Any GOOD place to eat in Ottawa?

I know I have been here for almost 2 years...but then again, I don't go out alog, consider I don't have a car.

Long story short, my parents are coming up soon, so I was wondering if there are any good places to eat in ottawa.

Thanks!!!

no one lives in ottawa?!?!

I like Kelseys.

I live here, but I'm new So I only know 1 person and have only been to 1 restaurant lol

Originally Posted by Calmuser

I like Kelseys.

who doesn't?!?!

Originally Posted by RW99

I live here, but I'm new So I only know 1 person and have only been to 1 restaurant lol

hehe, yea I know...I hardly ever go out, so I have no idea what's what in Ottawa

Originally Posted by Shen

who doesn't?!?!

I don't.

It would probably help if you said what area of Ottawa you were looking for a place to eat.

Nickels i remember was nice....

um.. Byward market?

Most of the better restaurants are in the Market. Also depends on how much you want to spend.

If you live out there and you want some cheap good eats, try out Restaurant International at Algonquin College. Culinary students cook for you under the supervision of a chef, you get 4 courses for about $22 without tax which is pretty damn cheap. Make sure to call them for reservations and to make sure they are open that day. The kitchen closes at about 9 pm, so make your reservations for between 5:30 and 7:15 pm. They are also open for lunch at $11 for three courses. You can get there by taking any bus to the Baseline station and then walking over there, a short 3-5 minute walk. It's definetely worth it though. Telephone number there is 727-4723 ext. 2268.


On Nepean St is Beckta's. It's probably the best restaurant in Ottawa right now, and it's a bit pricey but supposedly worth it.

In the market, Sweetgrass Bistro is the new Aboriginal restaurant in Ottawa, and only one of two in Canada. Great reviews lately, so that's one to try out.

Kinki on York is trendy and expensive, but if you go after 10 pm on some nites, you can indulge in their happy hour specials. $5.50 for some drinks and half price sushi. I went there with two other people and we spend about $80 total for a whole crap load of sushi and three drinks.

ARC lounge hasn't gotten much attention lately, but I remember that the chef has changed there to I think Paul Stewart who is the son of Anita Stewart on of the leading Canadian food historians and writer's in Canada.

Luxe Bistro's kitchen is run by Derek Benitz. The food there is supposed to be quite good and it serves mostly steaks etc.

Social is another trendy spot on Sussex. I know some people who work there and say that the food is good.

Chinese food you should take your parents to Palais Imperial in the Market on Dalhousie. It's a classier place and the food is pretty good, but the price is going to a little higher than in china town...

Japanese food, you should either go to Suisha Gardens which is right by the Bank st bus stop along the transitway, or get off I think at the Kent street one and walk over to Festival of Japan.

Indian food, people say to eat at Havelis in the market, the food there is pretty good too.

Thai food I like to go to Siam Bistro on Wellington I think? It's just off of Wellington and Holland I think.

Originally Posted by Calmuser

I like Kelseys.

blech, generic tasting chain restaurant.

What kind of food do you like?

What price range? Do you like ethnic food?

Here's a few of my picks

Japanese:
- Wasabi in the market.

Bistro:
-Stoney Monday's on Bronson. Tiny place, so make reservations
-Black Tomato in the market

Chinese:
none worth mentioning really

Italian:
- Mamma Grazzi's in the market
- Vittoria Trattoria in the market or Riverside (southish)

Thai:
Siam Kitchen on Bank

Chain:
- Moxie's at Bayshore (just because I like their white chocolate brownie desert so much)

Gourmet Hamburger
- The Works, at Westboro or Vanier

Fast food burger
- Licks, Bank St south

Fusion:
- Kinki's (kind of expensive though)
- Savanna Cafe on Gilmour

Upscale Bistro:
- Eighteen in the market
- Beckta's
- Juniper on Richmond
- Empire Grill

Indian:
- can't go wrong with Haveli's in the market or in Bell's Corners

kinki and beckta were featured in separate episodes in the foodtv network show, "opening soon". it would be interesting to actually dine there.

by far my fave place to eat in ottawa is zak's diner (http://zaksdiner.com/), it's a kitschy place, but really fun. you can find it in byward market.

dunn's is another good diner, i think it's on elgin street.

the marche in the rideau centre is good too.

when i was in ottawa there was a wonderful desert place called, oh so good, though i'm not sure if it's still there. not sure if it's a good place to take your parents, it's more of a date place, but still amazing desserts.

Ever since the late Double Decker got rid of their Dagwood Sandwich, Ottawa has been just as bad as Toronto

Originally Posted by pauline9_2000

by far my fave place to eat in ottawa is zak's diner (http://zaksdiner.com/), it's a kitschy place, but really fun. you can find it in byward market.

dunn's is another good diner, i think it's on elgin street.

the marche in the rideau centre is good too.

when i was in ottawa there was a wonderful desert place called, oh so good, though i'm not sure if it's still there. not sure if it's a good place to take your parents, it's more of a date place, but still amazing desserts.

when we were there a few years ago, the marche in rideau mall was selling the food left at 50% off just before closing. so we bought a lot of sandwiches and pastries there for our dinner. the same happens here with the marche in eaton centre TO. i think it's usually maybe 15 mins before closing? good deal.