Where to Eat

1. Where to Eat Ottawa is blessed with a spectacular array of restaurants and chefs. The restaurants are listed in no particular order.

2. Bakeries Mmm pastries.

3. Art-Is-In • Sweet mama, never have I ever had such good bread. Sorry Europe, take a back seat. • This City Centre bakery is a great place to go to get brunch. • If it’s a little far not to worry – their stuff is well stocked in other shops throughout the city and they often have pop-up shops. • It’s all delicious, trust me.

4. Bread and Sons • This organic bakery is a hidden gem. • Right at Bank and Gloucester it specializes in organic baked goods. • They say their “coffee is the best on the block, any block.” • I have many favorites.

5. Auntie Loo’s • Young entrepreneur Mandi quit her job as a barista to start her own Vegan bakery. • They started off with cupcakes and have ventured off into the land of cakes and cookies. • Their stuff is to die for, for Vegans and omnivores alike.

6. Suzy Q • This a gourmet donut shop. Oh yes. • Flavours ranging from maple bacon, with real bacon, to 4/20, with froot loops, these babies are divine in the donut world. • Even I like them.

7. Sconewitch • This cozy little spot is a bit old fashioned, but you can’t argue with the great scones they make. • It’s a cute spot for a quiet brunch and everything is fresh and creamy.

8. Restaurants My favorite section.

9. Oz Kafe • An Elgin Street gem, Oz Kafe features local ingredients with high style and simplicity. • It has DJ nights, including the Wizards of Oz on the last Sunday of every month. • It features a chef’s night where chefs from different restaurants come and showcase a special menu. It’s fun and affordable if you can get a seat! • It has the best caesar in town! The secret? A splash of red wine. Oh and the lychee martini is to die for. • The chef, Jamie Stunt, recently placed second at Canada’s Gold Medal Plates competition. • Oz, the owner, is a sweetheart and a savvy lady.

10. Oz Kafe

11. Whalesbone • This is an oysterhouse and features sustainable seafood. If seafood’s not your thing, too bad for you. • The oysters on offer are always varied with the season and are fresh and delicious with a bit of horseradish and lemon • Don’t let the casual atmosphere and pirate ship interior delude you, it is an expensive restaurant. • Don’t forget to have a shot of Sailor Jerry’s while you’re there! • If you love sustainable fish, the Whalesbone also has a wholesale shop on Kent, which also offers brown bag lunches for cheap!

12. Whalesbone

13. Murray Street • This is a MEAT restaurant. • It features charcuterie and cheese boards, but also succulent slow-cooked cuts of local animals. • They’re back patio is one of the best in town, to be enjoyed in the summer with PIMM’S or a glass of the Californian Petit Syrah. • Steve Mitton, the chef, also loves to post pictures of the daily specials on Instagram and Facebook. Food porn.

14. Murray Street

15. Town • This restaurant is only a couple of years old but boy has it made a splash in the Ottawa community! • The owners, Marc and Lori, bring their hospitality, charm and sweetness to the restaurant’s atmosphere, which features Mediterranean comfort food. • The swank interior is matched by the scrumptious fare of carpaccio, gnudi, and crispy rabbit. • This restaurant is always up for community collaborations, we love that! • Make sure to have a reservation when you go!

16. Town

17. Union Local 613 • This new restaurant features Southern fare. • While the menu is always changing to highlight the freshest ingredients, the likes of crispy yardbird (chicken) and a menu of bourbons are always on offer. • The restaurant’s décor is a gallimaufry of clever and pretty detail. • The restaurant is owned by a gang of ex-pats from other restaurants branching out and doing their own thing. • Some of the long tables are shared for a fun dining experience.

18. Union

19. The Moonroom • This is a secret little spot that’s not so secret. • It features small plates from a mini kitchen and cocktails glamorously served in a coupe. • It always has great music and has a sexy ambiance.

20. The Moonroom

21. Atelier • This haute restaurant is based on molecular gastronomy, now named hypermodern culinary technique and technology. • Every night it offers a 12 course tasting menu that is sure to wow the senses. • Be sure to get a reservation weeks in advance!

22. Atelier

23. Black Tomato • My best friend is the bearded manager here. • It is my favorite place to go, hop up at the bar and have a glass of prosecco with whoever else might be around that day. • The spacious restaurant features exposed brick and incredible music. • Nearly every year it is voted Ottawa’s most romantic restaurant.

24. Black Tomato

25. Canvas • Elegant and comfortable. • This restaurant has an ever-inspired menu of international dishes with flare. • The owner’s enthusiasm for his restaurant and his food is contagious. • Try the St. Germain Royal!

26. Canvas

27. Tacolot • This is a shack. A shack that sells tacos. • This is obviously only a summer joint, but it is a fun experience to sit in a parking around a colourfully painted hut and eat a variety of fun tacos. • Every Sunday features a special by a chef from a different restaurant. Fun!

28. Hintonburg Public House • This is a hipster haven. • It’s eclectic décor, plates and cutlery are all you could ever want in terms of granny chic. • Those pickled egg aficionados are in luck! • They also host an open mic night.

29. Hintonburg Public House

30. The Manx • This is an oldie but a goodie!!! • The Manx is always where I head for my first meal back home. • From the lamb curry wrap with fat Yukon gold wedges for dinner to the huevos rancheros for brunch. • This is my favorite comfort food. • The staff is always welcoming and the walls are always popping with local art. • The wait is a little long, but fill in the time by enjoying friends

31. The Manx

32. The Wellington Gastropub • The Gastropub in Hintonburg that started it all. • It’s got spectacular food and has a wonderful friendly atmosphere. • You can dress it up or down for any occasion.

33. The Wellington Gastropub

34. The Back Lane Cafe • This cute restaurant has great service. • Often the chef will come out and talk to the clientele to make sure that everything is up to standard. • The have a fun variety of uncommon dishes and brunch features dressed up toast.

35. The Back Lane Cafe

36. Zen Kitchen • This is an haute vegan restaurant with style and flare. • You can order off the menu, which is delicious I’m sure, or you can be like me and opt for the surprise chef’s daily menu. In order to do this, your whole table has to be on board, but I assure you, you won’t be disappointed. • You can also get a wine flight pairing with your meal. • The end of the night always brings lovely homemade vegan truffles. Yum! • Trust me, you won’t be missing meat at this delicious restaurant.

37. Zen Kitchen

38. Genji/Sushi 88 • If you’re looking for a sushi spot don’t be fooled by the offerings of the market, expensive or cheap. • Instead, head to the unassuming Genji on Lisgar or Sushi 88 on Somerset. • They have all the fixins of hot sake and plum wine one might want with lots of menu options for sashimi lovers and not-so-lovers alike.