5 Best French Restaurants in Ottawa
French cuisine is loved by many as it is a heavenly fusion of both culture and love for food. So if you’re into such dishes, this list of the best French restaurants in Ottawa is for you.
But before we check out the list, let’s first talk about the cost.
How much does dining in a French restaurant in Ottawa cost?
On average, a visit to a French restaurant in Ottawa would cost around $34 for one meal. But this price can still vary from one restaurant to another.
To give you a better picture, below is a table showing the average price for two.
Average Price for Two
1. Gitanes
Criteria | Ratings |
Menu | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Price | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
General Feedback | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
Located in the downtown core of Ottawa, Gitanes is one of the nicest French restaurants you can visit. Alongside a great ambiance with a rustic and modern design is a menu that boasts an array of great choices.
There are cold seafood platters, burgers, steaks, and desserts. There’s also a nice collection of cocktails and wine that you can complement your food with to make the dining experience more special.
On your visit, you should try its Steak Frites and the out-of-this-world Seafood Tower. The French Onion Soup and Focaccia are also worth trying.
Since the tables get easily filled, we suggest making reservations a few days in advance.
You can do this online through its 3D portal, which lets you explore the dining area and help you select the table of your choice.
Another thing that caught our attention is its Chef’s Table experience. It is a lively kitchen-side immersive dining experience with large sharing dishes that are ideal for families.
Also worth noting is the restaurant’s professional staff members that remain attentive at all times to provide great service.
Unfortunately, apart from offering food at relatively pricier rates, it is also closed on Sundays and Mondays, which are great days for some people to dine out.
Despite these, however, Gitanes remains a high-end restaurant that is worth every penny.
Pros
- A variety of options
- Rustic, modern design
- 3D reservation
- Chef’s Table experience
Cons
- Can be relatively pricier
- Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Customer Reviews
You won’t be disappointed
“Such a good spot for date night or a night out with friends! Amazing atmosphere inside, staff are attentive and service is great. We’ve also ordered takeout a few times over the pandemic and one time we even had them deliver- food was ah-mazing (you really cannot go wrong with their crab spaghetti and potatoes). So many things to try on their menu, you won’t be disappointed!” — Leanne Nguyen, Google Reviews
Good place
“Was a fantastic evening. We came for our anniversary and we’re blown away. The atmosphere was beautiful and intimate, The music was superb, and the food was crazy. Even the simple focaccia was out of this world. Our waiter took such amazing care of us. Get the cocktails. They’re all great! Will definitely return.” — Theo Hamer, Google Reviews
2. Metropolitain Brasserie Restaurant
Criteria | Ratings |
Menu | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Price | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
General Feedback | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
The Metropolitain Brasserie Restaurant is one of the top options if you’re looking for a genuine French dining experience. Situated in the heart of ByWard Market, it is made extra accessible for interested diners.
Apart from its good location, it also takes pride in its great menus that are specially curated for various people and occasions.
If you’re unsure of what to get, we recommend trying out its Seafood Tower and Ribeye Cobb Salad.
If you’re a fan of seafood, you’ll never go wrong with its oysters. On a chilly day, you might want to order some of its nice French Onion Soup, which we think is great.
There’s a kids’ menu, too, and even selections for groups and events. Complementary to delectable food is a nice list of wine and local craft beer.
With private rooms that can accommodate up to 250 guests, the restaurant is also an ideal place for parties, group dinners, and corporate events.
Its traditional brasserie atmosphere will surely make a difference.
To secure a table, you can have things reserved ahead of time. Should you choose to relish its great food at home, you may also opt to have things taken out or delivered via DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Although the service can get slow during busy hours, the staff is always friendly and attentive. Even when some might have not been very much impressed with food quality, it remains a great place for food and conversation.
Pros
- Great selections of food and wine
- With kids menu
- Ideal place for events
- Open daily
Cons
- Service can sometimes be slow
- Issues with food quality consistency
Customer Reviews
This place really impressed me
“This place has an amazing morning breakfast, the staff was number 1 and the food was perfectly presented. If you are Im Ottawa this is a must place to stop and eat. I don’t usually give very many five stars because there is always room for improvement, but this place really impressed me, from the time we got there to the time we left, never felt rushed to leave after we were done eating.” — Christian S, Google Reviews
Definitely a must
“Fabulous, amazing variety. Had dinner with colleagues, everyone enjoyed the experience. The options on the menu we’re surprising and unique. Personally had a scallop crudo & the bacon wrapped monkfish, absolutely amazing. Others had braised lamb, baked and fresh oysters, duck confit… Just an amazing menu. Great wine list and local craft beers. This is a must try spot in downtown Ottawa.” — GP Martoccia, Google Review
3. Le St. Laurent
Criteria | Ratings |
Menu | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
Price | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
General Feedback | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
Designed to deliver a new dining and food experience, Le St. Laurent makes it to the best French restaurants in the nation’s capital.
Located north of Montreal Road on St. Laurent Boulevard, this restaurant boasts an interior that strikes a balance between classic and modern.
As Ottawa’s first and only rooftop restaurant, patrons can enjoy modern Canadian cuisine with panoramic views.
We like that its Executive Chef, Ryan Edwards, employs an inventive approach to preparing creatively crafted dishes that are contemporary and unique.
He does this by using only fresh ingredients from local producers, which we appreciate.
Although with relatively fewer options, the restaurant currently offers food that extends from steak and fries to scallops and salads. There’s also a neat list of wines to choose from.
