The 9 Best Restaurants for Dinner in Ottawa for a Twilight Taste Adventure
My family, who is always on the lookout for great dining experiences, has asked me to find the best new dinner spots in Ottawa.
I was sitting there thinking, “Do we go for something fancy, or should we keep it casual?” And being one who loves exploring the latest in food trends, I jumped at the chance to delve into Ottawa’s vibrant dining scene.
Ottawa has some fantastic places where you can enjoy everything from elegant, refined meals to laid-back, gourmet comfort food. It’s like a treasure hunt for the perfect dinner hideaways.
So, after exploring the options and sampling some of the best dishes, I’m excited to share the top restaurants for dinner in Ottawa has to offer.
Get ready to discover some incredible places that will make your next meal truly memorable!
1. Chez Lucien
— Media credit: chezlucienottawa
Website: https://chez-lucien.weeblyte.com
Location: 137 Murray St
Contact Details: (613) 241-3533
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 02:00 AM daily
Chez Lucien is a cozy spot in Ottawa’s lively food scene that has been winning over locals and visitors for years. Its charm and tasty menu make it a favorite for anyone looking for a relaxed, satisfying meal.
One of the must-try items is the Frida and Diego burger. This burger is packed with flavor and offers a hearty bite, showing off the creativity and quality Chez Lucien is known for.
And if you’re in the mood for something lighter, the grilled salmon sandwich is another great choice. It’s fresh, full of bold flavors, and still just as satisfying.
These dishes highlight Chez Lucien’s knack for serving up elevated comfort food, making it the perfect place to enjoy a laid-back yet indulgent dinner.
And it’s not just the food that draws people in. The welcoming atmosphere makes it a top spot in the city.
Pro tip:
To skip the wait and secure your spot at Chez Lucien, especially during busy hours or weekends, make a quick call to reserve your table.
2. Riviera Ottawa
— Media credit: dineriviera
Website: https://dineriviera.com
Location: 62 Sparks St
Contact Details: [email protected]
Business Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 05:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 05:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Riviera Ottawa is all about a casual but fancy dining experience that makes you feel right at home while still treating you to something special.
Starting with the menu, it’s a seafood lover’s dream. You’ll find fresh oysters and their popular lobster spaghetti, perfect for those who love a bit of indulgence.
If you’re into meats, their Alberta striploin is a must-try, alongside other treats like duck smoked duck breast and beef tartare. The food really shines, but it’s not just about the dishes.
As a bonus, the vibe at Riviera is super chill but still classy. With high ceilings, soft lighting, and an open kitchen, you can watch the chefs do their thing.
It’s lively but not overwhelming, making you feel like you’re part of the action instead of just sitting at a table.
Pro tip:
Need a great gift? Grab a Riviera gift certificate from their online store. It’s perfect for food lovers to enjoy on their own terms.
3. Fauna
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Website: https://www.faunaottawa.ca
Location: 425 Bank St
Contact Details: (613) 563-2862
Business Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 05:30 PM – 09:30 PM
- Thursday: 05:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 05:30 PM – 11:30 PM
- Saturday: 05:30 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 05:30 PM – 09:00 PM
At Fauna, you’re experiencing the passion of Chef Jon Svazas and Chef Billy Khoo, who blend local ingredients with Asian and French culinary techniques.
After years in Ottawa’s top kitchens, they’ve crafted a vibrant, flavor-driven gastronomic venture.
The experience at Fauna is very relaxed with the warm, cozy, yet sophisticated decor, perfect for an intimate dinner or a casual night out with friends.
Their menu is always evolving, but you can expect to find dishes like perfectly raw oysters, bluefin tuna tataki, or dry-aged rib eye that’s rich and earthy.
The flavors are always balanced, offering a perfect mix of textures that keep things interesting. Paired with the chefs’ top picks, like El Toro and Gin Mare, your food adventure is complete.
Pro tip:
Fauna’s private wine cellar room is perfect for intimate gatherings of up to 24. It’s a great way to enjoy a personalized evening with friends or colleagues.
4. Aroma Meze
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Website: https://www.aromameze.com
Location: 239 Nepean St
Contact Details: (613) 421-0504
Business Hours:
- Sunday & Monday: 04:30 PM – 09:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 02:00 PM, 04:30 PM – 09:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 04:30 Pm – 10:00 PM
Aroma Meze delivers a one-of-a-kind culinary affair by blending traditional Greek meze with globally inspired flavors.
From the moment you step in, you’re invited to enjoy food the way it’s meant to be in Greece: a communal affair, where sharing delicious plates creates an atmosphere of warmth, hospitality, and celebration.
Their unique charm lies in their ability to bring this ancient Mediterranean dining style to life with vibrant, flavorful dishes.
Take their Kotopoulo Avgolemono for example. It features a juicy, herbed chicken meatball served with a tangy avgolemono sauce that’s rich and creamy, offering the perfect balance of bold flavors.
And of course, no meal is complete without dessert. The Chocolate Natillas is a chilled dark chocolate coconut custard topped with salted whipped cream and a sprinkle of pink peppercorn for a perfect sweet ending.
Pro tip:
For the best experience, order a variety of meze plates to share with your group. This way, you’ll get to explore a range of flavors and textures.
