Unveiling Ottawa’s Hidden Gems: A List of the Uncharted Restaurants in the City
We went on a search for the hidden gem restaurants in the city, and guess what? We’re spilling all our secrets so that you get to know Ottawa’s culinary underworld.
No need for city exploration to feel like a spy mission—it’s not a tedious task anymore. We’ve got the job done for you, giving you the chance to focus solely on having fun.
Spoiler alert: this list will have you falling in love with Ottawa, you might just plan your move! After all, they say the way through a person’s heart is through their stomach, right?
1. The Armada Lounge
Website: https://armadalounge.com
Address: 23 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-562-6666
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 2 AM
Located in the buzzing street of ByWard Market, The Armada Lounge lies in a concealed spot above the popular The Brig Pub.
This laidback locale welcomes intimate gatherings with its snazzy interior – a complete 180 from its vibrant neighbors, which is what makes it so unique.
We recommend ordering the spanakopita triangles, a gorgeous pastry made with spinach, feta, and leeks.
2. Oz Kafe
Website: https://ozkafe.com
Address: 10 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-234-0907
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, & Sunday – 5 PM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 12 AM
Another one of ByWard Market’s best-kept secrets, Oz Kafe offers an intimate dining experience ideal after exploring the dynamic neighborhood.
Indulge in a nightcap or try one of their seasonal menu offerings to get a taste of perfection.
The grilled enright beef is among our top recommendations, a delightfully juicy concoction served with roasted red potatoes, charred broccoli, crispy shallots, garlicky butter, and a drizzle of red wine jus.
3. BAMM’s Snack Shack
Website: https://www.bammssnackshack.com
Address: 74 Cobourg St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8G8, Canada
Contact details: +1 343-984-0725
Operating hours:
- Monday – 8 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 8 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – closed
Bamm’s Snack Shack is a hip establishment in Lowertown, Ottawa. Surprisingly, there’s not a lot of buzz surrounding this shop, making it a well-kept secret (not anymore though) enjoyed mostly by locals.
Their menu is simple, and although it doesn’t offer a lot of variety, everything is crafted to perfection.
One particular dish that stands out is the bowie burger – a delicious and juicy creation made with a 3 oz patty, BAMM’s special sauce, mustard, ketchup, onion, lettuce, dill pickles, and American cheese.
4. Table Sodam
— Media credit: @maikhanh_ng
Website: http://www.table85.com
Address: 1200 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3Y1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-421-1229
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, 5 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 4 PM
Table Sodam is a Korean restaurant that presents a variety of traditional meals.
Their stand-out dish? Without a doubt, it’s the Korean fried chicken.
Trust us, you haven’t had fried chicken unless you try Korea’s take on the famous dish.
Oh, and try the spicy rice cake while you’re at it, especially if you’re new to exploring Korean cuisine. It will blow your mind!
5. Chez Lucien
Website: https://www.instagram.com/chezlucienottawa/
Address: 137 Murray St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5M7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-241-3533
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Chez Lucien is a cool, hangout spot that specializes in serving hearty meals until late at night. Their exterior is reminiscent of the classic tavern, calling out to anyone looking for a simple, no-fuss, yet extraordinary dining experience.
The duck confit is definitely the next talk of the town because of the seamless blend of textures and flavors that can be quite addicting.
6. Run2Patty
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Run2Patty/
Address: 1224 Shillington Ave Unit A, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7Z4, Canada
Contact details: +1 343-999-2283
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 2 PM to 8 PM
Run2Patty is an unassuming eatery that specializes in Jamaican delights.
A particular crowd favorite, the jerk chicken, earns a well-deserved spot on our list of favorites. We love its bold flavors from a medley of spices used in the marinade.
Each bite is tantalizing as if inviting you to devour it in one satisfactory munch. Additionally, their patties are also a must-try with the beef and cheese flavor being the standout choice.
7. Courtyard Restaurant
Website: https://www.courtyardrestaurant.com
Address: 21 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8W5, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-241-1516
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Friday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Courtyard Restaurant is an upscale establishment with a strong focus on locally resourced products.
Among their well-curated choices of mouthwatering delights, the beef ragu effortlessly captured our hearts, catapulting itself into one of our top beloved dishes in the whole city.
The grilled short rib is cooked to perfection using a technique called sous-vide to capture deep flavors and ensure the satisfying tenderness of the meat.
8. Whalesbone
Website: https://thewhalesbone.com
Address: 430 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-231-8569
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Saturday – 4 PM to 10 PM
Whalesbone is a fantastic Ottawan gem, featuring an upbeat atmosphere without compromising its cozy feel.
The oysters are usually what everyone talks about because of their undeniable freshness and delightful assortment.
Try the braised beef short rib too while you’re at it. It’s a delightful dish that earned our team’s adornment, resulting in an unforgettable dining adventure.
9. Union Local 613
Website: https://www.union613.ca
Address: 315 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0J8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-231-1010
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 3 PM to 11 PM
- Wednesday & Thursday – 3 PM to 12 AM
- Friday – 3 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 3 PM to 5 AM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 2 PM
Union Local 613 is a chic locale with a rustic, homey feel. It’s a great place to drink (their cocktails are amazing) and have a noteworthy and filling dinner.
