Fun and Unique Bars and Restaurants in Ottawa
Food and drinks are a great way to share special moments with people. But there are places that can make them even more special.
Be it the ambiance, the food, and whatnot, there are really some bars and restaurants that outshine others.
In this list, we talk about the most fun and unique bars and restaurants in Ottawa. Each one carries a distinct quality from the others that will surely make dining more memorable for you!
From concept, menu, to the overall dining experience, we’ll discuss how each of these amazing dining spots stands out among the many bustling restaurants around the capital.
How much does dining out cost in Ottawa?
Ottawa is brimming with tons of places to eat. There are casual dining restaurants, fast food, bistros, cafes, and fine dining.
With the wide range of food businesses here, there’s also a wide range of costs depending on where you’re eating. You can have a meal for as cheap as $9 or as high as $150 or more.
Here’s a quick run-through of the average meal prices for various places to eat in Ottawa:
You may think that these prices vary depending on the food they serve, and that is partially true.
However, it’s not always just the food you’re paying for. In reality, you are also paying for the ambiance and services that a restaurant has to offer.
1. Level One Game Pub
| Creative concept | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Good original food | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Aesthetics and ambiance | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Value for money | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
What’s the next best thing to eating good food? Eating them while playing games!
Level One Game Pub allows you to eat and play with friends and family when you dine with them. You can play any board game or video game in their inventory for $8.
Plus, their food menu prices are pretty decent. They also offer a couple of gluten-free and vegan options if you or anyone from your group needs them.
You can enjoy over 1000 kinds of board games or use any of their gaming consoles as you eat out. You can play with a Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, or any of their available Playstation units.
It’s just like hanging out with friends and family but with pretty good-looking food on the table.
Be careful, though, because you might just end up ordering more. Gaming can make you want to binge!
They also have Weekly Geek Trivia League every Monday, where you can battle out with other diners. The competition runs for an entire month and points are accumulated weekly.
The winning team gains a trophy and bragging rights! It’s a fun place where everyone can enjoy.
The good thing is that they actually limit seats for reservation, so you’ll always have a chance to walk in even without one.
However, they get quite packed on Fridays and Saturdays, so game time for each board game or gaming console is limited to just three hours.
Pros
- Over a thousand game boards to play with
- Various video games and gaming consoles
- Decent price for meals
- Family-friendly and kid-friendly place
- Also serves some vegan and gluten-free dishes
- Open until past-midnight on weekends
Cons
- $8 gaming charge still applies even when you won’t be playing
- Opens late in the afternoon on weekdays
Customer Reviews
Awesome place
What a great place and concept. I was a bit hesitant over the idea of video game controllers combined with a table of food. Nothing to worry about here, everything is so well laid out and cleaned. The food was excellent, beer and cocktails were delicious, and the atmosphere was awesome. Obviously geared towards the younger college crowds, but worth turning into a regular spot. – James Chezepock
What a fun time!
Took my husband on a surprise date here before going to a show at the Ottawa art gallery just up the street. The service was spot on. From start to finish the staff were professional and fun. We had each staff member check in throughout the Service (seems like they have a good TOTAL TEAM attitude there). Not once did we feel ignored or like we were waiting too long. From the beverage, appetizer, to main food, and finally desert it came out in perfect time so thank you to the kitchen. Plus sooo yummy. What a fun time and definitely would return and/or recommend to a friend. – Hailey M
2. Ward 14
| Creative concept | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Good original food | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Aesthetics and ambiance | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Value for money | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
The love for vintage and booze is the driving force behind the concept of Ward14. And this will also be the reason why you should not miss this place if you love the same!
Ward14 is basically your friendly neighborhood bar plus a consignment shop. Here you can find tons of vintage items that will pique your interest.
The range of items you can find is out of this world—from rare books to vintage figurines and toys. It brings a blast of nostalgia and is a treasure trove for vintage collectors.
You may also have your items consigned if you have anything interesting sitting in your home.
Aside from the vintage goods, Ward14 really offers a good selection of booze. Their bottle shop and convenience store offer an array of craft beer, liquor, spirits, and wine plus a few tasty snacks to match them too.
Nevertheless, they also offer some crafty dishes like gourmet burgers, sausages, and even porchetta. They do update their menu from time to time, so you have to be there to know what’s cooking.
We think that’s why locals love this place. They bring a sense of home and familiarity but still keep things interesting.
That being said, the place can get packed and especially during peak hours. And don’t expect them to be open before 5 pm!
