Epicurean Ottawa Where to Eat Now in the Nation’s Capital 

A Taste for Travel

Before a recent weekend in Ottawa, my last experience with cloudberries, cranberries, and wild chamomile was during a foraging expedition near Churchill on the shores of Hudson Bay. There, we mastered the “tundra pirouette,” a 360-degree pivot on one foot designed to keep us aware of our surroundings and potential polar bear encounters.

Contemporary interior of 1 Elgin
Photo: Francisco Sanchez

So, I was thrilled to discover similar wild botanicals in Ottawa’s restaurants and markets, enjoying them without the adrenaline rush of potential wildlife confrontations.

Ottawa’s food scene is ever-evolving, and summer is the perfect season to explore what’s new, fresh, and exciting in our nation’s capital. As the temperature climbs, the capital buzzes with inventive menus, outdoor patios and delicious new flavours.

From cocktail-hour snacks to fine-dining, here are some of the best food experiences in Ottawa to put on your culinary radar now.

ByWard Market

Tex-Mex cuisine on the patio at Blue Cactus Bar & Grill 
Photo: Francisco Sanchez

For Ottawa residents and visitors alike, the opportunity to stock up on fresh products in the seasonal outdoor market makes a trip to ByWard Public Market a mandatory summer ritual. Baskets of fresh fiddleheads, potted herbs and flower stands bursting with blooms celebrate the end of a long winter.

For culinary adventurers, the market’s diversity offers a romp around the world. Whether you’re slurping fresh pulled noodles at Le Mien Craft Noodles or indulging in a fresh blueberry tart at Le Moulin de Provence, there’s a world of flavours to explore. You can nosh on Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Indian and Moroccan cuisines to name just a few.

And for seasonally-inspired Latin fare you can’t go wrong with the Blue Cactus Bar and Grill. Located in the heart of ByWard Market, their patio is ideal for an afternoon of people-watching.

A craft cocktail at the new Byward Market hotspot Bar Ocelli.
Photo: Matt Millard  @_infinityphoto

Among the market’s cocktail hour options, new for 2024 is Bar Ocelli (which means eye of a peacock feather). Open evenings, this sophisticated bar features globally-influenced small plates, such as wonton tuna tostadas or halloumi fries, paired with handcrafted cocktails and mocktails.

For a treat, try their Mexican Tiramisu cocktail, an inventive mix of tequila, amaretto and coffee topped with creamy mascarpone foam.

And don’t miss making a stop at Buvette Daphnée, recognized in two categories by Canada’s 100 Best. Helmed by Chef Dominique Dufour, the William St. wine bar is open evenings for noshing on shareable starters such as glossy lobster cocktail royale, oysters, tuna tartare and scallop ceviche paired with Veuve Clicquot champagne.

Patio Time at 1 Elgin

Summer fresh tomatillo and cucumber gazpacho at 1 Elgin
Photo: Francisco Sanchez

While it might seem unlikely to find a fantastic lunch spot in a performing arts centre, 1 Elgin Restaurant  at the National Arts Centre (NAC) defies expectations. It offers the perfect setting for a sophisticated lunch featuring artistic Canadian cuisine. Beyond its renowned music, dance, and theatre performances, the NAC stands as a vibrant hub of creativity.

To begin, it’s located near Parliament Hill, a short walk alongside the Rideau Canal, the historic waterway and series of locks, dams and natural channels connecting Ottawa to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

Poached halibut with English pea at 1 Elgin
Photo: Francisco Sanchez

The restaurant’s outdoor patio faces the canal, offering mirrored reflections of sunny skies, sightseeing boats, the Beaux-Arts Senate of Canada building and other attractions of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beautifully presented dessert at 1 Elgin 
Photo: Francisco Sanchez

Beyond its memorable views, 1 Elgin offers a Resident Chef program featuring visiting chefs from across Canada. These emerging culinary talents, who hail from some of the nation’s most esteemed restaurants, collaborate with Executive Chef Kenton Leier to craft menus that highlight hyper-seasonal regional ingredients, indigenous culinary traditions, and more.

