Any GOOD place to eat in Ottawa?

[Shen]

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!!! :cheesygri

[Shen]

no one lives in ottawa?!?! :confused:

[Calmuser]

I like Kelseys.

[RW99]

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

[Shen]

I like Kelseys.

who doesn't?!?! :|

[Shen]

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

[WildPegasus]

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.

[CSR]

Nickels i remember was nice....

um.. Byward market?

[pekkle38]

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.

[warpdrive]

I like Kelseys.

blech, generic tasting chain restaurant.

[warpdrive]

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

[sammy]

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

[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.

[Riffer]

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

[sammy]

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.

[mlerner]

If you're looking for chinese, can't beat Easy Garden Restarant. We order there all the time.

[sammy]

we used to go to the tiny chinatown there and buy the chinese bakery buns (bbq pork, coconut etc) from the largest grocery store on the street. forgot the name of it. i think they also had a bbq section in the grocery store and sold bbq pork and soya chicken by the pound. at least they did a few years ago. good eats there.

the yangtze restaurant (biggest and most modern looking) was very popular but we preferred the other large one directly across from it. the name had changed over the years and we never kept track of the name. good food.

[cheapie]

For Japanese, try Ichibei on Bank St. Traditional style sushi, fairly pricey. Kinki is more like a trendy place to eat than having good food.

Social is another of those 'trendy' places to be seen more than anything. Social like the name says is more for socializing than eating. I prefer E18hteen (opposite kinki's) for dinning.

Empire Grill is also another great place to eat and The Fish Market Restaurant is also quite good.

I can't remember the name of the restaurant, but on Somerset, one of the bigger more imposing chinese restaurant you won't miss it if u turn into somerset from bank, its on your left. It definitely beats Palais Imperial. Not that Palais Imperial is bad, just that the somerset one is better.

And if you like croissant, try Le Boulanger Francais on Murray St.

[Shen]

Thanks for all the reply!!! My parents and I did went to try out some of the suggested places and it was GOOD!!! :cheesygri

Thanks for everyone who suggested!!!!

[Shen]

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

*sigh, double decker got shut down.....I love going to that place....too bad it's gone now.... :(

[Shen]

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.


hehe, yea, Zak's diner is GOOD!! I just tried it with couple of my buddies!!! :cheesygri

[Hybrid88]

Made a visit since I was in Ottawa. Hrm, where do I start. I had a bit of everything consisting of tempura, rolls, assorted sushi platter and some hot food. My advise if you are here for the 'hot food' forget it. Stick with the Sushi/Sashimi - the only highlight but really high quality, fresh and masterful skill in cut and presentation. I will only go eat sushi/sashimi if I am there again.

I haven't been to any other japanese places in Ottawa yet but I will.

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.

[Venusia]

No use in opening up a new thread and losing the good info here...

I'm going to Ottawa on Sunday, returning Monday. I'm looking for a good kid friendly early supper family restaurant, and also a good cafe for breakfast, ie where can you find the best butter croissants? I'm staying at the Arc, which doesn't seem very close to the commercial section of town.

[Hybrid88]

Been visiting Ottawa quite often and I've eaten the higer end/fine restuarants, mom & pops and the main chains.

I have yet to find a real gem in Ottawa except for Royal Thai Restuarant on Dalhousie. The food is tasty and generous. It could work on the price but it shouldn't since there isn't much competition for good Thai food in Ottawa.

I don't eat chinese food in Ottawa because the times I did I regret it. I'm from Toronto and you get plenty there. Ottawa Chinese food = I wish I was in Toronto for Chinese food.

If you find or know of any places let me know soon, I'll be there this weekend.

[Absolute]

Best Chinese food is Man's Kitchen on Somerset, between Percy and Bronson. I used to work near it, and always frequented it.

Also check out the Mongolian Grill in Bells Corners, they've recently changed but they're still a great place.

Zak's is great in the market, or the Blue Cactus.

The Works is arguably the best burger place in Ottawa, in the Glebe, Westboro, or Vanier.

[guest 03]

For awesome Real Mexican food check out Azteca on William street in the market (right beside the Lush soaps store...)

Amazing food and a nice market view!

2)the Chateau Laurier has a tea menu during the week with many dishes- have heard its good.

3)The Delta hotel has a good menu, but haven't been there in a couple years.

