The 8 Best Restaurants for Romantic Dinners in Ottawa

A lot of couples enjoy dining out together, whether it be to celebrate an occasion

or simply for a night of pleasure. Ottawa has a wide range of restaurants that can fulfill any romantic culinary desire.

In this article, we will review the best restaurants in Ottawa where couples can have a great romantic experience while enjoying exceptional food.

How much do restaurants charge?

Most restaurants charge a fee for special services like dinner at specific sightseeing spots in the city and anniversary specials. The average price usually starts at around $60 per person. 

The table below shows the most common services you could get at these restaurants and their average prices.  

Service	Average cost
Dinner Service	$60 - $100 per person
Dinner Service + Sightseeing	$100 - $150 per person
Anniversary Package	$100 - $150
Wedding Proposal Package	$100 - $150

1. Beckta Dining & Wine

Criteria	Ratings
Rates	★★★★(4/5)
Availability	★★★★(4/5)
Menu	★★★★★(5/5)
Feedback	★★★★★(5/5)

Elgin St’s Beckta Dining & Wine is a good option for a romantic dinner if you’re looking to impress. This restaurant has been on Ottawa’s fine dining scene for many years and it’s easy to see why.

The food is excellent and the service is professional, making this the perfect place to bring your date. The ambiance it offers is intimate and cozy, making it feel even more like you are celebrating a special occasion with that special someone.

The restaurant has a few private rooms that can be reserved for parties or romantic dinners. These can be rented out for $80-$100 per person depending on the size of the room.

It also has its own wine bar where guests can enjoy a glass of wine with their meals. It specializes in Canadian wines and pairs them with some great dishes on its menu.

There are also meal kits offered that you can purchase online and take home with you to cook later for dinner. They provide all the ingredients you need to cook a delicious meal at home without having to go anywhere.

The only drawbacks of this restaurant are its pricey products and the fact that it can be fully booked at times. We suggest booking in advance if possible to ensure you have a table there for your romantic dinner.

Customer Reviews

Classy

“A phenomenal dining experience that left me wondering why I’ve never been here before. If you like fine dining, like having your table for the evening, and don’t mind paying for it I highly recommend Beckta. Bill, our server, made the experience complete. He is knowledgeable and wasn’t shy to provide recommendations when asked.

They validate parking to boot. Classy all the way! – Hallam Carter

Great quality

“Came here for special occasion. We ordered 2 drinks. Was not very impressed by drinks frankly speaking. The ambiance is amazing, the staff is very kind and helpful. We ordered 3 dishes. The mushroom dish for starters and we asked the shef to replace the porc broth with some vegetarian option and he did a really good job on the dish we loved it.” – Hemanshu Chourasia 

2. Atelier

Criteria	Ratings
Rates	★★★(3/5)
Availability	★★★★ (4/5)
Menu	★★★★(4/5)
Feedback	★★★★★5/5)

Atelier on Rochester St. is another restaurant that is great if you want a romantic night in an intimate atmosphere. It offers a unique 44-course tasting menu that lets you experience different types of food in creative ways.

This establishment is a great choice if you and your significant other are looking for something new. Unlike usual restaurants, this one will allow you to choose from multiple course options for each dish, making it a great option if you like variety in your food.

It accepts online reservations and walk-ins. Walk-in guests may have to wait in line, however, it is usually fairly quick since the tables are quite small so it doesn’t make waiting too long a problem.

There are also wine pairings done by expert sommeliers that you can add to your order. These pairings can be customized according to your preferences.

We’re a bit iffy with the minimalist aesthetic it offers because it may be strange for some people. The prices are also quite steep so make sure that you’re up for it before you book a table here.

Overall, Atelier is a good option if you’re looking for a unique romantic dinner with your partner. The food is quite good and the service is exceptional as well.

Customer Reviews

Very unique

“Very unique experience! Nothing like it in Ottawa. It’s an interactive experience with a bunch of different flavours. it is on the pricey side but in my opinion worth it. There was items dyharated, items with liquid nitrogen, items with flames and items in the air, all while keeping it very tasty. The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable the food is superb and despite people thinking otherwise you are definitely full by the end! its a set menu so if you’re a picky eater this is not for you. .” – Melanie Sadaka

Weirdly great

“This was the best and weirdest food experience I’ve ever had. I went to Atelier for the first time 3 years ago for my wedding and it was amazing then. They’ve upped their game with an incredible 42 course meal now. The evening was full of laughs, even with the staff. Thank you for also accommodating our food preferences. I’ll be back.” –  Brittany Greene

3. Luxe Steak House Bistro

Criteria	Ratings
Rates	★★★★★ (5/5)
Availability	★★★★ (4/5)
Menu	★★★★(4/5)
Feedback	★★★★(4/5)

Luxe Steak House Bistro is a straightforward restaurant in the heart of Ottawa with a cozy atmosphere, delicious menu, and exceptional service. The people behind the establishment like to describe it as unpretentious.

This is quite true in the sense that the steak house is straight to the point in just giving good food and avoids all the snobbery and unnecessary extras that come with other restaurants.

The plating is simple and well thought through without being pretentious or over the top.

