Explore a hidden foodie haven with this deep dive into the best Preston Street restaurants in Ottawa
I can’t believe I’m about to expose myself here, but it all started with a disastrous attempt at making pizza from scratch. From the get-go, disaster was written in the stars.
As I stood in my kitchen, attempting to recreate the Italian classic that chefs make look effortlessly easy, I managed to set off the smoke alarm and turn the pizza into an extremely charred, unrecognizable mess even my Pug wouldn’t touch!
Amidst the chaos (and the lingering burnt aroma in my apartment), I realized my true calling wasn’t in the kitchen but in exploring the culinary wonders crafted by real experts.
With a slightly deflated ego and a craving for something delicious, I hopped on the train to Preston Street.
Now, if you haven’t heard about it yet, Preston Street is a foodie haven, brimming with a plethora of gastronomic delights. From savory shio ramen to a perfectly cooked (and unburnt) Margherita pizza, here are my best finds along this tasty destination!
1. EVOO Greek Kitchen
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Website: https://www.evoogreekkitchen.ca
Address: 438 1/2 Preston St
Contact details: +1 613-695-3860
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 3 PM, 4:30 PM to 10 PM
EVOO Greek Kitchen is one of the best Greek restaurants in Ottawa (greek restaurants ottawa) – hands down. Its stylish enclave fits perfectly well with the mouth-watering menu filled with delicious bites you’d want to devour as soon as they set it on your table.
A lot of regulars like going here for brunch, and I can see why. Available from 10 AM to 2 PM every Sunday, their delectable brunch menu features exciting showstoppers such as the French toast and EVOO burger.
However, the spicy feta baked eggs truly reign supreme, especially if you want a fiery burst of flavor with cheesy goodness you can eat with a pita. Now, that’s a great way to start your day!
2. Retro Gusto
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Website: https://www.retrogustoeats.com
Address: 122 Preston St
Contact details: +1 613-234-5747
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 PM to 10 PM
I’ve brought many of my friends to Retro Gusto, and to my surprise, not many of them have heard about this place. This Preston Street hidden gem is almost unheard of in the local foodie scene, but once you discover it, you’ll want to keep coming back.
True to its name, its stylish interior exudes retro-inspired embellishments that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine – until you take your first bite.
With a menu filled with rich, Italian flavors, your taste buds are in for a treat.
Make sure to let your eyes linger a little longer on their pizza menu. After all, that’s what they’re most famous for among regulars!
The mozzarella di bufala really hit the spot with its simple ingredients, yet tantalizing taste. It’s a testament to how a dish can be a masterpiece even with few ingredients in it, as long as they’re fresh and made with expert craftsmanship.
3. Mati
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Website: https://www.matiottawa.ca
Address: 428 Preston St
Contact details: +1 613-680-3860
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 12 AM
- Friday – 5 PM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 4 PM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 12 AM
Mati offers fresh Mediterranean seafood delights meant to be feasts for the senses in a modern European setting. Its captivating interior is enough to draw you in, but its appetizing menu filled with delectable eats is what’s going to keep you coming back.
Checking out the raw bar is a must when you visit, as it’s filled with a plethora of delicious aquatic treasures. The yellowfin tuna is renowned for its delicate texture and fresh, oceanic flavor.
But of course, you should also check out the other highlights of the menu! The tomahawk is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for its impressive size and mouth-watering tenderness, showcasing Mati’s commitment to quality ingredients.
4. Trattoria Caffe Italia
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Website: https://www.trattoriaitalia.com
Address: 254 Preston St
Contact details: +1 613-236-1081
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 3 PM to 11 PM
You can add Trattoria Caffe Italia to your list of the best Italian restaurants worth checking out in Ottawa, especially for their main courses. Definitely focus on the pizza options because the real gold is there.
The margherita? Simple yet exquisite! The norcini? Deliciously savory with robust flavors that pack a punch!
Of course, this isn’t to say that their other dishes aren’t worth the try. In fact, their soup options make the perfect appetizer before the main dish. Try out the stracciatella alla romana for a comforting and soul-warming experience.
Oh, and your visit wouldn’t be complete without ordering a glass of wine, as Trattoria Caffe Italia showcases an exceptional variety that can make any wine enthusiast have the time of their lives.
5. Rosebowl Steak & Seafood
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Website: https://www.rosebowlsteakhouse.com
Address: 228 Preston St
Contact details: +1 613-729-4000
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 12 AM
Rosebowl is an upscale steakhouse perfect for elevated dining experiences along Preston Street. It’s the ideal destination for those with discerning palates hoping to taste one of Ottawa’s best.
