16 Exciting Spots for Pasta in Ottawa So Delicious, You’ll Wonder How You Ever Lived Without Them
I was lounging on my couch, watching a documentary about pasta, when my stomach decided to join the party. It started growling and practically demanding I get up and find some pasta right then and there.
Determined to answer the call of my insistent belly, I set out on a delicious journey across Ottawa to find the best pasta spots.
It wasn’t a one-time thing; my Friday nights often involve me hunting down pasta, so I’ve perfected this list through extensive, and occasionally overzealous, research.
From creamy Garfield-approved lasagnas to zesty seafood pasta, I’ve tried it all. But be forewarned: these pasta places are so delicious, I even craved more while writing this.
1. Vittoria Trattoria
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Website: https://vittoriatrattoria.com/
Address: 3625 Rivergate Way
Contact details: +1 613-731-8959
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Vittoria Trattoria is a posh Italian eatery that feels especially intimate at night. Consider patio seating for an even more elevated ambiance.
What makes Vittoria Trattoria a spot that people go back to is definitely the pasta options that never fail to delight. The arrabbiata is undeniably a standout dish – a simple yet flavorful plate where the main focus is the fresh ingredients.
Alongside their exciting pasta plates, people also know them for their extensive wine list, catering to a wide array of tastes and preferences.
2. Pub Italia
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Website: https://pubitalia.ca/
Address: 434 Preston St
Contact details: +1 613-232-2326
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Pub Italia is one of the best restaurants you can find along Preston Street, hands down.
Beyond its unique church-inspired interior, this gem is renowned for its heavenly bites where the thin crust pizzas and mouth-watering pastas deliver a divine taste experience worthy of a standing ovation.
When Hozier said “Take me to church”, I’m willing to bet he meant Pub Italia!
The a la rosa is a popular choice among regulars, and if you want to taste a delightful blend of creamy rose sauce with succulent chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, this is the perfect pick for you.
That said, I’m sure it won’t hurt to try the other pasta options, as well, considering Pub Italia’s pasta game is strong and each dish has its own unique twist that’s bound to impress.
3. Napoli’s Restaurant
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Website: https://napoliswestboro.ca/
Address: 81 Richmond Rd
Contact details: +1 613-728-1973
Operating hours:
- Monday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – closed
Napoli’s Restaurant is a casual eatery where you can enjoy ridiculously good homemade pasta in a comforting setting.
For the best experience, ordering the chicken parmigiana with spaghetti is basically an unwritten rule. It’s the kind of meal that makes you question why you ever settled for anything less.
I myself have indulged in this classic combo more times than I’d like to admit, and it never fails to deliver.
The fettuccine Alfredo comes in a close second for its creamy, rich sauce that’s so decadent you’ll want to savor every bite.
4. Johnny Farina
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Website: https://johnnyfarina.com/
Address: 216 Elgin St
Contact details: +1 613-565-5155
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
Johnny Farina exudes an intimate feel, making it perfect for romantic dinners in Ottawa. However, you don’t need to have met your soulmate to enjoy the classic Italian dishes at this fine establishment.
All you need is a craving for delicious Italian fare and a hearty appetite, and you’re all set!
Since they made it to this list, the pasta dishes are definitely the ones to look out for. They have a lasagna so good that Garfield himself would approve!
If that’s not up your alley, you can always try the prosciutto rigatoni, known for its savory blend of flavors and perfectly balanced richness.
5. Mamma Teresa Ristorante
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Website: https://www.mammateresa.com/
Address: 300 Somerset St W
Contact details: +1 613-236-3023
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday, and Sunday – 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 4:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Those seeking true blue Italian plates should check out Mamma Teresa Ristorante, offering classic flavors that will delight even my Italian friend’s grandmother.
Believe me when I say that the chef special seafood pasta is the stuff of legends. Known for its creamy goodness and decadent flavors, it’s basically a party in your mouth.
Pair that with the pinot grigio, and you’re not just having dinner – you’ll feel like you’re having a gourmet celebration that’s fit for royalty.
6. Ciao Italia
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Website: https://ciaoitaliaottawa.com/
Address: 641 Somerset St W
Contact details: +1 613-238-3230
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 3 PM to 12 AM
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 2 AM
Ciao Italia is a modest-sized restaurant where exciting dishes speak for themselves. Most locals haven’t even heard about this hidden gem, but I’m here to tell you all about it!
There are so many different pasta flavors that are worth trying in this secret spot that one visit is simply not enough to uncover its goodness.
My advice is to try the ciao pasta first – a fine dish named after the restaurant itself.
Made with penne and topped with grilled chicken, green onion, red pepper, and spinach in cream sauce, you’re off to a good start in this culinary adventure you’d want to keep coming back to.
And if you still have some room for dessert, the tiramisu is the perfect way to end your meal – trust me.
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Website: https://northandnavy.com/
Address: 226 Nepean St
Contact details: +1 613-232-6289
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – closed
If this were a contest for the most beautiful plating, North & Navy would win by a landslide with their artfully arranged dishes that guarantee a visual feast – and a feast for your taste buds, too!
Their ravioli incompiuto, or incomplete ravioli, is an interesting concoction like no other.
Filled with grilled artichoke hearts and creamy ricotta, it’s guaranteed to turn your expectations upside down and leave you pondering how something so delicious can come from a dish that’s “incomplete.”
