14 Bucket List Restaurants In Ottawa You Need To Try At Least Once

Ottawa has no shortage of excellent restaurants. Almost every month, there is another new spot to eat opening in the city. Since we are spoiled for choice on where to dine, it might be hard to pick where to eat next. So to help you figure out the places you need to try, we've gathered up a bucket list of the best restaurants in Ottawa that you won't regret going to.
While most of us can't afford to dine at some of the best restaurants in Ottawa all the time, they are well worth the splurge for a special night out, like a birthday. Two spots that are worth spending your hard-earned money on are Atelier and Riveria. Both places are listed as some of the best restaurants in Canada by Canada's 100 Best.
Thankfully, not all bucket list-worthy restaurants in Ottawa are costly. Local gems like Sansotei Ramen always has a line out the door, and there you can eat a massive meal for super cheap. Another must-try spot is Art-Is-In Bakery, where you can enjoy some of the best baked goods and pizza in the city.
Here are 14 bucket list restaurants in Ottawa everyone should try at least once:
Fairouz
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Address: 343 Somerset St. W., Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: It was just listed as one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Canada by OpenTable.
Riviera
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Canadian
Address: 62 Sparks St., Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: Located in a former bank building, it not only has a gorgeous interior but tasty food, too. This year, Riviera was listed as one of the best restaurants in Canada by Canada's 100 Best.
Thali
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Indian
Address: 136 O'Connor St., Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: Chef Joe Thottungal is always making headlines for his extraordinary Indian food.
Atelier
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Molecular gastronomy
Address: 540 Rochester St., Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: Atelier is often listed as one of the best restaurants in Canada, and they offer an unforgettable 12-course dinner.
Tavern on the Hill
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Hot dogs and tacos
Address: 1223 Alexandra Bridge, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: From the outdoor patio, you can enjoy prime views of the Parliament Buildings.
Zoe's Lounge
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Small plates and afternoon tea
Address: 1 Rideau St., Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: You'll feel like royalty enjoying afternoon tea at this opulent dining room.
C’est Japon à Suisha
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Japanese
Address: 208 Slater St., Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: They have a conveyor belt to serve sushi, just like you'd find in Japan.
Fraser Cafe
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Globally inspired dishes
Address: 7 Springfield Rd., Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: This is one of the best brunch spots in the city.
The Whalesbone
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Seafood
Address: Multiple locations in Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: If you are craving seafood, Whalesbone is a must-visit restaurant.
Art Is In
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Bakery
Address: 250 City Centre Ave. #112, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: Here, you can enjoy everything from cheesy pizzas to delicious baked goods.
Beckta
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Canadian
Address: 150 Elgin St., Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: This is the perfect spot to go for a romantic date night.
Sansotei Ramen
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Ramen
Address: 153 Bank St., Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: There is a reason Sansotei Ramen always has a line out the door — the food is delicious and affordable!
Jackson Cafe
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Canadian
Address: 10 Daly Ave., Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: Located within the Ottawa Art Gallery, this is the perfect spot to go for brunch or to enjoy small plates and cocktails.
NeXT
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Globally inspired
Address: 6400 Hazeldean Rd., Stittsville
Why You Need To Go: Chef Blackie offers expertly prepared dishes for a reasonable price. If you are feeling hungry, here you can enjoy massive brunch boards or multi-course blind tasting menus.
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