{"id":746107,"date":"2026-06-19T00:20:10","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T00:20:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/746107\/"},"modified":"2026-06-19T00:20:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T00:20:10","slug":"9-of-the-best-ottawa-restaurants-that-should-be-on-every-visitors-list-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/746107\/","title":{"rendered":"9 of the best Ottawa restaurants that should be on every visitor’s list in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ottawa’s food <\/a>scene<\/a> is far too good to fit into a single list of restaurants.<\/p>\n

The city has everything from budget-friendly<\/a> eats<\/a> and casual lunch spots to fancy tasting menus and special-occasion dinners.<\/p>\n

That said, if a friend were visiting and asked me what the best restaurants in Ottawa<\/a> are, there are a few places I\u2019d immediately recommend.<\/p>\n

In no particular order, here are nine Ottawa restaurants that deserve a spot on your food itinerary in 2026.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0The Whalesbone<\/p>\n

\"Food<\/p>\n

A very on-brand Whalesbone spread for me.<\/p>\n

Alessa Hickman | Narcity<\/a><\/p>\n

Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n

Cuisine: Seafood & meats<\/p>\n

Address: 231 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n

Why You Need To Go: I’ve spent a lot of time eating my way around Ottawa, and I always come back to The Whalesbone.<\/p>\n

It’s best known for seafood and oysters, but I think there’s something on the menu for every foodie. <\/p>\n

Personally, I’m a big fan of the dry-aged steaks, and I still dream about the lobster bucatini pasta (pictured above) on a regular basis. I\u2019ve probably been to the Elgin Street location the most over the years, but they have a couple in the city.<\/p>\n

Between the seafood, mains, apps, and atmosphere, Whalesbone just delivers every time.<\/p>\n

Whalesbone Menu<\/a><\/p>\n

1.\u00a0Le Mien Craft Noodle<\/p>\n

\"Close-up<\/p>\n

One of my favourite bowls of soup in the city.<\/p>\n

Alessa Hickman | Narcity<\/a><\/p>\n

Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n

Cuisine: Chinese noodles<\/p>\n

Address: 43 William St., Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n

Why You Need To Go: If you’ve read any of my Ottawa food recommendations before, you probably knew this restaurant would make the list.<\/p>\n

Le Mien Craft Noodle is one of my favourite places to eat in the city, especially during the colder months.<\/p>\n

I love that the noodles are hand-pulled to order right in front of you, and there are also quite a few noodle styles to choose from.<\/p>\n

I’m personally partial to the Two Xi noodles.<\/p>\n

I usually order their traditional beef noodle soup, and the portion sizes are no joke \u2014 even the small is enough to fill me up.<\/p>\n

If you’re visiting Ottawa, there’s a good chance you’ll end up in the ByWard Market at some point anyway, so this is an easy stop while you’re there.<\/p>\n

Le Mien Menu<\/a><\/p>\n

2.\u00a0The Green Door Restaurant & Bakery<\/p>\n

Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n

Cuisine: Vegetarian \/ Buffet<\/p>\n

Address: 198 Main Street, Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n

Why You Need To Go: I’ve been a fan of The Green Door for as long as I can remember.<\/p>\n

In fact, I used to eat here all the time when I was a vegetarian growing up, and I’ve continued to stop by over the years.<\/p>\n

Even if you’re a dedicated meat-eater, I still think this spot is worth trying.<\/p>\n

The pay-by-weight buffet setup makes it easy to try a little bit of everything, and I usually end up getting a mix of items from the hot buffet and cold bar.<\/p>\n

Some of my personal favourites are the tofu broccoli stir-fry, mashed potatoes with kale, and mung bean noodles.<\/p>\n

And as someone who loves dessert, those are always a must for me too.<\/p>\n

The Green Door Menu<\/a><\/p>\n

4.\u00a0Gyubee Japanese Grill<\/p>\n

Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n

Cuisine: Japanese BBQ<\/p>\n

Address: Multiple locations in Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n

Why You Need To Go: I’ve loved Japanese food for years, which is a big part of why<\/a> I eventually moved to Japan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Luckily for you, there’s no need to fly across the world to enjoy Japanese barbecue. Gyubee is an all-you-can-eat spot where you grill almost everything yourself at the table.<\/p>\n

One of my favourite parts is watching all the different meats, seafood, veggies, and sides arrive before it\u2019s time to take over as the grill master.<\/p>\n

I’ve brought plenty of friends and family members here over the years, and it’s always been a hit.<\/p>\n

If I can offer a few tips, order some rice and lettuce for DIY lettuce wraps, split a pitcher of the lychee mojito with the table, and make sure you leave room for the mini cr\u00e8me br\u00fbl\u00e9es at the end!<\/p>\n

