Amazing Restaurants in Ottawa for Delicious Christmas Eve Take-Out
Christmas Eve is a rather special occasion for us Ottawans. For the more religious people in the city, it’s a time to be able to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
But besides that, this is also a time when we can get together with family and just catch up with one another. It’s usually an occasion with lots of talking, laughter, and of course, delicious food.
The Christmas Eve dinner usually features some truly amazing dishes that can make your mouth water. But sometimes, there might be times when you aren’t able to cook up something delicious.
So what do you do? Order some take-out, of course.
As someone who’s had to take out some food for Christmas Eve celebrations on a few occasions already, here are some of my recommendations of mine that have secured a spot in my favorite restaurants in Ottawa.
Fraser Café
Website: https://www.frasercafe.ca/
Address: 7 Springfield Rd, Ottawa, ON K1M 1C8
Phone: +1 613-749-1444
Price: $$$ – Expensive
Operating hours:
- Tuesday: 5:00–9:00 PM
- Wednesday-Thursday: 11:30 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00–9:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00–10:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00–10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00–9:00 PM
Must-try food:
- Pork and Beef Meatballs
- Traditional Tourtière
- Banana Coconut Trifle
It is a well-known fact that Fraser Café always uses locally sourced products from Ottawa that are extremely fresh. The cooks at this restaurant are proud to make creative, tasty dishes that really show what the area is like.
If you order take-out on Christmas Eve, the menu will feature the freshest and best ingredients available. This will turn your holiday meal into a real celebration of Ottawa’s culinary treasures.
Now, let’s explore some of the standout dishes that make Fraser a remarkable choice/
First on the list is Fraser’s Pork and Beef Meatballs. This dish is simply a great choice for a delightful to start your Christmas Eve meal with the family.
As its name implies, this dish is made up of two different kinds of meat, seasoned to perfection and served with a flavorful sauce.
These savory meatballs are a true comfort food classic and set the stage for a memorable holiday meal.
Fraser’s Traditional Tourtière is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the flavors of tradition. This classic French-Canadian meat pie is a beloved dish during the holiday season.
The flaky pastry encases a hearty filling of spiced ground meat, creating a comforting and festive centerpiece for your Christmas Eve feast.
To round off your meal with a touch of sweetness, the Banana Coconut Trifle at Fraser is a delectable choice. Layers of ripe fruit, creamy custard, and luscious whipped cream create a harmonious dessert that strikes a balance between indulgent and refreshing.
Joey Rideau
Website: https://joeyrestaurants.com/location/joey-rideau
Address: 50 Rideau St #106, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J7,
Phone: +1 613-680-5639
Price: $$ – Mildly expensive
Operating hours:
- Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday-Sunday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–9:00 PM
Must-try food:
- Steak Frites
- Bombay Butter Chicken
- Spaghetti Pomodoro
Joey Rideau boasts a fantastic blend of flavors that cater to a variety of tastes. It’s got a diverse menu, combining classic dishes with a modern twist that is absolutely perfect for a Christmas Eve dinner.
You can expect a little something for everyone, making it ideal for family gatherings where different preferences come into play. Be it a juicy steak, fresh seafood, or delectable vegetarian options, Joey has it all.
Its attention to quality is truly remarkable, the ingredients oozing with freshness at every bite that you and your friends and relatives take in every dish.
What really makes the food top-notch is Joey Rideau’s quality control over its ingredients. Every element of the dishes is sourced with care, and the culinary craftsmanship is superb.
Joey Rideau’s take on Steak Frites is a classic done right. You can expect a perfectly cooked cut of meat, seasoned to perfection, and served with a side of crispy, golden French fries.
It’s a timeless choice that showcases the quality of its ingredients and culinary expertise.
Now, if your tastebuds are craving some bold and aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine, the Bombay Butter Chicken is a must-try. This creamy and indulgent dish is bursting with rich tomato and spice-infused goodness.