They also have trivia games from time to time, so get ready with your vintage stored knowledge too!
If you love a sense of community along with some good booze, cool people, and some interesting and quirky things to check out, you’d have to give them a visit soon.
Pros
- You can find interesting vintage pieces
- You can consign your vintage items as well
- Great selection of alcoholic drinks and liquor
- Quirky retro vibe
- Friendly and cozy atmosphere
- Nice and cool staff
- Open till 2 past midnight
Cons
- Limited and changing food menu
- Can get quite crowded during peak hours
- Opens late in the afternoon at 5 pm
Customer Reviews
Will definitely be back
What a little gem! This place is great! It almost seems out of place for Ottawa. The staff were great, they have a decent cocktail menu and I loved the decor. I’d love to see what the patio is like in the summer! Will definitely be back for trivia as well!! Great job, guys! – Matt Floyd (Floydeeeee)
Great place
Great place for cocktails and a drink with friends! Had the “mommy’s little secret” -gin, radler, grenadine, which was delicious and very refreshing. Did not have any food but there was a food menu available. Its a consignment bar so all the decor is available for sale, the interior is really cute. Will definitely be coming back 🙂 – M B
3. Supply and Demand
| Creative concept | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Good original food | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Aesthetics and ambiance | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer service | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Value for money | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Somewhere in this busy capital, there’s a restaurant that focuses on giving you a choice of raw bar offerings—a breath of fresh air both in ambiance and in food.
Supply and Demand is situated in Wellington with a quaint little garden where they pull off the veggies they serve on your plates.
Plus, they also have an open kitchen where you can see their team prepare the dishes that they serve.
An interesting thing about this restaurant is how the chef and owner Steve Wall started having pasta classes where guests and staff enjoy preparing pasta together while you enjoy some wine.
A chef will guide you through the process of making fresh pasta while he prepares two noodle dishes for you.
Unfortunately, these classes are halted as of writing due to COVID, but they are hoping to get the classes running back again as soon as the restrictions are loosened.
Nevertheless, they will still serve you fresh plates of sustainable green dishes, handmade pasta, and hearty main courses sourced from farm-to-table local suppliers.
You can book reservations in advance, especially if you have dietary restrictions and food allergies. Their chefs will customize the dishes they will serve you as needed.
It’s really nice because it helps everyone enjoy good food. It would be nice if they also serve brunches and lunches with their healthy meals, but unfortunately, they are open only for dinner time.
It’s a very stylish restaurant and not to mention, very clean too. Their menu changes on a regular basis so you can always look forward to coming back with something new on your plate.
Pros
- Use of sustainable and farm-to-table local ingredients
- Fresh and healthy menu
- Adjusts dishes according to dietary and restrictions if advised upon reservation
- Modern and sleek interior
Cons
- Opens only for dinnertime
- Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Customer Reviews
Our favorite restaurant in the world!
Incredible. From the moment you walk in the door, this place makes you feel like you’ve been welcomed home with a warm hug! The staff are incredibly attentive, entertaining, friendly and knowledgeable about the food, wine and cocktail menus. The owners, Jen and Steve, set the example. They are extremely hard-working and engaged with their business and their customers. The atmosphere is romantic, fun, light, and trendy. They are gladly able to cater to personal dietary needs and preferences and the food, drinks and wine are exceptional. The menu changes regularly, but adoring fans of mind-blowing staples like the tuna crudo, squid ink rigatoni and kale salad will still have their favourites. This place is by far our favourite restaurant…in the WORLD! We love you Supply and Demand! – Rosie’s Cove
Fantastic
I came here to celebrate a birthday. The staff were very friendly, accommodating, and attentive (on point with the refills). The food was excellent in terms of quality and flavour (the squid ink rigatoni was a flavour and texture explosion in my mouth) and portion sizes were just right. The atmosphere was very nice and cozy, it felt packed but not suffocating like sardines in a can. The music wasn’t too loud either and the ambient conversations didn’t get too noisy (I didn’t have to raise my voice to talk). Bathroom was also clean and had thick napkins to dry hands. Overall, it was a fantastic outing. – Reiner Martinus
4. Absolute Comedy
| Creative concept | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Good original food | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Aesthetics and ambiance | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Customer service | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Value for money | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
If you are in and open for some laughs, the Absolute Comedy Ottawa might just be the treat you need.
Situated in the heart of Little Italy, they hold stand-up comedy shows with a roster of hilarious comedians while you drink and dine.