5. Union Local 613
— Media credit: 613union613
Website: https://www.union613.ca
Location: 315 Somerset St W
Contact Details: (613) 231-1010
Business Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday: 03:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday & Thursday: 03:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 03:00 PM – 02:00 AM
- Saturday: 05:00 PM – 02:00 AM
- Sunday: Closed
Union Local 613 isn’t just a place to eat, it’s an experience. It’s a cozy little slice of Southern hospitality right in the heart of Ottawa, with a twist that makes it anything but ordinary.
The ambiance invites a sense of community, where long tables and warm lighting set the tone for memorable meals.
Their menu reflects this, with shrimp and grits standing as a true Southern classic. It’s a creamy grit paired with succulent shrimp to create a dish that feels like comfort on a plate.
Another star on the menu is the bone-in pork chop. Perfect seasoning and expert preparation elevate this hearty dish, providing an unforgettable taste in every bite.
The extra spark is the speakeasy-style bar that’s tucked away behind a secret bookshelf. It’s a hidden gem that brings an adventurous twist to your night, offering craft cocktails that complement the menu.
Pro tip:
Union Local 613 offers communal tables for a fun, social experience. If you prefer a quieter meal, request a private table when booking, especially during peak hours.
6. Mati
— Media credit: matiottawa
Website: https://www.matiottawa.ca
Location: 428 Preston St
Contact Details: (613) 680-3860
Business Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 05:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 05:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 03:00 PM, 05:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Mati is a trendy and upscale restaurant located in the city’s Little Italy, offering a Mediterranean-Latin fusion adventure.
The restaurant is known for its stylish ambiance, with a chic interior that combines contemporary decor with luxurious touches.
Their menu focuses on fresh ingredients, with an emphasis on crudo and charcoal-based dishes.
A crown jewel is their towering seafood platter, a two-tiered indulgence featuring oysters, lobster, shrimp, and swordfish crudo, accompanied by various sauces, making it a perfect centerpiece for sharing.
But beyond the crudo, Mati also excels in its meat dishes. Their steaks, dry-aged for 28 days, are some of the best in Ottawa.
Their Tomahawk steak is a showstopper at 50 oz, while other options like the Spanish bone-in dish offer juicy, cooked cuts of meat perfect for group dining.
Pro tip:
For steak lovers, the 28-day dry-aged steaks are grilled to perfection. Opt for medium rare to enjoy the juiciness and flavor.
7. Gitanes
— Media credit: gitanes
Website: https://www.gitanes.co
Location: 361 Elgin St Unit #6
Contact Details: (613) 562-0699
Business Hours:
- Sunday & Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 05:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 05:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Gitanes, a gem in Ottawa’s fine dining scene, seamlessly fuses French culinary traditions with the freshness of Canadian ingredients.
The menu masterfully balances classic techniques with contemporary flair, exemplified in its standout raw bar, where sustainably sourced seafood shines.
For those seeking filling plates, the steak frites deliver perfection. It’s a succulent steak paired with golden, crispy fries, a nod to the rich flavors of French cuisine with a local twist.
Guests can savor their meals in a romantic, intimate setting, enhanced by Gitanes’ meticulously curated wine cellar, making it a haven for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
Pro tip:
For groups, opt for the $85 share plates at Gitanes, a great way to sample their top dishes while enjoying a social, communal experience.
8. Supply and Demand
— Media credit: supply_ottawa
Website: https://www.supplyanddemandfoods.ca
Location: 1335 Wellington St
Contact Details: (613) 680-2949
Business Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 05:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Supply and Demand is an inviting restaurant offering a perfect blend of warmth and contemporary dining.
It’s a place that fits seamlessly into any occasion, whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a laid-back family dinner.
The open kitchen is the heartbeat of the space, where the sights and sounds of culinary craftsmanship spill into the dining room, infusing the air with warmth and energy.
It’s like a behind-the-scenes pass to watch chefs turn fresh, locally sourced ingredients into the next mouthwatering dish heading your way.
And to seafood fans, you’re in for a treat. From fresh half-shell oysters to seasonal delights like summer squash, kale salad, and roast Atlantic cod, Supply and Demand ensures they are fresh and organic.
Pro tip:
For an unforgettable dinner, don’t miss out on pairing your meal with one of their expertly curated wines or signature cocktails.
9. Arlo Wine & Restaurant
— Media credit: arlo.ottawa
Website: https://restaurantarlo.com
Location: 340 Somerset St W
Contact Details: (613) 421-1424
Business Hours: 05:30 PM – 12:00 AM daily
Dinner at Arlo Wine & Restaurant feels like you’re at an intimate dinner party thrown by a friend with amazing taste. The vibe is cozy but still elegant, striking the perfect balance between comfort and style.
At Arlo, the menu is a direct reflection of Chef Jamie Stunt’s culinary vision, rooted in his love for seasonal ingredients. You can expect plates that change with the seasons, allowing for the freshest ingredients to shine.
The menu takes it up a notch with dishes like fresh oysters, Icelandic cod, grilled hanger steak, and even BBQ eel—all prepared with care and the freshest ingredients.
And don’t stop at the food. Their cocktails, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks are just as thoughtfully curated to pair with every dish.
Pro tip:
Arlo’s desserts are as creative as their seasonal dishes. Be sure to save room for a sweet finish to complete your memorable meal.