The 10 Best Chicken Restaurants in Ottawa for a Finger-Lickin’ Feast You Can’t Resist
I’ve been on this crazy chicken craving lately. You know, that kind of craving where nothing but perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken will do.
If you’ve stumbled upon this… well, it’s probably because you’re just as hungry as I am. Let’s be real, we’re both in desperate need of some top-tier chicken in the capital.
Fortunately, Ottawa has no shortage of delicious chicken spots, from flame-grilled to crispy fried.
After some scouring (and maybe drooling along the way), I’ve compiled a list of the best chicken restaurants in Ottawa. These top picks will have you craving before you even set foot inside!
1. Golden One Fried Chicken
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Location: 354 Rideau Street
Contact Details: (613) 562-0688
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Just a 10-minute walk from the CF Rideau Centre, you’ll find Golden One Friend Chicken. If you didn’t know, it’s one of the most popular Korean fried chicken spots in the Rideau Street area.
And here’s the deal: Even without added seasoning, their chicken has a delicious taste. The real appeal comes from the variety of seasoning options, including a sweet red sauce that pairs beautifully with the fried.
For those who prefer a boneless option, Golden One serves no-bone chicken in a spicy version. However, this comes at a slightly higher price compared to their other selections.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of the gloves provided for a mess-free eating experience. This adds a fun and convenient twist to munching on the crunchy chicken.
2. Pili Pili Charcoal Grilled Chicken
— Media credit: pilipiliottawa
Website: https://www.pilipilicharcoalgrill.ca
Location: 205 Dalhousie Street
Contact Details: (613) 695-7404
Business Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 10:45 AM – 7:45 PM
- Thursday & Friday: 10:45 AM – 8:45 PM
- Saturday: 12:45 PM – 8:45 PM
- Sunday: 12:45 PM – 7:45 PM
People have been grilling over wood for ages, and nothing quite matches that charred taste.
Pili Pili Charcoal Grilled Chicken embraces this philosophy. They honor a grilling tradition that dates back centuries. They use 100% natural hardwood to give grilled chicken that mouthwatering, smoky fusion you crave.
That said, diners can indulge in savory-filled platter selections, including the whole chicken platter, chicken breast platter, and double breast platter. Each is best paired with delicious sides for the ultimate feast.
Pro tip:
Since hours may vary during holidays or special occasions, it’s a good idea to check in advance to avoid any surprises.
3. Mary Brown’s Chicken
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Website: https://marybrowns.com
Location: 400 Rideau Street
Contact Details: (613) 564-0532
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM daily
In 1972, Mary Brown’s irresistible chicken made its way to Ottawa. Since then, they’ve embarked on a journey that transformed it into a beloved Canadian staple.
The star of the show is the Canada Grade A chicken, delivered whole and fresh. Each piece is marinated, hand-cut, and hand-breaded, ensuring a deliciously toasty texture.
The secret? They have developed a unique cooking method with proprietary cookers. Instead of the typical pressure frying, these innovative cookers harness heat to lock in moisture and aroma.
Pro tip:
For the ultimate experience, pair the chicken with Mary Brown’s signature sides. Options like their savory mashed potatoes or creamy coleslaw make for a meal that truly satisfies.
4. Holly’s Hot Chicken
— Media credit: hollyshotchicken
Website: https://www.hollyshotchicken.ca
Location: 45 Armstrong Street
Contact Details: (613) 695-7737
Business Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday & Thursday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Holly’s Hot Chicken enhances comfort food by serving a unique take on fried chicken. The signature spice blend adds goodness that keeps diners coming back for more.
Central to the menu is the legendary hot chicken. It’s known for its expertly marinated and perfectly fried preparation that delivers kick and satisfaction.
Another highlight of the menu is the wings bundle. This generous portion features the signature hot wings and includes a selection of delicious Southern sides.
And to cater to individual preferences, diners can customize their experience by choosing from various spice levels. Options range from the mild and comforting taste reminiscent of traditional Southern cooking.
Pro tip:
Balance the spice with a touch of sweetness by enjoying Holly’s delicious donuts. These treats provide the perfect contrast to the heat for a delightful ending to your feast.
5. O-FRANGO
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Website: https://www.ofrango.ca
Location: 151 Laurier Avenue East
Contact Details: (613) 413-1360
Business Hours:
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 12:30 PM – 8:10 PM
- Friday: 2:00 PM – 8:10 PM
- Saturday to Tuesday: 12:30 PM – 8:10 PM
O-Frango shines as a lively dining spot in Ottawa, providing a one-of-a-kind experience that goes beyond the usual food truck or restaurant. Their offerings may be concise, but each dish delivers an explosion of yumminess.
The menu features the most unique Frango Boxes. These boxes include carefully prepared fried chicken that is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Each box comes with a generous portion of peppered fries and melted cheese. Diners can choose from various rich sauces, making each box a customizable delight.
