Top Rated Nightlife in Ottawa

Located in an erstwhile bank building, Gezellig is an elegant restaurant which offers high quality Canadian food and a range of fine wines. Although the menu concentrates on Canadian dishes, it takes its influences from culinary traditions from the world over. Complementing these flavors perfectly, the wines are carefully chosen from and globally sourced. With neutral tones, mood lighting and tasteful decor, the restaurant is both classy and inviting. Following the meaning of its own name which is a Dutch word for a cozy atmosphere, the restaurant is a perfect place for a family meal.

Another gem from celebrity restaurateur Stephen Beckta, Play is a decidedly different dining concept adding to the rich culinary diversity of Ottawa. The restaurant was established in 2009, and quickly became one of the hottest dining destinations in the city. The menu at Play offers a constantly evolving selection of small plates, crafted using locally-grown, seasonally available ingredients. With the aim of letting diners sample multiple preparations, the menu offers delights like marinated fig, octopus and boar sausage. The selection at the wine bar is one of the city's best, spanning the top wine regions of the world. There's a fine array of cheeses as well as charcuterie for company. Restaurant interiors are tastefully done, with mellow tones, and minimalist décor choices. There's a separate space for private events as well.

Petit Peru Resto Bar might be a tiny eatery but it is high on flavors. This Peruvian restaurant opened its doors in 2014 and has been wowing diners with their authentic cuisine ever since. Ceviche enthusiasts will be glad to see a separate menu dedicated to this dish. These include the likes of Ceviche Petit Peru and Ceviche de Mariscos. Savor their dishes like Causa de Atun, Papa Rellena, Salchipollo, Lomo a lo Pobre, Lomo Saltado and Jalea. Round off your meal with decadent desserts like torta tres leches. Their drink list also has some exotic blends such as the one made from pineapple and purple corn. For a taste of Peru, this is one of the finest in the city.

Discover authentic Italian flavors at the sophisticated Giovanni’s, boasting 20 years of experience serving the best native dishes in Little Italy. Genuine recipes and delightful specialties served here satisfy even the most discerning of palates. Boasting an exhaustive wine collection in perfect tandem with the food, Giovanni’s hopes to offer an elevated experience sure to please. While the prices are steep, the top-notch service and one-of-a-kind delicacies are worth it and warrant the indulgence.

A place that can do no wrong, Grounded Kitchen & Coffeehouse presents good food and great service in an even better ambiance. An exciting menu filled with scrumptious delicacies made with the best available ingredients, this charming cafe is one of the best breakfast and brunch places in town. The unconventional decor of the cafe, made with all things recycled, sure does leave a lasting impression on you. As the night falls, this cafe tempts socialites with its full bar menu and a fine bistro fare.

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.