INFORMAL EATS: OTTAWA GUIDE
- Nicole
- Mar 5, 2016
- 4 min read
You wouldn't think a small political town would be up to date when it came to the culinary world but you'd be surprised. Over the past few years, Ottawa's hospitality industry has boomed into somethng comparable to Montréal's, with dozens of trendy restaurants popping up all over the city. Those native to Ottawa will tell you that five years ago you'd have to go to the Byward Market for great dinner in the city but today, you can also explore Little Italy on Preston, Westboro, Elgin Street, Kanata, The Glebe and even China Town.
Most of you know that we're originally from Ottawa, therefore we've had the most gracious opportunity to experience plenty of restaurants, so you can totally trust us on this. Here's our guide to the tastiest hot spots in the city.
Brunch
Elgin Street Diner [Laidback]
Everyone needs to have a favourite 24 hour diner with amazing breakfasts. Elgin Street Diner is exactly that but you wouldn't guess that it gained its famous by being the go-to place after a wild night of partying for Uni kids.
MUST TRY: Classic Poutine ($11)
A second favourite of ours is Zaks and an alternative to Elgin Street Diner when all tables are taken. Here you'll find all your favourite breakfasts including ginormous fluffy pancakes to classic old school milkshakes for two. MUST TRY: Zak's Famous Milkshake in Strawberry and Banana Pancakes ($6.50 & $10.50)
You'll find a little bit of Paris are this café, with so many pastries and brunch options, you'll have a tought time choosing.
MUST TRY: French Toast Stack ($14.95)
Lunch
Located right in the middle of the courtyard in the Byward Market, Sidedoor is the perfect restauant for the modern health conscious food fanatic.
MUST TRY: Spicy Dahl Fritter Tacos & Mini Donuts ($9 and $7)
The Works [Laidback]
Most people have heard of The Works, a gourmet burger house with multiple locations in Ottawa. Choose from either Beef, Elk, Bacon and Beef, Chicken, Cripsy Chicken, Turkey, Veggie, Cheese Stuffed Beef or Portobello Mushroom patty followed by your favourite toppings from 60+ options.
MUST TRY: World's Best Burger and Peanut Butter Shake ($13 and up & $7)
This is a little unorthodox but if you love Shawarma, anyone in Ottawa will tell you to go to The Shawarma Palace. With a few locations spread across the city, it's easily accessible.
MUST TRY: Chicken Plate with extra potatoes ($14)
Johnny Farina's has become a staple on Elgin Street. During lunch hours, you'll find lawyers all throughout the restaurant either wolfing down a meal or hosting a lunch meeting with more lawyers. That shouldn't scare you off though, you'll find some of the freshest ingredients available here and if you're in a hurry, you can always opt for their "express" lunches to go.
MUST TRY: Stawberry Goat Cheese Salad ($14)
A relatively new restaurant on the scene, this hip venue is also located on Elgin Street and has a brand new second location in Orleans. Known for a chill place to eat, drink and socialize, you'll find plenty of creative dishes to suit your taste.
MUST TRY: Lobster Mac N Cheese (Market Price)
Dinner
We love tasting menus and this French restaurant is all about it. With no A La Carte option, all you have to do is select how many courses you'd like and if you want a wine pairing with it. This restaurant won't disappoint if you can appreciate surprises. ($40 - $130 pp)
You won' find anothe restaurant like Mezzanotte in Ottawa. With it's white contemporary decor and purple lighting, it gives off quite an upscale vibe. They serve up quality Italian dishes and is known for the perfect "Birthday Dinner" hot spot in the Byward Market.
MUST TRY: Pasta Antonio ($22)
An award winning restaurant by Stephen Beckta, Play, Food & Wine focuses on tapas style and fine wine dining. Dishes are constantly changing and are made quite small to allow customers to enjoy numerous plates for dinner.
MUST TRY: Frites with Aoili, Gnocchi, Butternut Squash Soup ($5-$8)
Fauna [Mid Range]
Recently making Canada's Top 100 Restaurant list, Fauna is make a huge splash in the city. Located in Centretown on Bank Street, this little restaurant thrives on seasonal and local ingredients as well as a tapas dining experience.
MUST TRY: Bison Tartare ($18)
Right in the middle of Preston Street, EVOO brings amazing Greek food to Little Italy.
MUST TRY: Trio Spreads with Kalamata Olives & Stuffed Peppers ($18 & $19)
A little far, Arome is located inside the Lac-Leamy Casino on the Québec side of Gatineau which is 5 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Here you'll find some of the best seafood dishes around but at a pricey cost.
MUST TRY: Seafood Plate for Two ($98)
Dessert
A little dessert place that lives up to it's name. Choose from a wide variety of cakes, pies, tarts and gluten free options when you're craving something sweet.
MUST TRY: Boston Cream Cake ($6)
You can't come to Ottawa and not try a beavertail, our national snack. All that cinnamon surgary goodness spread on toasted flatbread.
MUST TRY: The Classic ($4)
Because who doesn't like chococalte fondue, smores and chocolate pizzas? Perfect place for a first date.
MUST TRY: Chocolate Peanut Butter Fondue ($16)
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