The tender chicken is paired with a luscious buttery sauce that’s perfect for dipping naan bread or drizzling over rice.
Finally, if you’re in the mood for Italian comfort food, the Spaghetti Pomodoro hits the spot.
It’s a straightforward yet satisfying dish featuring al dente pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce with hints of garlic and fresh basil. It’s a reminder that sometimes, simplicity is the key to culinary perfection, even on Christmas Eve.
SEN Asian Cuisine
Website: https://sen-asian-cuisine.com/
Address: 200 Marché Way Unit 103, Ottawa, ON K1S 5J3, Canada
Phone: +1 613-232-0111
Price: $$ – Mildly expensive
Operating hours:
- Monday-Friday, Sunday: 7:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM–2:00 AM
Must-try food:
- Crispy Noodle Beef
- Coconut Curry with Chicken
- Pad Thai with Chicken
SEN Asian Cuisine offers a delightful blend of flavors that’s perfect for spicing up your Christmas Eve. Ottawa may not be known as an Asian food hub, but SEN brings a taste of Asia right to our doorstep that is sure to light up your Christmas Eve dinner.
Its menu is an exquisite fusion of various Asian cuisines, with a focus on Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese dishes. So, whether you’re pho or pad Thai enthusiast, SEN’s got you covered.
The food quality is truly exceptional, one of the main reasons why this is such a beloved establishment. It uses fresh ingredients and authentic recipes, ensuring that every dish bursts with flavor and that you get a true taste of Asia’s best.
From its expertly prepared stir-fried noodles to its aromatic curries, you can expect a culinary experience that transports your taste buds to the heart of Asia.
Now, let’s talk about variety. SEN Asian Cuisine offers an extensive menu with options to suit all preferences.
The Crispy Noodle Beef is a feast for the senses. The tender slices of beef, marinated and stir-fried to perfection, served atop a bed of crispy noodles are simply perfection.
The combination of textures and flavors is simply outstanding, making it a savory and satisfying choice for your holiday meal.
If you’re craving something rich and succulent, the Coconut Curry with Chicken is a must-try. This dish features succulent chicken simmered in a creamy coconut-based curry, with a harmonious blend of herbs and spices.
It’s a comforting and flavorful option that will warm your heart on a chilly Christmas Eve.
Now for something bright and zesty, the Pad Thai with Chicken at SEN is a delightful choice. It’s a classic Thai stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender chicken, rice noodles, and a delectable balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
It’s a dish that’s loved by many for its simplicity and bold taste.
Although Ottawa’s Asian cuisine scene is still steadily growing, SEN brings the colorful flavors of the East right to our city which really gets us excited for more dishes to come in the future.
That extra touch of care goes a long way in creating a memorable dining experience.
Aroma Meze
Website: https://www.aromameze.com/
Address: 239 Nepean St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0B7, Canada
Phone: +1 613-421-0504
Price: $$ – Mildly expensive
Operating hours:
- Monday-Tuesday, Sunday: 4:30–9:00 PM
- Wednesday-Thursday: 11:30 AM–2:00 PM, 4:30 PM–9:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 4:30 PM–10:00 PM
- Sunday: 4:30–9:00 PM
Must-try food:
- Kotopulo Avgolemono
- Greek Poutine
- Moshari Ginger
Aroma Meze is a hidden gem in the area that specializes in Greek food. It is great at bringing the magic of the Mediterranean to your holiday table.
Its menu takes you on a delicious culinary trip through Greece. This makes it the perfect choice for people who want to add something new and tasty to their Christmas Eve celebrations.
First up is the Kotopulo Avgolemono, a Greek soup with chicken and lemon, with a rich, creamy texture. It feels like a warm hug on a cold Christmas Eve, which makes it a comfy choice for the event.
Greek poutine is a gem of a fusion dish that we simply adore. Think of golden, crispy fries covered in creamy feta cheese and topped with a salty Mediterranean gravy.
