Top 3 New Restaurants in Ottawa That are Heating Up the City’s Food Scene
The other day, my co-workers and I found ourselves in a classic “Where should we eat?” dilemma. You’d think that since we know the hottest spots in the city, we’d be safe from this never-ending loop – but no!
So, there we were, scrolling endlessly through Google reviews, checking menus, and still ended up right back at that same spot we’ve been to ten times this month.
But after that, we finally said, “No more!” and decided it was time to break out of our food rut and explore some fresh eats in Ottawa.
Fast forward a day later, we stumbled upon an absolute culinary gem that blew our taste buds away – and naturally, I had to share it with you.
Since then, we’ve been on a roll, hopping from one new spot to another, but these are the standout favorites you need to try.
1. Cafe Tehran
— Media credit: tehran.cafe
Website: https://cafetehran.ca/
Address: 470 Rideau St
Contact details: +1 613-860-8000
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Tuesday – closed
- Friday to Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
I don’t mean to brag, but I happened to stumble upon Cafe Tehran in its early days – back when no one had a clue about the delicious Persian dishes they had to offer.
But of course, I’ve never been one to keep a tasty secret, so let me tell you all about it!
Its brown brick facade immediately invites you in, but it’s the hunger-inducing aroma as you step inside that’s going to make you go and grab a seat.
During my first visit, I got myself a sultani – a staple Persian dish that also happens to be the current bestseller.
This savory bite guarantees an explosion of flavors from its star ingredients – the grilled koobideh (ground meat skewer) and chenjeh (marinated meat skewer).
This exciting combo delivers a mouth-watering blend of rich and smoky goodness you’ll want to write about – just like I’m doing right now!
2. Banh Mi Yes
— Media credit: banhmiyes.ottawa
Website: https://www.banhmiyes.com/
Address: 1380 Clyde Ave.
Contact details: +1 613-695-2288
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Wednesday – 4 PM to 9 PM
Banh Mi Yes’ growth is phenomenal. Having just opened last year, they’ve already managed to attract some loyal regulars who love the quick, filling bite.
What makes them different from other banh mi spots, you ask? Their delicious creations are all made from scratch, of course!
Yes, even the bread, so you can enjoy devouring a banh mi classic, knowing that it’s the freshest one you’ve tasted.
3. Tortilla Maker
— Media credit: theredapronottawa
Website: https://tortillamaker.ca/
Address: 2003 St Joseph Blvd, Orléans
Contact details: +1 613-841-9191
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Tortilla Maker is one of Orléans newest spots for classic Mexican flavors.
The beefed-up nachos are undeniably one of my favorites for their generous portions of ground beef and cheese sauce, and I know my co-workers can back me up on this!
That said, what you really must try is the beef roll taco – a crowd favorite for its deliciously seasoned beef packed into every bit!