Best Fine Dining in Ottawa

"This upscale eatery is housed in the historic Grant House right in the heart of downtown Ottawa and looks and feels just like dining in a stately family home—from the wall art to the cozy nooks and crannies that are spread across two floors of the regal home. The modern Canadian menu consists of a variety of farm-to-table fare, ranging from local cheese boards and tartares, to seasonal vegetarian-friendly dishes and a great wine list that places emphasis on natural and organic Ontario wines."

"Ottawan Stephen Beckta worked as a sommelier in New York City before returning to Ottawa to open his first restaurant in 2003. The restaurateur now runs three establishments that continue to impress:. holds a CAA Four-Diamond designation and is known as one of the best restaurants in the city."

"Beckta's three-course meal kits start at $75 per person or $240 for a dinner for two including wine pairings. The price includes free local delivery. View this post on Instagram"

"Giovanni’s excellent service, presentation of exquisitely traditional dishes, sophisticated interior decoration and extensive wine cellar are on the expensive side but unparalleled in the city. Pair one of the fancy soups like stracciatella (veal consommé with egg and parmesan cheese) with an assorted plate of veal parmesan, manicotti and lasagna. This kind of high-calibre dining experience wouldn’t be complete without some great wine and dessert like panna cotta or tiramisu to top it off."

"Founders Lisa and Guiseppe wanted to bring their love of Italy to Ottawa and did they ever succeed. Authentic Italian dishes made with fresh veggies, seafood and the highest of quality meats are topped off with quality service that makes you feel like part of the family. Photo Credit: Giovanni's"

"What is it: The restaurant attached to the famous French cooking school’s only Canadian campus—and the first outside of Europe. Why go: This is the place for upscale French cuisine in Ottawa. The cooking school and the restaurant are located in a beautiful old mansion that is worth a visit on its own."

"With over 36 years in west-end Ottawa, the Rose Bowl Chophouse & Lounge continues it family tradition of serving patrons with exquisite service and memorable visits in the jazzy and contemporarily designed restaurant. Owner and Chef Danny Skaff brings his years of culinary experience to the Rose Bowl Chophouse with an exciting lunch and dinner menu. The entire staff is dedicated to bringing you the very best cuts of succulent meat, delectable entrées and freshly made desserts in an atmosphere second to none."

"On the banks of the Rideau Canal at the mouth of the Ottawa River sits Major’s Hill Park. A downtown based urban green space, Major’s Hill Park is situated among several of the most notable buildings in Ottawa, including Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, the U.S. Embassy, and the Byward Market."

"Major’s Hill Park is a big name in Ottawa, known as the park by the Parliament Buildings. This calm green space is close to the ByWard market and many museums and galleries and offers some fantastic lookout spots where you can see the Ottawa River and the Ottawa Locks.Address: 25 Range Rd, OttawaWebsite"

"Seek out opportunities to frame the building using the nature around the park. Keep your eyes open for sculptures and art installations as well!"

"Located not too far from downtown are a series of man-made waterfalls on the Rideau Canal, good for long-exposure experimentation and high-speed photography."

"One of my favourite places for an afternoon stroll is in the Dominion Arboretum. The arboretum is a beautiful oasis in the middle of Ottawa, about 10 minutes from the downtown. I like to park at the top and walk a 3.3k loop around the outer edge of the park, but you can also access the Arboretum beginning from Dow’s Lake or Carleton University at the locks."

"Established back in 1889, these 64-acres of rolling land showcases a large plant collection of 4000 species. The Dominion Arboretum is Canada’s oldest arboretum with 1000 tree species, several microclimates, and wonderful panoramic views.Address: Arboretum, OttawaWebsite"

"Just beyond, you can bike through the Dominion Arboretum and the Experimental Farm, where many species of trees colour the landscape. A jewel of nature near the city centre!"

"Showcasing the trending contemporary art pulse of the city, the Ottawa Art Gallery is made for art enthusiasts. The permanent collection consists of 850 contemporary pieces by Canadian artists including Kenneth Lochhead, Ron Noganosh and Lynne Cohen among others and consist of sculptures, paintings, photos and media art. The trending art collection gives you fresh perspective and truly is a mus...Read more"

"The City of Ottawa has a growing collection of public art including the latest addition courtesy of the Embassy of Belgium in Canada. Find this stunning mural entitled “Peace Flowers” at Lansdowne Park or look for the other 170 public art pieces at Library branches, community centres, parks, playgrounds, employment centres, or transit stations across Ottawa."

"The Ottawa Art gallery has a postmodern architecture style that is sure to live you in owe. The art gallery hosts native art pieces and paintings Canada as well as contemporary paintings and drawings from all over the world. You get to hear great music being played as you tour the museum and you can visit the bar that is inside the gallery."

"Located within the ByWard Market precinct is Canada’s impressive National Gallery, where you can spend hours exploring Canadian, American, Europea and Asian art. Head for the Canadian Gallery for artworks from the New France era during the 18th century, works by pioneering women artists such as Emily Carr and abstract paintings by groups of artists. Famous Canadian artist groups include the Automatistes in Montreal, Painters Eleven in Toronto and Regina Five in Saskatchewan."

"Image Source Are you running low on budget but still want to enjoy the lavish nightlife of Ottawa?. Then the Pour Boy Pub is the perfect destination where you should be heading to. A budget friendly Ottawa nightclub, the Pour Boy Pub offers freshly crafted beers at prices as low as $5."

"If you're more of a a hole-in-the-wall type of person, Pour Boy Pub is the place for you. There aren't too many places where you can find craft beer at $5 a pint. In addition to cheap drinks, delicious food here comes at a bargain, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options."

"If you are looking to enjoy the lavish nightlife on a budget, make your way to they Pur Boy Pub. This pub offers freshly brewed beers at a cost of $5. Unlike the other pubs, this is cheaper which also offers a decent menu with delicious dishes a reasonable price."

"New-age Byward Market diner the King Eddy continues to dish up burgers, fried chicken, and an array of Southern-leaning fishes like shrimp and grits — the restaurant’s very late hours have been understandably dialed back, but the hours are still fairly extensive. Delivery is available via Uber Eats and Doordash."

"At the Hintonburg Public House, the friendly atmosphere and up beat music choices will soon have you feeling like you have found your new local drinking spot. The pub specializes in craft beers, many of which are sourced from the popular Muskoka breweries, although they also offer a small wine and cocktail list. The rustic furniture and quirky décor also contribute towards this place’s artsy, laid back vibe."

"The Hintonburg Public House is another name that often gets added to this list. Coming equipped with the right blend of features and warm ambiance, the bar sets the stage on fire. With upbeat music choices, it keeps you going, and you will want to celebrate the night in style."