This is comfort food with a southern European twist that is great to share with friends and family.
Next, you have the Moshari Ginger, a show-stopper for people with bigger appetites. Tender meat chunks cooked in a sauce with ginger served with fragrant rice.
The beef is very tender and the mix of spices makes it a great dish that will fill your Christmas Eve cravings. Feeling the meat melting in your mouth simply sends your tastebuds into overdrive as you take in the amazing taste.
Needless to say, every bite of Aroma Meze shows how much it cares about being real.
Because it uses fresh products and old recipes, you can be sure that you are getting a real taste of Greece in Ottawa. The quality is top-notch, the amounts are big, and the flavors are strong.
What really makes Aroma Meze stand out is its dedication to making every meal, even when you order take-out, a special one.
It’s hard to find a taste of Greece in Ottawa like this one, so this is a great place to add Mediterranean flavors and holiday cheer to your Christmas Eve.
Supply and Demand
Website: https://www.supplyanddemandfoods.ca/
Address: 1335 Wellington St W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B1
Phone: +1 613-680-2949
Price: $$ – Mildly expensive
Operating hours:
- Tuesday-Saturday:5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Must-try dishes:
- Squid Ink Rigatoni with Braised Octopus, Prosciutto Sugo, Chillies, Mint, and Bread Crumb
- Grilled Duck Sausage with Green Beans, Plum, and Potato Puree
- Bucatini Alla Gricia
Choosing Supply and Demand for Christmas Eve take-out in Ottawa is an exceptional decision if you and your friends and family are craving some delicious seafood.
Its Squid Ink Rigatoni with Braised Octopus, Prosciutto Sugo, Chillies, Mint, and Bread Crumb is a masterpiece of flavors and textures.
The rich, briny essence of the ink pasta pairs beautifully with the tender braised octopus and the salty goodness of prosciutto sugo.
The hint of chilies and fresh mint adds a delightful kick, making it a memorable and luxurious choice for a special holiday meal. I would definitely recommend this one for people with more adventurous taste buds.
For something different, I recommend trying the Grilled Duck Sausage with Green Beans, Plum, and Potato Puree. This is the perfect meal for those who appreciate a rich and savory option, making this dish a bonafide winner.
The smoky, tender sausage complements the sweetness of plums and the creamy potato puree. It’s a dish that embodies the warmth of the holiday season.
Then you have the Bucatini Alla Gricia, a classic Roman pasta dish that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying. It is cooked to perfection and tossed in a sauce made from cured pork cheek, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper.
It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for a cozy Christmas Eve at home.
So, whether you’re indulging in some of Supply and Demand’s pasta, or savoring its duck sausages, this resto proves to be a fantastic choice for take-out that everyone will love.
It’s where culinary excellence and holiday warmth come together to create a truly memorable dining experience.
Cantina Gia
Website: https://www.cantinagia.com/
Address: 749 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3V3, Canada
Phone: +1 613-569-0464
Price: $$ – Mildly expensive
Operating hours:
- Monday-Sunday: 11:30 AM–10:00 PM
Must-try dishes:
- Pappardelle & Bolognese
- Grilled Banzino
- Chicken Diavola
Another restaurant featuring Italian cuisine, Cantina Gia’s commitment to delivering authentic flavors is truly commendable. It’s the perfect place to infuse your Christmas Eve with the warmth and richness of food from Sicily.
Now, let’s delve into some of its standout dishes that you can savor from the comfort of your own home.
If you’re a fan of hearty and comforting meals, you’re in for a treat. Cantina Gia’s Pappardelle & Bolognese is a classic Italian masterpiece.
The wide, ribbon-like pappardelle pasta perfectly complements the rich, meaty Bolognese sauce. It’s a dish that embodies the essence of Italian comfort food and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser on Christmas Eve.
For those who prefer seafood, the Grilled Banzino is a delight. This Mediterranean sea bass is grilled to perfection, creating a flaky, tender texture with a wonderfully smoky flavor.
