Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Ottawa

Those with a sweet tooth simply cannot miss A Thing For Chocolate. This endearing restaurant prides itself on their delicious menu dictating all things chocolate. Crepes are their forte and the place has over ten variants on offer. Try the House Special crepe, which comes to your table glazed with chocolate spread and stuffed with fresh fruits, or bite into the moreish Dulce De Leche, a crepe infused with caramel and laden with bananas. Strawberries, white chocolate, custard and many more add-ons make your crepes a heavenly treat. A Thing For Chocolate also has an extensive selection of drinks that range from hot chocolates, lattes to iced coffees. Ice creams include flavors like Creme Brulee, Death by Chocolate, Chocolate Fondue and Hazelnut Choco Cake.

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.

If you dig pizzas, then Fiazza Fresh Fired is worth a try. Get set for a delectable pizza treat within 180 seconds of ordering at this artisan pizzeria. The reason behind this super-fast baking is their customized Woodstone Oven where the pies are baked on high heat for a few seconds. Using only fresh and natural ingredients, their delicious pizzas are not only great in taste but are devoid of additives, making it a healthy choice. You can be sure of a fantastic dining experience that will put this place high on your pizza restaurant list. Relish their specialties like Picante Calabrese, Broccoli Bianca and Bella Prosciutto. Complement your meal with local beer or wine available on tap.

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.

Enjoy the sophistication of inventive gourmet cuisine at Absinthe, located in Mechanicsville. Using this modern day bistro as his playground, is owner and chef de cuisine Patrick Garland, where he combines the great produce of the region with classic French cooking techniques. Along with decadent dishes, enjoy superior quality charcuterie and cheeses supplementing the elegant list of wines served here. Creative and well put together, the delicious offerings of this modish restaurant are ever so often applauded by local media and magazines.

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.