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Best Contemporary Canadian Restaurants in Downtown

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20 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Fauna restaurant
1. Fauna
4.8
Exceptional(1418)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • Downtown
Booked 15 times today
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Ottawa, Fauna stands out as a beacon of Farm-to-table excellence, championing local farmers and seasonal ingredients with a playful and innovative approach. Diners rave about their experiences, with one guest exclaiming, "The scallops and pork belly rank among the best I've ever tasted. Truly an outstanding experience." At Fauna, each dish is not only a treat for the palate but also a testament to sustainable culinary practices. The restaurant's commitment to local sourcing is evident, making every meal a fresh, flavorful journey. Whether it's the celebrated beetroot Wellington or the sublime pork belly with scallops, Fauna consistently delivers "impeccable and delicious" food that captures the essence of true Farm-to-table dining, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and delightful culinary experience in Ottawa.
A photo of Beckta restaurant
2. Beckta
4.8
Exceptional(239)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • Downtown
Booked 28 times today
Beckta in downtown Ottawa is a cornerstone of authentic Canadian cuisine, consistently delivering a high-quality dining experience that has earned it 19 consecutive CAA 4-Diamond Awards. With a focus on signature Canadian products, diners rave about the "absolutely amazing evening" where "service, food, and atmosphere were superb." The menu offers a delightful exploration of flavors with dishes like the "wonderful smokey tasting duck" and "perfectly cooked scallops," each "beautifully presented." Whether opting for the tasting menu or a la carte, guests are treated to a "memorable" culinary journey, underscored by "high-touch hospitality" and a "cozy heritage home" ambiance, making every visit to Beckta a truly exceptional Canadian dining experience.
A photo of Play Food & Wine restaurant
3. Play Food & Wine
4.6
Exceptional(256)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • ByWard Market
Booked 36 times today
Play Food & Wine in Ottawa's vibrant ByWard Market is a standout for Contemporary Canadian cuisine. Designed for sharing, their menu celebrates the best local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients, supporting area farmers with every dish. Frequent menu updates ensure a fresh, exciting culinary journey, catering to a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Reviewers rave about the restaurant's creative food combinations and exceptional service, highlighting dishes like the "seed crusted lingcod" and "tandoori halloumi" as both "inventive and SO very delicious." Play's approachable yet sophisticated atmosphere, combined with a thoughtful wine list and attentive staff, makes each visit a delightful dining experience. As one reviewer aptly noted, it's the "most pleasant dining spot in town," perfect for any occasion from casual dinners to special celebrations.
A photo of North and Navy restaurant
4. North and Navy
4.6
Exceptional(1800)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • Downtown
Booked 29 times today
North and Navy in downtown Ottawa offers a delightful exploration of Canadian cuisine with a unique twist, celebrating the deep-rooted similarities between Eastern Ontario and Northeast Italy. The restaurant has garnered glowing reviews for its imaginative dishes and impeccable service. Diners rave about the "explosive flavors" and the "outstanding" food, with one guest highlighting the "remarkable food and beverage experience" that's a must-try in Ottawa. The use of seasonal game, seafood, and vegetables ensures a fresh and authentic dining experience. North and Navy's commitment to quality is evident, making it a standout destination for both locals and visitors seeking exceptional Canadian fare.
A photo of Feast + Revel restaurant
5. Feast + Revel
3.8
Excellent(321)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • ByWard Market
Booked 3 times today
Located on the first floor of the Andaz Hotel, Feast + Revel proudly offers a culinary experience in celebration of the land on which it stands, led by our executive chef Chanaka Amarakoon. Sample a variety of innovative culinary flavors infused with Ottawa’s heritage at our restaurant. The cuisine explores and pushes the boundaries of what we know to be Canadian food by applying sophisticated techniques to familiar flavors.Feast + Revel is a vibrant destination that combines the best elements of a restaurant, gourmet dining and cocktail bar. Enjoy our stylish and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for any occasion. Open for Breakfast, Happy Hour and Dinner. Join us for Happy Hour every day from 4 PM to 6 PM 🥂For parties larger than 16 people, please contact the Hotel at Ottawa.Guest@andaz.com.
A photo of Atelier - Ottawa restaurant
6. Atelier - Ottawa
4.8
Exceptional(1729)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • Downtown
Booked 5 times today
