The 9 Best Restaurants in West End Ottawa for a Savory Surprise in Every Meal (Seriously, these are worth it!)
It was a Friday night, and Jake texted me like he was nearing collapse. “Dude, my fridge is just ketchup and sad leftovers,” he was complaining, again. I could almost hear his stomach rumbling through the phone.
It’s typical of Jake to turn the simplest decision into a mini-crisis, so I replied, “Okay, let’s brainstorm.”
And if you’re still stuck in this chat, chances are you’re in that same “sad fridge” scenario yourself.
Gladly, Jake and I have spent years exploring the top restaurants in West End Ottawa, from late-night runs to early-morning food trips. After all this delicious research, we decided it wouldn’t be fair to keep these hidden gems to ourselves.
Lucky for you, we’re ready to share our favorite finds!
1. Gezellig
— Media credit: gezelligwestboro
Website: https://gezelligdining.ca/
Location: 337 Richmond Road
Contact Details: (613) 680-9086
Business Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Dinner)
- Friday & Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Dinner)
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Lunch)
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Brunch)
Must-order: Seared Scallops
What does Gezellig mean, you ask? Well, it’s a Dutch word that’s all about that feel-good vibe—a blend of coziness, togetherness, and the joy of spending time with your favorite people.
Located in the heart of Westboro Village, Gezellig is the creation of Stephen Beckta and Clay Cardillo. They’ve transformed a 1950s bank into a stunning dining space that’s both spacious and warm.
They serve up some seriously delicious dishes, like their Seared Scallops that’s paired with a wasabi-pea puree, barley, roasted cauliflower, and cherry tomatoes.
The braised beef short rib is also a crowd favorite (and mine too!). It’s slow-cooked to perfection, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Pro tip:
Need to impress a special someone or reward your team? Gezellig eGift is the perfect choice for gift-giving, employee rewards, or wowing clients.
2. Supply and Demand
— Media credit: supply_ottawa
Website: https://www.supplyanddemandfoods.ca/
Location: 1335 Wellington Street
Contact Details: (613) 680-2949
Business Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Must-order: Roast Atlantic Cod
Supply and Demand is the kind of place where you can celebrate life’s big moments or swing by after work to share some oysters with friends.
Their open kitchen overlooks the dining room, giving everything a welcoming, communal vibe, where you can feel the energy (and smell the deliciousness) all around.
Leading the charge on the menu is the Roast Atlantic Cod with fregola, saffron, and mussel sauce—a flavorful feast from the sea.
You can’t also go wrong with a smaller plate but a yummy treat. Their Speck and Tomato Toast with mascarpone, balsamic, and oregano will have you wondering how something so simple can taste so good.
Pro tip:
Don’t skip dessert! The Chocolate and Caramel Tart with crème fraîche and soaked prunes is the perfect sweet finish.
3. Stofa Restaurant
— Media credit: stofarestaurant
Website: https://www.stofarestaurant.com/
Location: 1356 Wellington Street West
Contact Details: (613) 722-6555
Business Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Dining Room & Patio)
- Sunday to Tuesday: Closed
Must-order: Soft Shell Crab
At Stofa, the experience is all about unforgettable food, expertly paired with an incredible selection of wines.
This restaurant is the vision of Chef Jason Sawision, a culinary pro with over 15 years of experience, and Shane Dirksen, the in-house sommelier with a serious love for wine.
People come here for their Soft Shell Crab. Lightly tempura-fried and dusted with ras el hanout, this dish packs a flavor punch. It’s served with a medley of bold accompaniments—warm hummus and crispy pita.
Aside from that, their true winner is the Boar Striploin. Grilled to perfection, this wild boar is served with a savory empanada stuffed with olives and raisins.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on Stofa’s amazing table d’hôte menus! You can go all-in with the 5-course option for $110 per person or keep it light with the 3-course for $90 (plus taxes and beverages).
4. Fauna
— Media credit: faunaottawa
Website: https://www.faunaottawa.ca/
Location: 425 Bank Street
Contact Details: (613) 563-2862
Business Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Thursday: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 5:30 PM – 11:30 PM
- Saturday 5:30 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Must-order: Beef Tartare
Located near the iconic Museum of Nature, Fauna is your next stop for an unforgettable meal. Just a short walk from the giant dino-laden landmark, you’ll find a cozy spot where creativity takes center stage.
Jon Svazas, the chef and owner, has spent over a decade sharpening his skills in Ottawa’s best kitchens, including Vittoria Trattoria and the Arc Hotel.
After enduring the two-year whirlwind of opening Fauna, Jon is now doing what he truly loves—cooking up incredible dishes, all while making time for family on the side.
Part of his culinary magic is the fan-favorite Beef Tartare. It’s a masterpiece featuring pecorino, cornichons, truffled sabayon, sunflower seeds, and a perfectly crisp potato cracker.
You can’t also go wrong with the Grilled Matsutake that’s served with birch syrup tare, pomme purée, chive oil, and chicken Tsukuba. This unique dish has become a favorite among locals for its artful presentation.
Pro tip:
Got a big celebration coming? Book Fauna’s private room by the wine cellar! It comfortably seats 20 (or 24 with an extra table)—perfect for making your event extra special.
