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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Downtown

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23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Fauna restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1428)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary Canadian • Downtown
Booked 15 times today
fauna is about the things we love: eating and drinking with friends and family in a fun space. Our menu is seasonally driven and we support local farmers and producers wherever possible. We love the neighborhood and the space and are so happy to be open in Centretown.We like to have fun in the kitchen. We serve small plates so you can try more than one dish. We use local ingredients wherever possible. We’re inspired by where we live, places we’ve been and things we’d like to do.
A photo of The Vanitea Room a Tea Salon and Eatery restaurant
4.1
Excellent(630)
Price: Expensive
• Breakfast • Downtown
Booked 4 times today
Welcome to The Vanitea Room, Ottawa's first opulent Salon de Te & Eatery. Specializing in a bespoke and creative approach to afternoon tea and brunch while offering gluten free considerations as well vegan accommodations- inclusive for all to indulge in. Feeling like a decadent brunch fit for royalty? Come spoil yourself in our all day brunch or our ever so popular bottomless prosecco and mimosas! Available from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm. At Vanitea, we provide a timeless tradition done beautifully.
A photo of Cantina Gia restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1003)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • The Glebe
Booked 41 times today
Welcome to Cantina GiaWe look forward to seeing you soon.
A photo of North and Navy restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1822)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 23 times today
North and Navy is a neighborhood gem in Downtown Ottawa. With a menu inspired by the Bacari of Venice, it offers a unique take on classic Italian dishes. The restaurant is highly rated for its ambiance, service, and food. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and the food is described as 'sophisticated yet classic', 'tasty', and 'authentic'. As one reviewer puts it, it's 'a charming location with a small but diverse menu' that offers a 'wonderful cool, relaxed vibe'.
A photo of Al's Steakhouse restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(518)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 17 times today
Al's Steakhouse in downtown Ottawa is a neighborhood gem. Known for its signature Angus beef cooked on live charcoal and fresh fish, it has received rave reviews for its delicious food. Customers appreciate the welcoming service and great atmosphere. One reviewer stated, 'Fantastic food, fantastic service and atmosphere. Would definitely return.' Another said, 'This is our “go to” restaurant.' The restaurant's ambiance and decor are also highly praised.
A photo of EVOO Greek Kitchen restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(189)
Price: Expensive
• Greek • Downtown
Booked 17 times today
Welcome to our Greek restaurant, where we celebrate the joy of sharing delicious food with your loved ones. Immerse yourself in the warmth of Greek hospitality as you embark on a culinary journey filled with enticing shared dishes, mouthwatering grilled meats, and exquisite fresh seafood boards. Our menu is thoughtfully designed to showcase the vibrant flavours of Greece, using the finest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Enjoy our family style menu focusing on sharing and small plates which allows you to experience more of what our menu has to offer. We specialize in our grilled meats, seafood and Greek specialties and classics served either a la carte or on our sharing boards and platters to share with your entire your entire group. We also can host large or small groups with pre set menus to allow your guests to enjoy their experience and not have to worry about what to order.
A photo of Social - Ottawa restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1335)
Price: Very Expensive
• Bistro • ByWard Market
Booked 17 times today
Social - Ottawa is a gem in the neighborhood. With a blend of restaurant and bar, it's the perfect spot for a sit-down dinner or after-work cocktails. Reviewers love its ambiance, describing it as a cool, friendly neighborhood vibe with excellent food and service. The patio in the courtyard is a hit and the Chef Salad is a favorite. It's definitely a must-visit destination in downtown Ottawa.
A photo of Milestones Grill + Bar - Ottawa - Sussex restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1082)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Canadian • Downtown
Booked 13 times today
The classics you love prepared with a perfect twist, all served up in an atmosphere that feels just right. That’s the Milestones promise. So, whether you’re celebrating a milestone, making the most of Happy Hour or enjoying brunch with friends, you can be sure that every Milestones experience is a simple and perfectly memorable one.
A photo of Giovanni's Ristorante restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(563)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 21 times today
