Treat Your Taste Buds to the Best at the Top Restaurants in Orléans, Ottawa
I found myself in a meeting the other day in Orléans – or, alright, maybe it was a date, but let’s stick with the former for professionalism’s sake! Regardless, it ended early, leaving me with some free time.
I didn’t want to come home yet, as it was just around 5 PM, so I did what any other normal person would do when they were in the neighborhood – go on a foodie quest!
From an award-winning food truck to a delightful African joint, I was able to discover exceptional culinary treasures. Admittedly, it wasn’t all in one sitting.
After sampling two spots, I returned home, only to continue my gastronomic adventure another day, but I’ll spare you the play-by-play.
Now let me show you where the tastiest spots in Orléans are hiding!
1. Shawarma Palace
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Website: https://www.theworldsbestshawarma.com
Address: 4230 Innes Rd
Contact details: +1 613-590-9533
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Without a doubt, Shawarma Palace is one of the best places for delicious shawarma in Ottawa. Highly rated by locals, it never fails to amaze with its legendary beef shawarma – the succulent meat and flavorful marinade are just the beginning.
What truly sets this joint apart from other shawarma places are the garlic potatoes the dishes come with, adding a savory and satisfying complement to every bite.
And since you’re already here, make sure to leave some for dessert. They have a ridiculously delicious baklava you’d want to savor down to the last flaky, honey-drizzled bite.
2. Occo Kitchen
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Website: https://www.occokitchen.com
Address: 160 Bay St
Contact details: +1 613-422-6192
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM
Occo Kitchen is an Orleans (orleans ottawa) gem where local ingredients are given a chance to shine through every flavorful dish.
The ultimate must-try? It’s definitely the fish and chips, a classic bar fare that people will never get sick of.
Occo’s version features a crispy golden batter that perfectly complements the tender flaky fish inside. The best part is that each bite is bursting with flavor and juiciness!
And if you’re looking for something equally nourishing as it is filling, check out the ahi tuna poke bowl for a refreshing burst of flavors and healthy proteins.
3. Mandarin Restaurant
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Website: https://www.mandarinrestaurant.com
Address: 2055 Tenth Line Rd
Contact details: +1 613-834-7000
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 4:45 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 4:45 PM to 10 PM
Mandarin Restaurant is a local jewel with multiple locations sprawling across the province, and a few ones outside Ontario. It’s a lot of locals’ go-to for tasty Asian dishes, especially if they want a wide variety of choices, with a strong focus on Chinese cuisine.
Oh, and did I mention it’s a buffet? Yeah, all your favorites are all on one roof!
And as if that’s not enough, they also have a few sushi options which are a hit among sushi enthusiasts.
4. Broadway Bar & Grill
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Website: https://www.broadwayorleans.ca
Address: 1615 Orléans Blvd
Contact details: +1 613-830-3314
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, and Saturday – 8 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 8 AM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 7 PM
Having been around since the mid-90s, Broadway Bar & Grill is a well-loved locale, exceptionally known for its breakfast options.
You can expect an array of the classics, including pancakes, waffles, French toast, omelets, and the like. Fans of the traditional breakfast spread will find themselves in ultimate culinary heaven.
Aside from the delectable breakfast menu, they also have the perfect ambiance that complements a slow morning, just basking in the quiet Ottawa atmosphere before it comes to life. It’s such a perfect way to start your day!
5. Rayan Poissonnerie & Restaurant
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Website: https://rayan.restaurant
Address: 2020 Lanthier Dr #10
Contact details: +1 613-837-6363
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 8 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 9 PM
You can’t be a seafood fan, find yourself in Orléans, and not try Rayan Poissonnerie & Restaurant. Unless, you want to miss out on an adventure of a lifetime, of course!
This well-loved hotspot specializes in tantalizing seafood dishes with the calamari plate as the top contender. People love it for its crispy texture and flavorful seasoning.
Try the tuna salad too if you’re up for a delicious appetizer. It doesn’t come any fresher than this!
6. Eggspress Orleans
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Website: https://eggspress.ca/en/
Address: 1675 Tenth Line Rd
Contact details: +1 613-834-1112
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 2 PM
Coming in hot with their delicious breakfast spread is Eggspress, a popular Canadian gem serving up classic delights to help you jumpstart your morning the best way possible.
They’ve seemed to have perfected the art of making eggs benedict, as it’s the most popular one on the menu.
And you know what? It’s absolutely delicious – from the perfectly poached eggs with velvety hollandaise sauce to the nourishing fresh fruits and toasted English muffins, every bite is a delight for the taste buds!
7. African BBQ House
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Website: https://www.africanbbqhouse.ca
Address: 385 Tompkins Ave. Unit#7
Contact details: +1 613-590-8429
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 11:45 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 9:45 PM
For authentic African flavors in Orléans, African BBQ House remains an unbeatable powerhouse. In fact, you’ll catch me salivating over the BBQ chicken in the farthest corner of the restaurant!
The smoky aroma and tender, juicy meat are a testament to their expertise on the grill.
You can also choose how spicy you want it to be. I choose the African spicy every time knowing that I’m really in for a fiery kick, considering it’s the boldest option. After all, what’s life without a little thrill, right?
Don’t miss out on the skewers too especially if you’re coming in with the whole gang. Good for sharing, these mouth-watering delights should be a staple addition to every table.
8. Jonny Canuck’s Bar & Grill
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Website: https://jonnycanucks.com
Address: 900 Watters Rd
Contact details: +1 613-841-5000
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 1 AM
Jonny Canuck’s Bar & Grill is a casual joint, beckoning to those seeking to sit back, relax, and enjoy a delicious meal. While it seems unexpected, did you know that they’re most famous for being a tasty breakfast option in the neighborhood?
For something on the lighter side, I recommend the everything omelette, where an exciting culinary adventure awaits all those who try it!
It comes with exciting inclusions of bacon, ham, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, and most importantly, cheese!
For something heartier and more filling, the smoked meat breakfast is your ticket to satisfaction. It comes with 6 ounces of Montreal-style meat and two eggs on the side, so you’re in for a tasty way to start your day.
9. Golden Fries Food Truck
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Website: https://www.goldenfries.ca
Address: 6505 Jeanne D’Arc Blvd N
Contact details: +1 613-700-7968
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 8 PM
Golden Fries Food Truck is one of my unexpected finds in Orléans. Straying away from the typical restaurant setup, you’ll be surprised by the mouth-watering delights they can whip up in their own tiny and unsuspecting kitchen!
They’re better than the ones I can make at home, that’s for sure. It’s no surprise why they’re such a hit, making them one of the best food trucks in Ottawa (ottawa food trucks).
As you can tell from the name, the poutine certainly steals the spotlight here. It comes in a variety of flavors, so you can choose either the classic or their other exciting concoctions.
As for me, I’ve been ordering the bacon poutine every chance I get. It’s kind of like the classic version, topped with St-Albert’s cheese curds and gravy, but with an additional ingredient of crispy bacon!
Of course, don’t miss out on their other offerings too. The fish & chips and bacon cheeseburger are also exceptional!