The Best Portuguese Restaurants in Ottawa for Authentic and Innovative Delights
You’re definitely missing out on exciting foodie adventures if you haven’t spontaneously walked into a restaurant just because it looked intriguing.
That was me when I wandered into a Portuguese restaurant, thinking I was about to enjoy a simple dinner but instead was swept away by a whirlwind of spices and flavors.
Who knew grilled octopus could be so exceptional? I thought I only liked octopus when it’s in my takoyaki!
Now, here we are, on a quest to find Ottawa’s best Portuguese restaurants. I’ve scoured the city, tasted dishes that left me craving more, and even learned a bit of Portuguese (though let’s not talk about my accent).
Know all about my delicious discoveries below!
1. Caravela Restaurante
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Website: https://caravelarestaurante.ca/
Address: 3712 Innes Rd, Orléans
Contact details: +1 613-424-9200
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Friday, and Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
For authentic flavors from the shores of Portugal, Caravela Restaurante is your best bet in Ottawa.
Definitely try out their seafood options, especially if you’re seeking a taste adventure that’s as fresh as it is unforgettable. The seafood pasta is a standout, but the grilled octopus is the ultimate homerun for its perfect balance of tender meat and smoky char.
Caravela Restaurante’s sophisticated and often bustling ambiance certainly adds to allure, and if I were you, I’d make a reservation in advance to be assured of a spot.
2. Nando’s Peri-Peri
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Website: https://www.nandos.ca/
Address: 90 Elgin St Unit 3
Contact details: +1 613-230-7474
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Nando’s Peri-Peri is a well-loved South African chain that specializes in flame-grilled peri-peri chicken with Portuguese roots.
Of course, there’s no better introduction than the peri-peri chicken. Opt for the ½ chicken for a satisfying meal that will leave you feeling full and perfectly content.
When you order, you can choose from seven spice levels: xtra hot, hot, medium, peri-q, lemon & herb, mango & lime, and plainish. If you enjoy a subtle spicy kick, the medium is enough to satisfy your taste buds.
But if you’re all about zesty and herbaceous flavors, don’t miss the lemon & herb option – it’s a must-try.
3. Portugalos Restaurant
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Website: https://www.portugalosrestaurant.ca/
Address: 53 Rue Bellehumeur, Gatineau, QC
Contact details: +1 819-600-3344
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday – 3 PM to 8:30 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 8:30 PM
If you don’t mind driving 15 minutes away from Downtown Ottawa, trust me – Portugalos Restaurant is well worth the trip.
Its warm and inviting atmosphere is enough to draw you in; however, the mouth-watering churrasco piri-piri chicken breast, with its perfectly charred, smoky flavor and tantalizingly spicy marinade, is what will make you keep coming back.