Cuisine ChoicesCultural ChoicesDinner & ShowFood ShopsOttawa's Hottest Restaurants
What are Ottawa’s Hottest Restaurants?
Even among the vast selection of nationally-renowned eateries that our capital has to offer, Ottawa’s Hottest Restaurants stand apart. These restaurants are the crown jewels in Ottawa’s dining scene: not only do they provide exceptional service and prepare innovative, memorable food, they also have a chic atmosphere and ambiance that makes them the place to be seen! Ottawa’s Hottest Restaurants are the perfect destination for a night on the town when you’re looking for something more than the ordinary.
Listed Alphabetically
When looking for a delicious cuisine choice, tucked away from the hustle and bustle, Carmello's is a restaurant that offers a little piece of the strong Italian heritage. Carmello's is the perfect getaway in the downtown core, but still within walking distance to Parliament Hill, the Byward Market, and many other infamous downtown attractions. Chosen as the "Best Italian Restaurant in 1998"; by the Ottawa Express, Carmello's offers contemporary Italian cuisine, attention to the fine details, and service that is unmatched anywhere in the Ottawa area!
Opened in 1997, the family-owned Johnny Farina’s has a longstanding reputation for excellent cuisine, a warm and intimate atmosphere, and an authentic Italian vibe. But it’s not just the food that keeps customers coming back again and again. At Farina’s, diners feel like old friends, and each pasta dish is made with Mama’s special touch.
Begin with a profound love and appreciation of sushi, an unwavering purveyance of the finest that Asian cuisine has to offer, toss in a penchant for aesthetics, add a dash of aural pleasure, and therein lies - the fundamental ingredients that comprise ‘Kinki Asian-Fusion’.
The pleasure of entertaining…. Taking inspiration from the fiery and aromatic cuisine of Central and South America, MAMBO is big flavors, samba~salsa music, mojito~caipirinhas and an array of tapas. The restaurant’s exposed brick walls and bold vibrant colors imbue the main dining area with a truly intimate atmosphere, making it perfect for romantic rendezvous or corporate cocktail receptions. The private room on the lower level or rooftop patio is perfect for celebrations, company meetings or product launches. MAMBO Nuevo Latino brings dynamic nightlife and a vibrant mix of cultures where you’ll wine; dine on a unique mix of Latin influences.
For hundreds of years, Parisians and tourists alike have flocked to the great brasseries of Paris. Now, in the heart of Ottawa, is the city's own French Brasserie with the city’s largest fresh oyster bar. Featuring fresh oysters and daily creations from Chef de Cuisine Mike Poliquin, there is something for everyone at Metropolitain Brasserie.
Opened in 2001, Restaurant e18hteen was envisioned as a a dinner destination with a cosmopolitan feel, devoted to showcasing outstanding regional cuisine. In the last decade, e18hteen has established itself as one of Ottawa’s top restaurants for both cuisine and atmosphere, proudly offering one of the capital’s most creative and tantalizing menus.
Opened in the summer of 1999, SOCIAL was conceived as the perfect blend of restaurant and bar -- a place where guests could enjoy an evening drink and where a sizzling menu meant that food was always an excellent option.
Opened in 1998, the Empire Grill is a Manhattan-style steakhouse with a genuine New York feel. Newlyrenovated after over a decade of success, there's no doubt that the Grill is poised to remain a perpetual favourite.
In 1882 construction of the building at the corner of George & William was completed & subsequently the Grand Hotel officially opened for business. On May 1st, 2009 in the same historic location was re-born as"The Grand".
Combining authentic Italian cuisine with fine wine and stellar service, Vittoria Trattoria has been satisfying the appetites of diners in the Ottawa area for almost two decades. Vittoria Trattoria has since gained a leading reputation as one of Ottawa's premiere dining spots, winning numerous awards including the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Ottawa City Magazine Best Italian Restaurant and Epicurean Best Wine Restaurant Award. Whether you are a casual diner or seasoned wine enthusiast, its extensive wine list of over 800 labels is sure to please all palates.
The William Street restaurant offers a wide range of rooms and services to host all kinds of intimate events/groups from 2-50 people. Custom menus, satellite bars and an impressive wine selection are merely a few of the particulars that can be coordinated to suit your entire group dining needs. The convenient downtown location also makes it ideal for cocktail/office parties, wedding brunches, anniversaries and much more.