The Union fried chicken is definitely top-notch. Make sure to add Nashville butter for a more complex, yet delightful mix of flavors.
Oh, and don’t forget to check out the room downstairs. Behind the bookcase, there’s a speakeasy with a cool and mystical vibe.
10. Rangoon Restaurant
— Media credit: @tuesdayclub613
Website: https://rangoonrestaurant.ca
Address: 634 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 5K4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-680-8821
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 3 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 3 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – closed
Considered the only Burmese restaurant in Ottawa, Rangoon Restaurant remains hidden from the crowd that hasn’t tried a divine plate of mohinga. Hopefully, that changes today!
The first time we visited this joint was also the time we entered a whirlwind addiction to Burmese plates. Call us dramatic, but we haven’t been the same since!
Here are Rangoon’s best dishes, aka your next addictions: coconut noodle soup, beef, fresh basil stir fry, and of course the mohinga.
11. Aladdin Bakery
Website: https://www.facebook.com/aladdinbakeryottawa/
Address: 1020 St Laurent Blvd Ottawa, ON K1K 4S2 Saint Laurent Boulevard #7, Ottawa, ON K1K 4S2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-742-4244
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 7 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 7 AM to 5 PM
Aladdin Bakery is an unpretentious spot that specializes in authentic Lebanese pies, perfect for anyone looking for a quick yet noteworthy bite.
Among their wide array of flavors, the meat and cheese pie continues to be one of their best sellers – and with good reason!
Moreover, the cheese pie and the meat pie are also worthy contenders.
12. Huong’s Vietnamese Bistro
— Media credit: @eatwithsjs
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PsgcTEtuwPLBFs4w8
Address: 359 Booth St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7K1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-237-8755
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 7:30 PM
- Tuesday – closed
According to one of our staff members, (hi, Bryan!) Huong’s Vietnamese Bistro is reminiscent of the lovely restaurants you can find in Saigon, with its modest interiors and a primary focus on delightful cuisine.
The bún bò huế is a The Best Ottawa-guaranteed must-try. This exquisite rice noodle dish is known for its rich flavors and spicy taste.
13. La Cabaña
Website: https://lacabana.ca
Address: 848 Merivale Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Z 5Z4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-724-7762
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 12 PM to 7 PM
- Tuesday – closed
- Friday to Sunday – 11 AM to 7 PM
Ottawa continues to be an adventurous city in terms of its eclectic mix of international cuisine. Following this delightful fact about our beloved home is La Cabaña, a Salvadorian restaurant with a lot of seafood, grilled, breakfast, and soup dishes.
Of course, let’s not forget the pupusas, the national dish of EL Salvador which is flatbread stuffed with savory inclusions. The chicharrón y queso, or pork and cheese, continues to be our favorite filling.
14. Hunter’s Public House
Website: https://www.hunterspublichouse.ca
Address: 4750 Bank St Unit 1, Gloucester, ON K1T 0A8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-822-7171
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Hunter’s Public House is a relaxed pub that specializes in innovative flavors that will blow your mind.
Don’t leave without trying their bacon-wrapped house meatloaf, chicken tikka masala, and double tacos. Oh, and since you’re already here, take this as a chance to try the local brews they serve!
15. Mezbaan Restaurant
Website: https://mezbaan.restaurant
Address: 3098 Carling Ave Unit 8, Nepean, ON K2B 7K2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-854-3500
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10:30 PM
Step into the world of delightful Afghan flavors by visiting the Mezbaan Restaurant in Ottawa.
Their menu boasts a wide array of dishes, all of which look appetizingly overwhelming. To save you the trouble of going through each one, here are our top picks: chicken tandoori, garlic cheese naan, and shami kebab.
16. Chahaya Malaysia
Website: https://chahayamalaysia.ca
Address: 1690 Montréal Rd, Gloucester, ON K1J 6N5, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-742-0242
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Sunday – 4 PM to 9 PM
For mouthwatering Malaysian dishes in Ottawa, Chahaya Malaysia is your best bet. That said, only a few know about this enchanting spot, and now you’re in on the secret too!
At first glance, everything looks good on the menu. After ordering a few dishes, you’ll find out that you’re exactly right.
A few plates that were particularly extraordinary were the spring roll, spicy Thai-style soup, and chicken curry.
17. Arlo Wine & Restaurant
Website: https://restaurantarlo.com
Address: 340 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0J9, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-421-1424
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Sunday – 5:30 PM to 12 AM
Arlo Wine & Restaurant is a stylish establishment with artistic detail, calling out to anyone with a penchant for an extraordinary dining experience.
The crispy braised lamb is surprisingly exquisite, with the mix of textures adding to our delight. You also have to try their oysters, guaranteed to be served fresh.
By the way, their menu changes seasonally, so they might already have different offerings during your visit. One thing’s for sure though – you won’t be disappointed!