For those in search of something different, the Frango Wrap is a fantastic choice. This delightful creation features tortilla bread filled with tender, chopped fried chicken and crunchy French fries.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to add hot sauce for just $0.69 to give the Frango Wrap an extra kick.
6. DA CHICKEN CRIBB
— Media credit: dachickencribbreal
Website: https://www.dachickencribb.ca
Location: 840 Boyd Avenue
Contact Details: (613) 722-5582
Business Hours:
- Sunday & Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Da Chicken Cribb is located in a converted house in an industrial area. They’re known for their authentic Jamaican jerk chicken, set apart by traditional Caribbean spices and grilling techniques.
But Da Chicken Cribb offers more than just its famous jerk chicken. Their Southern Fried Chicken meal, for example, features two pieces of fried chicken with rice and beans, plantains, and stir-fried vegetables.
The rice at Da Chicken Cribb is often praised for its soft and fluffy texture, making it a sumptuous base for every meal.
Meanwhile, their vibrant vegetable medley adds balance and variety with a mix of fresh ingredients like broccoli, baby corn, and bell peppers. This perfectly complements the richness of the chicken.
Pro tip:
When ordering from Da Chicken Cribb, call ahead for faster service. Your food will likely be ready when you arrive.
7. YKO BBQ Chicken
— Media credit: halalgirls613
Website: https://ykochickenbbq.com
Location: 263 Dalhousie ByWard Market
Contact Details: (613) 562-4709
Business Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
YKO BBQ Chicken is recognized as Ottawa’s pioneer in offering authentic charcoal-grilled chicken BBQ.
They take pride in being the first restaurant in the city to specialize in this style, delivering smoky tastes that distinguish them from the rest.
More than just the rich zests of their chicken, it’s their affordable pricing that keeps customers returning. Their whole chicken starts at $20.99, half chicken at $13, and a quarter chicken at $7.50.
Plus, they provide a combo option where customers can enjoy half or quarter chicken with a choice of two side dishes.
Pro tip:
When ordering at YKO BBQ Chicken, be sure to choose your spice level wisely. With options ranging from mild to fiery, there’s something for every heat tolerance.
8. St. Louis Bar & Grill
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Website: https://www.stlouiswings.com
Location: 399 Elgin Street Unit 2
Contact Details: (613) 231-1116
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday & Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
When you’re strolling down Elgin Street, St. Louis Bar & Grill pulls you in like a magnet—you just can’t resist its charm.
And in case it’s slipped under your radar, they’ve been serving up a wickedly good time for Canadians since 1992. Famous for their wings, they continue to embody their original fun-loving attitude.
The people’s champ is their Original or Dusted Wings (1-2 lbs). It’s served with golden fries and their signature Garlic Dill sauce, available in multiple flavors.
And their Boneless Chicken Wings? A big hit too. It’s a great alternative to traditional wings, offered in different portion sizes.
For group visits, St. Louis Bar & Grill offers larger sharing options like the Signature Wings Nachos. These delicious nachos are available in both personal and regular sizes.
Pro tip:
Looking for a last-minute gift idea? St. Louis Bar & Grill gift cards are a great option for any wing lover. They’re redeemable at all locations and can be used for anything on the menu.
9. St-Hubert
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Website: https://www.st-hubert.com
Location: 1754 St. Laurent Boulevard
Contact Details: (613) 526-1222
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Rotisserie chicken is a dish renowned for its tender meat and perfectly crisp, golden skin. And when it comes to this beloved staple, there’s truly no name quite like St-Hubert.
Founded in 1951, St-Hubert has built a reputation for serving high-quality rotisserie chicken.
The Half Chicken (Demi-poulet) is an appetizing fare, offering a generous portion of slow-roasted chicken cooked to perfection. It comes with a side of your choice, including a soft bun and fresh coleslaw.
For those who crave a bit of heat, the Piri-Piri Rotisserie Chicken (Poulet rôti piri-piri) is an exciting option. It’s available as either a leg or breast, marinated in a zesty Piri-Piri sauce.
Pro tip:
Add a side of St-Hubert’s signature poutine. The combination of fries, cheese curds, and gravy alongside their succulent rotisserie chicken turns a regular meal into a delightful experience.
10. GOGIYA Korean Fried Chicken & Dolsot
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Website: https://www.gogiyabbq.com/
Location: 155 Bank Street
Contact Details: (613) 680-0988
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
GOGIYA specializes in authentic Korean fried chicken. They use a unique batter that ensures extra crispiness while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
They serve them in a variety of flavors, such as original, sweet & spicy, hot & spicy, gold cheese, garlic & soy, and honey & garlic. Each provides a distinct taste experience that guests can try.
Their inviting setting enhances the experience of enjoying their food. The relaxed, cozy ambiance makes it perfect for sharing plates with friends or family.
Pro tip:
If you’re torn between flavors, opt for a half-and-half combo. This allows you to try two different sauces without committing to just one.