Best Ottawa Restaurants (Updated for 2026)

Ottawa’s culinary scene keeps evolving, blending classic comfort foods with inventive fine dining and global flavours that reflect the city’s diversity. Whether you’re a local food lover or a visitor planning a delicious stay, here’s your definitive guide to the best restaurants in Ottawa right now.

This list of the best restaurants in Ottawa, Ontario is updated for 2026 and focuses on places locals actually recommend. From downtown Ottawa and the ByWard Market to Wellington West, Centretown, and Elgin Street, these restaurants consistently stand out for food quality, atmosphere, and overall experience.

Special Occasion and Fine Dining

These restaurants are perfect for celebrations, anniversaries, business dinners, or any night when you want food and service to be memorable.

Riviera – Located in downtown Ottawa near Parliament Hill, Riviera is known for its refined Canadian cuisine and polished yet welcoming atmosphere. Housed in a historic space, it is a top choice for special occasions, business dinners, and nights when you want exceptional service paired with beautifully executed dishes and cocktails.

Beckta Dining & Wine – Beckta is one of Ottawa’s most established fine dining restaurants, offering thoughtfully composed tasting menus and one of the city’s strongest wine programs. Situated in downtown Ottawa, it is best known for intimate dining experiences, meticulous presentation, and consistent quality that has earned it long-standing local respect.

Arlo Wine & Restaurant – Located in Centretown, Arlo Wine & Restaurant is known for its seasonal tasting menus, creative plates, and carefully curated wine list. Frequently recognized on national best-restaurant lists, Arlo is a favourite for date nights, food-focused evenings, and diners looking for a refined yet relaxed experience in central Ottawa.

Aiana Restaurant – Aiana offers elevated Canadian cuisine in an elegant downtown Ottawa setting. Known for bold flavours, refined presentation, and a calm dining room, it is a strong choice for celebrations, anniversaries, and upscale dinners close to Ottawa’s core.

Buvette Daphnée – Situated in the ByWard Market, Buvette Daphnée is a French-inspired wine bar and restaurant known for its intimate atmosphere, thoughtful small plates, and strong wine selection. It is ideal for relaxed evenings, pre-dinner drinks, or a low-key but polished night out in one of Ottawa’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Trendy and Chef-Driven Spots

These establishments strike a balance between elevated technique and fun, memorable dining.

Supply and Demand – A Wellington West staple, Supply and Demand is best known for its seafood-forward menu, house-made pasta, and constantly evolving seasonal dishes. The lively atmosphere and creative plates make it a go-to for locals looking for high-quality food in a neighbourhood setting.

Fauna – Located in Centretown, Fauna blends contemporary Canadian cooking with comforting, approachable flavours. Known for its vegetable-driven dishes and vibrant dining room, it is a popular choice for dinners with friends and casual celebrations.

ALORA Ottawa & ALORA Rooftop – ALORA offers a multi-level dining experience in the ByWard Market, featuring Italian-inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and a rooftop patio in warmer months. It is best suited for group dinners, social evenings, and summer nights overlooking downtown Ottawa.

JOEY Rideau – JOEY Rideau brings a high-energy dining experience to downtown Ottawa. Known for its globally inspired menu, stylish interior, and consistency, it is a popular choice for group dinners, casual business meetings, and lively nights out near the Rideau Centre.

Classic and Local Favourites

These spots have become Ottawa icons because they deliver great food, consistent quality, and welcoming atmospheres.

Chez Lucien – A long-time favourite in the ByWard Market, Chez Lucien is known for classic French bistro fare, generous portions, and a lively atmosphere. Its burgers, escargot, and late-night dining make it one of the most beloved casual restaurants in Ottawa.

Aroma Meze – Aroma Meze offers Mediterranean-inspired small plates in downtown Ottawa, perfect for sharing. Known for its relaxed vibe and flavourful dishes, it is a strong option for group dinners and casual evenings close to Ottawa’s core.

The Whalesbone Elgin Street and The Whalesbone Bank Street – With locations on Elgin Street and Bank Street, The Whalesbone is best known for fresh seafood, oysters, and simple, well-executed dishes. It remains a top choice for seafood lovers across central Ottawa.

Dark Fork – Dark Fork offers approachable fine dining in Centretown, focusing on locally inspired flavours and a relaxed dining experience. It is often recommended for those who want quality food without a formal atmosphere.

Ratatouille Bistro – A favourite for lunch and brunch, Ratatouille Bistro is known for classic French comfort food and a cozy setting in downtown Ottawa. It is especially popular for daytime dining and relaxed weekend meals.

Casual, Brunch, and Bite-Sized Gems

For more relaxed meals, weekend brunches, or quick bites between sightseeing.

Chez Lucien doubles as a great casual choice too, especially for late brunch or relaxed dinner.

Local lists and reviews also highlight beloved casual spots like community pubs, burger joints, and ethnic eateries that capture Ottawa’s fun and diverse tastes. Many of these neighbourhood favourites draw crowds for brunch, late-night bites, or comfort classics that pair perfectly with craft beer or a well-made cocktail.

Hidden Gems Worth Seeking Out

Ottawa is full of smaller, chef-driven places that locals love and food critics repeatedly praise:

Perch Perch is a smaller, chef-driven restaurant in downtown Ottawa, known for creative tasting menus and a focus on seasonal, sustainably sourced ingredients. It is best suited for diners looking for a more intimate and experimental fine dining experience.

Ottawa’s café culture, street-style shawarma, and late-night snack scene are equally noteworthy, with options ranging from cozy bakeries to global eats scattered across the ByWard Market, Centretown, and Westboro.

Final Thoughts

Ottawa’s restaurant scene in 2026 blends innovation with tradition, offering world-class dinners and laid-back meals alike. From refined tasting rooms to beloved local staples and casual bites, this city is packed with memorable places to eat no matter the occasion.

Whether you’re planning a trip, celebrating something special, or just trying to eat your way through the capital, start with these standout restaurants and you’ll be off to a delicious start.