However, be sure you’re coming ready to laugh with an open mind. The most in-demand comedians are slotted Friday and Saturday evenings, so be sure to make a reservation if you want to go on those days.
The place tends to get quite packed with the maximum allowable number of 30 people in the room. This, though, could make you uncomfortable if you’re strict on social distancing.
Nevertheless, that’s how you know people love it there.
Their food is also good and is priced reasonably. If you visit and dine mid-week, the rates can even go lower since those days aren’t really peak days.
They also have dinner and show packages where you can choose between à la carte and buffet-style meals with access to the stand-up comedy show. However, this is only available for guests who make a reservation.
Either way, you can just pay for your meal and purchase a ticket separately.
Get ready to bring in some bills too because they only accept cash at the moment.
What tickles the heart most is that they not only make you laugh, but they also hold fundraisers too. Here customers can get involved in selling tickets for their shows.
The proceeds then will go to an accredited charity of your choice.
While good food is good for the tummy, a good laugh is also good for the heart. Feel free to give them a visit for a good, filling time.
Pros
- Dinner and show packages are available
- Reasonably price food
- Fun roster of comedians
- Open to charity fundraisers
- Located in Little Italy
Cons
- Tends to get packed on peak days (Fridays and Saturdays)
- Cash-only payment
Customer Reviews
Been here 10 times!
This place has never let us down yet and we’ve been at least 10 times. Solid acts and good service considering they literally jam the place packed every time. I can’t remember having seen the same act twice. The food is also decent for what it is but expect to pay for bottled water. The drinks are fairly extensive. Always arrive at least 30 minutes early if you would rather not sit in the far back. – Stephan Gauthier
Overall, great
Excellent comedy club. Been here a number of times with friends and guests from out of town. Always new comedians every week. The weekend shows are usually the best, with comedians using their best material. I feel like during the weekdays, it’s more experimental, but can still be good.
Service is good and the food is well priced.
I appreciate that the staff gives warnings to people who talk or heckle during the shows. I’m not there to listen to someone try and have a conversation with the comedian.
Overall, great club as long as you’re not the person trying to interrupt the show. – Charlie Le
5. DreamLand Cafe
| Creative concept | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Good original food | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Aesthetics and ambiance | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Value for money | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
This cute dainty restaurant will make you feel like you are in Barbie world with its unapologetically pink walls.
Their menu is made up of comforting Italian food that family and friends can enjoy together.
They claim to serve the best pasta in Ottawa and arguably, rightly so. But again, the taste is subjective, so you’ll probably have to try it for yourself.
They actually have quite a variety of pasta offerings at a good-enough price, so this is the place to go for pasta-lovers out there. However, their servings are in quite small portions though.
This could be ideal for their takeaways and online orders for pickup but can be less satisfying if you want a filling meal.
You can also enjoy some craft cocktails and vintage wine on their patio seating to unwind just a little after a meal. A dreamy location indeed, it’s perfect for romantic dates and intimate family dinners.
One of their most overlooked offerings though is how delicious their ice cream can be. Pasta plus good ice cream just makes quite a lovely Italian food experience.
The place, just like their food, brings about a calm and relaxing atmosphere despite the bright pink walls outside. Plus, they have quite some cheery and friendly staff.
The ambiance, comforting dishes, and fairly decent prices make dining here a good value for your money.
Pros
- Fairly decent price
- Wide range of pasta choices on their menu
- Unique and dreamy ambiance
- Stunning patio seating
- Available for takeaways and pickup
- Located in Little Italy
Cons
- Food portions can be quite small
- Desserts can be pricey
- A little small and can be packed easily
- Opens late in the afternoon
- Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Customer Reviews
Won’t forget my dinner here
Service was great. I had the spaghetti and it was the best I have ever had. I will say that the restaurant is very small so it is definitely worth booking in advance. If you are a fan of pasta this is a must try in Ottawa and well with the trip across town for us. I was very impressed and won’t soon forget about the dinner I had here. – Stuart Germain
Super trendy and hip
One of my favourite pasta places to go for some chicken Alfredo with mushroom! Have been here many times and it’s always such a delight. The service is awesome and the food is always prompt. The portion is decent for me but if you eat a lot you’ll have to order for two ;)! The place is super trendy and hip and they have a cute little outdoor patio. – Angel Le
FAQs about Unique Restaurants in Ottawa
We hope this list gets your belly full and your curiosity satisfied. Do you know what you should be doing after a good meal?
Get some desserts! How about you take a good trip to some of the best ice cream shops here in Ottawa?