At Atelier, we solely offer an experiential & interactive 40 course tasting menu with pescatarian & vegetarian menus available for $250 per guest. We are not able to offer a vegan menu. Wine pairing options are availableDining time is 4 hoursWe do not accept menu modifications for aversions/dislikes, as this will compromise the integrity of the experienceShould you have any severe allergies, please highlight them in detail at time of booking, keeping in mind that we are not able to omit dairy, gluten, soy, nightshades, mushroom & allium as this impacts the overall experience. We will contact you for further clarification & to determine if we will be able to safely accommodate Regarding mild allergies, our kitchen is not allergen-free & therefore we cannot guarantee zero cross-contaminationPlease note that severe allergies may result in the outright omission of any one course from your experience
A photo of JOEY Rideau restaurant
7. JOEY Rideau
4.4
Awesome(41)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary canadian • ByWard Market
Booked 70 times today
At JOEY Rideau, located in the vibrant ByWard Market of Ottawa, Canadian cuisine finds a delightful expression that's both innovative and deeply satisfying. Celebrated for its masterful blend of local and global influences, the restaurant offers a culinary journey unlike any other. With a team of executive chefs rather than a single chef, JOEY Rideau ensures a diverse and exquisite menu that keeps patrons coming back. Guests rave about the "amazingly delicious" sauce of the gyoza and the "fantastic" seared salmon sushi roll, highlighting the exceptional quality of both food and service. The ambiance, described as cozy despite its lively setting, complements the meticulously crafted dishes, making JOEY Rideau a must-visit for authentic and upscale Canadian dining. As one reviewer puts it, it's a place where "everything was perfect from the moment we arrived until we finished dessert."
A photo of Bar Lupulus restaurant
8. Bar Lupulus
4.9
Exceptional(1369)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • Hintonburg
Booked 30 times today
At Bar Lupulus, nestled in the heart of Hintonburg, Ottawa, the Beer Garden experience transcends the ordinary. Renowned for its "cozy Craft Beer and Natural Wine Bar," this spot boasts a "lovely leafy patio" making it an oasis for beer enthusiasts. With "22 rotating taps" and an ever-changing lineup featuring the best craft beers, including a superb selection of Belgian Geuze, each visit promises a new palate adventure. Patrons rave about the "excellent service" and the patio's ambiance, describing it as a "hidden gem." It's the perfect blend of fine brews and a vibrant atmosphere, making Bar Lupulus a must-visit for authentic Beer Garden cuisine.
A photo of Gezellig restaurant
9. Gezellig
4.7
Exceptional(343)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • Downtown
Booked 44 times today
Gezellig in Downtown Ottawa is a beacon of Market Cuisine, celebrated for its commitment to local, seasonal ingredients and exquisite French culinary techniques. Diners consistently rave about their experience, noting dishes like the "best creamy soups ever" and "creative and brilliant way with scallops." The atmosphere is described as cozy yet elegant, with each dish from the seared scallops to the classic butterfinger dessert crafted to perfection. As one reviewer put it, the food is "always wonderful here," ensuring that each visit is a delightful exploration of the freshest market offerings. Gezellig not only offers a great dining experience but also becomes a place where each meal is a memorable event, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Market Cuisine.
A photo of Parlour restaurant
10. Parlour
4.7
Exceptional(324)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • Westboro
Booked 6 times today
Parlour in Westboro, Ottawa, is not just a restaurant; it's a cocktail aficionado's paradise. Celebrated among Ottawa's top 10 new restaurants, Parlour excels in crafting unique and carefully curated cocktails that make every visit memorable. Guests rave about the cocktail bar's creativity and flair, with one patron noting the drinks were "very carefully crafted and delicious." The eclectic and cozy atmosphere of mid-century modern design further enhances the drinking experience, making Parlour a standout destination for those seeking a blend of style, comfort, and exceptional mixology. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Parlour promises a cocktail experience that's both innovative and delightfully satisfying.

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Discover best Contemporary Canadian restaurants in Downtown

Downtown Ottawa is a vibrant hub for those seeking Contemporary Canadian cuisine, offering a rich tapestry of dining experiences that blend classic Canadian traditions with modern culinary techniques. Restaurants in this area are celebrated for their use of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, ensuring each dish reflects the freshness and quality expected by discerning diners. Whether it's the innovative fusion of flavors, the revival of forgotten cooking traditions, or the commitment to excellent hospitality, each establishment provides a unique perspective on Canadian culinary arts. These dining spots are not only known for their exceptional food but also for their inviting ambiance, combining fine dining quality with a casual, welcoming environment. From historic breweries offering locally crafted beers to award-winning restaurants with a penchant for culinary excellence, downtown Ottawa is truly a destination for food lovers seeking an authentic and memorable dining experience.

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