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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Downtown

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23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Fauna restaurant
1. Fauna
4.7
Exceptional(1424)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary Canadian • Downtown
Booked 14 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
2. The Vanitea Room a Tea Salon and Eatery
4.1
Excellent(622)
Price: Expensive
• Breakfast • Downtown
Booked 5 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
3. Cantina Gia
4.6
Exceptional(995)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • The Glebe
Booked 31 times today
Welcome to Cantina GiaWe look forward to seeing you soon.
A photo of North and Navy restaurant
4. North and Navy
4.6
Exceptional(1820)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 30 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
5. Al's Steakhouse
4.7
Exceptional(513)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 12 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
6. EVOO Greek Kitchen
4.7
Exceptional(181)
Price: Expensive
• Greek • Downtown
Booked 29 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
7. Social - Ottawa
4.6
Exceptional(1327)
Price: Very Expensive
• Bistro • ByWard Market
Booked 19 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 Sidedoor Contemporary Kitchen & Bar restaurant
8. Sidedoor Contemporary Kitchen & Bar
4.6
Exceptional(1222)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Asian • ByWard Market
Booked 12 times today
Inspired by the street food of Southeast Asia, SIDEDOOR Restaurant offers an elegant, sharing-style dining experience sure to bring people together. Available for dine-in or takeout, we are renowned for our fresh, local produce and our unique use of exotic spices and ground curries. Chef Ben Landreville has created a tantalizing menu, placing an emphasis on Asian-inspired tacos and main dishes. Don't forget to end your dining experience with warm, hand-made donuts sure to please your sweet tooth!We look forward to welcoming you soon!
A photo of Tosca Ristorante - Ottawa restaurant
9. Tosca Ristorante - Ottawa
4.4
Awesome(1084)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 13 times today
Tosca Ristorante in Ottawa is a neighborhood gem, as described by its rave reviews. It offers an elegant blend of traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine in an inviting, sophisticated setting. Patrons love the food and service, with one even stating, 'This is the place to be when you are looking for an exquisite Italian place to dine.' It's not just about the food, the ambiance is also a hit, with one reviewer calling it 'delectable.' The consistent high ratings for food, service, and ambiance make Tosca Ristorante a standout in the neighborhood.
A photo of Gezellig restaurant
10. Gezellig
4.7
Exceptional(376)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Canadian • Downtown
Booked 65 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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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Heather
    Ottawa •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    It was my 2nd time there and I had to try the Butcher Block. After Crab Stuffed Mushrooms and side salads the 3 of us couldn’t finish the block. Everything was so delicious. Can’t wait to eat the leftovers. Will definitely go back!!
    More info
    Al's SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    •
    4.7
  • MikeVIP
    Toronto / Ontario •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    An amazing experience overall. Bar seats with attentive and informative service with Quinn. Superbly crafted cocktails made with slight adjustments to meet our tastes. The menu is limited but offers amazing tastes for every palate. Plates are shareable, food is expertly prepared and delicious. Butternut squash mezzaluna steals the show!
    More info
    North and NavyPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • AndrewH
    Newcastle and Northumberland •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Lovely vibe Food was great Server seemed a little overwhelmed with the number of tables she had, but was super friendly and lovely. Would go back. Prices reasonable
    More info
    Cantina GiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• The Glebe
    •
    4.6
  • MichaelVIP
    Ottawa •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    After 10 years, Fauna is still one of the best restaurants in Ottawa. The food, drinks, atmosphere and staff are all top rate. Do not miss out on this Centretown gem.
    More info
    FaunaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Canadian• Downtown
    •
    4.7
  • OpentableDinerVIP
    Ottawa •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 3, 2024
    Afternoon tea was fabulous and so beautifully presented! Had the best time with my aunt and 2 sisters for a joint birthday celebration. Accommodated my gluten free allergies so kindly and the special touches with the flowers 🌸 everywhere! Even on the tower. We will be back for Valentine’s Day!
    More info
    The Vanitea Room a Tea Salon and EateryPrice: Expensive• Breakfast• Downtown
    •
    4.1

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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