The food is delicious and the ingredients used are always fresh and high quality. This is partly because the establishment is located in the ByWard Market.

Its location is also quite impressive and the view is great and can be very romantic, especially at night. 

If you and your partner are into different types of steak, it has plenty on the menu for you to try, as well as seafood and other dishes such as chicken or pasta.

The restaurant also has a full bar where you can grab a drink or two before or after your meal.

The only real drawbacks of this place are the pricing, which can get pretty high, especially for bigger meals, and the lack of healthy options. 

Overall, because of its straightforward menu, we definitely recommend Luxe to couples looking for a romantic and hearty meal they can enjoy. 

Customer Reviews

Fantastic

“Spectacular experience with Tom and Olivia this evening! they were amazing from start to finish. The drinks were wonderful (drank my Tickle Me Pink too fast to take a picture but it was delicious – Tom recommended it and it rocked!)

Food was out of this world. they do steak like no one else, cooked to perfection, tender, flavourful, all around fantastic.” – Ceili Mcllveen

Great restaurant with a great staff

“The seafood platter was delightful with an amazing tomahawk steak on the side. I’m not eating for weeks after this. Staff was friendly and helpful, everything top notch. If you’re looking for an amazing night out in Ottawa, this is the place, without a doubt.” – Zack Babins

4. Mati

Criteria	Ratings
Rates	★★★★ (4/5)
Availability	★★★★ (4/5)
Menu	★★★★★(5/5)
Feedback	★★★★(4/5)

Another great restaurant to check out is Mati. Located on Preston Street, this spot is known for its fresh seafood and delightful atmosphere.

Mati is a fantastic choice for romantic dinners because of its intimate aesthetic and delectable menu. The restaurant offers an array of delicious seafood options as well as steak and pasta dishes.

The seafood menu includes numerous aphrodisiacs, such as oysters and shrimp. There are a variety of fresh ceviches to choose from as well.

We also love the fact that the restaurant is open til late at night. This makes it a great option for dinner after a night stroll along the town!

When it comes to healthy options, Mati also has you covered! It has an extensive vegetarian menu that includes items such as quinoa salad and a kale Caesar salad.

It’s also great that the restaurant has delivery options in addition to its dine-in service. This makes it easier for diners to enjoy a romantic meal in the comfort of their own home.

It should be noted that the pricing of Mati’s food can be quite steep. It’s also not the best option if you have allergies to seafood since most of its menu items contain fish or shellfish.

If you have no problem with that, then overall, because of the great view and the fact that it’s open late at night, Mati is a great choice for a romantic dinner in Ottawa!

Customer Reviews

Loved it

“My personal favourites are their seafood tower, the seafood pasta for two and their lobster grilled cheese for brunch. A great spot for drinks with your favourite ladies or a romantic date!” – Kassanda Seetho

Doubled our order

“The seafood tower tasted fresh and my group had a hard time deciding what was the best item. We were very impressed with every component of it. We ended up ordering a few extra dishes as we were still hungry after polishing off the Double tower – the gnocchi and lobster ravioli were perfectly cooked.” – Amanda I 

5. Giovanni’s Restaurant

Criteria	Ratings
Rates	★★★★ (4/5)
Availability	★★★★★(5/5)
Menu	★★★★(4/5)
Feedback	★★★★★(5/5)

If you and your significant other are looking for authentic Italian food, Giovanni’s is the way to go. The restaurant provides a romantic atmosphere with candles and soft music and also has an extensive menu of Italian cuisine.

First opening in 1983, Giovanni’s has remained a well-loved establishment in the Ottawa community. Over the years, the restaurant has gained notoriety for its delicious food and relaxing atmosphere.

We love that aside from Italian cuisine, the establishment is also very particular to wine. It offers a fantastic wine list with a lot of choices to suit everyone’s tastes and preferences.

The restaurant also has healthy options and even allows customers to take home leftovers and enjoy them later in the day.

Giovanni’s also has an online reservation system so it’s easier to make a reservation in advance instead of waiting in the queue at the restaurant.

Unfortunately, Giovanni’s menu is a bit expensive and it can also get crowded sometimes, so it is best to call and reserve a table ahead of time to ensure you get a good spot, especially during the weekends.

Overall, we highly recommend this restaurant for couples looking for a relaxing and enjoyable dining experience. It’s a beautiful restaurant with great food and excellent service.

Customer Reviews

Incredible

“Been to Giovanni’s twice in the last month with the family, what a fabulous place to eat at! I absolutely love the food. Last night, I had the most incredible special, Burrata stuffed raviolis in a creamy Parmesan mushroom sauce with shaved truffles, just WOW. It was quite the portion but I couldn’t help but eat every single bite. We ordered a bunch of appetizers to share which were great too (calamari, grilled octopus, zucchini fritters, beet salad). The service was incredible as well.” – Lucia Chehade

Amazing food

“The food was amazing here! I especially loved the sausage appetizer. It had my taste buds tingling so much so I couldn’t enjoy my main course as much. However, the reason I can’t give the restaurant 5 stars is be because of the noise levels. The restaurant was crowded so talking to our table was a struggle.” – Kelly Ngwenya

6. Arlo Wine and Restaurant

Criteria	Ratings
Rates	★★★★ (4/5)
Availability	★★★★(4/5)
Menu	★★★★(4/5)
Feedback	★★★★★(5/5)

Our experience at Arlo Wine and Restaurant was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we walked through the elegant doors, we were swept away by the ambience that seamlessly blends romance and sophistication.