Lapointe's fish market is good and very resonable.

Also 4)Vineyards has a jazz night on Wed and good food deals too!

For Desserts I recoment gelata places.

Piccolo Grande or Fresco Cielo on Elgin.

Kinki is good for Sushi put really trendy and overpriced.

Suisha Gardens is good and more resonable.

Good Teriyaki chicken and yummy sushi!

Kelseys uses frozen and canned foods, might as well eat at home in my oppinion then! or save the $$$ and go to MM Meats!

[guest 03]

Best Chinese food is Man's Kitchen on Somerset, between Percy and Bronson. I used to work near it, and always frequented it.

Also check out the Mongolian Grill in Bells Corners, they've recently changed but they're still a great place.

Zak's is great in the market, or the Blue Cactus.

The Works is arguably the best burger place in Ottawa, in the Glebe, Westboro, or Vanier.

"Mongolian Grill" is not that great and not really Mongolian.
Ate there this year. It is a place where they do a stir-fry in front of you with stuff you mix together. Not worth it as the food is priced in weight and not that exiting.

Your standard chinese/american/oriental sauces and reg meats.

I have heard The Works is good, but is $12+ for one burger.

[Absolute]

"Mongolian Grill" is not that great and not really Mongolian.
Ate there this year. It is a place where they do a stir-fry in front of you with stuff you mix together. Not worth it as the food is priced in weight and not that exiting.

I have heard The Works is good, but is $12+ for one burger.
Agreed, unfortunately they changed their name and the owners a few years ago, and jacked up the prices. It used to be an excellent restaurant, but it's stll not bad if you don't mind the price.

As for The Works, it may be pricey for a burger, but those will easily fill any appetite you might have!

[Brandon]

For any of you late night bar/club folk ... how about the Elgin Street Diner and their mega poutines and late night breakfast???

:cheesygri

Any good Korean places in Ottawa? The Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese food is definately not up to GTA places I'm used to, but I they can satiate my cravings.

[warpdrive]

I have heard The Works is good, but is $12+ for one burger.

Actually most of their burgers are under $10. Try the burgers with sweet potato fries. And get a tower of rings with sweet/spicey sauce for appetizers.

They have THICK RICH milkshakes, a must have.

[mrmoe]

under the fish market resturant there is a wine bar.

go there after dinner.

[Absolute]

For any of you late night bar/club folk ... how about the Elgin Street Diner and their mega poutines and late night breakfast???

Agreed; I've been there many times after hitting Inferno/Senate/Griffons.

[Venusia]

What do you suggest for breakfast (I'm looking for a bakery that makes their own pastries and bread)?

[mrmoe]

What do you suggest for breakfast (I'm looking for a bakery that makes their own pastries and bread)?

Perkins on St Laurent across from the mall.

I love that place!!

Really nice if you stay at the Chimo Hotel across the street.

[TinyTank]

DON'T LIVE IN THE CAPITAL, however i'm sure they have a mcdonalds. This is where i took my parents for their 25th anniversary. Fine dining indeed!

[guest 03]

The Nelson St Portuguese Bakery at 48 Nelson St

makes all their own bread and they are all natural and made fresh everyday.

Their Croisants are good and come in plain or a honey almond type.

They also have some traditional portuguese pastries, date squares, apple tarts and a few other things.

I have seen "Mille Feuille" pastries for $1.50 max and the coconut macaroons are 3 for 1.25!!! and are so yummy.

it is kinf of out of the way neat the corner of Murray and Nelson neat the bytowne cinema.

But you can buy so much stuff for $5

a large loaf of Bread is only $2.20, buns and rolls are only 30c

THEY ARE CLOSED EVERY TUESDAY (not shouting just want to make this noticed more)

(they also make bread for alot of restaurants in Ottawa and deliver it in their white truck everyday....)
They are pretty small and i don't think they take interac yet...

Good brownies also $1.40 for a huge square enough for 2 people...

Portuguese Bakery
48 Nelson St
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7R2

tel: (613) 789-8014

*I don't work for them. i am just a big fan of their macaroons and bread and go there every week. one of my friends used to live beside there.

[TinyTank]

The Nelson St Portuguese Bakery at 48 Nelson St

makes all their own bread and they are all natural and made fresh everyday.

Their Croisants are good and come in plain or a honey almond type.