5. Pure Kitchen
— Media credit: purekitchenottawa
Website: https://www.purekitchenottawa.com/
Location: 357 Richmond Road
Contact Details: (613) 680-5500
Business Hours: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Must-order: Rainbow Salad Roll Bowl
Pure Kitchen is basically a love story with a side of veggies. It all started with Kyle and Olivia Cruickshank, two food-obsessed adventurers who decided to turn their passion into something bigger.
With a little help from the pros, they opened the first Pure Kitchen in 2015, and the rest is delicious history.
The philosophy here is simple but hits hard: fresh, nourishing food for everyone, made with a lot of love and care. Their slogan, Choose Health, Lifestyle, Community & Taste, pretty much sums it up.
A personal favorite is their Rainbow Salad Roll Bowl. This beauty comes loaded with vermicelli noodles, crispy tofu, and a colorful fusion of carrots, red cabbage, and napa cabbage.
Another popular choice is the Warrior Buddha Bowl. It’s a powerhouse mix of lemon lentils, grilled avocado, baby spinach, carrots, beets, sauerkraut, brown rice, and sprouts—all topped with creamy tahini goodness.
Pro tip:
Try Pure Kitchen’s PureReset juice cleanses, available in 1-day ($70), 3-day ($200), or 5-day ($330) options—perfect for a detox!
6. Caffe Mio
— Media credit: caffemioottawa
Website: https://caffemio.ca/
Location: 1379 Wellington Street West
Contact Details: (613) 761-5510
Business Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday to Monday: Closed
Must-order: Linguine Mio
Caffe Mio has been a go-to for some time now. It’s a charming eatery that has swiftly claimed its place as a local gem. In fact, it has been part of Ottawa’s thriving community of businesses.
If you check out their menu, you’ll find it’s packed with salads, panini, pasta, and pizza—because, of course, it’s a celebration of Italian flavors.
The Linguine Mio is the star of the show and one of the most-ordered dishes. This delightful pasta dish features perfectly cooked linguine tossed in a rich, savory sauce that captures the essence of Italian comfort food.
You can pair it with a fresh round of the Modo Nostro for the ultimate dining experience. It complements the Linguine Mio beautifully, offering a delightful contrast with its seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning a special event, book Caffé Mio for private dining! They’re dedicated to making your celebration unforgettable, whether it’s an anniversary, wedding, or corporate function.
7. Fil’s Diner
— Media credit: ottawa.nibbles
Website: https://www.filsdiner.ca/
Location: 1209 Wellington Street West
Contact Details: (613) 728-9987
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Holidays: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Must-order: Steak Sandwich
One of the signature offerings at Fil’s Diner is their all-day breakfast, served until 3 PM daily. For them, breakfast isn’t just a morning affair—it’s a celebration of classics like fluffy pancakes and eggs benedict.
The Steak Sandwich and Garden Salad with Chicken are popular choices. The steak sandwich features a juicy 6 oz. rib on a garlic bun, while the garden salad is fresh and topped with homemade vinaigrette.
Apart from that, they also have vegetarian-friendly options, including garden salad (which is what I totally love about them!).
The setting, with its retro vibes and friendly service, makes it an ideal spot for anyone seeking comfort and familiarity.
Pro tip:
Dining with kids? Don’t forget to check out the Kids Breakfast Special! They get to enjoy a pancake or French toast with bacon strips or sausages, plus a small juice or milk.
8. Cyranos Restaurant
— Media credit: cyranosottawa
Website: https://www.cyranos.ca/
Location: 2039 Robertson Road
Contact Details: (613) 721-0510
Business Hours:
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Must-order: Veal Gorgonzola
Cyranos Restaurant is a chef-owned gem that brings the best of modern Italian and Mediterranean cuisine to the heart of the city.
The open kitchen design, much like at Supply and Demand, adds to the charm—letting you watch as your meal is crafted before your eyes.
Watching the process of your Veal Gorgonzola come together, from fresh ingredients to a beautifully plated dish, is all part of the experience. This signature dish served with a rich, creamy Gorgonzola sauce, is truly a treat.
Cyranos also offers FREE Wi-Fi, making it a great spot for quick meetings or catching up online while enjoying a fantastic meal. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and flavor, which is right up my alley as a total digital enthusiast.
Pro tip:
Mark your calendar for Tuesdays! Cyranos Restaurant offers a special deal: two delicious pizzas for just $40.
9. Siam Bistro
— Media credit: siambistro.ottawa
Website: https://www.siambistro.com/
Location: 1268 Wellington Street West
Contact Details: (613) 728-3111
Business Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Lunch)
- Monday to Saturday: 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Dinner)
- Sunday: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Dinner)
Must-order: Pad Thai Chicken
Fun fact: the name “Siam” refers to the historic name of the country now known as Thailand—it wasn’t until 1949 that it officially became the “Kingdom of Thailand.”
And let’s be honest, you can’t talk about Thailand without mentioning the iconic Pad Thai Chicken. It’s a crowd favorite, and I’m definitely part of that crowd. Bonus: it’s gluten-free.
But if you’re all about seafood, you’ve got to try their Pad Bai Gra-Prow. It’s shrimp and squid sautéed with fresh herbs, packed with flavor in every bite.
All thanks to the exceptional Chef Phassara Thong-in, lovingly known as Chef Pat. She brings a masterful touch to every meal, creating sophisticated flavors.
Pro tip:
You can customize the heat level to your liking! Just let them know if you want to add some extra “HEAT” by specifying your spiciness level—from 1 to 3 spoons of chilies.