Ottawa, Canada

Eating out in Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa has more restaurants per capita than most any other Canadian city. Obviously, you can find whatever you want from haute cuisine to traditional Canadian and exotic foods. Settings also range from garden patios to waterfronts to sleek urban funk. Prices are generally very reasonable, and combine with the favorable exchange rate to make most meals a great value.

Gourmet

Empire Grill is an upscale bistro with a modern twist on 40s glamour located in the heart of the popular Byward Market. The menu features rich, saucy pastas, filet mignon, and fabulous Antipasto platters. There is an extensive wine, scotch and martini selection, as well as live jazz to complement your meal. 47 Clarence Street.

Highly Recommended

Haveli Indian Restaurant has an authentic Indian menu prepared by native Indian chefs using the traditional tandoor cooking method. From their clay ovens come savory chicken, shrimp, lamb, lobster, and beef dishes with the exotic taste of India. 39 Clarence Street and 194 Robertson Road.

Local Flair

Creperie has an engaging panoramic view of Byward Market and a genial ambiance. The menu highlights international flavors with selections like Cajun chicken crepes and Ratatouille crepes. There is also an extensive selection of international wines. Byward Market.

Romantic

Café Mezzaluna is a quiet restaurant with attentive service, and Italian décor. On summer nights, you can dine on the pretty patio. The homemade meals are delicious homemade pasta, veal dishes, and chicken specialties. The desserts are excellent! 180 Cooper Street.

Going party in Ottawa, Canada

The nightlife is a bit subdued, but there are plenty of nightspots to go for a fun night out. There are numerous clubs, pubs, and bars with music, dancing, and comedy, mostly clustered around the popular Byward Market, Elgin Street, and Hull areas.

Vineyards

Linger and unwind in this casual relaxed atmosphere, enjoying the local jazz artists and the outstanding wine, malt whisky, and imported beer selection. If you get hungry, the bistro menu is cooked fresh to order.

The Duke's "Lockmaster Tavern"

This tavern considers itself the most classic Canadian tavern around, first opened in 1936. This historical tavern is a lively place popular with locals and sports lovers who watch games on 4 satellite TVs. Live bands and karaoke keep the party going.

D'Arcy McGee's Irish Pub

This cozy Irish-style pub has excellent views of Parliament Hill and the interior is laden with hand carved woods, etched and stained glass, and a mosaic tile floor, all handcrafted in Ireland. The bar is stocked with domestic and imported draughts, single malt scotches, Irish whiskeys, cognacs, bourbons, ports, and Cuban cigars. Celtic bands entertain.

Maxwell's Bistro

Lounge singer Johnny Vegas makes the women swoon, and happy hour has a big selection of cheap eats every day. The bar is stocked with over 35 varieties of wine and the oyster bar is highly recommended.

ByTown Tavern

This is "drink your beer and party" kind of place - fun, rowdy, and always entertaining. There are food and entertainment specials every night, including karaoke, live music, and 20-cent wings. The tavern also has pool tables and Sports TV.

Common events in Ottawa, Canada

Winterlude

Rideau Canal is the focal point of this winter festival, where people even ice skate to work! You can ice skate for an uninterrupted 4.5 miles, jump in on the bed races, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and watch the excellent figure skating shows and world-class ice and snow sculpting competitions. February.

Tulip Festival

In the spring, more than a million tulips bloom on Ottawa's parklands and roadways. This two-week celebration kicks off spring with incredible floral displays and public parties. May.

Children's Festival

Kids gather for 4 days at the Canadian Museum of Nature for a cornucopia of magic shows, music, magic clowns, theatre, puppets, creative crafts, mimes, and jugglers. The kids always have a fantastic time, and also love the museum's dinosaur, bird, and bat exhibits. June.

National Capital Dragon Boat Race Festival

This water sport has become very popular in Canada, and in addition to the 2 days of races there are many other activities for the whole family, such as a variety of multicultural performances, art, great food, and kids' activities. June.

Canada Day

This is Canada's Independence celebration. Ottawa springs to life with concerts, street performers, various cultural shows, and numerous other family activities. July.

Ottawa International Jazz Festival

International and Canadian jazz artists turn Canada's capital into an Entertainment Capital! The main stage is in Confederation Park with several other around the city for the 7-day event. July.

Urban Music Festival

This weekend celebration fills the capital with street dancing and positive urban music including RandB, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Worldbeat, and Techno. November.