Giovanni�s Ristorante, which you can find in Ottawa, Ontario, is proud of its reputation for serving some of the finest Italian cuisine in the surrounding area. The staff insists upon only the finest ingredients like AAA steaks and seafood taken fresh from the sea. Guests will also enjoy the lovely d�cor, which is filled with gleaming crystal, in addition to the food at Giovanni�s Ristorante. One great way to start your meal at Giovanni�s Ristorante is with one of the excellent soups, such as the minestrone or the stracciatella. When you make it to the main meal, you might try one of the veal dishes. The veal marsala, with mushrooms and a wine sauce, is just one of many options.
A photo of Gezellig restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(388)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Canadian • Downtown
Booked 49 times today
Gezellig is a neighborhood gem in Ottawa's downtown area. It's known for its warm atmosphere and exceptional service, as reflected in the numerous glowing reviews. The food is consistently praised as 'scrumptious' and 'excellent', with dishes like seared scallops, braised beef short ribs, and wild-caught lingcod being standouts. Gezellig is a go-to spot for locals, with its reasonable prices and fantastic ambience.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Tanner
    Ottawa •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Went to this restaurant for a date. Upon arrival, the waitress was very kind and got us seated fairly quickly. The ambiance and atmosphere of the place was magnificent and gave a very romantic mood. I have to say, the lighting was very dim but in a good way that gave the perfect vibe for the date to set the mood. We were seated at a small table which included a real burning candle and a rose which smelled amazing. Although the tables are very close together and the noise level was fairly loud when we arrived, it was still a great mood and experience overall. The music which played in the background was R&B. As for the food, I had the Spaghetti Pomodoro and my date had the Spaghetti Meatballs. We were not disapointed with the quality of the food and the price. The food tastes fantastic and the prices are just right. Our waitress was also very attentive and consistently refilled our waters and took our orders for dinner and dessert at the right times. Overall, Cantina Gia is a fantastic restaurant for a romantic evening with that special someone. It does not disappoint.
    More info
    Cantina GiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• The Glebe
    4.6
  • Hailey
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Incredible hospitality and food — can’t wait to visit again!
    More info
    North and NavyPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.6
  • Franziska
    Ottawa •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    It was our mothers 80’s birthday. We were 6, including a two year old. Our server was fantastic, prompt, courteous and thoughtful. The Steak was perfect and the house salad dressing spectacular . The birthday girl received the BIGGEST piece of complimentary cake!
    More info
    Al's SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.7
  • Sanjit
    Ottawa •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Fabulous time was had with my wife for an impromptu brunch and afternoon tea. A welcome surprise to have a green shakshuka? Very interesting and quite delicious. Reminded me of back home. Nice scones too. Will be back.
    More info
    The Vanitea Room a Tea Salon and EateryPrice: Expensive• Breakfast• Downtown
    4.1
  • Catherine
    Ottawa •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    We had a lovely evening with excellent food and service. The oysters were fresh, delicious and served with 2 sauces that really elevated the taste. Another stand out dish was the seafood chowder, really delicious. We enjoyed the rest of the meal and I loved the pumpkin cheesecake for dessert. Also noted that our cappuccinos were very good. I would highly recommend this restaurant and look forward to going again.
    More info
    FaunaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Canadian• Downtown
    4.7

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Downtown

Discover the allure of Downtown Ottawa's dining scene, a vibrant hub that offers a treasure trove of "neighborhood gems" where culinary excellence meets cozy ambiance. From Italian delights to global cuisine and modern Canadian dishes, each restaurant in this locale is characterized by its dedication to providing exceptional service, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere. These eateries are celebrated for their unique ability to blend sophisticated dining with a laid-back, friendly environment, making them ideal spots for both special occasions and casual outings. Patrons consistently praise these establishments for their scrumptious menus and the overall dining experience, which often includes unique decor and a warm, inviting vibe. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring the neighborhood gems of Downtown Ottawa promises a memorable culinary adventure that caters to a diverse range of tastes and preferences. Experience the charm of the city's dining scene, where each restaurant stands out for its commitment to quality and genuine hospitality.

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