If you’re unsure of what to get, we recommend trying out its Steak Frites and Chicken Sandwich. The Beef Short Rib and Québec Rabbit are also great options.
There’s free parking available at the back of the building and a church nearby. The restaurant, however, is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and operates at relatively shorter hours from 5 PM – 10 PM only.
Although some might have not been happy with its slow service, we still think that Le St. Laurent’s great food, friendly staff, and amazing view are worth a visit.
Pros
- Rooftop restaurant with panoramic views
- Uses fresh, local produce
- Free parking available
Cons
- Relatively fewer food options
- Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Customer Reviews
A very pleasant experience
“Gorgeous view – at any time of day. Food was delicious and creative. Service was excellent. A very pleasant experience. Looking forward to returning!” — Nasim Bahramifarid, Google Reviews
A place to put on your list
“Went last week with my friend for dinner, the food and cocktails were amazing and the service was outstanding. The chef is very good at recommending options if you have allergies. We both had an appetizer with our main course and everything was fresh and very flavourful. The gorgeous view adds a little extra to the overall experience. Definitely a place to put on your list of restaurants to try!” — G Foster, Google Reviews
4. The Savoy Brasserie
Criteria | Ratings |
Menu | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Price | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
General Feedback | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
A local French restaurant that serves quality, value, and style, The Savoy Brasserie is a great place that is located in the heart of Westboro.
Offering a wide array of food and drinks, it remains a nice choice no matter what the occasion may be.
Currently, the restaurant has 3 different menus, which are apt for various times of the day.
There’s a brunch and breakfast menu, one for dinner, and a great selection of drinks that include some beer, wine, and cocktails.
If you’re in for breakfast, we suggest trying out the Dejeuner De Base and Poutine Matin. For dinner, we recommend ordering the Steak Frites or the Duck Poutine.
For wine lovers, you might want to visit the restaurant on a Wednesday for its Wine Wednesday deals.
Featuring some local Ontario wine from the Niagara region, you’ll definitely love the list of red, white, and rose wines it offers.
For large group events, The Savoy Brasserie has special rooms to accommodate up to 120 guests.
The best part is that it offers customizable food and drink options to make everything go according to your preference.
We like that the restaurant is open daily, with extended hours from 8 AM to 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. But since it’s a popular place, it gets crowded and service can sometimes go slow.
Although some prior customers might have had issues with staff members being rude, it is still a great place to visit.
With impressive food and a nice atmosphere, The Savoy Brasserie can provide you with the dining experience you deserve.
Pros
- Located in the heart of Westboro
- Multiple menus
- Offers some discount deals
- A great place for events
- Open daily
Cons
- Issues with some rude staff members
- Service can sometimes be slow
Customer Reviews
Can’t wait to go back
“This might just be my new favorite breakfast in Ottawa. They have a new menu and everything was incredible. Can’t beat their potatoes. Staff were super friendly and welcoming. Really great vibe, can’t wait to go back!” — Jordan Harding, Google Reviews
Always impressed
“I’ve had the pleasure to dine here on a few occasions, and am always impressed with the food, the atmosphere and the service! Their daily cinq à sept is one of the best menus around with very reasonable prices, and the selection of local craft beer is amazing! My two favourites are the mussels and the spinach artichoke dip. Had the pleasure of even being served in French by Marika, thank you again for such a nice evening!” — Tracy Radford, Google Reviews
5. St. Martha’s Brasserie d’Orleans
Criteria | Ratings |
Menu | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Price | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
General Feedback | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
With its goal to provide customers with a dining experience that nourishes both the body and the soul, St. Martha’s Brasserie d’Orleans has made it to this list.
We like how its “rustic refinement” combines a regional French approach with modern equipment and cooking techniques.
Because of its genuine effort to offer the best, the restaurant has been recommended by Restaurant Guru.
For those who might not be aware, Restaurant Guru is a global online service that helps people find the best places like restaurants and bars in your area.
St. Martha’s Brasserie d’Orleans offers a wide range of food choices — from toasted English muffin and omelet to steak and salmon filet.
There’s a great list of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy as well.
For breakfast or brunch, we suggest trying out the French classic sandwich, Croque-monsieur, or the Gaufre belge, which is a grand Belgian waffle.
For dinner, the Confit de canard and the Bavette et frites are great options to consider.
We appreciate that the menu has vegetarian and gluten-free options to address customers’ dietary restrictions. The chef is always ready to customize dishes for people with allergies.
The only downside we found is that when things get busy, service can be a bit slow. There have also been some issues with food quality consistency, so that’s something the chefs have to look at.
Nonetheless, with super friendly staff, a beautiful place, and a great atmosphere, St. Martha’s Brasserie d’Orleans deserves a visit.
Pros
- Recommended by Restaurant Guru
- A wide range of food choices
- Vegetarian and gluten-free options
Cons
- Service can get slow on busy days
- Some issues with food quality consistency
Customer Reviews
A very good French dining experience
“This is a wonderful little restaurant. It reminds me of a hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Paris. The food is very well prepared and the dishes are cleverly designed. I’d recommend this restaurant if you’re looking for a very good French dining experience.” — Dick Wong, Google Reviews
One of the best restaurants
“Amazing service and food tonight 👏 one of the best restaurants by far in Orleans, amazing French food and a fair price. Service was quick and staff was very friendly and highly recommended.” — Matt B, Google Reviews
FAQs about French Restaurants
There you have it! We hope that the list has helped you find the perfect French restaurant to make your next dining experience extra special.
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