The 11 Best Seafood Restaurants in Ottawa for Fresh Catches and Flavor-Packed Dining
Are you dreaming of indulging in fresh, buttery lobster or savoring the perfect blend of sea salt and lemon on a perfectly grilled fish?
If you’ve found yourself scouring the web for the best seafood spots but are unsure whether you’re in for a treat or disappointment, I get it. I’ve totally been there.
Well, I decided to take the guesswork out of it and dive fork-first into Ottawa’s top seafood restaurants. After tasting my way through some incredible places, I’m ready to share my top picks.
From laid-back oyster bars to upscale restaurants with ocean views, these seafood gems promise fresh flavors, a great atmosphere, and the ultimate ocean-to-table experience.
1. Pelican Seafood Market & Grill
— Media credit: pelicanseafoodmarketandgrill
Website: https://www.pelicanseafood.ca
Location: 1500 Bank Street
Contact Details: (613) 526-5229
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Lunch)
- Monday to Sunday: 4:30 PM – 9:15 PM (Dinner)
Pelican Seafood Market & Grill has been a seafood institution in Ottawa for decades. It all began back in 1978 when the original Fish Market opened with a mission: to offer top-quality seafood, great service, and fair prices.
In fact, the menu at Pelican is a seafood lover’s dream. You’ll find fresh mains like lobster rolls, shrimp tacos, and Icelandic cod. All these showcase the culinary expertise of their talented chefs.
And for those seeking gluten-free seafood specials, they have a shell fest gluten-free dinner and lunch menu. These are many’s leading pick for the freshly shucked oysters and tuna tartare.
Pro tip:
Looking for a great gift? Grab a Pelican gift card so your loved ones can enjoy fresh seafood whenever they want.
2. Le Poisson Bleu
— Media credit: lepoissonbleu_ottawa
Website: https://www.lepoissonbleu.net
Location: 610 Somerset Street West
Contact Details: (613) 656-1638
Business Hours:
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Monday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Dinner)
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Brunch)
Located 4 minutes away from the Parliament Hill, you’ll reach Le Poisson Bleu. It’s a seafood lover’s paradise, bringing the freshest flavors of the ocean straight to your plate.
From the moment you step inside, the decor echoes the seaside theme. It’s cozy and welcoming, just the perfect backdrop for indulging in their delicious offerings.
And speaking of delicious offerings, they have the crowd’s favorite butterflied sea bream and lobster saffron risotto. These are best paired with their impressive European wine collection.
Pro tip:
Swing by on a Wednesday for $2 oysters and a discount on featured wines. This is a fantastic way to enjoy high-quality seafood without breaking the bank.
3. The Whalesbone
— Media credit: thewhalesboneonelgin
Website: https://thewhalesbone.com
Location: 430 Bank Street
Contact Details: (613) 231-8569
Business Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday & Monday: Closed
Talking about a cozy seafood spot in Ottawa, The Whalesbone is a leading choice. In fact, they’ve been making waves in the dining scene since 2007, earning a place on the “Where to Eat in Canada” list.
Their menu is all about fresh, high-quality seafood, and oysters are definitely the star of the show. You can choose to have appetizers and even larger plates of shellfish paella and country-fried catfish burgers.
For the first-timers at The Whalesbone, their freshly shucked oysters for $45 are a must-try.
Plus, you can enjoy all the good and fresh food inside their restaurant’s rustic and nostalgic atmosphere.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning a visit, try to arrive early or make a reservation. The Whalesbone can fill up quickly, especially during busy times.
4. Flipper’s Seafood Restaurant
— Media credit: cookswithevie
Website: https://flippersottawa.com
Location: 819 Bank Street
Contact Details: (613) 232-2703
Business Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
It’s been more than four decades since the first Flipper’s Seafood Restaurant opened. Today, it still holds one of the choices for fresh and tasty seafood.
Their menu is packed with mouthwatering options. Flipper’s offers specials like Gazpacho with shrimp and avocado garnish, bay scallops with wilted spinach and bacon, and pan-seared Icelandic cod.
Beyond their quality seafood options, they’ve got friendly and knowledgeable staff that improves the overall experience.
Pro tip:
Elevate your meal by pairing it with one of their vibrant salads. They have the refreshing house salad, spinach Caesar salad, and artichoke and goat cheese salad.
5. The Shore Club
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Website: https://theshoreclub.ca
Location: 11 Colonel By Drive
Contact Details: (613) 569-5050
Business Hours:
- Sunday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Monday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
The Shore Club is an upscale seafood spot located just a short walk from both the Rideau Canal and the Byward Market.
Led by Head Chef Kirk Woodland, the kitchen offers an impressive array of seafood dishes. Their offerings are a major draw, featuring wild halibut, bigeye tuna, and sautéed prawns and scallops.
The Atlantic lobster roll is commonly loved, featuring succulent lobster meat nestled in a top-cut roll, topped with green goddess mayo and fresh green onions for a delightful burst of flavor.
But it’s not a seafood experience without a great option of classic drinks. The Shore Club boasts barrel-aged and sober cocktails, perfectly crafted to complement your dining experience.
Pro tip:
Book The Shore Club’s elegant semi-private spaces for groups of 8 to 30. Perfect for business or social gatherings, especially if you want to impress with fresh seafood.
