4 Best Charcuterie Restaurants in Ottawa for Meat and Cheese Lovers
The other day, my friend called me as she was returning from her work trip. She wanted to hang out so I took it upon myself to plan our activity.
Since she mentioned that she was hungry and craved something unique, I decided to find a restaurant that we hadn’t tried before. After a bit of scrolling, I stumbled upon a charcuterie board. I pitched this idea to her and she got super excited.
This was the start of my journey to find the best charcuterie spots in Ottawa. For my fellow foodies out there, I’m sure that you’re going to love this.
1. The Piggy Market
– Media credit: the_piggy_market
Website: https://thepiggymarket.com/
Location: 400 Winston Avenue
Contact Details: 613-371-6124
Business Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
Must order: Fully Loaded Charcuterie Board
For over 16 years, The Piggy Market has been perfecting their charcuterie boards. They’ve got multiple combinations of meats and cheeses, ensuring you’ll find a board that’ll satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for more.
This local joint’s crown jewel is the Fully Loaded Charcuterie Board. It’s a combination of juicy meat, tasty cheese, and bold condiments that can satisfy a group of 4-6.
While they designed this board to be an appetizer, it was so good that I made it my main course!
Should you crave some kick, their Chili Crisps will get the job done. It’s the perfect partner for their sausages!
Pro tip:
Drizzle some of their Local Unpasteurized Honey onto the meat – it’s a combination that doesn’t disappoint!
2. La Bottega Nicastro
– Media credit: botteganicastro
Website: https://www.labottega.ca/
Location: 64 George Street
Contact Details: 613-789-7575
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Must order: Signature La Bottega Box
For a more upscale experience, nobody does it like La Bottega Nicastro.
Their signature La Bottega Box has some of the tastiest prosciuttos, salamis, and sausages. Combined with a healthy amount of cheese, olives, nuts, and fruits, that’s a meal fit for a king!
These boards are best paired with their Amaretti Cookies. It’s the perfect sweet treat to end your experience!
Pro tip:
I also recommend trying their Salumi e Formaggi, a cheese-lover’s fantasy.
3. The Albion Rooms
– Media credit: thealbionrooms
Website: https://thealbionrooms.com/
Location: 33 Nicholas Street
Contact Details: 613-760-4771
Business Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Must order: Charcuterie and Cheese Boards
We guarantee that you’re going to love the stylish and elegant ambiance of The Albion Rooms. This, combined with their thoughtfully sourced meat and cheese, results in a dining experience unlike any other.
Their charcuterie boards offer an unmatched variety because you get to pick which meats and cheeses you want. Their high-quality ingredients are sourced locally, giving you the best flavors possible.
I’d personally recommend their Smoked Pastrami Duck Breast and some Maple Whiskey Gouda. The slight pastrami spice goes well with the semi-hard cheese.
Their Steak & Frites is also no joke. This triple-A beef striploin will knock your socks off with its juiciness and tenderness!
Pro tip:
For dessert, try their Orange Chocolate Ganache. It’s a bold combination of vanilla mascarpone and berries!
4. Bar Lupulus
– Media credit: bar_lupulus
Website: https://barlupulus.ca/
Location: 1242 Wellington Street
Contact Details: 613-759-4677
Business Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Must order: Gabagool
If you’re looking for a cozy place to enjoy some charcuterie boards, Bar Lupus is your next destination. They’re known for their heated patio/dining room – the perfect place to unwind and savor delicious flavors.
As you bask in the perfect ambiance of this place, you’re also getting charcuterie boards that don’t disappoint! With 3 options to choose from, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
My personal favorite is their Gabagool board, which is a combination of dry-cured capicola with paprika and black peppers. Pair this with some of their Fleur-En-Lait, a 5-month aged cheese that’ll balance the spice with a bit of creaminess.
For your beverage, I’d go with some of their wines. The Rosewood ‘21 is a great choice!
Pro tip:
Their Basque Cheesecake is something you don’t want to miss out on.