Experience culinary excellence at the top 10 restaurants in Bells Corners Nepean
I think we all have that one friend who’s never on time. That’s Kelsey – my good, yet perpetually late friend.
We had a lunch date planned, and since I was holding off on eating, she decided to make her grand entrance two hours late. Classic!
Lucky for me, our meeting spot was this culinary gem of a neighborhood, where the food scene is so vibrant, even the wait could be forgiven.
Desperate for a quick bite, I set out to find the perfect restaurant amid a sea of options in Bells Corners, Nepean. I stumbled into a cozy little spot that looked like it might double as someone’s grandma’s kitchen.
But let me tell you, the food was so incredible that I actually forgot I was supposed to be annoyed with Kelsey. At least something good came out of her perpetual lateness!
So, if you’re ready to break out of your usual dining routine and dive into some delicious surprises that might just make you forget you were ever hangry, keep reading.
Oh, and if you’re wondering, Kelsey was never late again after that because I gave her such an earful that she started setting five alarms!
1. Smash Daddy
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Website: https://smashdaddy.ca/
Address: 2235 Robertson Rd
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Let me be honest – I initially wasn’t a big fan of smash burgers. Call me a purist, but there’s something I love about a juicy, thick patty that explodes with flavor as soon as I take a bite.
However, Smash Daddy is one of the first few spots that made me notice its crispy allure. I never would’ve guessed that I would experience such an exceptional culinary masterpiece in a food truck!
I guess it’s true that you should never judge a book by its cover.
Now, you might be wondering – what in the world could I have eaten that converted me into a smash-burger-loving-foodie?
It’s definitely Smash Daddy! Named after the restaurant itself, you just know it’s going to be good.
The crispy, caramelized edges took the flavor to the next level, leaving me in awe. If I didn’t want to savor every bite, I would’ve opened my mouth in shock!
2. Balista
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Website: https://balista.ca/outlet/ottawa/
Address: 2150 Robertson Rd UNIT 5
Contact details: +1 613-829-9996
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Balista, an Indian fusion restaurant, is all about celebrating traditional flavors, while turning them into vegan and vegetarian masterpieces.
Everyone’s going crazy over their Balista special burger – a savory, indulgent choice that will seal the deal on your return to Balista.
It comes with cheese, hummus, jalapeño, and other enticing ingredients, creating a delicious blend of flavors and textures. The addition of hummus really hit the spot for me, adding a creamy, tangy twist that elevated the entire burger experience.
Other noteworthy highlights are the jumbo double-decker burger, jamun shot, and pink pasta.
The latter is a personal favorite with intriguing ingredients such as sweet corn, broccoli, and bell pepper, drizzled with their in-house pink sauce.
3. East India Company Restaurants
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Website: https://www.eastindiaco.com/
Address: 1993 Robertson Rd
Contact details: +1 613-721-3777
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
For classic Indian dishes packed with spices and flavor, East India Company Restaurants is the place to hit at Bells Corners in Nepean.
This popular enclave knows how to entice its customers with a sumptuous buffet set up so you can indulge in a feast of bold, aromatic dishes.
It’s perfect for special occasions or those days when you just want to treat yourself to an all-you-can-eat delight – no one’s going to judge you!
Of course, you can also explore their regular menu. They have all the classic Indian dishes you can think of, including samosa chaat, biryani, chana masala, and many more delicious options.
4. Mr Pho
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Website: https://mrpho.ca/
Address: 1861 Robertson Rd
Contact details: +1 613-829-9015
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 8 PM
- Sunday – closed
Mr Pho is a secret Vietnamese gem, considered a must-visit spot for delicious and authentic bowls of flavorful beef rice noodle soups. It’s one of the best pho restaurants in Ottawa for a reason!
That said, you might be surprised to learn that Mr. Pho is actually one of the underdogs in the scene, and even I can’t figure out why.
However, don’t let this stop you from trying out their phở đồ biển, a mouth-watering seafood rice noodle soup in beef broth that offers a delightful blend of rich flavors and tender ingredients.
If you want a spicy kick, you won’t be disappointed because Mr Pho also has something for fans of fiery flavors.
They’ve got the phở bò tôm sả tế – a chicken and shrimp saté rice noodle soup in beef broth that packs a punch with its bold, spicy notes and rich, savory depth.
5. Sukhothai
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Website: https://www.sukhothaiottawa.ca/
Address: 2134 Robertson Rd
Contact details: +1 613-829-1010
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Sunday – closed
We all have that one friend who can’t handle spicy food – in my friend group, that’s definitely me. If you’re looking for a spot to accommodate everyone’s taste buds, you might have just found it.
SukhoThai is a cozy yet vibrant little gem where traditional Thai dishes are crafted with a personal touch, spiced exactly to your liking.
