Five Chic Ottawa Restaurants to Visit this Spring

There are so many reasons to choose Ottawa as a hometown. For starters, it’s the nation’s capital, which means the hustle and bustle of parliament is part of the city’s charm. Then there’s the quaint Byward Market hub, reliable 24/7 public transit, and Gatineau Hills close by for all the nature-lovers. Ottawa is also Canada’s safest city. But, some say a place is only as good as its food. Lucky, DevMcGill’s new Arthaus project is in the heart of all the action and is near the city’s growing restaurant scene. These five chic Ottawa restaurants are well worth the visit this season as the temperatures slowly inch upward and out-of-house dining becomes more fun. Bon Appetit!

1. The Albion Rooms

The Albion Rooms is hidden in plain sight at the base of the Novotel on Nicholas Street. From its lounge chairs and low tables to its polished bar, glass-walled charcuterie station, and fine dining room, this is an ideal spot to kick back and enjoy a relaxing meal. The restaurant’s newest addition, the Heritage Room, is decorated like a British gastro-pub: its rounded booths, cozy corners, and satellite kitchen are the site of a daily breakfast buffet and dinners Wednesday to Saturday. Try the mushrooms on toast and elk tartare.

2. Beckta Dining & Wine

This award-winning flagship restaurant offering top-tier Canadian fare (think duck, salmon, and quality sautéed greens) made its home in the historic Grant House in 2014. Beckta’s fine dining rooms are located on two floors of this beautifully restored home. The critically acclaimed menu on offer is fresh, contemporary, and seasonal. Take advantage of the convenient a-la-carte lunch menu, and take your pick of two dinner menus: 3 courses or 5. Expect a warm and friendly atmosphere, with a side of light jazz.

3. Fraser Café

Fraser Café has been a neighbourhood staple in New Edinburgh since they first opened in 2008. They use top quality ingredients to make incredible food, at a reasonable price. They source products locally as much as possible and develop their menus based on the season. Try their pork with dauphine potatoes, red cabbage, sunchoke and goat cheese, and if you love the social side of dining, attend one or several in a series of wine and beer tasting events sometimes scheduled in their private dining room.

4. Atelier

Star chef Marc Lepine moved to Ottawa in 2001. He has been named ‘Ottawa Chef of the Year’ two times, ‘Canadian Culinary Champion’ at the finals in Kelowna, BC, and ‘Canada’s Most Innovative Chef’ by Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants magazine in 2018. Atelier, opened in 2008, serves a 12-course tasting menu nightly, and they make substitutions to any dish for allergies, strong dislikes, and vegetarians! Guests love the element of surprise that comes with a regularly changing menu.

5. Giovanni’s Ristorante

Lisa Cocco Pollastrini and her late husband Guiseppe Pollastrini established this joint in 1983. Their exceptional Italian dishes are made with handpicked ingredients, AAA meat, and fresh seafood. There is an undeniable family vibe in this still-upscale place. Giovanni’s specializes in private dining, event catering, and other special occasions, from romantic date nights to birthday celebrations. Not to mention the staff is incredibly welcoming!

Occupying nine floors and 89 suites, the future Arthaus Condo is centrally located just moments from the all the best restaurants in the city and offers exceptional panoramic views of the Ottawa skyline. There are only 13 units left so act quickly and purchase a piece of property in Canada’s capital city.