Feast Your Eyes and Taste Buds on This Delicious List of the 10 Best Glebe Restaurants
Ever found yourself wandering the streets, stomach growling, with zero idea of where to eat, only to stumble upon a gem that turns into your new favorite spot? That’s exactly how I ended up on a food adventure in the Glebe.
One minute I was aimlessly hunting for a snack, and the next, I was knee-deep in a culinary quest that had me sampling everything from porcheta sandwiches to inventive sushi creations.
After eating my way through every corner of this vibrant neighborhood, I’ve compiled a list of the best Glebe restaurants you absolutely need to try. Caution: proceed with an empty stomach and a serious appetite for deliciousness!
1. Cantina Gia
Media credit: cantinagia
Website: https://cantinagia.com/
Address: 749 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-569-0464
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Right when you walk into Cantina Gia, you’ll find yourself no longer in the bustling streets of Ottawa.
Instead, you’ll be transported into the warm and rustic shores of Southern Italy with its welcoming ambiance and vibrant colors that seem to add to its stylish allure.
But hold on – the fun doesn’t stop there! Their modest menu is filled with hearty dishes that soothe the soul, like the porchetta sandwich – a popular brunch favorite that I personally love for its juicy, flavorful pork and perfectly crispy edges.
It’s no wonder why it’s such a popular brunch spot among locals!
2. JOEY Lansdowne
Media credit: joeyrestaurants
Website: https://joeyrestaurants.com/location/joey-lansdowne
Address: 825 Exhibition Way Unit 103
Contact details: +1 613-695-5639
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 1 AM
JOEY is a Lansdowne Park favorite where people flock for its cozy yet stylish ambiance and a mouth-watering menu filled with eclectic plates from around the globe.
Their sushi creations, though on the pricier side, are quite a hit with their creative variety.
For those seeking an indulgence, the steak & sushi is sure to satisfy your palate. Its star ingredients, the tataki-style steak and salmon sushi, are drizzled with ponzu sauce, creating a harmonious fusion of zesty and umami notes.
Oh, and don’t miss out on their desserts. The s’mores ice cream pie is to die for!
3. The Rowan
Media credit: therowanottawa
Website: https://therowan.ca/
Address: 915 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-780-9292
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Tuesday – closed
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
The Rowan is the place to go if you’re looking to enjoy a couple of drinks with a delicious meal. This relaxed gastropub has an exciting menu filled with tantalizing flavors you’ll keep coming back for.
The brunch menu is a standout, with the breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs being the highlight out of the bunch. Its innovative approach to the classic hearty meal is sure to knock your socks off – or even knock your belt off your pants!
If you’re visiting for dinner, which I assume you are if you’re planning on drinking, you have to try out the pineapple & pork belly. This crowd favorite gives unexpected bursts of sweetness and savory goodness.
Order it with the side of one of their inventive cocktails and you’ll have the time of your life.
4. Ramen Isshin
Media credit: ramenisshin
Website: https://www.ramenisshin.com/
Address: 775 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-421-6600
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
Considered one of the best ramen places in Ottawa, Ramen Isshin constantly delivers impeccable flavors in its intimate setting.
The tsukemen, a hearty noodle dish where the noodles are dipped into a rich, flavorful broth, is the highlight of the menu. And if you want to try Isshin’s best, this is the perfect way to begin your adventure.
For those looking to stick with the classics, I can’t blame you for craving a steaming bowl of miso ramen, especially on a chilly autumn evening. Good thing Ramen Isshin also has its fair share of popular flavors, so you can indulge in your all-time favorites.
5. Erling’s Variety
Media credit: erlings_variety
Website: https://www.erlingsvariety.com/
Address: 225 Strathcona Ave
Contact details: +1 613-231-8484
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday, and Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 2:30 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
Erling’s Variety is always full of surprises. With its seasonal menu, the delicious options are always fresh and innovative, so you can look forward to new and exciting flavors with every visit.
Its stylish interior makes the space the perfect playground for foodies looking for their next haunt, whether it’s hanging out with friends or enjoying a relaxing solo brunch.
6. Banditos
Media credit: banditosottawa
Website: https://www.banditosottawa.com/
Address: 683 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-565-3663
Operating hours:
- Monday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday, and Sunday – 11:30 AM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 1 AM
There’s no better place to get your taco fix in the Glebe than Banditos, a street food haven with a Southern California vibe. The divine tacos come in different varieties, ensuring a diverse culinary adventure for all.
My favorite is the smoked brisket, and I’m willing to bet you’ll love it too. After all, it’s hard to resist a smoked brisket drizzled with spicy barbecue sauce, paired with other exciting ingredients that create a delightful mix of textures and flavors!
Just when you thought it couldn’t get better, they also have exciting cocktail concoctions, so you can enjoy a full feast for your taste buds while sipping on creative drinks.
7. Jericho
Media credit: ottfoodie
Website: https://jerichorestaurant.com/
Address: 840 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-235-1289
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Jericho is a Middle Eastern restaurant where the lamb kafta is all the rage. This dish boasts a savory, spiced flavor with a tender, juicy texture that’s perfectly complemented by its charred, smoky exterior.
Another worthy contender is the hummus; I’m willing to travel for hours just to eat it with pita bread. Heck, I’m willing to eat it with anything – that’s how good it is! Its creamy, velvety texture paired with a blend of rich, nutty flavors makes it irresistibly smooth.
8. Isabella Pizza
Media credit: isabella.pizza
Website: https://isabellapizza.com/
Address: 118 Isabella St
Contact details: +1 613-565-0200
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Isabella Pizza is a casual joint, where you can enjoy hearty, delicious pies in a relaxed atmosphere. And did I mention they’re quite affordable too?
These mouth-watering, doughy delights come in a variety of flavors, which is why it’s such a hit in the Glebe. There are classic options such as Hawaiian, cheese, and pepperoni, while there are also creative concoctions, including Thai and Mexican.
They also have chicken wings, sandwiches, submarines, and other hearty fare that complements their pizza perfectly and makes for a satisfying meal.
9. Wild Oat Bakery, Cafe & Farm
Media credit: wildoat_bakeryfarm
Website: https://wildoat.ca/
Address: 819 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-232-6232
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 6 PM
Wild Oat is one of the best bakeries in Ottawa, hands down, particularly for its farm-to-table setup. Beyond its delicious bakes, Wild Oat also offers other tasty bites on its menu that are both filling and nourishing.
The breakfast sandwich is an exceptional choice, especially if you’re seeking a hearty and satisfying way to start your day.
10. Sultan Ahmet
Media credit: sultanahmetca
Website: https://ottawa.sultanahmet.ca/
Address: 575 Bank St
Contact details: +1 343-688-0088
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 10:30 PM
Sultan Ahmet is one of the top-rated Turkish restaurants in the city, and rightly so! The mix meze plate is the star of the show, featuring delightful ingredients such as hummus, ezme, cacik, and baba ganoush.
This exciting plate invites you to enter a world full of tantalizing flavors best enjoyed with bread served on the side.