The services provided by Arlo are a testament to their commitment to excellence. 

The staff exudes professionalism and warmth, ensuring every need is anticipated and met with grace. Our table was impeccably set, and the sommelier’s expertise guided us through a wine selection that perfectly complemented our meal.

Convenience is a hallmark of Arlo’s offerings. Situated in the heart of the city, our journey to this culinary haven was a breeze.

The reservation process was effortless, and we were promptly seated upon arrival, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the enchanting atmosphere without delay.

Arlo’s reputation as a premier romantic dinner destination is well-deserved.

The restaurant’s intimate lighting, coupled with its captivating décor, fostered an atmosphere that encouraged connection and intimacy. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, a testament to the culinary artistry that defines Arlo’s menu.

While Arlo Wine and Restaurant offers an experience that is nothing short of extraordinary, it’s worth noting that such excellence comes at a premium.

The cost of our meal was reflective of the quality and attention to detail that permeates every aspect of Arlo’s operation. For those seeking an unforgettable romantic dinner, the investment is undoubtedly worthwhile.

However, they can get busy during peak days. We suggest booking a reservation ahead of time.

Customer Reviews

“This is hands down the best restaurant in Ottawa. Arlo strikes that amazing balance of having a sommelier and chef/ kitchen that are passionate and can deliver on technique and knowledge without “trying too hard”. Arlo is the restaurant you wish was yours.” — Nicole

“The only place in Ottawa you can trust to have a great time from start to finish. Food, wine list and cocktails are curated and executed so wonderfully. Oysters are shucked great. Always love coming here.” — Madj

7. Play Food & Wine

Play Food and Wine is a contemporary, small-plates restaurant that delivers big appetizer-sized servings of market-driven food, all cooked with care in an open-concept kitchen overlooking their second floor dining area and kitchen bar. 

They utilize local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients wherever feasible, and they try to assist local farmers as much as possible. Its small-plate style allows diners to try a variety of meals without committing to a single main course as they would in a regular restaurant. Most dinner guests order three small plates for a full meal.

They are pleased to inform that visitors are no longer needed to present evidence of vaccination or wear a mask when dining with them. Nevertheless, they politely request that you postpone your reservation if you are suffering any symptoms of Covid-19 or have had close and recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19.

Customer Reviews

Amazing restaurant, great ambiance, the staff was very friendly.

“Amazing restaurant, great ambiance, the staff was very friendly. The plates were absolutely amazing and flavorful. The soup was creamy and perfectly balanced with the cheese. Ñoquis was a different than the traditional combination, exotic yet delicious. The salmon was amazing, perfectly cooked and crispy. The pork was juicy but a little unbalanced with the beet puree. 2 small plates per person are enough unless you are super hungry. This is a great place to have a food and unique experience. Make your reservations.” – María Corina Muskus

My first time at Play was phenomenal!

“My first time at Play was phenomenal! We sat at the kitchen bar for the full dining experience. Everything from the uniquely crafted dishes, to the wine & cocktails, to the ambience and service- It is all outstanding. I’ll definitely be back to try some more new things!”  – Dani Gibbons

8. Aroma Meze

Criteria	Ratings
Rates	★★★★ ★(5/5)
Availability	★★★★★(5/5)
Menu	★★★★(4/5)
Feedback	★★★★★(5/5)

Aroma is an extraordinary restaurant, serving Mediterranean and Global tapas, and is the first of its kind in Canada. The restaurant’s menu is designed to give you a unique and exciting way of experiencing Tapas and Meze. 

It offers an excellent range of dishes and recommends choosing between 6-8 plates for the table. Each plate is designed to be shared between two people, making it an ideal choice for a romantic dinner. 

The ambiance is cozy and intimate, with dim lighting and comfortable seating, making it a perfect spot for a romantic date. The restaurant also offers a customized group menu for parties larger than eight, ensuring that your orders are expedited efficiently. Overall, Aroma is a must-visit for anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience with their loved one.

Customer Reviews

Highly recommend lamb sliders and lamp tacos!! Service was great as well.

“My fiancé took me here for our 1 year anniversary,  it will be our anniversary restaurant from now on! Amazing food and prices . Highly recommend lamb sliders and lamp tacos!! Service was great as well.” – Sana A.

Great variety of taste and flavors

“Loved the small plates. Great variety of taste and flavors. The service was great and although the have a lot of tables in a small place, it felt intimate rather than crowded.”  – Ana Coqui

FAQs about Romantic Restaurants

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And that’s it for the best restaurants for romantic dinners in Ottawa. We hope you and your significant other find our list useful. 

If you’re looking for more information about similar topics, check out these articles: 

• The Best Lunch Restaurants in Ottawa
• The Best Japanese Restaurants in Ottawa
• The Best French Restaurants in Ottawa
  

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