Our community picks for the best local food, restaurants, cafés, bars, and nightlife in Ottawa, Ontario — independent, family-run and locally-loved places, ranked by rating and community feedback. Each spot links to its full profile with hours, menu highlights and vibe.
Ottawa · 5/5 (437 reviews) · african
Ibex Habesha Restaurant in Ottawa offers a taste of traditional Ethiopian cuisine, inviting guests to experience a communal dining style. Dishes are served on injera, a spongy flatbread, perfect for scooping up…
Known for: traditional Ethiopian cuisine served communally on injera.
Ottawa · 4.9/5 (892 reviews)
Melaku Ethiopian Coffee Shop offers a welcoming atmosphere for visitors looking for authentic Ethiopian coffee and light fare. Situated in Ottawa, it provides a comfortable space to enjoy a traditional coffee…
Known for: Premium organic Ethiopian coffee crafted from Ethiopia's finest beans
Ottawa · 4.9/5 (31 reviews)
The Commons is a welcoming bar located in Ottawa, Ontario. It offers a comfortable space for patrons to gather and enjoy a variety of beverages. The atmosphere is generally laid-back, making it a suitable spot for…
Known for: a laid-back spot to gather and enjoy a variety of beverages in a comfortable setting.
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (135 reviews)
Pubwells on Sussex is a welcoming bar located in Ottawa. It offers a comfortable setting for patrons to unwind and socialize. The venue provides a relaxed atmosphere, making it a suitable spot for casual…
Known for: a comfortable setting to unwind and socialize with drinks
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (622 reviews) · chinese
Foodinator 干饭人 is a restaurant located in Ottawa, Ontario. This establishment offers a dining experience focused on providing satisfying meals. It serves as a place for people to gather and enjoy food, fitting into…
Known for: satisfying Chinese meals in a welcoming atmosphere.
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (48 reviews)
DeliKat Café is a welcoming spot in Ottawa serving coffee and light fare. Enjoy a selection of beverages and baked goods in a comfortable setting. It's a suitable place for a casual meet-up or a quiet moment.
Known for: coffee and light fare, including beverages and baked goods.
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (1254 reviews) · greek, italian
Neighbourhood gem in Wellington West with a daily-changing menu driven by seasonal Ontario produce and sustainable seafood
Known for: a daily-changing menu driven by seasonal Ontario produce and sustainable seafood.
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (132 reviews)
This Ottawa cafe offers a warm and inviting space for patrons to enjoy a variety of coffee drinks, teas, and light fare. It's a suitable spot for catching up with friends, working remotely, or simply taking a quiet…
Known for: Specialty coffee roastery serving world-class, thoughtfully sourced beans with precision roasting since 2013.
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (281 reviews)
Cuppa Chico offers a selection of snacks, meals, and beverages in Ottawa. It's a place to gather and enjoy a casual dining experience. The menu features a variety of options suitable for different preferences.
Known for: Fresh daily-baked bread including traditional Lebanese Kaake made from family recipes
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (75 reviews) · indian
Bina & Bros. offers a welcoming dining experience in Ottawa, focusing on delicious food in a comfortable setting. It's a great spot for a casual meal with friends or a low-key evening out, providing a pleasant…
Known for: delicious Indian food in a comfortable setting
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (295 reviews) · fusion, greek
Modern Middle Eastern cafe and restaurant in the heart of Ottawa's historic ByWard Market. Upscale dining experience with bespoke cocktails, a curated wine list, and delicious flavours from the Eastern Mediterranean.
Known for: upscale dining with bespoke cocktails and Eastern Mediterranean flavors.
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (427 reviews)
The Gilmour is a popular downtown Ottawa bar offering a lively atmosphere for patrons. It is a great spot to gather with friends to enjoy drinks and conversation. The venue provides a space for a relaxed evening out…
Known for: a lively atmosphere for drinks and conversation.
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (411 reviews)
BB Cafe is a welcoming spot in Ottawa, Ontario, perfect for a quiet coffee break or a casual meet-up. They offer a selection of coffees, teas, and light fare, making it a comfortable place to relax or catch up with…
Known for: a quiet coffee break or casual meet-up with a selection of coffees, teas, and light fare.
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (164 reviews) · african
Alhuda Restaurant offers a taste of East African cuisine in Ottawa. This local establishment provides a straightforward dining experience focused on traditional dishes. It's a welcoming spot for those looking to…
Known for: traditional East African dishes in a straightforward dining experience
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (65 reviews)
Iham Injera is a bakery located in Ottawa, Ontario, offering a selection of baked goods. It provides a comfortable spot for a casual bite or to pick up treats. The venue is suited for those seeking simple, satisfying…
Known for: a selection of baked goods for a casual bite or treats
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (214 reviews) · middle eastern
Safia Restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere for diners in Ottawa. Located at St. Laurent, it provides a comfortable setting for enjoying a meal. The venue is a suitable choice for those seeking a casual dining…
Known for: a welcoming atmosphere for a casual dining experience.
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (674 reviews) · american
Sharpfle Waffle offers a delightful take on sweet and savory waffles in Ottawa. Their menu features creative toppings and fresh ingredients, making it a satisfying option for breakfast, lunch, or a treat. The…
Known for: sweet and savory waffles with creative toppings.
Ottawa · 4.7/5 (601 reviews) · italian
Ciao Italia offers a taste of traditional Italian cooking in Ottawa. This restaurant provides a comfortable setting for patrons to enjoy classic dishes prepared with authentic flavors. It's a suitable spot for a…
Known for: traditional Italian cooking with authentic flavors in a comfortable setting.
Ottawa · 4.7/5 (654 reviews) · caribbean, fusion
Ottawa's most acclaimed fine dining experience. Multi-course molecular gastronomy tasting menus that push culinary boundaries
Known for: multi-course molecular gastronomy tasting menus that push culinary boundaries.
Ottawa · 4.7/5 (178 reviews)
Ugly Monday Coffee offers a welcoming space for locals and visitors in Ottawa. It's a comfortable spot to enjoy a range of coffee beverages, teas, and light snacks. The cafe provides a relaxed atmosphere perfect for…
Known for: range of coffee beverages, teas, and light snacks in a relaxed atmosphere
We rank the best local food, restaurants, cafés, bars, and nightlife in Ottawa by rating and community feedback, favouring independent and family-run spots — 20 are listed on this page.
See our late-night guide at https://cupsandbites.com/ottawa/open-late for spots in Ottawa open past 10 p.m., with today's hours on every profile.
Spots that take reservations show a "Reserve a table" button on their profile; others show "Call to book" or are walk-in.
More in Ottawa: Cafés in Ottawa · Bars in Ottawa · Pubs in Ottawa · Brunch Spots in Ottawa · Breakfast Spots in Ottawa · Lunch Spots in Ottawa · Dinner Restaurants in Ottawa · Bakeries in Ottawa · Coffee Shops in Ottawa · Dessert Spots in Ottawa · Open late in Ottawa