Located in an 18th-century heritage building, the restaurant with its unique mosaic waterfall behind the bar and couches, leather sofas and muted lights offers a relaxed dining ambiance. The menu spans meat and seafood delicacies cooked creatively complementing the Spectator award winning wine list. Combine any of these with one of the fifty wines or their signature flights that perfectly complement your meal. If that's not all, have a foot-tapping time with live DJs playing funky beats.
This landmark watering hole, better known as The Laff, is one of the last traditional taverns in Ottawa. Opened in 1849, the bar has undergone a number of renovations but is still in the same Byward Market location it has occupied for over 150 years. Although the kitchen serves up a limited menu of hamburgers and sandwiches, its main reason for being is cold draft beer served directly from the tap. The main bar also features live entertainment on most nights.
Aperitivo is quite popular among the locals and they do not hesitate in recommending it to tourists as well. Set in a contemporary interior that is accentuated with dim lights and is well-furnished to accommodate patrons comfortably, this spot is where food is celebrated. Start your culinary adventure with the Cheese & Charcuterie Plate or go for the Mixed Greens. Pair these with something from the wine menu. A selection of wines is daily offered by the glass and you can rely on your servers for suggestions. For cocktail fans, Aperitivo has interesting concoctions like the Bourbon Ceasar, Spicy Margarita and Apple Sangria which taste great when accompanied with Confit Duck Wings, Fried Calamari and Fish Tacos.
Social is a trendy restaurant and lounge located in the happening Byward market is one of the most stylish eateries in the city. The grilled Alberta strip loin is a must-try as a main course, as is the foie gras burger. There is an excellent selection of cheese to follow the main course, if you wish to try them. The desserts are simple, but the best ones often are, with the immortal creme brulee being the most popular. The cocktails are known to be divine, especially the Cuban Mojito, and each sip has a terrific fresh tang of mint. Great food, coupled with friendly service, make dining at the Social Restaurant and Lounge a memorable experience.
Located inside the Hotel Novotel Ottawa, The Albion Rooms serves you dishes that leave a lasting impression on the palate. Neatly decorated and well-furnished, The Albion Rooms welcomes larger parties and also has intimate seating spaces for couples. Food as well as drinks served here are an amalgamation of gastronomy and art. Dishes come to your table plated with beauty while cocktails taste as dramatic as they look. Do not leave out the Charcuterie boards at Albion Rooms as these are a specialty.
If you are looking forward to a fun-filled evening, the Mill Street Brew Pub located in a heritage building on the banks of the Ottawa River is the place you should head to. This brew pub is known for offering a wide range of fresh brews in a casual ambiance. In case you feel hungry, your palate should be well pleased with the prime rib at Mill Street Brew Pub. Grade A Canadian beef is the house specialty, but the chef also serves delicious chicken and seafood dishes. If you have trouble deciding, ask your friendly server about the daily specials.
Located in the quaint community of Carp, The Cheshire Cat Pub is a simple spot where good times roll. Surrounded by a pristine garden and quirky articles, the setting of this local gem gets your curiosity going. As you step inside, the warmth of the place makes you comfortable instantly. The place has an interesting interior and their archaic fireplace keeps things toasty indoors. The bar boasts of fine local beers along with a few robust wines thus promising something for every mood. The food menu, albeit limited, covers local specialties of which their lamb pie is a must try.
Located in Wakefield, this quaint but happening bar prides itself in the amount of live music events that are held here. It originally operated as a tavern when it opened in 1928, but has now become of the favorite destinations to catch live music in the region. Whether you want to enjoy some great food or go for just a couple of beers, the pub is an ideal neighborhood watering hole.
Aperitivo is quite popular among the locals and they do not hesitate in recommending it to tourists as well. Set in a contemporary interior that is accentuated with dim lights and is well-furnished to accommodate patrons comfortably, this spot is where food is celebrated. Start your culinary adventure with the Cheese & Charcuterie Plate or go for the Mixed Greens. Pair these with something from the wine menu. A selection of wines is daily offered by the glass and you can rely on your servers for suggestions. For cocktail fans, Aperitivo has interesting concoctions like the Bourbon Ceasar, Spicy Margarita and Apple Sangria which taste great when accompanied with Confit Duck Wings, Fried Calamari and Fish Tacos.
Little Italy's cultivated spot for the night crawler, The Moonroom is an edgy lounge with an exceptional cocktail and wine list. Redefining classic concoctions, master mixologists manning the bar are passionate about presenting you with the perfect cocktail. With an impressive wine selection and beer selection, there is something here for everybody. As for sustenance, tasty small plates and cheeseboards work in perfect harmony with the drinks. A charming ambiance coupled with tasteful drinks renders The Moonroom a popular establishment among patrons.
Head to Belmont where contemporary small plates and sumptuous cocktails occupy an inventive menu. Nestled in Old Ottawa South, this eatery's dynamic offerings include beef tartare, whey poached turnips, shrimp stuffed eggplant, duck tataki, winter curry and the likes. Inventive cocktails and local beers add the necessary zing as they lift the flavor profile to a whole new level. While the dimly-lit ambiance creates an air of sophisticated intimacy, the restaurant offers a rather affordable splurge that welcomes all to feast like royalty.