During our visit, resident Chef Carmen Ingham from North Vancouver, British Columbia collaborated to create a menu with several exciting dishes such as a tomatillo and cucumber gazpacho topped with Caesar (the iconic Canadian cocktail) sorbet and poached halibut with English pea cream fleurette topped with edible flowers and pea tendrils.

Through summer, diners can experience the culinary artistry of resident chefs Amanda Ray (Drake Devonshire) and Leah Marshall Hannon (Stella’s Eatery) of Prince Edward County. They’ll be followed by Chef Chris Commandant who is Kanien’keha:ka of the Wahta Mohawks First Nations community and will carry the gastronomic innovations into the fall season.

Creative Cuisine at Aiana Restaurant Collective

Salmon with sea buckthorn, lentils and saffron at Aiana 
Photo: Francisco Sanchez

The lights are low and the vibe upscale at this date-night worthy dining destination, the Aiana Restaurant Collective. Aiana, an indigenous word that means “always blossoming,” captures the philosophy in play here.

This fine-dining restaurant, located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, is just a 5-minute walk from Parliament Hill, and features seasonal ingredients with a multicultural spin.

Under the creative spirit of Executive Chef Raghav Chaudhary, ingredients such as bannock, lavender, and chamomile appear in imaginative dishes from around the globe. You’ll be intrigued to see wild-grown regional products such as sea buckthorn, a scrubby plant grown in northern climes, paired with saffron, salmon and lentils. And starters such as foie gras with cherry, chai and tart sumac.

While the ambiance and memorable dishes are reason enough to visit, it’s also good to know that Aiana is a Living Wage employer, paying staff an hourly wage reflecting the cost of living. Menu prices include gratuities.

A Culinary-Inspired Stay at Fairmont Château Laurier

Zoe’s is located just off the lobby at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
Photo: Francisco Sanchez

Located in the heart of Ottawa, this landmark luxury hotel is a prime destination for culinary travelers to overnight.

As part of the elite group of chateau-style Canadian hotels, alongside icons like Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, the Royal York in Toronto and Hotel Vancouver, the Fairmont Château Laurier was originally commissioned by railway companies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to entice affluent travelers. Its opulent architecture, featuring turrets, steep roofs, and other elements, evokes the grandeur of European castles.

For the ultimate indulgence, upgrade to the Gold Floor, where personalized guest services include private check-in and check-out, full concierge services, nightly turn-down service and access to the exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge.

Fairmont Château Laurier La Terrasse is a hidden gem
Photo: Francisco Sanchez

Here, you’ll find an Honour Bar, an elaborate continental breakfast, an array of refreshments, chef-prepared evening hors d’oeuvres and an irresistible dessert bar.

There’s also the option to indulge in a posh afternoon tea at Zoe’s Restaurant located off the lobby of Fairmont Château Laurier. The elegant setting, combined with a mix of sweet and savoury pastries, tea sandwiches and scones, is an oasis of tranquility in a busy day of sightseeing.

And the Fairmont’s patio, La Terrasse overlooking the Rideau Canal with panoramic views of the Gatineau hills and Ottawa River, is a hidden gem.

Whether you visit for a weekend or an extended stay, Ottawa is a haven for food lovers, offering landmark views, heritage sites and unique culinary experiences ranging from bustling markets to fine dining to craft cocktails. The city’s diversity and creativity are sure to add excitement to your adventures.

Michele Peterson is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in food, drink and sun destinations. Her work has appeared in major magazines, guidebooks and travel anthologies. Get recipes, travel tips and inspiration on her A Taste for Travel blog or via Twitter/Instagram @atastefortravel   

Travel Planner 

National Arts Centre: https://nac-cna.ca/en/1elgin

Ottawa Tourism: Browse attractions and get news on upcoming events, activities and deals at the Ottawa Tourism website.

Reservations: Most fine-dining restaurants in Ottawa require reservations. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

ByWard Market Tours: To maximize your time in this 200-year-old public space, sign up for a guided walking food tour of ByWard Market with C’est Bon Ottawa. This tasty 2.5 hour tour features 3 savoury dishes, 1 refreshment and 2 sweet dishes, including a shared BeaverTail, the quintessential Canadian street food treat.