6. The Captain’s Boil
— Media credit: thecaptainsboil
Website: https://www.thecaptainsboil.com
Location: 354 Elgin Street
Contact Details: (613) 680-8998
Business Hours:
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Captain’s Boil is all about indulging in a seafood feast, served in a fun and casual way. They offer a unique take on the classic Cajun seafood boil, with an added twist of bold Asian-inspired flavors.
At the heart of their menu is high-quality, ocean-fresh seafood like shrimp, mussels, crab, and lobster. These are all boiled to preserve that natural, delicious seafood taste.
The twist? You can mix and match your choice of seafood, sauce, and heat level to personalize your meal. Plus, the generous portions are perfect for sharing.
The Captain’s Boil even has a shareable combo to add more to your orders. This includes the captain’s seafood fried rice and Cajun fries.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to add sides like corn, potatoes, or sausage. These soak up the flavors of the sauces and complement the seafood perfectly.
7. Lapointe Seafood Grill & Sushi
— Media credit: lapointesseafood
Website: https://lapointefish.ca
Location: 1831 Robertson Road
Contact Details: (613) 596-9654
Business Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Lapointe Seafood Grill & Sushi is a casual, friendly spot where you can enjoy fresh, high-quality seafood. They emphasize sustainability, ensuring their fish and seafood are responsibly sourced.
With a wide variety of grilled seafood, you can guarantee to feast on your favorites. This includes dishes like sesame salmon, shrimp tikka masala, and original crispy calamari.
And the winner? Their PEI Mussels where you can choose from three different sauce options: a rich tomato sauce, a flavorful white wine sauce, or a combination of white wine and leeks.
Pro tip:
Make reservations, especially on weekends, as the restaurant can get busy. Calling ahead ensures you have a spot to enjoy their amazing seafood.
8. Elmdale Oyster House & Tavern
— Media credit: thewhalesboneonelgin
Website: https://thewhalesbone.com/pages/elmdale-oyster-house
Location: 1084 Wellington Street West
Contact Details: (613) 728-2848
Business Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: Closed
Part of the renowned Whalesbone group, Elmdale Oyster House & Tavern is a lively spot in the capital that’s been a local favorite since 1934.
While it’s been popping quarts for decades, it started shucking oysters in 2013, making fresh, half-shell oysters a signature dish.
The menu offers fine tavern fare with generous portions of seafood, including the hit among the masses like oysters and a variety of seafood platters.
The prime choice is their lobster spaghetti, a delightful dish that combines tender lobster with rich, flavorful spaghetti.
Another favorite is the pan-seared steelhead trout. This dish features perfectly seared trout, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with seasonal sauces.
Pro tip:
Elevate your meal at Elmdale by pairing fresh seafood with their expertly crafted cocktails, premium spirits, or a fine selection of scotch.
9. Mati
— Media credit: matiottawa
Website: http://www.matiottawa.ca
Location: 428 Preston Street
Contact Details: (613) 680-3860
Business Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Located in Ottawa’s Little Italy, Mati is an upscale extension of EVOO Greek Kitchen, which has been a go-to spot on Preston Street since 2013.
The restaurant’s design exudes modern elegance, featuring a large, three-sided bar with chic lighting that greets you upon entry.
Their yellowfin tuna and lobster wonton tacos win the hungry crowd over with a perfect blend of fresh seafood and bold flavors.
Mati’s Seafood Tower is another winner. The tower is arranged elegantly for sharing that typically includes a variety of East Coast oysters, cocktail shrimp, and other premium shellfish.
Pro tip:
Mati’s seafood tower can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. Ask the staff for recommendations to help you choose between the chilled, fresh option or the savory, grilled version.
10. Red Lobster
— Media credit: redlobster
Website: https://www.redlobster.com
Location: 1499 St. Laurent Boulevard
Contact Details: (613) 744-7560
Business Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday & Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Red Lobster’s story began with Bill Darden, whose vision was to make delicious, affordable seafood accessible to everyone.
What started as a small, family-owned business has since grown into a global brand with over 700 locations.
Today, Red Lobster remains dedicated to delivering fresh, high-quality seafood to people around the world.
Their menu is irresistible, with signature feasts like the Surf & Turf Maine lobster & sirloin and Surf & Turf Walt’s favorite shrimp and sirloin. All of these come with your choice of two sides.
Pro tip:
Create your own Ultimate Feast at Red Lobster. Pick 2 Premium and 2 Classic selections, paired with your favorite sides, for a personalized seafood experience!
11. Restaurant E18hteen
— Media credit: restaurante18hteen
Website: https://www.restaurant18.com
Location: 18 York Street
Contact Details: (613) 244-1188
Business Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 3:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 3:30 PM – 10:30 PM
If you’re looking for top-tier seafood dining, Restaurant e18hteen offers a fine dining experience with a blend of modern and historic charm.
Established in 2001, they’ve been specializing in French cuisine with seasonal Canadian influences, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients. This highlights the natural flavors of Canada’s regions.
Their menu evolves with the seasons. Leading in their specials is the seafood platter that has oysters, snow crabs, and prawns.
You can complete a good dining experience at Restaurant e18hteen with their sparkling wine, draft beer, and Aperol spritz.
Pro tip:
Feeling indecisive? Go for the Chef’s Selected Canapés. This option lets the chef curate a seasonal selection of bite-sized delights.