It’s a light and elegant choice that pairs beautifully with Italian herbs and olive oil, offering a refreshing contrast to the heavier holiday dishes.
If you’re looking for something with a kick, the Chicken Diavola won’t disappoint. This spicy Italian dish features tender chicken cooked in a fiery tomato and chili sauce.
It’s a bold and vibrant option, perfect for those who enjoy a little heat with their holiday meal.
El Camino
Website: https://eatelcamino.com/
Address: 380 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M9, Canada
Phone: +1 613-327-1899
Price: $$ – Mildly expensive
Operating hours:
- Monday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Must-try dishes:
- Pork Belly Pastor
- Ox Tongue Taco
- Chorizo Crispy Taco
Want some tacos for Christmas Eve? Then look no further than El Camino!
This particular restaurant is renowned for its creative and delectable take on Mexican-inspired cuisine. It’s the perfect spot to infuse a bit of south-of-the-border flair into your Christmas Eve celebration.
Now, let’s dive into some of its standout dishes, each more enticing than the last:
If you’re a fan of bold and savory tastes, the Pork Belly Pastor is a must-try. The succulent, melt-in-your-mouth meat is marinated to perfection with traditional Mexican spices and flavors.
It’s a mouthwatering dish that captures the essence of Latin American street food right here in Ottawa.
For the adventurous foodie, the Ox Tongue Taco offers a unique and delightful experience. Tender ox tongue, expertly prepared and seasoned, is tucked into a warm tortilla.
The result is a burst of rich and savory flavors that will surprise and delight your taste buds. It’s simply an incredible way of making your Christmas Eve dinner even more exciting.
Spice lovers, rejoice! The Chorizo Crispy Taco is a fiery delight.
The chorizo is cooked to crispy perfection and then paired with fresh toppings and zesty salsa. It’s a bold and satisfying choice that packs a punch of flavor.
El Camino’s commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients is evident in every dish. It takes pride in offering an authentic Mexican dining experience, right down to the tortillas made in-house.
Whether it’s the vibrant colors of El Camino’s salsas or the bold aromas of its spices, you can be sure that your meal will be a true fiesta for your senses.
In a nutshell, El Camino is a fantastic choice for Christmas Eve take-out in Ottawa.
With its inventive Mexican-inspired dishes, a variety of flavors to cater to diverse tastes, and a commitment to quality, it’s the perfect place to add some fiesta to your holiday celebration.
Gezellig
Website: https://www.gezelligdining.ca/default.aspx
Address: 337 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 0E7
Phone: +1 613-680-9086
Price: $$$ – Expensive
Operating hours:
- Tuesday-Thursday 11:30 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Friday 11:30 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00–10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
Must-try dishes:
- Duck breast
- Braised lamb shank
- Seared scallops
This restaurant is known for its commitment to modern Canadian cuisine with a touch of sophistication.
The Duck Breast at Gezellig is a true culinary masterpiece. Cooked to tender perfection with crispy skin, it’s a dish that combines rich flavors with an elegant presentation.
The succulent duck pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, creating a symphony of tastes that will leave you craving more.
For those who appreciate hearty and comforting dishes, the Braised Lamb Shank is a classic choice.
Slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, it’s served with flavorful sauces and perfectly paired sides. It’s a dish that embodies the warmth and richness of the holiday season.
If you prefer seafood, the Seared Scallops are a delightful option. Gezellig’s take on this seafood classic is nothing short of spectacular.
The scallops are seared to create a wonderful contrast of textures – a crispy exterior and a tender, buttery center. They’re often paired with inventive sauces and seasonal accompaniments, making each bite a revelation of flavor.
Gezellig’s dedication to using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients is a testament to its commitment to quality. It takes pride in supporting local suppliers and showcasing the best of Canadian cuisine.
Every dish is a celebration of the Ottawa region’s culinary authenticity.