Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Ottawa, Canada
1. BeaverTails Pastries
Delicious, hand-stretched, fried pastries topped with sweet or savory options. A beloved Ottawa tradition since the 1970s.
- Unique Shape: The signature shape of BeaverTails pastries is inspired by the Canadian beaver's tail.
- Wide Variety: Over 60 sweet and savory toppings to choose from, catering to every taste preference.
- Iconic Landmark: BeaverTails Pastries has multiple locations across Ottawa, including ByWard Market and the Rideau Centre.
2. Carleton University Dining Hall Poutine
Classic poutine with a twist: fresh cheese curds, hot gravy, and unique toppings like perogies or falafel. A student favorite.
- Student-friendly Prices: Affordable meals for students on a budget.
- Unique Toppings: Experiment with various toppings like perogies, falafel, or veggie burgers on your poutine.
- Convenient Location: Located on Carleton University campus, ideal for visitors exploring the university and surrounding area.
3. Albion Roast Beef Dinner
Traditional roast beef dinner served with Yorkshire pudding, peas, gravy, and mashed potatoes. A classic meal in Ottawa since the 1950s.
- Long-standing Tradition: Albion Roast Beef Dinner has been serving this dish for over 70 years.
- Quality Ingredients: The beef is slow-roasted to perfection, ensuring a tender and flavorful meal.
- Authentic Experience: Dine in an authentic British pub atmosphere for an unforgettable meal experience.
4. Kabul Palau
A traditional Afghan rice dish made with raisins, carrots, and almonds. Served with grilled meat or vegetables.
- Cultural Experience: Enjoy a taste of Afghan cuisine in Ottawa's vibrant multicultural community.
- Flavorful Rice Dish: Kabul Palau offers a delicious and aromatic blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Warm Hospitality: Experience friendly and welcoming service at Golden Sabah Afghan Cuisine.
5. La Bottega Nicola Pizzeria Margherita
Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Cooked in a wood-fired oven for a perfect crust.
- Artisanal Pizza: Handcrafted pizza made with quality ingredients.
- Wood-fired Oven: The pizza is cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven, ensuring an authentic Neapolitan taste.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Dine in a charming, rustic setting for a memorable pizza experience.
6. Little Italy Cannolis at Mama Teresa's Bakery
Flaky cannoli shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese and chocolate chips. A popular treat in Ottawa's Little Italy district.
- Authentic Recipe: Mama Teresa's Bakery uses a traditional Sicilian cannoli recipe.
- Rich Flavors: The creamy ricotta filling and chocolate chips create a delightful balance of flavors.
- Historic Little Italy: Visit Mama Teresa's Bakery in Ottawa's historic Little Italy district for an authentic Italian experience.
7. Bytown Bistro Maple Leaf Trout
Fresh trout fillet served with seasonal vegetables and a maple-brown butter sauce. A locally sourced dish that showcases Ottawa's culinary offerings.
- Local Sourcing: Bytown Bistro focuses on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Gourmet Preparation: The trout is expertly prepared with a unique maple-brown butter sauce.
- Elegant Atmosphere: Dine in a sophisticated setting for an upscale culinary experience.
8. El Camino Latin-Asian Fusion Tacos
A fusion of Latin and Asian flavors in a taco, such as the Korean BBQ beef or the Baja fish taco. A unique dish that represents Ottawa's diverse food scene.
- Fusion Cuisine: El Camino offers a creative blend of Latin and Asian flavors.
- Unique Taco Options: Choose from various taco fillings that showcase diverse culinary influences.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Experience a lively and energetic atmosphere at El Camino Latin-Asian Fusion.
9. Le Moulin de Provence Bouillabaisse
A traditional Provençal fish stew made with various seafood, saffron, and olive oil. A flavorful dish that showcases the best of French cuisine.
- French Cuisine: Le Moulin de Provence offers authentic French dishes.
- Seafood Variety: The bouillabaisse is made with a variety of fresh seafood for an unforgettable taste experience.
- Elegant Dining Experience: Enjoy a refined dining experience at Le Moulin de Provence.
10. Cocoa Bean Cafe Veggie Wrap
A hearty vegetarian wrap filled with vegetables, hummus, and a zesty tahini dressing. A healthy and delicious option in Ottawa.
- Health-conscious Option: The Veggie Wrap is a nutritious choice for vegetarians or health-conscious diners.
- Fresh Ingredients: High-quality, fresh ingredients are used to create this flavorful wrap.
- Warm & Comfortable Atmosphere: Dine in a cozy and inviting atmosphere at Cocoa Bean Cafe.
11. Fresco Italian Ristorante Lasagna Classica
Classic lasagna layers of pasta, cheese, and meaty ragu, topped with béchamel sauce. A comforting and satisfying dish that represents traditional Italian cuisine.
- Traditional Italian Cuisine: Fresco Italian Ristorante offers authentic Italian dishes.
- Comfort Food: The Lasagna Classica is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any meal.
- Elegant Dining Experience: Enjoy a sophisticated dining experience at Fresco Italian Ristorante.
12. Thyme & Again Cafe Vegan Buddha Bowl
A flavorful bowl filled with quinoa, roasted vegetables, avocado, and a tahini-miso dressing. A healthy and delicious option for vegans or vegetarians.
- Vegan & Vegetarian Option: Thyme & Again Cafe offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
- Fresh & Nutritious: The Vegan Buddha Bowl is made with fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients.
- Cozy & Inviting Atmosphere: Dine in a warm and inviting atmosphere at Thyme & Again Cafe.
13. Soif Bar à Vin Cheese Platter
A selection of artisanal cheeses served with fresh fruit, bread, and crackers. A gourmet experience that highlights local and international cheese offerings.
- Artisanal Cheese Selection: Soif Bar à Vin offers a curated selection of high-quality cheeses.
- Local & International Offerings: The cheese platter features both local and international cheese options.
- Charming Atmosphere: Savor your cheese platter in a cozy and intimate setting at Soif Bar à Vin.
14. Sushi Sake Japanese Restaurant California Roll
A classic sushi roll filled with crab meat, avocado, and cucumber. A popular choice for seafood lovers in Ottawa.
- Seafood Selection: Sushi Sake Japanese Restaurant offers a variety of sushi rolls and other Japanese dishes.
- Popular Choice: The California Roll is one of the most popular items on the menu.
- Authentic Experience: Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Sushi Sake Japanese Restaurant.
15. La Bottega Nicola Arancini di Riso
Fried rice balls filled with cheese, peas, and ragu sauce. A popular Italian street food that's now available in Ottawa.
- Street Food Tradition: Arancini di Riso is a classic Italian street food.
- Unique Filling: The filling inside the arancini is made with cheese, peas, and ragu sauce for an exciting flavor combination.
- Cozy & Rustic Atmosphere: Dine in a rustic and inviting atmosphere at La Bottega Nicola.