Expect their menu to evolve regularly, as everything is subject to availability of the freshly sourced ingredients.
8. 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 cool enclave, exuding a sophisticated and luxurious vibe that adds to the delightful culinary experience. In fact, we love this spot so much that it even made our shortlist of the best Italian restaurants in Ottawa.
The lobster ravioli should be on everyone’s must-try list for its rich, succulent filling and velvety sauce that practically dances on your taste buds.
Or better yet, some folks might want to stick to the classic cacio e pepe for a no-fuss, creamy delight that proves sometimes the simplest dishes are the most satisfying.
9. La Favorita
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Website: https://lafavoritapreston.com/
Address: 356 Preston St
Contact details: +1 613-749-7490
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, and Sunday – 11 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
La Favorita is a popular local find exceptionally renowned for its seafood plates. To really experience the best of both worlds, I recommend diving into their seafood pasta dishes.
The seafood linguine is to die for – a seafood lover’s dream that comes with shrimp, scallops, clams, and mussels, all bathed in a creamy rosé sauce.
If seafood isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry. There are plenty of other pasta flavors worth exploring.
A personal favorite of mine is the manicotti with spinach and ricotta cheese, which is a comforting, cheese-filled delight that warms the soul and satisfies every craving.
10. Fratelli
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Website: https://fratelli.ca/
Address: 275 Richmond Rd
Contact details: +1 613-722-6772
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 5 PM to 9 PM
Fratelli is a family-owned Italian dining spot that has been around since the late ’90s. Their longevity proves they’re a local favorite, earning them a well-deserved spot on this list.
You should definitely be on the lookout for pappardelle sila – a mouth-watering amalgamation of savory ingredients such as prosciutto and wild mushrooms, all bathed in rich porcini cream sauce.
As soon as you take a bite of this decadent showstopper, you’ll be transported straight to pasta heaven!
11. Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta to Go
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Website: https://dalmoros.ca/
Address: 8 Byward Market Square
Contact details: +1 613-680-2019
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta to Go is the perfect spot if you’re seeking a quick, satisfying meal that’s charmingly tucked away inside what looks like a Chinese takeout box.
That said, don’t let the quirky packaging fool you if you’re on the hunt for authentic delights because the flavors are the real deal!
What’s even more exciting is that there are over 100 pasta, topping, and sauce combinations, so the possibilities are endless – and totally delicious!
I’m all about heading here on Fridays or Saturdays because they’re open until 2 AM. It’s like they read my mind: “Hmm, some folks might need a pasta fix in the wee hours,” and I’ve never felt more seen!
12. Cabotto’s
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Website: https://cabottos.com/
Address: 5816 Hazeldean Rd
Contact details: +1 613-592-3097
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 4 PM to 10 PM
Cabotto’s elegant and posh interior surprisingly exudes a comforting and intimate ambiance. This warmth extends to their hearty meals, where the homemade pasta dishes truly steal the show.
While there are a multitude of delicious options to choose from, my heart will always be with the fettuccine gamberi – and I’m not just saying that because it’s the house special!
This flavorful dish boasts a delightful mix of sea scallops, tiger shrimp, and sun-dried tomato pesto, creating a symphony of taste that you’d keep coming back to.
13. Town
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Website: https://towncitizen.ca/
Address: 296 Elgin St
Contact details: +1 613-695-8696
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Town is an exciting culinary haven where you can expect something new each visit, thanks to its seasonal fare of delectable bites.
If there’s anything that’s constant, it’s the cozy, inviting ambiance and the artistic presentation of mouth-watering dishes that make each meal a memorable experience.
14. Trattoria Caffè 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
If you’re looking for a spot that boasts a wide range of wine lists on top of their delicious pasta choices, you’ve found your match! Trattoria Caffè Italia is a homey delight that would make anyone’s visit to Centretown unforgettable.
Make sure to try the spaghetti alla carbonara, especially if you’re a fan of the classics. It delivers a creamy, rich flavor that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Otherwise, the cannelloni della casa might be more up your alley for its savory and cheese-filled indulgence!
15. Biagio’s Kitchen + Catering
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Website: https://biagios.ca/
Address: 1394 Richmond Rd
Contact details: +1 613-828-0770
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
Biagio’s unpretentious flair makes it a standout spot for a relaxed yet delightful dining experience.
I love the mediterranea for its complex flavors from its star ingredients – goat cheese, zucchini, eggplant, Kalamata olives, and more. It’s a vibrant mix that dances on your taste buds.
Oh, and Biagio’s is located in the same venue where Yuk Yuk’s, a popular comedy show in the city, takes its stage, particularly just a floor below! After your delicious meal, you can come down for a night of laughter, which is the perfect way to end your evening.
16. Cantina Gia
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Website: https://cantinagia.com/
Address: 749 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-569-0464
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
From the moment you walk in, Cantina Gia is already a standout for its stylish interior with gorgeous splashes of color that pop and energize the space. It’s the kind of atmosphere that will make you feel instantly at home and excited to dive into your meal.
The vibe extends to their carefully crafted menu that’s short and sweet, much like the title of Sabrina Carpenter’s new album. And similar to the pop princess’ songs, every single one of Cantina Gia’s pastas is a hit.
That said, the spinach & ricotta triangoli is the dish that stands out the most for its delicate, flavorful filling wrapped in perfectly tender pasta that will make you scream for an encore.