Gyubee Menu<\/a><\/p>\n

5.\u00a0Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner<\/p>\n

Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n

Cuisine: Brunch \/ Comfort classics<\/p>\n

Address: 1300 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n

Why You Need To Go: When Ottawa locals start talking about the city’s best brunch spots<\/a>, Chesterfield’s is pretty much always part of the conversation. And it definitely deserves the praise.<\/p>\n

Even if there’s a wait, don’t let that deter you. If I’ve learned one thing from living in Japan, it’s that a line usually means the food is worth it \u2014 and this spot is no exception.<\/p>\n

The menu is packed with fun takes on brunch classics, from eggs Benedict and chicken and waffles to pancakes and so many good sides.<\/p>\n

You’ll probably spend part of your meal looking around at what everyone else ordered and immediately wishing you’d ordered that too.<\/p>\n

If brunch is your favourite meal of the day, Chesterfield’s should be on your list for sure.<\/p>\n

Chesterfield’s Menu<\/a><\/p>\n

6.\u00a0Corner Peach<\/p>\n

Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n

Cuisine: Canadian bistro<\/p>\n

Address: 802 Somerset St. W, Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n

Why You Need To Go: Corner Peach shows up in a lot of Ottawa restaurant recommendations, and I totally get the hype.<\/p>\n

It’s such a pretty space inside, and the seasonal menu keeps things interesting too.<\/p>\n

Their smashburger is usually my go-to, but the salads, smaller bites, and larger entr\u00e9es are very worth checking out.<\/p>\n

I’d also be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention the attached Peach Corner Store. They sell prepared foods and takeaway items, but I’m usually making a beeline for the bakery section. If the cr\u00e8me br\u00fbl\u00e9e donut is available, consider this your sign to order one. That thing had me seeing in colour again.<\/p>\n

Corner Peach Menu<\/a><\/p>\n

7.\u00a0Sansotei Ramen<\/p>\n

Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n

Cuisine: Japanese<\/p>\n

Address: Multiple locations in Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n

Why You Need To Go: I couldn’t make a list of Ottawa’s<\/a> best restaurants<\/a> without including ramen.<\/p>\n

There are a bunch of great ramen spots in the city, but Sansotei is the one I find myself coming back to again and again.<\/p>\n

The menu has everything from tonkotsu and miso to shoyu and spicy ramen, so there’s a good chance you’ll find a bowl you love. I’m a big fan of the shoyu ramen, but my husband swears by their spicy tantan.<\/p>\n

When I eventually find myself back in Ottawa, I’ll be heading straight to Sansotei whenever I’m craving a little taste of Japan.<\/p>\n

Sansotei Ramen Menu<\/a><\/p>\n

8.\u00a0Umbrella Bar<\/p>\n

Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n

Cuisine: Comfort food \/ Pub classics<\/p>\n

Address: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n

Why You Need To Go: I love the Little Italy and Dow’s Lake area, so Umbrella Bar was always going to make this list.<\/p>\n

I had a fun girls’ night there after the Tulip Festival last year, and if you ask me, a patio overlooking the water is never a bad idea.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a good variety on the menu, like wings, nachos, sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes.<\/p>\n

The classic Umbrella Burger is always a solid option, but I also love their chicken sandwiches \u2014 especially if you go for the spicy version. And don’t even get me started on the drink menu.<\/p>\n

I’m a sucker for a fun cocktail, and they have a bunch of tropical-inspired options, like mojitos, margaritas, and frozen daiquiris. They also have some great non-alcoholic options, too, which I think is just as important.<\/p>\n

If you’re visiting Ottawa during patio season, this is a good place to start.<\/p>\n

Umbrella Bar Menu<\/a><\/p>\n

9.\u00a0Ayla’s Social Kitchen<\/p>\n

Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n

Cuisine: Mediterranean<\/p>\n

Address: 338 Preston St, Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n

Why You Need To Go: Ayla’s is a great option if you’re out with a group and want to share a bunch of dishes, but it works just as well for a meal on your own.<\/p>\n

I love the atmosphere inside, and I’m always a fan of a good patio, too.<\/p>\n

As for the food, I don’t think you can go wrong with kebabs, dips, halloumi, or mini pitas. <\/p>\n

There’s plenty to choose from, so it’s easy to order a few different items and try a little bit of everything.<\/p>\n

I’m also a certified dessert enthusiast, so any menu with cake or ice cream is already off to a good start in my books.<\/p>\n

Ayla’s Menu<\/a><\/p>\n

Good luck picking a spot<\/p>\n

Ottawa has way too many great restaurants to fit into a single list.<\/p>\n

And there were plenty of other deserving spots that didn’t make the cut.<\/p>\n

Still, if you’re visiting the capital in 2026 and looking for good places to eat, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these restaurants.<\/p>\n

If you do end up trying one, save me a bite!<\/p>\n

The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.<\/p>\n