, Tredici is quickly making its mark. Be sure to try the lamb meatballs in spicy arrabiata sauce and the indulgent smashed lasagna.

International cuisine in Ottawa

Best Indian restaurant: Kalinga Indian Cuisine

Kalinga Indian Cuisine, just a few steps from Parliament Hill, is Ottawa’s highest-rated spot for Indian food. Known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and warm, knowledgeable service, this restaurant has earned a devoted local following. The menu spans authentic South Indian specialties, Chinese-Indian fusion, and seafood dishes, all served in a cozy, brightly lit space.

Best Mexican restaurant: Ahora

Tucked below street level in the ByWard Market, Ahora is a local favourite for affordable, authentic Mexican fare. The space is an explosion of colour — painted in vibrant yellows and reds, with multicolour tiled floors and tables that match the energy of the food. Dig into generous portions of carnitas, burritos, or quesadillas, and customize the heat at the self-serve salsa and sauce bar.

Best Chinese food: Golden Palace Restaurant

Ottawa is full of excellent Chinese restaurants, but no visit is complete without trying the world-famous egg rolls from Golden Palace. Shipped across Canada and even flown overseas by loyal fans, these crispy, golden bites are the stuff of legend. While you’re there, don’t miss the comforting wonton soup — it’s a local favourite for good reason.

Best Nepalese cuisine: The Momo Spot

Ottawa’s only Nepalese restaurant, The Momo Spot introduces a stand-alone flavour to the local food scene. Momos are a Nepalese street food dish: steamed dumplings filled with pork, vegetables, or other options, and folded by hand using ancestral methods. Founded by friends, the restaurant offers a laid-back atmosphere and a menu with both meat and vegan-friendly choices. It’s a simple, flavourful way to enjoy a true taste of Nepal.

Best Italian restaurant: North & Navy

Explore local Italian culture and history in Ottawa’s Little Italy, then elevate your evening with a visit to North & Navy. This stylish bistro brings the flavours of northern Italy to the heart of the city, offering fine-dining quality with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. The menu is inspired by the shared climate and culinary traditions of Ontario and northern Italy, using farm-sourced ingredients to craft elegant, shareable plates.

Food for every dietary requirement

Best halal restaurant: Casablanca

Located in the historic ByWard Market building, Casablanca is a humble gem offering flavourful, affordable Moroccan food. In the summer, the cozy patio adds to the charm. Try one of their wraps made with fresh, hand-pressed pita, or go for the Royal Plate for Two — a generous sampler of Moroccan staples that’s perfect for sharing. The lamb shank and couscous come highly recommended, and the menu features a variety of halal options. It’s a casual, welcoming spot where the focus is firmly on bold, satisfying flavours.

Best vegan restaurant: St. Elsewhere

Tucked into a cozy, art-filled space, St. Elsewhere is a wine bar and restaurant serving a creative, fully plant-based menu. The dishes are inventive and satisfying — the broccoli in tangy peanut sauce is a standout, and the blooming onion and gnocchi are also favourites. With a short, well-curated menu, attentive service, and fun cocktails, this spot makes vegan dining feel special. It’s the kind of place where you leave feeling just the right amount of full.

Late Night Bites

Don’t miss out on Ottawa’s restaurants

As you savour your way through Ottawa, you’ll quickly discover that the city's food culture is as dynamic and welcoming as its people. Whether you're immersed in fine dining, sampling global flavours, or indulging in a late-night snack, Ottawa has it all – each spot offering an invitation to experience something new.