From mild spicy to unforgettably spicy, you can customize the heat level of your meal to match your taste and tolerance, ensuring a delicious experience for every palate.
I highly recommend the gang keaw warn, a green curry dish that comes with either chicken or beef and is complemented with other ingredients like eggplants and bamboo shoots.
It offers a rich, creamy texture with a spicy kick that’s both comforting and exhilarating.
Aside from this hearty dish, a lot of regulars will tell you to try the pad Thai – a globally renowned dish that delivers a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and savory with a satisfying crunch.
6. Zolas
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Website: https://zolas.ca/
Address: 2194 Robertson Rd
Contact details: +1 613-721-0227
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7:30 AM to 9 PM
- Friday – 7:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 9 PM
Zolas is a stylish Italian restaurant with a chic ambiance that won’t fail to make your dining experience memorable. Its open kitchen and made-from-scratch dishes add to its allure, offering a glimpse into the culinary craftsmanship behind every plate.
Having been around since the ‘80s, a lot of locals in the area hold Zolas in high regard, treating it like a beloved classic. Many of them will tell you not to miss out on the pizzas and pasta.
I’ll be honest – I was skeptical at first because I’ve tried every pizza and pasta under the sun, making it almost impossible to surprise me anymore. However, the crunchy zambal and the chicken piccata did the trick!
The crunchy zambal, with its perfect blend of spices and crispy texture, was a delightful explosion of flavors.
And the chicken piccata? The tender chicken drenched in a zesty lemon-caper sauce was heaven-sent.
It turns out Zolas has a way of making even the most jaded foodie fall in love with their dishes.
7. Mongolian Village Grill
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Website: https://www.mongolianvillagewest.ca/
Address: 2150 Robertson Rd
Contact details: +1 613-596-4366
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 4 PM to 9 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
Known for their unlimited bowl of your choice, endless salad, soup, rice, and wraps, Mongolian Village Grill offers a never-ending feast that will satisfy all your cravings in one go.
Here’s how it works.
First, you grab your bowl and choose between small or large. Of course, there’s no wrong choice, considering both offer quite generous portions that will leave you feeling satisfied and well-fed.
Next, select the ingredients for your mouth-watering creation, where you can pick from a variety of veggies, noodles, rice, and proteins.
Make sure to drizzle sauces from their extensive selection to elevate your flavors! After doing so, you can ask their chefs to grill the ingredients for you to perfection.
Sounds easy, right? That’s because it is – and it’s also incredibly delicious!
8. Scotty’s Corner Diner
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Website: https://www.scottyscornerdiner.com/
Address: 2006 Robertson Rd
Contact details: +1 613-695-2222
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – 8:30 AM to 7 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 8:30 AM to 8 PM
Scotty’s Corner Diner is a neighborhood jewel renowned for being the ultimate breakfast spot. Think of all your favorite breakfast classics – they have it, and some!
The senior breakfast is a popular choice for its generous portions and comforting flavors. It comes with an egg, sausage, ham or bacon, and home fries on the side.
On days you’re craving a sweet treat as soon as you wake up, they also have pancakes, French toast, and even a fresh fruit plate if you want to indulge in nature’s candy.
9. Desi Tadka
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Website: https://www.desitadkafood.ca/
Address: 2006 Robertson Rd Unit 10
Contact details: +1 613-421-0331
Operating hours:
- Monday – 8 AM to 2 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 8 AM to 3 PM, 4 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Desi Tadka is a hidden gem Indian restaurant, offering authentic dishes that burst with vibrant flavors. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be greeted with an aromatic symphony that will make you even more eager to dive into your meal.
Don’t miss out on the amritsari aloo kulche – the standout bestseller that will leave you craving more. To be honest, it has been haunting me ever since I first got a bite!
It pairs tangy, spiced potatoes with soft, pillowy bread, creating a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and exhilarating.
10. Mexican Cabana
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Website: https://mexigocabana.ca/
Address: 1930 Robertson Rd
Contact details: +1 613-552-6054
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 8 PM
Even most local foodies don’t know about Mexican Cabana – a vibrant food truck that serves divine dishes that will transport taste buds to heaven. As soon as you take a bite, it feels like an angel chorus singing in your mouth – and I’m not even exaggerating!
Okay, maybe I was, a little bit, but I guarantee that their nachos are nothing short of spectacular. It’s loaded with the perfect cheese-to-topping ratio, making every bite a delightful, gooey, crunchy experience.
The chipotle chicken wrap and deep-fried ice cream are also game-changers. The wrap delivers a spicy kick with tender chicken, while the deep-fried ice cream is a sweet, crispy revelation that will leave you hooked.