They also have some traditional portuguese pastries, date squares, apple tarts and a few other things.

I have seen "Mille Feuille" pastries for $1.50 max and the coconut macaroons are 3 for 1.25!!! and are so yummy.

it is kinf of out of the way neat the corner of Murray and Nelson neat the bytowne cinema.

But you can buy so much stuff for $5

a large loaf of Bread is only $2.20, buns and rolls are only 30c

THEY ARE CLOSED EVERY TUESDAY (not shouting just want to make this noticed more)

(they also make bread for alot of restaurants in Ottawa and deliver it in their white truck everyday....)
They are pretty small and i don't think they take interac yet...

Good brownies also $1.40 for a huge square enough for 2 people...

Portuguese Bakery
48 Nelson St
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7R2

tel: (613) 789-8014

*I don't work for them. i am just a big fan of their macaroons and bread and go there every week. one of my friends used to live beside there.


sure. have a hard time believing you. POst is so detailed and u have memorized all their prices.

[Bordello]

DON'T LIVE IN THE CAPITAL, however i'm sure they have a mcdonalds. This is where i took my parents for their 25th anniversary. Fine dining indeed!
Nope no McDonalds here. Never heard of the place. Do they serve traditional Scottish foods or something?

[Absolute]

Nope no McDonalds here. Never heard of the place. Do they serve traditional Scottish foods or something?

Sounds similar to the bar at Bay & Albert, they serve some mean hagas! Thankfully they serve free whiskey after the free hagas...

[YLSF]

What do you suggest for breakfast (I'm looking for a bakery that makes their own pastries and bread)?


If you are staying at the ARC then Elgin street to your east is the closest commercial area. Also Bank is to your west, but when I used to live there the area was far from impressive. I suggest you walk into the market and go to the little french bakery that is at the end of the small plaza in the middle of the market. I forget what it is called now! Actually, there are a couple of little bakeries there.

I forget if Elgin street had a bakery. I don't recall one now. I use to buy bagels at Great Canadian Bagel.

EDIT: Oh, I think when my sister stayed at ARC a few years ago they had a HUGE breakfast buffet thing. She said it was pretty good.. So, if you are looking to save a few bucks you should look into that (not sure if it was included in the price of the room or what)

[ericssonboi]

Best Chinese food is Man's Kitchen on Somerset, between Percy and Bronson. I used to work near it, and always frequented it.

Also check out the Mongolian Grill in Bells Corners, they've recently changed but they're still a great place.

Zak's is great in the market, or the Blue Cactus.

The Works is arguably the best burger place in Ottawa, in the Glebe, Westboro, or Vanier.

Sorry... but i'm gonna have to correct you on the Chinese Food part..
The best Chinese food (HK style) is Cafe Orient on Somerset near Booth Street. Fast and good food... reasonable prices..
Man's kitchen is similar, but can't compare to Cafe Orient..

Yantz is a more family oriented restaurant with every dish almost at $10.
Chu Sing is also a family oriented restaurant but prices are cheaper and much dirtier compared to Yantz.

Zak's has the best milkshakes (thickest)

Korean: Korea Garden on Rideau near Vanier

[guest 03]

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

If u only know one person u can always eat out by yourself!
None of my friends want to eat out during the week, so i usually end up eating out by myself alot during the week- when i am too lazy to cook that is...

[guest 03]

sure. have a hard time believing you. POst is so detailed and u have memorized all their prices.


Ok,
I have been shopping at this bakery almost every week since I was in high school. One of my friends lived beside there for like 8 years...

Um, the people who work there know me as I shop there alot...

I shop there 2 times a week.

Anyway, I am off to get some macaroons tommorow at lunch!

[canabiz]

Still looking for VEAL on a BUN place in Ottawa

Seeing the folks in TO enjoying it a lot makes me drooling so to speak

The closest i find is Veal parmagian (sp ?) with Nicastro's on Merivale and some other Italian joints

Help anyone ?

[trashmouth12]

Dunn's smoked meat on Elgin =)

[Absolute]

Dunn's smoked meat on Elgin =)

Definately, always fills me up. The one on Queen street is good too, looks more like a diner.

[trashmouth12]

Definately, always fills me up. The one on Queen street is good too, looks more like a diner.
Just never go to Nate's :bleh: