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Restaurants in Ottawa

Over the past few years, Ottawa has emerged from the gastronomic shadow of Montreal to establish a world-class foodie scene in its own right. A wave of new restaurant openings is delighting locals and slowly winning the capital a place on the culinary map. From taco joints and funky neighbourhood bistros to fine dining establishments, there's something for every taste and budget.

The Ottawa restaurants below have been hand-picked by our guide author and are grouped into three pricing categories:

Expensive (over C$50)

Moderate (C$30 to C$50)

Cheap (up to C$30)

These Ottawa restaurant prices are for a three-course meal for one, including half a bottle of house wine or equivalent, tax and service. A taxation charge of 13% will be added to your bill in most restaurants. It is also customary to tip 15-18% of the pre-tax meal price.

Expensive

Le Cordon Bleu Signatures Restaurant

Cuisine: French

This charming French country-style restaurant serves the finest classic French cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute Master Chefs. Intimate nooks, impeccable service, perfect wine and food pairings, and an experience in exquisite taste and food artistry are unforgettable.

Address: , 453 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, K1N 6R4
Telephone: +1 613 236 2499.
Website: http://www.signaturesrestaurant.com

Riviera

Cuisine: Modern European

This hotly anticipated new restaurant opened in July 2016 and has more than lived up to the hype. It's an elegant, art deco-style diner that combines an a la carte menu with a relaxed vibe – you could turn up in jeans and not feel out of place. The inventive, flavourful dishes are hard to categorise under a particular cuisine but tend to revolve around pasta, fish and vegetables.

Address: , 62 Sparks Street, Ottawa, K1P 5A5
Telephone: +1 613 233 6262
Website: http://www.dineriviera.com

The Wellington Gastropub

Cuisine: Gastropub

This smart gastropub is a major hit with locals and has expanded its menu in recent years to broaden its appeal. Sample dishes include slow roasted pork belly, scallops with gnocchi and 60-hour beef shortrib. A perennial favourite, though, is the signature dessert – a whole pint of ice cream to take home and share.

Address: , 1325 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, K1Y 3B6
Telephone: +1 613 729 1315
Website: http://www.thewellingtongastropub.com

Moderate

Bar Laurel

Cuisine: Spanish

Another recent addition to Ottawa's foodie scene, this Basque-influenced eatery is named after the famous Calle del Laurel in Rioja. Its offering of charcoal-cooked vegetables, slow roasted meats and sherry-based cocktails has proved a hit with the locals. Prices range from C$4 for small tapas dishes to C$75 for a giant family-style sharing plate.

Address: , 1087 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, K1Y 2Y4
Telephone: +1 613 695 5558
Website: http://www.barlaurel.ca

Courtyard Restaurant

Cuisine: Contemporary

This is an elegant, yet casual restaurant in a heritage stone building in the ByWard Market area. It is an excellent choice for Sunday brunch, with delectable French cuisine, mimosa cocktails and wicked desserts.

Address: , 21 George Street, Ottawa, K1N 8W5
Telephone: +1 613 241 1516.
Website: http://www.courtyardrestaurant.com

The Manx

Cuisine: Pub fare

Since 1993, The Manx claims to have been at the centre of Ottawa's arts scene, showcasing the works of local artists, hosting DJ nights and proving to be popular haunt for lovers of good food and beer, with its fine selection of craft beer. Alcohol aside, the food is also worth sampling, whether it's spicy crab cakes or a salmon burger. Good pub fare.

Address: , 370 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K2P 1N1
Telephone: +1 613 231 2070
Website: http://manxpub.com

Cheap

Ahora

Cuisine: Mexican

With plenty of tasty mains for under C$10 from tacos to quesadillas to burritos, this Mexican eaterie is great for thrifty tourists wishing to fill up on good, hearty food. Inspired by a traditional cantina, it offers colourful, lively decor with a free salsa bar to spice up your dish - now that's great value.

Address: , 307 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa, K1N 7E8
Telephone: +1 613 562 2081
Website: http://www.ahora.ca

Smoke's Poutinerie

Cuisine: Fast food

Smoke's Poutinerie specialises in the Quebec classic poutine dish, consisting of fries, curd and gravy. This heavyweight dish comes with the option of extra fresh toppings so you can create your own; from pork, chicken and beef to vegetarian options. Many locals claim this place serves the best poutine in town. Check it out for yourself to see what all the fuss is about.

Address: , 407 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa, K1N 9K4
Telephone: +1 613 789 2873
Website: http://smokespoutinerie.com

The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro

Cuisine: Burgers

This place serves what are quite likely the world's best gourmet burgers, made with locally sourced fresh ingredients, imaginative combinations of delicate flavours and sustenance fit for a rugby team. There are seven outlets across Ottawa – and they'll deliver straight to your living room as well.

Address: , 580 Bank Street, Ottawa, K1S 3T3
Telephone: +1 613 235 0406
Website: http://www.worksburger.com
A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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This Edwardian home offers budget accommodation amid elegant surroundings. There are 10 classically furnished rooms, some of which have ensuite bathrooms; a smart dining area for breakfasts and a cute decked area for a drink in the summer. The inn is located in a leafy downtown residential neighbourhood known as the Golden Triangle close to lively Elgin Street, home to restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs.

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A serene oasis in the heart of the city, this brand new boutique hotel, formerly Hotel Indigo, features soaring skylights, cool colours, running water and scents that change with the season. Plush bedding, hardwood floors, spa-inspired showers, indoor pool, high-speed internet and an adjoining gourmet, fast and casual restaurant provide for every need.

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