Under their exciting entrée options, the surf n’ turf is a standout gem. It’s an exceptional dish highlighting filet mignon and a 6oz lobster tail that are enhanced with creamy garlic butter.
On the side, you can expect comforting jasmine rice, as well as fresh vegetables for an extra nourishing touch.
And don’t get me started on the New York cut striploin. This star of a dish is a must-try for its tender, juicy texture and exquisite flavor profile.
6. Ayla’s Social Kitchen
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Website: https://aylassocial.ca
Address: 338 Preston St.
Contact details: +1 343-984-4486
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Sunday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Specializing in Mediterranean fusion plates, Ayla’s Social Kitchen promises an exciting culinary adventure.
Ayla’s kebab is a popular choice here and of course, I had to try it myself. And let me tell you, the verdict is in: It’s a culinary masterpiece!
With the highlight being the pomegranate and herb-marinated striploin kabab, it introduces a delightful fusion of tangy and herbaceous.
The yogurt pomegranate sauce adds another layer of tanginess, along with a velvety texture you’ll appreciate with every bite.
Of course, let’s not forget the saffron rice. Slightly floral and subtly sweet, it has a light flavor that’s easy to pair with any type of cuisine. Together with the kebab, it blends perfectly as a savory complement to the meat.
The dish is rounded out with mixed kale salad drizzled in green tahini dressing, resulting in an overall complex flavor profile that’s downright addicting!
7. Giovanni’s Restaurant
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Website: https://www.giovannis-restaurant.com
Address: 362 Preston St
Contact details: +1 613-234-3156
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – closed
Giovanni’s Restaurant is a sophisticated Italian eatery, enhanced by its modish facade and exemplary dishes.
The Vitello al marsala is all the rage because of its tender veal that is bathed in marsala wine, creating an overall savory and exquisite flavor. Having devoured it myself, I can attest to its rich depth and perfect pairing with the wine.
And speaking of wine, don’t forget to order a glass from their exceptionally curated wine list. It offers interesting vintages and variations, ensuring a delightful exploration of flavors to anyone who appreciates the art of fine wine.
8. Kuidaore
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Website: https://www.kuidaore.ca
Address: 420 Preston St
Contact details: +1 613-422-7537
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
Without a doubt, Kuidaore offers one of the best ramen in Ottawa (ramen ottawa), and if I were you, I’d be on the next flight out to get myself one!
Get the shio ramen if you want Kuidaore’s best, especially if you appreciate a salty broth. Topped with tender slices of chashu pork, it definitely hits the spot, especially if you’re seeking a light and comforting taste for your ramen experience.
Aside from ramen, the rice dishes and sushi are also a must-try, so make sure to visit with plenty of room in your stomach!
9. The Prescott
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Website: https://theprescott.com
Address: 379 Preston St
Contact details: +1 613-232-4217
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 2 AM
The Prescott is a vibrant restaurant-slash-sports bar where people flock to if they’re looking for a good time along Preston Street.
While they serve a lot of traditional bar grub, you’ll be surprised by the elevated dishes they also offer. Their square pizzas are remarkable, adding a delicious gourmet touch to every table.
Make sure to try the original meatball sandwich too, as it’s considered the ultimate crowd favorite for its succulent meat and rich marinara sauce.
What’s even more worth the visit are the events, mostly trivia nights and live music sessions, so there’s always something going on that contributes to its lively atmosphere.
10. La Roma
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Website: https://laromaottawa.com
Address: 430 Preston St
Contact details: +1 613-234-8244
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Characterized by its gorgeous red brick facade, La Roma is a hip dining spot along Preston Street that serves exciting innovative Italian plates.
The spotlight is definitely on their handmade pasta, and for good reason!
Their artistry shines through the ravioli – an exciting dish of tender pasta pockets stuffed with flavorful braised beef cheek, all swimming in a savory mushroom and leek broth.
It definitely sounds complicated, but it won’t take rocket science for you to discover just how good it is. Just take a bite and let it wow you!
11. Del Piacere
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Website: https://delpiacere.ca
Address: 416 Preston St
Contact details: +1 613-422-4416
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 11 PM
Del Piacere is renowned for its authentic Tuscan Italian flavors, especially its flavorful pasta and expertly crafted wood-fired pizzas.
Make sure to try the Margherita pizza, a classic choice that never disappoints. Del Piacere’s version features smoky flavors, thanks to its slightly charred crust.
And for fans of dishes with an intense spicy kick, you’ll love the pizza inferno. I mean, the name already promises a fiery, mouth-tingling adventure that will set your taste buds ablaze!
It comes with thrilling toppings of mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, black olives, calabrese spicy salami, and chili peppers.