Where to find adventurous French fare, delicious meats, and natural wines in Canada’s capital city

Canada’s capital city has long been maligned as stodgy, no fun, and filled with dull bureaucrats. Thankfully, that reputation is beginning to seem out of date. In recent years, the city’s creative industries have started to gain a small foothold, and the food scene in Ottawa and Gatineau, Ottawa’s twin city across the river, has grown rapidly, thanks in part to those bureaucrats with money to spend on meals.

Now, visitors to Ottawa can find locavore eats at distinctly Canadian restaurants alongside natural wine bars and third-wave cafes. Although the city has boasted some big destination restaurants for nearly a decade, it’s the newer arrivals that make for essential Ottawa dining.

Looking for other dining tips in Ottawa? Check Eater Montreal’s maps of brunches, coffee shops, and cheap eats in the city.

Price per person

$ = Less than 15 CAD (less than 11 USD)

$$ = 15- 25 CAD (11 - 19 USD)

$$$ = 25 - 45 CAD (19 - 33 USD)

$$$$ = More than 45 CAD (more than 33 USD)

Shawna Wagman contributed research and editing.

Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.